cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Plasma triglyceride as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

OBJECTIVES To determine whether cardiovascular disease can be predicted from plasma triglyceride levels independent of high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels. DATA SOURCES AND STUDY SELECTION Seventeen prospective population-based studies, ranging in publication date from 1965 to 1994, were selected based on uniform criteria. Among the studies, 16 were conducted in men, comprising data for more than 46,000 men, with an average follow-up period of more than eight years. The data from women came from five studies, including nearly 11,000 women with an 11-year average follow-up. DATA EXTRACTION The meta-analysis protocol comprised the following steps: estimating the relative risk of triglyceride for each individual study; standardizing the relative risks to a 1 mmol/l increase; estimating the variance and weighting relative risks by the inverse of the variance, and estimating the summary relative risk by averaging the weighted relative risks. DATA SYNTHESIS Among studies of men, relative risks ranged from 1.1 to 2.0, and the summary relative risk was 1.32 (P < 0.05). All five studies of women were statistically significant, with relative risks ranging from 1.7 to 2.0. The summary relative risk was 1.76, higher than that for men, indicating a 76% increase in risk for women. For the studies among men in which HDL cholesterol data were available, multivariate adjusted relative risk was attenuated to 1.14 but was still statistically significant. Although only two studies of women included HDL cholesterol adjustments, the summary relative risk for triglyceride remained statistically significant, with a value of 1.37. CONCLUSIONS When all available data are taken into account, increased triglyceride level is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, independent of HDL cholesterol level. Clinical trials are urgently needed to determine whether lowering plasma triglyceride levels reduces subsequent risk of cardiovascular disease.
On Turner’s theorem and first-order theory

ABSTRACTA theorem of E.C. Turner states that if F is a finitely generated free group, then the test words are precisely the elements not contained in any proper retract. In this paper, we examine some ideas in model theory and logic related to Turner’s characterization of test words and introduce Turner groups, a class of groups containing all finite groups and all stably hyperbolic groups satisfying this characterization. We show that Turner’s theorem is not first-order expressible. However, we prove that every finitely generated elementary free group is a Turner group.
The Impact of Regulatory Focus on Employee Turnover and Performance Throughout a Merger

Mergers have a significant impact on employees and organizations, including decreased productivity and loss of institutional knowledge from employee turnover and reassignment. Because they are such...
Reliability evaluation of plug-in hybrid electric vehicle chargers

In this paper a framework is developed to analyze and evaluate the reliability of plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) chargers. The general infrastructure of PHEV battery chargers is discussed and a two-phase interleaved unidirectional charger topology is selected as an example for reliability analysis. The design is fault-tolerant so that the controller is capable of fault detection, isolation, and reconfiguration with perfect coverage. Component level reliability is calculated using MIL-HDBK-217. A Markov model is proposed to analyze the reliability of the fault tolerant two-phase interleaved charger topology including the impact of repair. Reliability indices such as mean time to failure (MTTF) and mean time to first failure (MTTFF) are calculated. The proposed framework can be extended to reliability evaluation and comparison of all types of PHEV chargers and can help understand and improve future charging infrastructure designs.
Motor Synergies and the Equilibrium-Point Hypothesis

The article offers a way to unite three recent developments in the field of motor control and coordination: (1) The notion of synergies is introduced based on the principle of motor abundance; (2) The uncontrolled manifold hypothesis is described as offering a computational framework to identify and quantify synergies; and (3) The equilibrium-point hypothesis is described for a single muscle, single joint, and multijoint systems. Merging these concepts into a single coherent scheme requires focusing on control variables rather than performance variables. The principle of minimal final action is formulated as the guiding principle within the referent configuration hypothesis. Motor actions are associated with setting two types of variables by a controller, those that ultimately define average performance patterns and those that define associated synergies. Predictions of the suggested scheme are reviewed, such as the phenomenon of anticipatory synergy adjustments, quick actions without changes in synergies, atypical synergies, and changes in synergies with practice. A few models are briefly reviewed.
Noise interference with echo delay discrimination in bat biosonar

Echolocating big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus) were trained in a two-choice task to discriminate differences in the delay of electronic echoes at 1.7 ms delay (30 cm simulated range). Difference thresholds (∼45 μs) were comparable to previously published results. At selected above-threshold differences (116 and 232 μs delay), performance was measured in the presence of wideband random noise at increasing amplitudes in 10-dB steps to determine the noise level that prevented discrimination. Performance eventually failed, but the bats increased the amplitude and duration of their broadcasts to compensate for increasing noise, which allowed performance to persist at noise levels about 25 dB higher than without compensation. In the 232-μs delay discrimination condition, echo signal-to-noise ratio (2E/N0) was 8–10 dB at the noise level that depressed performance to chance. Predicted echo-delay accuracy using big brown bat signals follows the Cramer-Rao bound for signal-to-noise ratios above 15 dB, but worsens b...
Antioxidants Protect against Arsenic Induced Mitochondrial Cardio-Toxicity

Arsenic is a potent cardiovascular toxicant associated with numerous biomarkers of cardiovascular diseases in exposed human populations. Arsenic is also a carcinogen, yet arsenic trioxide is used as a therapeutic agent in the treatment of acute promyelotic leukemia (APL). The therapeutic use of arsenic is limited due to its severe cardiovascular side effects. Many of the toxic effects of arsenic are mediated by mitochondrial dysfunction and related to arsenic’s effect on oxidative stress. Therefore, we investigated the effectiveness of antioxidants against arsenic induced cardiovascular dysfunction. A growing body of evidence suggests that antioxidant phytonutrients may ameliorate the toxic effects of arsenic on mitochondria by scavenging free radicals. This review identifies 21 antioxidants that can effectively reverse mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in cardiovascular cells and tissues. In addition, we propose that antioxidants have the potential to improve the cardiovascular health of millions of people chronically exposed to elevated arsenic concentrations through contaminated water supplies or used to treat certain types of leukemias. Importantly, we identify conceptual gaps in research and development of new mito-protective antioxidants and suggest avenues for future research to improve bioavailability of antioxidants and distribution to target tissues in order reduce arsenic-induced cardiovascular toxicity in a real-world context.
Financial Institutions, International and Politics

The globalized international financial system relies heavily on international financial institutions such as the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. Although some analysts would prefer that these institutions behave in a purely technocratic, neutral manner, in fact, they are subject to political influences. Powerful member states exert influence over the activities of these institutions, even as they respond to demands for systemic stability and internal bargaining among their staff members.
Treeness Tests and the Problem of Variable Evolutionary Rates

Statistical techniques permit us to test the adequacy of representation of populations by trees and to distinguish between alternative evolutionary interpretations.
Using relational operators to structure long-term memory

This paper describes a system for "remembering" a story or passage in English and for the subsequent retrieval of responses to questions. Although it functions as an information retrieval system, it is also intended as a model for long-term human memory. Information is stored in the form of predicates and propertylists. In translating from natural language, the system carries out a transformational analysis of each sentence and identifies its deep structure interpretation. This grammatical analysisis essential to the identification of the predicates as well as relationships among them. The first two subsystems carry out the grammatical analysis. A third identifies the predicates and propertylists, determines a time and priority structure, forms a logical map of relationships among predicates, and eliminates some predicates based on an assignment of priority. The fourth subsystem is used to answer inquiries about the stored information. The method is illustrated with references to one story that has been processed and with examples of questions that might be asked.
Lattices of Controllable and Observable Spaces

The main objective of this paper is to give a complete characterization of structures of controllable and observable spaces of linear time-invariant dynamical systems. It is shown that such a characterization is best accomplished by representing these structures as lattices.
Delayed Light Emission in DCMU-Treated Chlorella: Temperature Effects

MAR & GOVINDJEE (1970 observed that prei11uminated algae and isolated spinach chloroplasts could be stimulated to give renewed delayed light emission (TDLE) by a quick temperature jump of about 15°C. We felt that the most promising approach for gaining further understanding of the TDLE phenomenon was in finding out how delayed light emission (DLE), corrected for changes in the quantum yield ($) of fluorescence (LAVOREL 1969) was affected by temperature. LAVOREL (1969) has measured the decay of the quantity J (= DLE/φ) at two different temperatures, but only at times less than 150 msec. The decay of J in the time range of seconds has been measured by CLAYTON (1967) but only at one temperature. We report here measurements of the decay of DLE and of fluorescence yield in the time range of 1 to 10 sec at different temperatures from 0 to 50°C. From the decay-rate constants of J, one is able to explain not only the magnitude of the TDLE peak, but also its decay rate. Using the decay data and a kinetic analysis we are able to predict and explain a number of properties of TDLE (JURSINIC & GOVINDJEE in press). (For references to earlier litterature on delayed light emission and thermoluminescence see JURSINIC & GOVINDJEE (1972), STACY et al. (1971).) Details of our techniques, materials and methods, as well as most of the experimental data presented here, are described by JURSINIC & GOVINDJEE (1972).
Nomenclature of Boron-Nitrogen Compounds

In the following chapters, the nomenclature recommended by the Committee of the American Chemical Society on the Nomenclature of Organic Boron Compounds1,2 will be used. The principles of this nomenclature, insofar as they concern boron-nitrogen compounds, are outlined below.
Management of the third stage of labor in second-trimester deliveries: How long is too long?

Abstract Background Retained placenta is the most common second-trimester delivery complication. As the optimal third stage of labor duration remains undefined, complications associated with retained placentas are difficult to study. Objective(s) To determine the optimal third stage of labor duration in second-trimester deliveries based on estimates of time-specific probabilities of placental delivery, placental intervention, and postpartum complication. Study design We retrospectively studied adult women with singleton second-trimester vaginal deliveries. We identified third stage of labor duration, placental delivery method (spontaneous vs. manual/operative intervention), and indication for intervention. Postpartum complication was examined as a composite outcome. Differences among groups defined by delivery method and postpartum complication were tested using parametric and nonparametric tests. Probability curves describing the time-specific probabilities of placental delivery were derived using lifetable methods with group differences tested using the log-rank test. Probability of placental intervention and complication by time to placental delivery were examined using logistic regression with adjustment for confounders and other predictors. Results We identified 215 second-trimester placental deliveries (77% spontaneous, 23% intervention). Overall, 27% experienced postpartum complication, primarily hemorrhage (91%). Complication rates differed significantly between spontaneous placental deliveries (16%) and interventions (61%, P Conclusions Our study suggests that an optimal third stage of labor duration of approximately 2 h maximizes probability of spontaneous delivery and minimizes complication risk. Timing of intervention may be further individualized for patients based on maternal characteristics and intrapartum conditions.
TGF-β promotes fibrosis after severe acute kidney injury by enhancing renal macrophage infiltration

TGF-β signals through a receptor complex composed of 2 type I and 2 type II (TGF-βRII) subunits. We investigated the role of macrophage TGF-β signaling in fibrosis after AKI in mice with selective monocyte/macrophage TGF-βRII deletion (macrophage TGF-βRII-/- mice). Four weeks after injury, renal TGF-β1 expression and fibrosis were higher in WT mice than macrophage TGF-βRII-/- mice, which had decreased renal macrophages. The in vitro chemotactic response to f-Met-Leu-Phe was comparable between bone marrow-derived monocytes (BMMs) from WT and macrophage TGF-βRII-/- mice, but TGF-βRII-/- BMMs did not respond to TGF-β. We then implanted Matrigel plugs suffused with either f-Met-Leu-Phe or TGF-β1 into WT or macrophage TGF-βRII-/- mice. After 6 days, f-Met-Leu-Phe induced similar macrophage infiltration into the Matrigel plugs of WT and macrophage TGF-βRII-/- mice, but TGF-β induced infiltration only in WT mice. We further determined the number of labeled WT or TGF-βRII-/- BMMs infiltrating into WT kidneys 20 days after ischemic injury. There were more labeled WT BMMs than TGF-βRII-/- BMMs. Therefore, macrophage TGF-βRII deletion protects against the development of tubulointerstitial fibrosis following severe ischemic renal injury. Chemoattraction of macrophages to the injured kidney through a TGF-β/TGF-βRII axis is a heretofore undescribed mechanism by which TGF-β can mediate renal fibrosis during progressive renal injury.
II-06 ANTIBODY cross-linking of CD14 activates MerTK and promotes human macrophage phagocytosis of apoptotic neutrophils: the dual role of CD14 at the crossroads between M1 and M2c polarization

Background Mer receptor tyrosine kinase (MerTK) is key for efficient phagocytosis of apoptotic neutrophils (ANs) and homeostasis of IL-10 production by human anti-inflammatory M2c monocytes/macrophages. We asked whether stimulation of certain M2c surface receptors contribute in turn to MerTK activation. Methods Human monocytes/macrophages were differentiated under M1, M2a and M2c polarizing conditions. We tested the effects of antibody-mediated cross-linking of M2c receptors (i.e., CD14, CD16, CD32, CD163, CD204) on MerTK phosphorylation and phagocytosis of ANs. MerTK expression was also studied by flow cytometry and western blot in the presence of LPS and in M2c-derived microvesicles (MVs). Results Antibody cross-linking of either CD14 or CD32/FcγRII led to Syk activation and MerTK phosphorylation in its two distinct glycoforms (175–205 and 135–155 KDa). Cross-linked CD14 enhanced efferocytosis by M2c macrophages and enabled M1 and M2a cells to clear ANs efficiently. In M1 conditions, LPS abolished surface MerTK expression on CD14bright cell subsets, so disrupting the anti-inflammatory pathway. In M2c cells, instead, MerTK was diffusely and brightly co-expressed with CD14, and was also detected in M2c macrophage-derived MVs; in these conditions, LPS only partially down-regulated MerTK on the cell surface, while the smaller MerTK glycoform contained in MVs remained intact. Conclusions Cooperation between CD14 and MerTK fosters tethering and engulfment of ANs by human monocytes/macrophages. CD14 stands between M1-related LPS co-receptor activity and M2c-related MerTK-dependent responses. MerTK interaction with CD32/FcγRII, its detection in M2c MVs, and the differential localization and LPS susceptibility of MerTK glycoforms add further new elements to the complexity of the MerTK network. Acknowledgements NIAID and Lupus Research Alliance
The High Cost of Hasty Hiring

Carefully reading employment applications and checking out all references and prior-employment records is vital to hotel managers and personnel directors today. Many legal suits are the result of employees who, hired quickly because of an immediate need, commit some crime in relation to guest rooms or property.
Are there any Tertiary relict species in the modern Bulgarian spider fauna (Arachnida: Araneae)?

The species classified by various authors as Tertiary relics in the Bulgarian spider fauna are reviewed. The classification criteria used by previous authors are evaluated and discussed, and an attempt is made to identify the zoogeographical status of these species. Based upon the arguments presented below, it can be concluded that the existence of spider species with Tertiary origin in the modern Bulgarian spider fauna is highly doubtful.
Mechanical Mitral Valve Thrombosis in a Patient With Prior Nonbacterial Thrombotic Endocarditis.

Abstract A 54-year-old woman with a mechanical mitral valve replacement presented with recurrent admissions for pneumonia and pulmonary edema. Multimodality imaging revealed mobile masses on the pr...
Significant Management Variability of Urethral stricture Disease in United States: Data from the AUA Quality (AQUA) Registry.

Abstract Objective To determine the degree of contemporary practice variation for the treatment of urethral stricture disease (USD) given repeated endoscopic management yields poor long-term success. Materials and Methods The AUA Quality (AQUA) Registry collects data from participating urologists across practice settings by direct interface with local electronic health record systems. We identified procedures used for USD using Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) and International Statistical Classification of Diseases (ICD-9/-10) codes. We assessed the association between patient and provider factors and repeated endoscopic treatment using generalized linear models. Provider details were derived from AUA Census. Results We identified 20,640 male patients with USD treated surgically in AQUA from 2014-2018. The patients were cared for by 1343 providers at 171 practices, 95% of these community-based. Among patients with USD who had treatment, 20,101(97.9%) underwent endoscopic management. 6218(31%) underwent repeated endoscopic treatment during the study period. Urethroplasty was performed in 539(2.6%) patients. Median patient age at first procedure for endoscopic surgery vs. urethroplasty was 73 vs. 39 years old, respectively (p Conclusions Repeated endoscopic management for USD is overused. The utilization of endoscopic management is variable across practices and frequently guideline-discordant, presenting an opportunity for quality improvement.
Effect of Molecular Structure Modification on Surface Discharge between Polypropylene and Silicone Rubber

Polypropylene (PP) as a thermoplastic polymer with high breakdown strength and thermal properties has been considered as a promising candidate for the new generation recyclable cable insulation. To study the potentiality of application in AC cable, the interface characteristics of PP/other polymers should be investigated, because it has been generally accepted that the weak point in a long cable route is cable accessory which connects each cable segment. The polymer surface often acts as a part of solid-gas or solid-solid composite insulation geometry. This paper reports on the effect of molecular structure modification on interface discharge characteristics between isotactic PP and silicone rubber under AC voltage. Direct fluorination was applied as the molecular structure modification method. The influence of fluorination time on discharge initiation and propagation stages has been estimated by measuring phase resolved partial discharge pattern and relationship between discharge rate and discharge magnitude. Attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectrum, water contact angle and surface roughness were also measured to gain a better understanding of the fluorination effect on surface chemical and physical structures of samples. Obtained results showed that with the increase of fluorination time, the average surface roughness of PP increased, whereas the water contact angle decreased. In addition, the discharge initiation time increased while the discharge propagation time decreased. It is suggested that at the initiation stage the C-F bond introduced by direct fluorination with higher bond energy and deeper trap depth should be responsible for the alleviation of polymer degradation. It could be concluded that although the direct fluorination has positive effect by delaying the appearance of discharge channel.
Education as a Pathway to Help Job Searching Military Veterans’ Transition to Civilian Life

The transition from military to civilian life can be a difficult process. Two distinct samples of working United States military veterans were studied: combat (n = 56) and non-combat (n=43). The goal of this study was to investigate the specific role of furthering one’s education as a pathway to help job-searching military veterans in their transition to civilian life. Across both samples, veterans who were actively job searching had higher burnout and general exhaustion than veterans not actively searching. There was partial support for finding veterans who were actively job searching to be currently furthering their education, and for those currently furthering their education to perceive higher occupational alternatives. High percentages in both samples were currently going to school to further their education. The importance of education as a pathway to support military veterans making a successful transition to civilian life is discussed.
Fast three-dimensional rules-based simulation of thermal-sprayed microstructures

Abstract Thermal spray processes involve the repeated impact of millions of discrete particles, whose melting, deformation, and coating-formation dynamics occur at microsecond timescales. The accumulated coating that evolves over minutes is comprised of complex, multiphase microstructures, and the timescale difference between the individual particle solidification and the overall coating formation represents a significant challenge for analysts attempting to simulate microstructure evolution. In order to overcome the computational burden, researchers have created rule-based models (similar to cellular automata methods) that do not directly simulate the physics of the process. Instead, the simulation is governed by a set of predefined rules, which do not capture the fine-details of the evolution, but do provide a useful approximation for the simulation of coating microstructures. Here, we introduce a new rules-based process model for microstructure formation during thermal spray processes. The model is 3D, allows for an arbitrary number of material types, and includes multiple porosity-generation mechanisms. Example results of the model for tantalum coatings are presented along with sensitivity analyses of model parameters and validation against 3D experimental data. The model’s computational efficiency allows for investigations into the stochastic variation of coating microstructures, in addition to the typical process-to-structure relationships.
Getting Personal: Persecution in Freud’s Personal Life

In this chapter, details from the second chapter of Freud’s Autobiographical Study shift to a narrower focus on persecuting relations in Freud’s personal life. I argue that Freud’s growing paranoic suspicion about the reliable status of knowledge and his perceived social alienation influenced his hermeneutic of suspicion. In addition, I use his understanding of an ego’s desire to know and not know its own motives to explore the complicated implications of upholding social and moral norms.
Carbon dioxide capture with aqueous amino acids: Mechanistic study of amino acid regeneration by guanidine crystallization and process intensification

Abstract CO2 capture from powerplant-generated flue gas via a phase-changing process involving absorption with aqueous amino acids (e.g., glycine or sarcosine) and bicarbonate crystallization with bis-iminoguanidines (e.g., glyoxal-bis-iminoguanidine or GBIG) is investigated in this paper. This process is of high interest due to its potential to decrease the energy penalty for CO2 capture by significantly reducing the solvent regeneration energy typically associated with aqueous amine solvents. A critical step in the proposed CO2 capture mechanism is the regeneration of the amino acid by removal of protons and bicarbonate ions from solution through crystallization of GBIGH22+ bicarbonate salt. Here, we investigated the thermodynamics and kinetics of glycine regeneration by crystallization of GBIGH22+(HCO3–)2(H2O)2. A theoretical model was developed and compared to experimental data to simulate and predict the glycine regeneration and determine its reaction mechanism. This combined experimental and theoretical study led to the conclusion that, while the GBIGH22+ bicarbonate crystallization step provides most of the thermodynamic driving force for the glycine regeneration, the rate-limiting step is the protonation of GBIG prior to crystallization. The CO2 loading and amino acid regeneration steps were combined into a single, intensified process using a bubble column reactor. The CO2 loading capacity of GBIG was experimentally determined to be roughly 1.36 mol CO2 per mol GBIG. These results provide the fundamental basis for developing an effective carbon capture technology with phase-changing amino acid/guanidine absorbents.
Disrupted mealtime interactions are associated with stress and internalizing symptoms in caregivers of school-age children

Caregivers of children with feeding problems (FP) experience more stress and mental health concerns. This study examines the relationship between disruptive mealtime interactions and symptoms of FP...
Kant's Theory of Taste: A Reading of the Critique of Aesthetic Judgment

Acknowledgments Note on sources and key to abbreviations and translations Introduction Part I. Kant's Conception of Reflective Judgment: 1. Reflective judgment and the purposiveness of nature 2. Reflection and taste in the introductions Part II. Te Quid Facti and the Quid Juris in the Domain of Taste: 3. The analytic of the beautiful and the quid facti: an overview 4. The disinterestedness of the pure judgment of taste 5. Subjective universality, the universal voice, and the harmony of the faculties 6. Beauty, purposiveness, and form 7. The modality of taste and the sensus communis 8. The deduction of pure judgments of taste Part III. The Moral and Systematic Significance of Taste: 9. Reflective judgment and the transition from nature to freedom 10. Beauty, duty, and interest: the moral significance of natural beauty 11. The antinomy of taste and beauty as a symbol of morality Part IV. Parerga to the Theory of Taste: 12. Fine art and genius 13. The sublime Notes Bibliography Index.
Maternal Chlamydia Infection During Pregnancy and Risk of Cyanotic Congenital Heart Defects in the Offspring

Genital Chlamydia is a common bacterial sexually-transmitted infection among reproductive aged women, particularly younger populations. Cyanotic congenital heart defects (CCHDs) constitute about one quarter of all cardiac malformations at birth, and are associated with high rate of morbidity and mortality. Epidemiological research on the association between maternal Chlamydia during pregnancy and CCHDs in the offspring is lacking. Using data from the 2012 United States birth certificates, we examined the association between CCHDs and prenatal exposure to Chlamydia among live singleton births with CCHDs (n = 2487) and unaffected singleton births (n = 3,334,424). We estimated adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) using unconditional logistic regression analysis for all CCHDs combined, and isolated CCHDs (without other major congenital malformations). Overall 1.7 % of case and 1.7 % of control women reported having Chlamydia during their pregnancies. After controlling for potential confounders, we found a weak positive association between maternal Chlamydia during pregnancy and all CCHDs combined (aOR = 1.39; 95 % CI 1.02–1.90). The positive association persisted for isolated CCHD cases, but with marginal significance (aOR = 1.34; 95 % CI 0.96–1.74). Subgroup analyses for younger women showed an increased risk for CCHDs; however, the associations were not statistically significant. Maternal exposure to Chlamydia during pregnancy was weakly associated with a higher risk of CCHDs in the offspring. The finding should be interpreted with caution due to limitations of birth certificate data. Future studies using more robust data sources are warranted to further study the association between maternal Chlamydia during pregnancy and CCHDs in the offspring.
Spatio-temporal multi-robot routing

In this paper, we consider the problem of routing multiple robots to service spatially distributed requests at specified time instants. We show that such a routing problem can be formulated as a pure assignment problem. Additionally, we incorporate connectivity constraints into the problem by requiring that range-constrained robots ensure a connected information exchange network at all times. We discuss the feasibility aspects of such a spatio-temporal routing problem, and derive the minimum number of robots required to service the requests. Moreover, we explicitly construct the corresponding routes for the robots, with the total length traveled as the cost to be minimized.
Quantum Mechanical Angular Distributions and Group Representations on Banach Spaces

In large classes of scattering experiments in atomic, molecular, and nuclear physics the angular distribution of a product of the reaction can be described by simple trigonometric formulae. For example, the angular distribution of a particle ejected from an unpolarized target due to the absorption of a photon via a dipole process takes the phenomenological form A + B cos2 θ. The microscopic parameters describing the detailed structure of the target determine the values of the macroscopic parameters A and B but do not change the phenomenological form. We show that the phenomenological form of an angular distribution may be simply derived from physically induced representations of the rotation group on the space of states and on the space of observables which are represented, respectively, by the trace class operators T(H) and the bounded operators L(H) on a Hilbert space H. Specifically we show that with appropriate topologies the representations on T(H) and L(H) are completely reducible and that Schur’s lemma applies. These results lead to the appropriate phenomenological form for the angular distribution and also provide straightforward procedures for evaluating the macroscopic parameters in terms of microscopic parameters and geometrical factors.
Advances in modeling the pressure correlation terms in the second moment equations

In developing turbulence models, different authors have proposed various model constraints in an attempt to make the model equations more general (or universal). Most recent of these are the realizability principle (Lumley 1978, Schumann 1977), linearity principle (Pope 1983), rapid distortion theory (Reynolds 1987) and material indifference principle (Speziale 1983). In this paper we will discuss several issues concerning these principles and will pay special attention to the realizability principle raised by Lumley (1978). Realizability (defined as the requirement of non-negative energy and Schwarz’ inequality between any fluctuating quantities) is the basic physical and mathematical principle that any modeled equation should obey. Hence, it is the most universal, important and also the minimal requirement for a model equation to prevent it from producing unphysical results. In this paper we will describe in detail the principle of realizability, derive the realizability conditions for various turbulence models, and propose the model forms for the pressure correlation terms in the second moment equations. Detailed comparisons of various turbulence models (Launder et al 1975, Craft et al 1989, Zeman and Lumley 1976, Shih and Lumley 1985 and the one proposed here) with experiments and direct numerical simulations will be presented. As a special case of turbulence, we will also discuss the two-dimensional, two-component turbulence modeling.
Distinguishing Osteomyelitis From Ewing Sarcoma on Radiography and MRI.

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to determine whether clinical and imaging features can distinguish osteomyelitis from Ewing sarcoma (EWS) and to assess the accuracy of percutaneous biopsy versus open biopsy in the diagnosis of these diseases. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Three radiologists reviewed the radiographs and MRI examinations of 32 subjects with osteomyelitis and 31 subjects with EWS to determine the presence of 36 imaging parameters. Information on demographic characteristics, history, physical examination findings, laboratory findings, biopsy type, and biopsy results were recorded. Individual imaging and clinical parameters and combinations of these parameters were tested for correlation with findings from histologic analysis. The diagnostic accuracy of biopsy was also determined. RESULTS. On radiography, the presence of joint or metaphyseal involvement, a wide transition zone, a Codman triangle, a periosteal reaction, or a soft-tissue mass, when tested individually, was more likely to be no...
The Burden of Culture? Health Outcomes Among Immigrants from the Former Soviet Union in the United States

Immigrants in the U.S. often experience better health than the native-born, and many explanations for this phenomenon center around the positive health behaviors that immigrants bring from their home cultures. Immigrants from the former Soviet Union may be an exception; because they come from societies where unhealthy lifestyles and high mortality are common, they are often expected to experience worse health than the native population. Using data from the Integrated Health Interview Series, I compare FSU immigrants with U.S.-born, non-Hispanic whites on several health measures. FSU immigrants are twice as likely as native whites to report fair or poor health, but they are less likely to smoke or drink, and are less likely to report a functional limitation. FSU immigrants’ advantage in functional limitation is largely explained by their very high levels of education and marriage, indicating that selectivity is important to understanding the health of this population.
Toward a Religious-Colonial Linguistic Model of Early Hindi Grammar

SUMMARYThe aim of this paper is three-fold: to call for a re-examination of the early Hindi grammars; secondly, to demonstrate that the grammars in question follow a unique model of language which can best be characterized as the 'religious-colonial' model; and finally, to argue that the existing criteria used to evaluate the traditional grammars cannot be indiscriminately applied to the grammars in question and, therefore, a set of new evaluationary criteria is required to arrive at the satisfactory perception of the grammars. The grammars depart from the perception of language embodied in the traditional prescriptive grammars. Compromising between the sociological and a purely linguistic view of language, the grammars are sometimes delinquent in presenting an accurate description of the language. However, treated as socio-historical data, they constitute a rich storage of socio-linguistic information which awaits exploitation by linguists working in the area of socio- and psycholinguistics in general and Hindi linguistics in particular. The claims made in the paper are supported by the analysis of the data drawn from the three oldest grammars of Hindi, primarily, from the oldest grammar, namely, that by Joan Josua Ketelaar (1659-1785?) of 1698, and secondarily, from those of Benjamin Schultze (1689-1760) of 1745 and of Cassino Beligatti (1708-1785?) of 1771.RESUMELe but de cet article est, premierement, de preconiser un reexamen des anciennes grammaires du Hindi; deuxiement, de montrer que ces grammaires suivent un modele 'religieux-colonial', et troisiement, de mettre en evidence le fait que les criteres utilises jusqu'a ce jour pour l'evaluation des grammaires traditionnelles ne peuvent pas etre appliques sans discrimination aux grammaires en question et que, pour cette raison, un nouveau cadre de criteres d'evaluation doit etre etabli pour arriver a une perception satisfaisante de ces grammaires. En effet, les grammaires a analyser partent de la comprehension du langage comme on la trouve dans les grammaires prescriptives traditionnelles de l'Europe. Elles sont parfois deficientes dans leur presentation d'une description adequate de la langue, en essayant de trouver un compromis entre un point de vue sociologique et un point de vue purement linguistique. Cependant, si on les traite comme des donnees socio-historiques, elles nous offrent un riche tresor d'information socio-linguistique, qui attend d'etre exploite par des linguistes oeuvrant en socio-et psycho-linguistique, en general, et en linguistique du Hindi, en particulier. Les hypotheses avancees dans cet article sont verifiees a l'aide d'une analyse des donnees tirees des trois plus anciennes grammaires du Hindi: premierement, la grammaire de Joan Josua Ketelaar (1659-1716) de 1698,et deuxiement, les grammaires de Benjamin Schultze (1689-1770) de 1745 et de Cassino Beligatti (1708-1785?) de 1771.
Regulation of collagen gene expression in the Tsk2 mouse.

The tight skin 2 (Tsk2) mutation is an ENU induced dominant mutation localized on mouse chromosome 1. While the molecular defect is unknown, Tsk2/+ mice display cutaneous thickening associated with excessive matrix production and are used as a model of scleroderma. The purpose of this study was to examine the cellular mechanisms associated with the excessive synthesis of matrix macromolecules using a collagen promoter GFP reporter transgene (pOBCol3.6GFP) as a marker of Col1a1 expression. This analysis of pOBCol3.6GFP expression in Tsk2/+ skin showed an increase in transgene activity compared to wild-type (+/+) samples. In addition, an increased area of “high” GFP fluorescence in Tsk2/+ dermis in both 1- and 4-month-old mice was observed that was also associated with an increased number of dermal fibroblasts per unit area of dermis. These data collectively suggest an important mechanism of Tsk2/+ skin fibrosis; an increased number of collagen expressing cells as well as elevated collagen expression on a per cell basis. During this study it was noted that Tsk2/+ mice appeared consistently smaller than wild-type (+/+) siblings and measurements of body length revealed a decrease (5–10%) in 1- and 2-month-old Tsk2/+ mice as well as a decrease in body weight in both age groups as compared to wild-type (+/+) control mice. Femur length was also decreased (2–9%) in Tsk2/+ mice. Finally, in contrast to Tsk/+ mice that display an emphysema-like lung pathology, histological sections of lungs from Tsk2/+ mice were normal and indistinguishable from wild-type (+/+) controls. J. Cell. Physiol. 215: 464–471, 2008. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Steerable space fed lens array for low-cost adaptive ground station applications

A 952-element SFLA has been developed, and its feasibility for ground station applications has been demonstrated through establishing a link with a low Earth orbiting communication satellite. The success of this work could have potential impact on future ground network designs based on using multiple smaller low-cost SFLA to replace large conventional reflectors of 10-11 meter in size.
Computer controlled administration of drugs: simulation ofd-amphetamine self-administration patterns

Abstract A program and computer interface have been developed to enable computer controlled drug administrations that simulate patterns of self-administration of drugs.
Use and efficacy of a nutrition protocol for patients with burns in intensive care.

The University of Michigan Burn Center uses a protocol to standardize the assessment, initiation, and monitoring of nutritional support for patients with burns of greater than 30% total body surface area (TBSA). Six patients with 20% to 80% TBSA burns were followed for 3 weeks to determine the effect of the protocol on the assessment, initiation, monitoring, and adequacy of nutritional support. The protocol calls for resting energy expenditure (REE) measurement within 24 hours of injury, to be repeated 3 times per week, for assessment of caloric requirements. Patients experienced an average delay before first REE measurement of 3 days after burn injury because measurements were unavailable on weekends and surgical days. REE measurements were used to determine caloric requirements and to tailor nutritional support to fluctuating metabolic needs. In four of the six patients a Dobhoff feeding tube (Biosearch Medical Products, Inc., Somerville, N.J.) was placed in the small bowel and enteral nutrition was initiated within 24 hours of admission, as outlined in the protocol. Two patients received concurrent parenteral nutrition because of difficulty in placing the Dobhoff feeding tube when fluoroscopy was not available. The three patients receiving nutrition solely through enteral feeding had achieved 100% of their caloric requirements by day 2, 4, and greater than 7 days after injury, respectively. Overall, the six patients received enterally an average of 75% of their caloric requirements. The major reason for inadequate enteral support was interruption of tube feedings because of tube dislodgment or multiple surgical procedures. The protocol used weekly measurements of total iron-binding capacity and prealbumin level s parameters of nutritional support.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
p53 and IGFBP-3: Apoptosis and Cancer Protection

p53, perhaps the single most important human tumor suppressor, is commonly mutated in human cancers. Normally genotoxic stress and hypoxia activate p53, which, through DNA-specific transcription activation, transcriptional repression, and protein-protein interactions, triggers cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. One of the genes induced by p53 was identified as that encoding the insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP)-3. IGFBP-3 was originally defined by the somatomedin hypothesis as the principal carrier of IGF-I in the circulation and the primary regulator of the amount of free IGF-I available to interact with the IGF-1 receptor. However, there is accumulating evidence that IGFBP-3 can also cause apoptosis in an IGF-independent manner. Thus, IGFBP-3 induction by p53 constitutes a new means of cross-talk between the p53 and IGF axes, and suggests that the ultimate function of IGFBP-3 may be to serve a protective role against the potentially carcinogenic effects of growth hormone and IGF-I.
Individual differences in digit span, susceptibility to proactive interference, and aptitude/achievement test scores

Abstract Individual differences in digit span, susceptibility to proactive interference, and various aptitude/achievement test scores were investigated in two experiments with adults. Susceptibility to proactive interference was estimated from performance in a position task in Experiment 1, and from the Brown-Peterson task in Experiment 2. In contrast to previous research, digit span was strongly correlated with many of the aptitude/achievement scores in both experiments, suggesting that the digit span task taps some important components of mental ability. The results of both experiments were also consistent in offering no support for the hypothesis that susceptibility to proactive interference is an important source of span differences. Finally, the results of Experiment 2 suggest that susceptibility to proactive interference is a source of individual differences in reading comprehension and knowledge of word meanings, but not in grammar and word usage skills, reading rate, or quantitative ability.
Analysis of physiological amino acids using dabsyl derivatization and reversed-phase liquid chromatography

A method is described for the measurement of the specific radioactivity of primary amino acids in physiological samples. The amino acids were dabsylated followed by separation using high-performance liquid chromatography. We measured the concentration of amino acids from rat plasma or liver samples. Chromatographic analyses resolved phenylalanine from a mixture of amino acids in plasma within 30 min. An extended chromatographic gradient program completely separated all physiological amino acids within 75 min. This method is as sensitive as any current method of amino acid analysis and offers several advantages including (1) simple pre-column derivatization and (2) stability of derivatized samples.
Purgatorius, an Early Paromomyid Primate (Mammalia)

Fragmentary mandibles of Purgatorius unio Van Valen and Sloan from the Puercan (approximately early Paleocene), Garbani Locality, Montana, preserve associated postcanines. Their morphology indicates that this mammal was an early paromomyid primate and suggests that primate ancestry does not include currently known members of the palaeoryctid and leptictid Insectivora or of the Condylarthra.
Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Traumatized Children and Families

Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) is a family-focused treatment in which parents or caregivers participate equally with their traumatized child or adolescent. TF-CBT is a components-based and phase-based treatment that emphasizes proportionality and incorporates gradual exposure into each component. Child and parent receive all TF-CBT components in parallel individual sessions that enhance skills to help the child recognize and regulate trauma responses, express thoughts and feelings about the child's trauma experiences and master avoidance of trauma memories and reminders. Parental participation significantly enhances the beneficial impact of TF-CBT for traumatized children.
Desired Machines: Cinema and the World in Its Own Image

In 1895 when the Lumiere brothers unveiled their cinematographic camera, many scientists were elated. Scientists hoped that the machine would fulfill a desire that had driven research for nearly half a century: that of capturing the world in its own image. But their elation was surprisingly short-lived, and many researchers quickly distanced themselves from the new medium. The cinematographic camera was soon split into two machines, one for recording and one for projecting, enabling it to further escape from the laboratory. The philosopher Henri Bergson joined scientists, such as Etienne-Jules Marey, who found problems with the new cinematographic order. Those who had worked to make the dream come true found that their efforts had been subverted. This essay focuses on the desire to build a cinematographic camera, with the purpose of elucidating how dreams and reality mix in the development of science and technology. It is about desired machines and their often unexpected results. The interplay between what "is" (the technical), what "ought" (the ethical), and what "could" be (the fantastical) drives scientific research.