cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Performance Differences between National Football League and High School American Football Combine Participants

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine magnitudes of differences for anthropometric and athletic performance scores between high school and elite college-level American football player...
NEW PACEMAKER REQUIREMENTS AFTER SURGICAL ABLATION OF ATRIAL FIBRILLATION DURING VALVE SURGERY

The purpose of this study was to determine if an atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation procedure causes increased permanent pacemaker (PPM) requirements following valve surgery. Between 2004 and 2017, 7,656 patients underwent valve surgery at our institution. Patients were divided into 3 groups: Group
MEK1/2 as a Therapeutic Target in Sickle Cell Disease

Identification of novel therapeutic targets has improved diagnostics and treatment of many diseases. Many innovative treatment strategies have been developed based on the newly identified biomarkers and key molecules. Most of the research focused on ways to manipulate signaling pathways by activating or suppressing them, validate new therapeutic targets for treatment, and epigenetic treatment of diseases. With the identification of aberrations in multiple growth pathways, the focus then shifted to the small molecules involved in these pathways for targeted therapy. In this communication/short review, we highlight the importance of identification of abnormal activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), ERK1/2, and its upstream mediator MEK1/2, in erythrocytes in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) critical for the adhesive interactions of these cells with the endothelium, and leukocytes promoting circulatory obstruction leading to tissue ischemia and infraction. We also discuss how targeting this signaling cascade with MEK1/2 inhibitors can reverse acute vasoocclusive crises in SCD.
Characterization of trimethyl chitosan/polyethylene glycol derivatized chitosan blend as an injectable and degradable antimicrobial delivery system

Abstract Advanced local delivery systems are needed as adjunctive treatments for severe injuries with high infection rates, such as open fractures. Chitosan systems have been investigated as antimicrobial local delivery systems for orthopaedic infection but possess mismatches between elution and degradation properties. Derivatives of chitosan were chosen that have enhanced swelling ratios or tailorable degradation properties. A combination of trimethyl chitosan and poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate chitosan was developed as an injectable local delivery system. Research objectives were elution of antimicrobials for 7 days, degradation as open fractures heal, and cytocompatibility. The derivative combination eluted increased active concentrations of vancomycin and amikacin compared to the non-derivatized chitosan paste, 6 vs. 5 days and 5 vs. 4 days, respectively. The derivative combination degraded slower than non-derivatized paste in an enzymatic degradation study, 14 vs. 3 days, which increased antimicrobial delivery duration. Cytocompatibility of the combination with fibroblast and pre-osteoblast cells exceeds the cell viability standard set in ISO 10993-5. Combination paste requires an increased ejection force of 9.40 N (vs. 0.64 N), but this force was within an acceptable injection force threshold, 80 N. These preliminary results indicate combination paste should be further developed into a clinically useful adjunctive local delivery system for infection prevention.
Calciphylaxis After Kidney Transplant

Calciphylaxis is an uncommon disease that presents with painful ulceration and necrosis of the skin secondary to small vessel calcification and microvascular occlusion. Calciphylaxis carries a poor prognosis as the nonhealing wounds provide a port of entry for pathogens, predisposing these patients to infection and sepsis. Ulcers caused by calciphylaxis are most commonly seen in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) but can also present in patients with normal electrolytes and kidney function. We report a case of a 42-year-old woman with a 10-year history of ESRD who developed rapidly progressing calciphylaxis in her legs and hand, starting three months after successful kidney transplantation. The relationship between kidney transplantation and calciphylaxis remains unclear. There are a handful of cases in which calciphylaxis has been treated by successful kidney transplant, however, other cases have been reported in which calciphylaxis developed after kidney transplantation.
Cognitive but Not Affective Theory of Mind Deficits in Progressive MS.

Objective:Social cognitive deficits are an important consequence of multiple sclerosis (MS), yet our understanding of how these deficits manifest in progressive MS is currently limited. To this end, we examined theory of mind (ToM) ability in a sample of individuals with progressive MS using an ecologically valid virtual assessment tool that allows for delineation of cognitive ToM (inferring thoughts and intentions of others) from affective ToM (inferring emotions of others).Methods & Results:We compared 15 individuals with progressive MS and 15 healthy controls on their ToM ability using the Virtual Assessment of Mentalising Ability. We found that, relative to healthy controls, participants with progressive MS were impaired in cognitive ToM, but not in affective ToM. Furthermore, we found that the MS participants’ deficits in cognitive ToM were mediated by their general cognitive ability such that poor cognitive ToM ability in MS was explained by poor performance on tests of memory and processing speed.Conclusions:Our findings demonstrate that ToM deficits in progressive MS may be limited to cognitive ToM, while affective ToM is conserved. This could be attributable to the MS-related deficits in general cognitive ability, which appear to negatively affect only the cognitive component of ToM.
Enhancement of Energy Management in the Shipboard Power Systems Based on Recursive Distributed Load Shedding Model

Distributed energy management has been recognized as a promising solution for fast load scheduling in the ship power systems (SPSs). In the case of a power shortage, a reliable and accurate load shedding mechanism is necessary to avoid losing the significant loads. This paper proposes a distributed energy management framework in SPSs considering the load shedding possibility in the structure. The proposed method is constructed based on a multi-agent distributed consensus-based structure employing the alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM). Through a recursive distributed formulation, the optimal load scheduling is satisfied and the extra uncharged loads with the least priorities are determined. Due to the nonlinearity of the problem formulation, a new optimization algorithm based on the firefly algorithm is proposed to solve the problem. In addition, a satisfactory modification method is developed to improve the search ability of the algorithm and avoid the premature convergence. A notional SPS is used to validate the performance of the proposed approach.
Game theoretic production decisions of by-product materials critical for clean energy technologies - Indium as a case study

Abstract Clean energy technologies represent a promising solution to the global warming challenge. However, many of them depend on some minor metals, and concerns about their rapidly increasing demand have been raised recently. Since minor metals are produced along with other materials, called base metals, they are also referred as by-product materials. With this characteristic, their production quantities rely on the production quantities of the base metals. Therefore, the production decisions for the by-product materials are not easy, and the decisions become even more complex under competitive market. This research seeks to find equilibrium production quantities of both base and by-product materials using Cournot model. Then, the model is applied to a case study of indium, which is critical for two emerging clean energy technologies, thin-film solar photovoltaic and light emitting diode lighting. The numerical analysis in the case study suggests some meaningful insights in this market, and the equilibrium production quantities are also compared with the optimal production quantity under monopoly market condition.
Prolonged SARS-CoV-2 Viral RNA Shedding and IgG Antibody Response to SARS-CoV-2 in Patients on Hemodialysis.

Patients with kidney failure are susceptible to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and have a suboptimal seroconversion response to common vaccines ([1][1]). Whether patients on maintenance hemodialysis (HD) develop antibodies in response to the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS
Characterizing the endometrial fluid cytokine profile in women with endometriosis.

To compare growth factor and cytokine profiles in the endometrial secretions of patients with and without endometriosis to determine whether a particular protein profile is predictive of the disease. Patients undergoing laparoscopic gynecologic surgery for benign indications were recruited for this prospective cohort study. Prior to surgery, endometrial fluid was aspirated and multiplex immunoassay was used to quantify 7 cytokines and growth factors. During surgery, each patient was staged according to the ASRM staging system for endometriosis. Cytokines and growth factors were evaluated using the Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Combinations of cytokines were evaluated using logistic regression analysis, and ROC curves were generated to evaluate the predictive capacity of the assay. Endometrial secretions were analyzed from 60 patients. Nineteen had stage 3–4 endometriosis, 19 had stage 1–2 disease, and 22 had no endometriosis. There were no significant differences between controls and stage 1–2 endometriosis; however, levels of IL-1α and IL-6 were significantly increased in women with moderate-to-severe disease. A combination of IL-1α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in endometrial secretions predicts stage 3–4 endometriosis with an AUC of 0.78. A threshold value of 118 pg/mL yields a sensitivity of 75% and specificity of 70%. Aspiration of endometrial fluid is a safe and effective approach for evaluating the endometrial profile of women with endometriosis. Women with moderate-to-severe endometriosis demonstrate a distinct cytokine profile compared to controls. A combination of IL-1α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in the endometrial secretions is predictive of stage 3–4 endometriosis, but is not predictive of minimal-to-mild disease.
NEEDED: Grassroots Leaders to Lead Systems Change Efforts that Reduce Infant Mortality:

The death of an infant devastates a mother, family and community. The United States has one of the highest infant mortality rates among the world’s high income nations. Infant mortality is a key in...
Double and single mixed-lineage leukemia-rearranged subclones in pediatric acute myeloid leukemia: a case report.

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a disease with a significant amount of cytogenetic heterogeneity including mixed-lineage leukemia (MLL) gene rearrangements. Pediatric AML commonly has genetic rearrangements which involve chromosome 11q23 in 15–20% of cases, and these genetic abnormalities have been associated with a poorer prognosis (Grimwade et al. in Blood 92:2322–2333, 1998; Raimondi et al. in Blood 94:3707–3716, 1999; Lie et al. in Br J Haematol 122: 217–225). MLL rearrangements in AML have been shown to have multiple different fusion partners (Meyer et al. in Leukemia 23:1490–1499). Heterogeneity of these cytogenetic abnormalities makes it difficult to determine how to approach patients from a treatment standpoint. This difficulty is further complicated when patients have more than a single MLL rearrangement. A 10-year-old Caucasian girl presented with easy bruising and was found to have acute myeloid leukemia. Her cytogenetics showed two different MLL rearrangements, t(9;11)(p22;q23) and t(11;19)(q23;p13.3). At initial presentation she had no other cytogenetic findings. She responded well to initial therapy and achieved remission following the first induction cycle and completed four rounds of chemotherapy. She subsequently had a relapse of her AML, and her cytogenetics were consistent with a single MLL rearrangement, t(9;11)(p22;q23), in addition to monosomy 7. She was treated with reduction therapy and a haplo-identical bone marrow transplant but ultimately succumbed to her disease. MLL rearrangements are common in AML, but clinical significance continues to be elusive, and there is conflicting data on the prognostic significance. In the setting of multiple MLL rearrangements, there is concern for reduced survival, although treatment modifications are not currently done in this setting. This report details a case with multiple MLL rearrangements that initially responded to therapy but ultimately had disease progression with a selection of a leukemic clone containing a single MLL rearrangement.
THE RED WOLF (CANIS RUFUS) IN EAST TEXAS

Wildlife biologists believe the red wolf (Canis rufus) is limited in the wild to the Red Wolf Recovery Experimental Population Area on the Albemarle Peninsula, North Carolina. Several black-and-white photos from trail cameras placed on the Environmental Studies Area of East Texas Baptist University in Marshall, Texas, indicate the presence of a large canid possessing wolf-like characters. Two pictures, in particular, indicate the wolf-like characters with estimated morphometrics at the upper range reported for body length, shoulder height, width of head, and width of nose pad. Hair samples and tracks from this location indicate the presence of Canis rufus in east Texas.
Associations Among Select State Policies and the Nutritional Quality of Household Packaged Food Purchases in the United States from 2008 Through 2017.

Abstract Background Policy interventions are important public health tools because they can reach large numbers of people. State context has been associated with health outcomes, yet few studies have examined the extent to which state-level policies are associated with dietary quality. Objectives The objective of this study was to evaluate whether state policies are associated with the nutritional quality of household packaged food purchases. Design This observational study used data from Nielsen Homescan, an open-cohort household panel where participants track purchases, and a combination of state-level food and social safety net policy variables from 2008 through 2017. Participants and setting This study included 615,634 household-year observations in the United States from 2008 through 2017. Household-year observations were excluded in the case that a household did not make a minimum number of purchases and in the case that they had incorrect geographic information. The final analytic sample was 611,719 household-years. Main outcome measures Study outcomes included a set of nutrition-related measures of public health interest, including nutrients of concern (eg, sugar, saturated fat, and sodium) and calories from specific food groups (eg, fruits, nonstarchy vegetables, processed meats, mixed dishes, sugar-sweetened beverages, and desserts and snacks). Statistical analysis This study used multilevel generalized linear models with state fixed effects on three samples: all households, only households with low income, and only households with low educational attainment. Results Few significant associations were found between healthy food retail policies and the nutritional quality of purchases, and mixed associations were found between social safety net policies and lower or higher quality packaged food purchases. Conclusions Little evidence was found that state policy context in 2008 through 2017 was associated with the quality of packaged food purchases. However, variation in state policies is increasing over time, warranting future research into the relationship between these policies, the quality of packaged food purchases, and the rest of the diet.
Attitudinal Differences within the Cultural Revolution Cohort: Effects of the Sent-down Experience*

This study addresses whether individuals who were sent down during the Cultural Revolution reveal different political attitudes from those who were socialized during the same period but were not themselves sent down. Using data from the urban sample of the 2006 General Social Survey of China, the authors find evidence that formerly sent-down youth – and particularly sent-down women – as compared to their not-sent-down peers, are today more willing to accept the class-struggle foundation of Mao's communist ideology but are, at the same time, more willing to assess the performance and structure of the communist regime critically.
Complete Modeling of an Ultrasonic NDE Measurement System - An Electroacoustic Measurement Model

It will be shown how models can simulate all the elements of an ultrasonic NDE measurement system, including the pulser/receiver, cabling, transducer(s), and the acoustic/elastic waves fields. When combined, these models form what is called the electroacoustic measurement model. It will be demonstrated how this electroacoustic measurement model can be used to conduct parametric transducer and system studies and how the model can form the basis for experimentally characterizing all the elements of the ultrasonic measurement system, using purely electrical measurements.
HOUSEHOLD'S LOCATION IN AN URBAN AREA: AN EXTENSION OF THE TRADITIONAL MODEL

Abstract The study contains an explicit introduction of the environmental quality into the household's utility function thereby affecting its decision on the optimal location. The resulting relations indicate that the environmental quality which is postulated to be characterized by better quality the farther the location from the CBD induces farther shifts from the CBD as income increases. An empirical investigation is carried out to show the positive interaction between increase in income and air quality level on population density.
A slowly inactivating sodium current (INa2) in the plateau range in canine cardiac Purkinje single cells

The action potential of Purkinje fibres is markedly shortened by tetrodotoxin, suggesting the possibility that a slowly inactivating sodium current might flow during the plateau. The aim of the present experiments was to investigate, in canine cardiac Purkinje single cells by means of a whole cell patch clamp technique, whether a sodium current slowly inactivates at less negative potentials and (if so) some of its distinctive characteristics. The results showed that a 500 ms depolarizing step from a holding potential of -90 mV to -50 mV induced the fast inward current I(Na) (labelled here I(Na1)). With steps to -40 mV or less negative values, a slowly decaying component (tentatively labelled here I(Na2)) appeared, which peaked at -30 to -20 mV and decayed slowly and incompletely during the 500 ms steps. The I(Na2) was present also during steps to -10 mV, but then the transient outward current (I(to)) appeared. When the holding potential (V(h)) was decreased to -60 to -50 mV, I(Na2) disappeared even if a small I(Na1) might still be present. Tetrodotoxin (30 mum), lignocaine (100 mum) and cadmium (0.2 mm; but not manganese, 1 mm) blocked I(Na2). During fast depolarizing ramps, the rapid inactivation of I(Na1) was followed by a negative slope region. During repolarizing ramps, a region of positive slope was present, whereas I(Na1) was absent. At less negative values of V(h), the amplitude of the negative and positive slopes became gradually smaller. Gradually faster ramps increased the magnitude of the negative slope, and tetrodotoxin (30 mum) reduced or abolished it. Thus, Purkinje cells have a slowly decaying inward current owing to Na(+) entry (I(Na2)) that is different in several ways from the fast I(Na1) and that appears important for the duration of the plateau.
A Long-Term Memory Competitive Process Model of a Common Procedural Error

Abstract : A novel computational cognitive model explains human procedural error in terms of declarative memory processes. This is an early version of a process model intended to predict and explain multiple classes of procedural error a priori. We begin with postcompletion error (PCE) a type of systematic procedural error that people are prone to commit when there is one step to perform after they have accomplished their main task goal. Participants in an experiment demonstrated increased PCE rates following an interruption in a realistic form-filling task. The model explains PCE as a consequence of two declarative retrieval processes, spreading activation and base-level activation, competing with each other because of features of task and working memory structure. Our intention is to generalize the model to other classes of procedural error in complex task environments.
Select agent publications and the H5N1 influenza virus controversy: a Journal of Virology Perspective.

Published ahead of print 26 January 2012 The views expressed in this Editorial do not necessarily reflect the views of the journal or of ASM.
COMPENSATORY MECHANISMS OF CENTRAL U.S. HARDWOOD FOREST COMMUNITIES IN A CHANGING ENVIRONMENT

Although it is known that forest productivity is highly correlated with canopy leaf area, the influence of environmental gradients within a forest on leaf area-productivity relationships has not been well-documented, particularly for mixed-species forests. The present study was conducted to define the mechanisms by which Central Hardwood forest communities respond to changes in environment. Ecological Land Type Phases (ELTPs) of the Central Hardwood region, delineated by soils, topography, and indicator vegetation, provided a framework to examine the impacts of environmental gradients on leaf area-productivity relationships at a landscape level. Three ELTPs- (1) Quercus prinus / Carex picta-Vaccinium, Dry slope, (2) Quercus alba-Acer saccharum / Parthenocissus, Dry-Mesic Slope, and (3) Fagus-Acer saccharum / Arisaema, Mesic Slope- were selected and stratified into three slope positions viz. the upper edge of the community, the middle or center of the community on the slope, and the lower edge of the community. Circular plots of 0.02 ha in size were established for sampling. Standing stock (basal area, volume, and biomass), annual production, leaf area index, and growth efficiency were determined for each slope position and examined to determine the mechanisms and trends for community change across slope positions. Among the three communities studied, dry slopes compensated for drier conditions through both a shift in species composition and reduced annual production. Dry-mesic slopes exhibited adaptation only through changing species composition whereas mesic slopes compensated for drier conditions primarily through reduction in annual production. These results indicate that mixed-species forest communities adjust to environmental gradients through several mechanisms and that the relative importance of these mechanisms changes with community type.
Nucleoside phosphotransferase from carrot. Chemical characterization and investigation of catalytic sites.

Abstract The nucleoside phosphotransferase of carrot, prepared as a homogeneous protein, has a molecular weight of about 44,000. The amino acid analysis of the protein showed it to contain a single residue of histidine and no tyrosine. The amino terminus was identified as aspartic acid; glycine and serine probably represented the carboxyl termini. The isoelectric point of the enzyme was found as pI = 4.1. The treatment of the enzyme with guanidine hydrochloride or sodium dodecyl sulfate resulted in preparations with about ½ of the molecular weight of the native protein. Following treatment with urea, the enzyme preparations could be separated by electrofocusing into two subunits. Subunit A had pI = 4.6; Subunit B, pI = 5.1. These subunits showed substantial differences in their amino acid composition. Inactivation studies performed at high pH indicated the formation of several species of inactive aggregates which was prevented by the presence of a strong reducing agent. The results of the treatment of the enzyme with a number of site-specific reagents implicated the single histidine residue as being involved in the phosphotransferase function. The existence of a phosphorylated protein intermediate in the transfer reaction was rendered unlikely.
A software design tool for real-time, data-flow architectures

The authors describe a software design tool which aids in the evaluation of performance, determination of resource requirements, and selection of operating points for an algorithm implemented in an ATAMM algorithm-to-architecture-mapping-mod defined data-flow architecture. Algorithms are restricted to the class of large-grained, decision-free algorithms. Applications include real-time implementation of control and signal processing algorithms. The ATAMM design tool is capable of determining computing time, throughput, and resource requirements for an algorithm. The applicability and the various features of the ATAMM design tool are presented through a case study involving the decomposed state equation for linear time-invariant systems. >
Assessment and Weeding of a Clinical HIV/AIDS Collection in an Academic Library: A Case Study

Maintaining a clinical HIV/AIDS section in an academic library collection that is both current and historically significant for research is essential. This article reports on a collection management project that was undertaken to weed HIV/AIDS books in targeted clinical areas of an academic library using a timeline model developed by Ondrusek (2001) as a supplement to traditional weeding methods. The combination proved effective for identifying clinical materials that were outdated and needed to be deaccessioned while maintaining historically relevant materials in these areas.
Electrophysiological Studies into the Safety of the Anti-diarrheal Drug Clotrimazole during Oral Rehydration Therapy.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Morbidity and mortality from acute diarrheal disease remains high, particularly in developing countries and in cases of natural or man-made disasters. Previous work has shown that the small molecule clotrimazole inhibits intestinal Cl- secretion by blocking both cyclic nucleotide- and Ca(2+)-gated K(+) channels, implicating its use in the treatment of diarrhea of diverse etiologies. Clotrimazole, however, might also inhibit transporters that mediate the inwardly directed electrochemical potential for Na(+)-dependent solute absorption, which would undermine its clinical application. Here we test this possibility by examining the effects of clotrimazole on Na(+)-coupled glucose uptake. MATERIALS AND METHODS Short-circuit currents (Isc) following administration of glucose and secretagogues were studied in clotrimazole-treated jejunal sections of mouse intestine mounted in Ussing chambers. RESULTS Treatment of small intestinal tissue with clotrimazole inhibited the Cl- secretory currents that resulted from challenge with the cAMP-agonist vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) or Ca(2+)-agonist carbachol in a dose-dependent fashion. A dose of 30 μM was effective in significantly reducing the Isc response to VIP and carbachol by 50% and 72%, respectively. At this dose, uptake of glucose was only marginally affected (decreased by 14%, p = 0.37). There was no measurable effect on SGLT1-mediated sugar transport, as uptake of SGLT1-restricted 3-O-methyl glucose was equivalent between clotrimazole-treated and untreated tissue (98% vs. 100%, p = 0.90). CONCLUSION Treatment of intestinal tissue with clotrimazole significantly reduced secretory responses caused by both cAMP- and Ca(2+)-dependent agonists as expected, but did not affect Na(+)-coupled glucose absorption. Clotrimazole could thus be used in conjunction with oral rehydration solution as a low-cost, auxiliary treatment of acute secretory diarrheas.
Bringing Color into the Living Room Analyzing TV Guide Covers, 1953 to 1997

Many contemporary students are unfamiliar with the cultural history of television programming in the United States. References to iconic series that represented significant milestones in minority representations and discussions of racial issuessuch as I Spy, Julia, All in the Family, or even The Cosby Showfail to serve as useful examples when instructors cannot assume widespread familiarity. The exercise described in this note uses cover images from the magazine TV Guide between 1953 and 1997 to illustrate changing representation of minorities, present an overview of television programming history, and provide an opportunity to apply theoretical insights. Using a web-based archive of the magazine covers, the students can observe the emergence of nonwhite entertainers not only on the television screens but also onto the coffee tables of mainstream American families. This exercise can precede several discussions about racial issues, such as minority representation, cultural reflection, or post-civilrights-era history.
Response surface methodology to investigate the iontophoretic delivery of tacrine hydrochloride.

Purpose. The objective of this work was to apply response surface approach to investigate the main and interaction effects of delivery parameters for iontophoretic delivery of tacrine HCl in vitro.
Sperm chromosome analysis as a new system to test human X‐ and Y‐sperm separation

The correlation between the percentage of F-body-positive spermatozoa (F-sperm) and that of Y-chromosome-bearing spermatozoa (Y-sperm) determined by human sperm chromosome analysis was examined after spermatozoa were separated by an albumin column method [Ericsson et al, Nature 246:421-424:1973]. The percentages of F-sperm were 43.1 +/- 4.8 (36.1-48.8) and 45.8 +/- 8.3 (35.3-66.5) before and after separation, respectively. A slight but significant (p less than 0.05) increase in F-sperm after the separation was observed in two semen donors. A total of 570 sperm karyotypes was analyzed and the percentage of Y-sperm ranged from 36.0 to 59.1 with a mean of 47.3. In one semen donor, the percentage of Y-sperm (45.6) was significantly (p less than 0.05) higher than that of F-sperm (35.3) after separation. In the remaining nine semen donors, the results obtained by chromosome analysis corresponded well with those obtained by F-body scoring. The validity of the albumin column method in isolating a Y-sperm-rich sperm population is discussed.
Helical-perturbation device for cylinder-wing vortex generators

A new device has been developed for introducing helical perturbations by means of low-level fluid injection into the cylinder boundary layer of a flow-aligned cylinder-wing vortex generator. Its basic characteristics have been analyzed and experimentally evaluated at moderate Reynolds numbers. When the cylinder boundary layer is tripped and there is no strong swirl, then in the near wake, the device lowers the mean rate of drop of the Strouhal number with Reynolds number by one-half
The dentin-enamel junction: a natural, multilevel interface

Abstract Teeth contain two major calcified tissues, enamel and dentin, that are joined by an interface known as the dentin–enamel junction (DEJ). Enamel is the hard and brittle outer portion of the tooth that cuts and grinds food and dentin is composed of a tougher biological composite, that can absorb and distribute stresses. The DEJ is a complex and critical structure uniting these two dissimilar calcified tissues and acts to prevent the propagation of cracks from enamel into dentin. The DEJ has a three-level structure, 25–100 μm scallops with their convexities directed toward the dentin and concavities toward the enamel; 2–5 μm microscallops; and a smaller scale structure. Mechanical properties measurements, chemical differences and imaging have been used to determine the functional width of the DEJ. AFM based nanoindentation gave values of 11.8 μm, microRaman yielded a width of 7.0 μm, while the smaller probe used for AFM nanoscratching yielded 2.0 μm, and values from dynamic modulus mapping were less than 1 μm. The unique architecture of the DEJ may account for this variation based on enamel–dentin phase intermixing. The ultimate goal is to use the DEJ as a biomimetic model for other interfaces joining dissimilar materials.
Reinvestigation of the Raman spectrum of benzophenone using a He-Ne laser

Abstract The Raman spectrum of powdered benzophenone, molten benzophenone, and a solution of benzophenone in methyl alcohol was excited with a He-Ne laser, 6328 A. Thirty-two Raman bands have been observed for the powdered sample, fifteen of which were not reported previously for the powdered sample. Three new bands are observed at 107, 172, and 366 cm −1 in the case of molten benzophenone. Only one carbonyl frequency at 1653 cm −1 is known to be present from this work, in contradiction to two carbonyl frequencies at 1660 and 1708 cm −1 in molten benzophenone, as reported by previous workers. Nineteen Raman bands are reported in the case of a methyl-alcohol solution of benzophenone, fifteen of which are polarized, three depolarized and one weakly polarized. The intensity of several of the Raman bands suggests that this molecule may exhibit stimulated Raman scattering in the solid state.
Net energy analysis: an economic assessment.

Public and private decision makers are increasingly confronted with more complex and far-reaching public policy decisions concerning energy. Examples include responsible development of energy resources, allocation of energy research and development funds, legislated restrictions or subsidies for energy production and use, land use restrictions, and government regulation of major energy-producing industries. Decisions regarding all of these require analysis of the many social, economic, environmental, and political options and the delicate balancing of disparate yet competing interests, goals, and values. Various concepts regarding net energy analysis are reviewed and limitations on its usefulness for public policy decisions are evident. Congress has mandated the use of net energy analysis in assessment of new energy resources. Net energy analysis represents a marked departure from economic theory. In this paper, an assessment of the important assumptions and concepts underlying net energy analysis and a comparison of the different conclusions reached by net energy analysis and economic analysis are presented. The concepts of net energy and its important assumptions are defined; net energy analysis is subjected to an economic assessment; and some observations are made concerning the uses and limitations of the technique in the public policy-making process. (MCW)
Physical model study of a longwall mine

Abstract In this study a new physical model for longwall mining is developed combining features of the ‘sandbox’ model with a new concept for excavation of mine openings using a special tool. The model is used to examine stress distributions around a longwall face in chain pillars as well as in the panel. Reproducible results are obtained, which enable a successful simulation by the model of the mode of stress changes in chain pillars, and measurement of the development of panel front abutment.
The modern age: a dilemma for psychiatry.

The objectifying techniques of our age have tended to promote an interpretation of the psychiatric symptom in terms of mechanism rather than meaning. To the extent to which psychiatric theory has fostered a view of man abstracted from the concreteness of his sociohistorical realities, it has unwittingly fostered the very conditions having potential for mental illness.
Clausal intuitionistic logic I. Fixed-point semantics

Abstract Since the advent of Horn-clause logic programming in the mid 1970's, there have been numerous attempts to extend the expressive power of Horn-clause logic while preserving some of its attractive computational properties. This article, the first of a pair, presents a clausal language that extends Horn-clause logic by adding negations and embedded implications to the righthand side of a rule, and interpreting these new rules intuitionistically, in a set of partial models. The resulting system is shown to have a fixed-point semantics that generalizes the van Emden-Kowalski semantics for Horn clauses.
Understanding the Value of Teeth to Older Adults: Influences on the Quality of Life

Understanding the value of teeth to older adults is important in marketing dental services and motivating patients to care for their teeth. The authors surveyed more than 1,000 older adults in North Carolina to determine how teeth affect the quality of their lives.
How Will Automation Affect Cataloging Staff

This article considers the affect of the continuing spread of automation on library technical services in general, and on cataloging staff in particular. Support is given to the view that staff will decline and that the distinction between technical staff and public staff will erode. A mix of technical-public service work is urged for all staff in addition to a safe and healthy automated workplace. Future cataloging procedures in a fully automated setting are projected, and greater productivity with lower costs are predicted. The automated library should be a better library, but it is vital that change in job content and staffing patterns accompany the new technical environment.
Malpractice Reform in the 1990s: Past Disappointments, Future Success?

State governments, the federal government, interest groups, and researchers have proposed various approaches to reform the malpractice system. Malpractice reforms fall into two generations. First-generation reforms are those adopted by states beginning in the 1970s chiefly to reduce claim frequency and severity and thereby improve the malpractice system primarily from the perspective of providers and insurers. Scholars and interested constituencies developed second-generation reforms, such as use of medical practice guidelines to set the standard of care, various no-fault approaches, enterprise liability, mandated alternative dispute resolution, and scheduling damages, to streamline the adjudication and compensation system from the perspective of claimants and providers. Research indicates that first-generation reforms have not been very effective in achieving the compensation and deterrence goals of tort, whereas second-generation reforms hold greater promise of doing so. This analysis of state and federal legislation indicates that states, and more recently Congress, have been reluctant to adopt second-generation reforms but continue to promote and/or adopt first-generation reforms. The strength of the provider lobby, concerns of health care reformers about the relationship between defensive medicine and health system costs, and lack of an organized consumer force for second-generation malpractice reform are important explanations of why the states and Congress have not embraced second-generation reforms. Furthermore, federal and state legislative interest in second-generation reforms, although never high, is waning in the current health care reform debate.
Differential Effects of Chronic Ethanol Consumption on Hepatic Mitochondrial and Cytoplasmic Ribosomes

The effects of chronic ethanol consumption on the properties of mitochondrial and cytoplasmic ribosomes were investigated in rat liver. Sedimentation properties of purified mitochondrial (55s) and cytoplasmic (80s) ribosomes were determined by analyses on sucrose density gradients. Mitochondrial ribosomes from control animals moved further in the gradients than did those isolated from ethanol-fed rats, which suggests that ethanol ribosomes have a lower molecular weight. In addition, mitochondria from ethanol-fed animals contained a lower percentage of ribosomes present as the intact monosome, suggesting that ethanol may have an effect on the stability of the functional mitochondrial ribosomes. This was confirmed by the presence of the larger 39s subunit in preparations from ethanol-fed animals. No such ethanol-related alterations were seen with cytoplasmic ribosomes. The protein composition of mitochondrial and cytoplasmic ribosomes was investigated using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, followed by two-dimensional densitometry. As indicated by differences in protein staining intensity, ethanol consumption seemed to alter the concentration of seven mitochondrial ribosomal proteins. In contrast, no such changes were observed in the protein pattern from cytoplasmic ribosomes. Observations in this study provide for the possibility that alterations in the amounts of selected proteins in the mitochondrial ribosome lead to impaired assembly of the ribosome. These ethanol-related structural changes may be responsible for the decreased activity of mitochondrial ribosomes that results in impaired hepatic mitochondrial protein synthesis (W. B. Coleman and C. C. Cunningham, Biochim. Bio-phys. Acta 1058:178–186, 1991). Furthermore, this study re-emphasizes the increased susceptibility of the hepatic mitochondrial translation system, compared with the cytoplasmic system to chronic ethanol consumption.
A Comparative Study of Developmental Defects and Metabolic Diseases Among the Arikara and Earlier Northern Plains Populations

Investigations into developmental stability and congenital defects prevalent among pre-contact and historic populations, provides insight into the cultural and biological forces acting on individuals. This study investigates the occurrence of metabolic and developmental disorders at three Arikara cemeteries (Sully, 39SL4) in South Dakota (dating A.D. 1150-1750). The patterns of disorders are compared to other, earlier northern Plains groups. Particular attention is given to the specific patterns of vertebral shifting, a congenital condition resulting in the malformation of vertebrae, and the differential frequency of such defects among males and females. The absence of nutritional disorders and lower frequency of congenital anomalies among the Sully remains, compared to the higher incidence among earlier Woodland groups as reported in the literature suggests changes in diet over time resulted in better nutrition.
Treatment of ocular toxocariasis with albendezole: a case report.

Abstract Background Toxocara canis is a parasite that can infect the eye and create a significant inflammatory response that can be detrimental to the patient's vision. Its clinical presentation can mimic other causes of uveitis, and its diagnosis and treatment can be challenging. Prompt and accurate diagnosis of ocular toxocariasis is essential to prevent permanent visual loss. Case Report A 7-year-old Hispanic boy presented to the clinic with complaints of reduced visual acuity in the left eye. After a careful evaluation of his ocular health, he had ocular toxocariasis diagnosed and confirmed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay testing. Treatment with the anthelmintic, albendazole, and oral steroids was initiated. There was initial improvement of the vitritis with significant vitreous debris. However, 2 years later, reactivation occurred, and a vitrectomy was required. This case report reviews the management of a patient with active ocular toxocariasis, including clinical findings and treatment options. Conclusions The differential diagnosis of ocular toxocariasis and review of the available treatments are presented.
Generation and delivery of coal liquid aerosols for inhalation studies

To aid in the toxicologic evaluation of solvent refined coal (SRC) materials, we developed an aerosol generation system for whole-body inhalation exposure of experimental animals to coal liquids. The main components of the exposure system were an aerosol generator, a manifold for delivery of the aerosol, three exposure chambers and an exhaust system. High-boiling coal liquids from the SRC-I and SRC-II processes were used as test materials. Aerosol concentrations were measured by drawing aerosol samples from the chamber through a Metricel filter and eluting the coal liquid into chloroform. Since these coal liquids have an ultraviolet absorption peak at 254 nm, the absorbance was determined at this wavelength. As part of the experiment, we evaluated the Solo-Sphere,® Retec® and Collison neubulizer as aerosol generators for the coal liquids. Both the Solo-Sphere and Retec provided adequate concentrations of respirable particles; however, aerosol concentrations within the exposure chamber were more consistent...
Cognitive science implications for enhancing training effectiveness in a serious gaming context

Serious games use entertainment principles, creativity, and technology to meet government or corporate training objectives, but these principles alone will not guarantee that the intended learning will occur. To be effective, serious games must incorporate sound cognitive, learning, and pedagogical principles into their design and structure. In this paper, we review cognitive principles that can be applied to improve the training effectiveness in serious games and we describe a process we used to design improvements for an existing game-based training application in the domain of cyber security education.
Automated Facial Action Coding System for Dynamic Analysis of Facial Expressions in Neuropsychiatric Disorders

Facial expression is widely used to evaluate emotional impairment in neuropsychiatric disorders. Ekman and Friesen's Facial Action Coding System (FACS) encodes movements of individual facial muscles from distinct momentary changes in facial appearance. Unlike facial expression ratings based on categorization of expressions into prototypical emotions (happiness, sadness, anger, fear, disgust, etc.), FACS can encode ambiguous and subtle expressions, and therefore is potentially more suitable for analyzing the small differences in facial affect. However, FACS rating requires extensive training, and is time consuming and subjective thus prone to bias. To overcome these limitations, we developed an automated FACS based on advanced computer science technology. The system automatically tracks faces in a video, extracts geometric and texture features, and produces temporal profiles of each facial muscle movement. These profiles are quantified to compute frequencies of single and combined Action Units (AUs) in videos, and they can facilitate a statistical study of large populations in disorders known to impact facial expression. We derived quantitative measures of flat and inappropriate facial affect automatically from temporal AU profiles. Applicability of the automated FACS was illustrated in a pilot study, by applying it to data of videos from eight schizophrenia patients and controls. We created temporal AU profiles that provided rich information on the dynamics of facial muscle movements for each subject. The quantitative measures of flatness and inappropriateness showed clear differences between patients and the controls, highlighting their potential in automatic and objective quantification of symptom severity.