cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hybrid simulation to support interdependence modeling of a multimodal transportation network

Abstract The inland waterways in the United States (U.S.) transport approximately 20% of coal, 22% of petroleum products, and 60% of farm exports making these waterways a significant contributor to the U.S. multimodal transportation system. In this study, data of extreme natural events affecting the U.S. inland waterways are collected and used to predict possible occurrences of such events using a spatio-temporal statistical model. A simulation tool incorporating this model is developed to investigate the impact of waterway disruptions on the interconnected multimodal transportation systems. A case study on the lower Mississippi River and the McClellan–Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System along with the related highways is provided to illustrate the use of the simulation tool for operation simulation and interdependence modeling of the multimodal transportation network. This tool provides a flexible means for quickly evaluating the performance of such Interdependent Critical Infrastructures (ICIs) and assisting in decision making.
Inferior Oblique Myotomy

Two common findings in pediatric ophthalmology are inferior oblique overaction and dissociated vertical deviation, often associated with congenital esotropia. Weakening of the inferior oblique is indicated in these situations, accomplished most frequently by a myotomy or anteriorization. The key difference between these two surgical options is an anteriorization not only weakens the muscle, but also changes its force vector, resulting in a more significant decrease in elevation of the eye, helping correct for dissociated vertical deviation more effectively.
Testing by betting: A strategy for statistical and scientific communication

The most widely used concept of statistical inference—the p‐value—is too complicated for effective communication to a wide audience. This paper introduces a simpler way of reporting statistical evidence: report the outcome of a bet against the null hypothesis. This leads to a new role for likelihood, to alternatives to power and confidence, and to a framework for meta‐analysis that accommodates both planned and opportunistic testing of statistical hypotheses and probabilistic forecasts. This framework builds on the foundation for mathematical probability developed in previous work by Vladimir Vovk and myself.
Investigation of the baseline tetanus antibody level and its persistence in a military unit.

OBJECTIVES To determine tetanus antibody levels in army recruits and evaluate the persistence of immunity following tetanus booster immunization in adults. METHODS A total of 680 recruits were selected for observation of their tetanus antibody levels. From 2005 to 2015, 691 peacekeepers with tetanus vaccination were included in the questionnaire-based and serological survey based on cluster stratification. The tetanus antibody-positive rate, geometric mean concentration (GMC), and their respective changes over time were analyzed in different age groups, regions, and years after tetanus booster immunization. RESULTS The positivity rates of tetanus antibodies in the recruits and peacekeepers were 74.85% and 99.86%, respectively (χ2 = 193.00, P < 0.05) and the antibody GMCs were 0.05 and 0.70 IU/mL (t = 15.73, P < 0.05). The antibody positivity rates of recruits from 12 provinces ranged from 47.62% (Hubei) to 100% (Inner Mongolia) (χ2 = 37.24, P < 0.05) and the antibody GMCs ranged from 0.02 (Hubei) to 0.09 IU/mL (Heilongjiang) (F = 5.19, P < 0.01). Among the 691 peacekeepers, no statistically significant difference in antibody positivity rate was detected between men and women. After administration of one booster dose of the tetanus vaccine, a protective antibody level was calculated to persist up to 22 years; a significant difference in antibody levels was observed within 10 years between one and two or more booster doses. CONCLUSION The rate at which recruits tested positive for tetanus antibodies was low. Thus, it is necessary to screen for tetanus antibodies during military recruitment and implement a precision-based booster immunization protocol for tetanus vaccine. Moreover, one dose of the tetanus vaccine booster has been calculated to maintain a protective antibody level up to 22 years, without the need for repeated reinforcements during this period.
An investigation of the effects of sensation seeking and impulsivity on extreme sport participation and injury using path analysis.

Objective Extreme sport participation and injury rates have increased in recent decades. This study aimed to investigate sub-dimensions of impulsivity and sensation seeking that contribute to participation and injury risk in extreme sports. Participants Data included cross-sectional survey responses from 7,109 college students (Mage = 19.68, SD = 2.31). Methods This study utilized path analysis to investigate sub-dimensions of sensation seeking and impulsivity as predictors of extreme sport participation and injury across 3 models. Results Results of the final model identify risk seeking and lack of perseverance as the two strongest predictors of extreme sports injury, risk seeking, experience seeking, and lack of premeditation as the strongest positive predictors of extreme sports participation, and lack of perseverance as the strongest negative predictor of extreme sports participation. Conclusions These results will contribute to targeted prevention and intervention efforts for extreme sports injury among young adults based on identified individual personality factors.
Inferring vortex induced vibrations of flexible cylinders using physics-informed neural networks

Abstract We develop a robust computational framework to infer the motion of a flexible cylinder undergoing vortex induced vibration. Given scattered data in space–time on displacement and hydrodynamic forces, we use physics-informed neural networks (PINNs) (Raissi et al., 2019) to infer the entire motion and characterize the induced vibration by accurately estimating the structural parameters. The developed framework has the flexibility to simultaneously analyze the data over different space–time sub-domains and hence to yield more accurate estimations. We examine the efficiency of the formulation by estimating the damping coefficient of the flexible cylinder, where the training data is obtained by forward simulation of the coupled fluid–solid equations.
Binding of Human Plasma Sialoglycoproteins by the B Cell-specific Lectin CD22 SELECTIVE RECOGNITION OF IMMUNOGLOBULIN M AND HAPTOGLOBIN

CD22 is a cell-surface receptor of resting mature B cells that recognizes sialic acid (Sia) in the natural structure Sia alpha 2-6Gal beta 1-4GlcNAc (Powell, L. D., Jain, R. K., Matta, K. L., Sabesan, S., and Varki, A. (1995) J. Biol. Chem. 270, 7523-7532). Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HEC) treated with inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) display increases in cell-surface CD22 ligands, caused by increased expression of the enzyme beta-galactoside alpha 2,6-sialyltransferase (Hanasaki, K., Varki, A., Stamenkovic, I., and Bevilacqua, M. P. (1994) J. Biol. Chem. 269, 10637-10643; Hanasaki, K., Varki, A., and Powell, L. D. (1995) J. Biol Chem. 270, 7533-7542). Thus, CD22 could direct potential interactions between mature B cells and endothelial cells during inflammatory states. However, this would have to occur in the presence of blood plasma, which contains many sialoglycoproteins known to carry alpha 2-6-linked sialic acids. We show here that human plasma can indeed inhibit Sia-dependent binding of a recombinant soluble chimeric form of human CD22 (CD22Rg) to TNF-alpha activated HEC. Affinity adsorption of individual human plasma samples with immobilized CD22Rg showed that, of the numerous alpha 2-6-sialic acid containing glycoproteins in plasma, only three polypeptides with apparent molecular mass (under reducing conditions) of 74, 44, and 25 kDa bound, and were specifically eluted with alpha 2-6-sialyllactose. NH2-terminal amino acid sequencing of these high affinity CD22 ligands revealed that they are subunits of immunoglobulin M (IgM) and haptoglobin. Purified human IgM from pooled human plasma can be quantitatively bound by CD22Rg, and binding is blocked by alpha 2-6-sialyllactose, but not by alpha 2-3-sialyllactose. Pretreatment by sialidase or by mild periodate oxidation of sialic acid side chains abolishes these interactions. IgM at physiological concentrations also inhibits CD22Rg binding to TNF-alpha-activated HEC in a manner dependent not only upon its sialylation but also requiring its intact multimeric structure. These data show that CD22 is capable of highly selective recognition of certain multimeric plasma sialoglycoproteins that carry alpha 2-6-linked sialic acids. Notably, the two proteins that are selectively recognized are known to be involved in immune and inflammatory responses. Haptoglobin synthesis by the liver is markedly increased during the "acute phase response" to systemic inflammation, while IgM is the major product resulting from activation of resting CD22-positive B cells.
Strained Inorganic Heterocyclic Compounds and their Conversion to Macrocycles and High Polymers

Abstract The ring expansion or contraction reactions of inorganic cyclic molecules often depend on structural features such as ring strain or side group intramolecular interactions. The ability of an inorganic cyclic system to undergo ring-opening polymerization to open-chain macromolecules usually depends on the same factors. In this paper the influence of transannular structures or heteroelements in the ring on ring-ring or ring-polymer interconversions will be discussed. Particular emphasis is placed on the way in which certain side groups switch the reaction pathway from ring expansion to polymerization. Polymers formed from these ring systems are of interest as electroactive or elastomeric materials, and structure-property relationships are discussed.
Aerobic Metabolism of 3,5-Diaminohexanoate in a Brevibacterium: PURIFICATION OF 3,5-DIAMINOHEXANOATE DEHYDROGENASE AND DEGRADATION OF 3-KETO-5-AMINOHEXANOATE

Abstract The first step in the decomposition of 3,5-diaminohexanoate by the aerobic Brevibacterium L5 was found to be a DPN-dependent oxidative deamination. The product was identified as 3-keto-5-aminohexanoate by its chemical properties and by comparison with previously characterized 3-keto-5-aminohexanoate prepared with a clostridial enzyme. Decarboxylation of the Brevibacterium product followed by hypoiodite oxidation yielded 3-aminobutyric acid which was shown to have the l(3 S) configuration. Consequently, 3-keto-5-aminohexanoate has the l(5 S) configuration. The dehydrogenase catalyzing the oxidative deamination was purified about 70-fold with a 60% yield. Its molecular weight, estimated by gel filtration, is about 71,000. The enzyme is highly specific for its substrates, l-erythro-3,5-diaminohexanoate and l-3-keto-5-aminohexanoate. Some kinetic properties of the enzyme are reported. The further degradation of 3-keto-5-aminohexanoate by dialyzed extracts requires catalytic amounts of acetyl-CoA and is stimulated by coenzyme A under some conditions. The main products are acetate, acetoacetate, and β-hydroxybutyrate, and smaller amounts of β-aminobutyrate and coenzyme A thioesters of some of these products. By means of tracer experiments, acetate and acetoacetate were shown to be derived mainly from carbon atoms 1 and 2 of 3-keto-5-aminohexanoate, whereas β-hydroxybutyrate is derived mainly from carbon atoms 3 to 6. A possible pathway of 3-keto-5-aminohexanoate degradation is described.
The reduced product of abstract domains and the combination of decision procedures

The algebraic/model theoretic design of static analyzers uses abstract domains based on representations of properties and pre-calculated property transformers. It is very efficient. The logical/proof theoretic approach uses SMT solvers and computation on-the-fly of property transformers. It is very expressive.We propose a combination of the two approaches to reach the sweet spot best adapted to a specific application domain in the precision/cost spectrum. The proposed combination uses an iterated reduction to combine abstractions. The key observation is that the Nelson-Oppen procedure which decides satisfiability in a combination of logical theories by exchanging equalities and disequalities computes a reduced product (after the state is enhanced with some new "observations" corresponding to alien terms). By abandoning restrictions ensuring completeness (such as disjointness, convexity, stably-infiniteness or shininess, etc) we can even broaden the application scope of logical abstractions for static analysis (which is incomplete anyway). We also introduce a semantics based on multiple interpretations to deal with the soundness of that combinations on a formal basis.
Matching and Vertex Packing: How “hard” are They?

Abstract Two of the most well-known problems in graph theory are: (a) Find a maximum matching (or perfect matching, if one exists), and (b) Find a maximum independent set of vertices. The first problem — usually called the matching problem — is known to have a polynomial time algorithm; the second — often called the vertex packing problem — is known to be NP -complete. However, many graph theorists — especially those who do not deal much with complexity of algorithms — know little more about the complexity issues associated with these two problems than these two basic facts. What is not so widely known within the graph theory community is that these two problems have motivated a great deal of recent activity in the area of algorithms and their complexity. Of course it is not known whether or not P = NP , but most workers in the area currently believe that equality is unlikely to hold. Motivated by this belief, a number of people have studied variations of both matching and vertex packing with the general theme being two-fold. On the one hand, one can add various side conditions to the matching problem and study the complexity — both sequential and parallel — of the resulting problems. On the other hand, one can investigate certain large and interesting classes of graphs trying to prove that for these classes the vertex packing problem has a polynomial solution. Each branch of this two-pronged attack has yielded both interesting theorems and perplexing unsolved problems. This paper will survey this work.
WEIGHT AT MENARCHE: SIMILARITY FOR WELL-NOURISHED AND UNDERNOURISHED GIRLS AT DIFFERING AGES, AND EVIDENCE FOR HISTORICAL CONSTANCY

The mean weight at menarche of 30 undernourished Alabama girls did not differ from that of 30 well-nourished controls although the undernourished girls attained menarche two years later than controls and at a significantly greater height. This supports the hypothesis that a critical weight triggers menarche. The weight-dependency of menarche irrespective of a causal relationship reduces variation in body size at sexual maturity by delaying or advancing the age of sexual maturation as a compensation for environmental or genetic variation. Recent and historical evidence indicates that the mean weight at menarche of Caucasian girls has been about 46 kg for over a century. (authors)
The dynamic relationship between accuracy and bias in social perception research.

How do perceivers make accurate social judgments? A substantial amount of evidence suggests that perceivers' judgments are often quite accurate even when they do not have direct access to the truth, in part because they make judgments through biased processes. In the present article, we examine the dynamic relationship between bias and accuracy in social perception research. We outline how bias and accuracy are theoretically and empirically distinct processes and describe the importance (and difficulty) of defining and measuring both truth variables and bias variables in order to make empirical conclusions in accuracy research. Additionally, we examine how both bias variables (e.g., stereotypes, perceivers' own beliefs) and truth variables exert an influence on how perceivers make social judgments, as well as the extent to which judgments are accurate. Lastly, we provide steps that researchers can take in order to examine the relationship between bias and accuracy in their own research.
Compile-Time Analysis and Specialization of Clocks in Concurrent Programs

Clocks are a mechanism for providing synchronization barriers in concurrent programming languages. They are usually implemented using primitive communication mechanisms and thus spare the programmer from reasoning about low-level implementation details such as remote procedure calls and error conditions. Clocks provide flexibility, but programs often use them in specific ways that do not require their full implementation. In this paper, we describe a tool that mitigates the overhead of general-purpose clocks by statically analyzing how programs use them and choosing optimized implementations when available. We tackle the clock implementation in the standard library of the X10 programming language--a parallel, distributed object-oriented language. We report our findings for a small set of analyses and benchmarks. Our tool only adds a few seconds to analysis time, making it practical to use as part of a compilation chain.
Mass Spectroscopic Identification of Cytokinins Glucosyl Zeatin and Glucosyl Ribosylzeatin from Vinca rosea Crown Gall

Mass spectrographic and chemical studies of the permethyl and trimethylsilyl ethers of two new cytokinins isolated from Vinca rosea crown gall callus cultures by Peterson and Miller (Plant Physiol 59: 1026-1028) indicate that they are 6-(4-0-beta-d-glucopyranosyl-3-methyl-trans-but-2-enylamino) purine (glucosyl zeatin) and 9-beta-d-ribofuranosyl-6 (4-0-beta-d-glucopyranosyl-3-methyl-trans-but-2-enylamino) purine (glucosyl ribosylzeatin). The nature of the mass spectra of the permethylated cytokinins suggests that these derivatives may have considerable utility in the detection of low levels of cytokinins in plant material.
Voting for president in the U.S.–Mexico border region

Abstract Reasoning that life in the U.S.–Mexico border region is sufficiently different from life in non-border regions this paper asks whether proximity to the border has a significant impact on presidential voting. County level data from four border states, California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas, over five presidential elections, 1992–2008, are examined using a both cross-sectional and panel data analysis. The authors conclude that there is a border effect that favors Democratic candidates and that fades as distance from the border increases.
Osteocytes: Master Orchestrators of Bone

Osteocytes comprise the overwhelming majority of cells in bone and are its only true "permanent" resident cell population. In recent years, conceptual and technological advances on many fronts have helped to clarify the role osteocytes play in skeletal metabolism and the mechanisms they use to perform them. The osteocyte is now recognized as a major orchestrator of skeletal activity, capable of sensing and integrating mechanical and chemical signals from their environment to regulate both bone formation and resorption. Recent studies have established that the mechanisms osteocytes use to sense stimuli and regulate effector cells (e.g., osteoblasts and osteoclasts) are directly coupled to the environment they inhabit-entombed within the mineralized matrix of bone and connected to each other in multicellular networks. Communication within these networks is both direct (via cell-cell contacts at gap junctions) and indirect (via paracrine signaling by secreted signals). Moreover, the movement of paracrine signals is dependent on the movement of both solutes and fluid through the space immediately surrounding the osteocytes (i.e., the lacunar-canalicular system). Finally, recent studies have also shown that the regulatory capabilities of osteocytes extend beyond bone to include a role in the endocrine control of systemic phosphate metabolism. This review will discuss how a highly productive combination of experimental and theoretical approaches has managed to unearth these unique features of osteocytes and bring to light novel insights into the regulatory mechanisms operating in bone.
COMPARISON OF AUTOMATED QUANTITATIVE MYOCARDIAL PERFUSION IMAGING UTILIZING THREE SOFTWARE PACKAGES

Myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) is widely utilized for assessment of myocardial ischemia and function. This study compared 3 commonly used software programs that quantitate myocardial perfusion defect size (PDS) and left ventricular (LV) volumes and ejection fraction (EF). MPI scans of 100
Protein phosphorylation pattern and role of products of c-erbB-1 and c-abl proto-oncogenes in murine preimplantation embryonic development.

PROBLEM: To investigate the protein phosphorylation pattern and role of products of c-erbB-1 and c-abl proto-oncogenes with known tyrosine kinase activity in preimplantation embryonic development in mice. METHOD: The protein phosphorylation pattern was studied by in vitro 32P metabolic labeling of murine ova/embryos as well as by in vitro kinase assay performed directly on various ova/embryos extracts. The role of products of c-erbB-1 (170 kDa, receptor for epidermal growth factor [EGF]) and c-abl proto-oncogenes (150 kDa) was examined by in vitro culturing murine embryos in the presence of monoclonal antibodies to respective protein products and by co-culturing with EGF, the ligand for EGF receptor (EGF-R). RESULTS: In vitro metabolic labeling of murine ova/embryos showed 32P incorporation into at least two protein bands of murine ova (Mr 81 and 36 kDa), six protein bands of two-cell (Mr 81, 36; and 97, 52, 22 and 19 kDa, respectively), six protein bands of morula (Mr 81, 36; 97, 22, and 19; and 33 kDa, respectively), and eight protein bands of blastocyst (81, 36; 97, 22, 19; and 115, 58, and 15 kDa, respectively), stage embryos; there were some specific bands in each stage. Prolonged labeling from 2 to 4 h not only resulted in a relative increase in 32P incorporation into these proteins but also revealed additional bands in morula (Mr 133 and 115 kD) and blastocyst (Mr 49, 33, and 31 kD) stage embryos. In vitro kinase assays performed directly on various ova/embryos extracts revealed at least three phosphoproteins (Mr 58, 36 and 33, respectively) that were common to ova, two-cell, morula, and early/late blastocyst stage embryos. Additionally, three protein bands each in murine ova and two-cell embryos (Mr 108, 81, 73 kDa, respectively), and four protein bands of late blastocyst (Mr 108, 73; 133 and 18 kDa, respectively) stage embryos were also revealed. Culture of two-cell embryos in the presence of EGF, the ligand for EGF-receptor, resulted in a concentration dependent increase (P< .001) in the number of cells per blastocyst. Monoclonal antibody to c-erbB-1 170 kDa protein (receptor for EGF) did not affect development of in vitro cultured murine embryos from two-cell to morula, but significantly (P<.001) inhibited the in vitro development of morula to late blastocyst stage. Monoclonal antibody to c-abl protein inhibited the development of murine embryos from two-cell to morula (P<.017), as well as, from morula to late blastocyst stage (P<.002 to .01). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the stage-specific protein phosphorylation pattern and specific products of c-erbB-1 and c-abl proto-oncogenes may have a role in preimplantation embryonic development in mice.
An alternative approach to personality correlates of hypnotizability: Hypnosis-specific mediational attitudes

Abstract In an attempt to overcome the limitations of employing general personality traits to predict hypnotic performance, this study compared the predictive validity of 2 hypnosis-specific mediational attitudes with a general personality trait (internal-external locus of control). 2 new hypnosis-specific constructs were developed and termed “desirability of hypnosis” and “locus of control in hypnosis.” Desirability of hypnosis attitudes significantly predicted hypnotic susceptibility (p < .001). There was no relationship between susceptibility and either of the 2 locus of control variables. The results are discussed in relation to the social-learning approaches to personality and, in particular, with respect to hypnosis. Attitudes concerning the desirability of hypnosis are considered for modifying hypnotizability.
Interpretation of ellipsometric data for transparent films on rough metal surfaces

Abstract Ellipsometric measurements have been made on metals of various roughnesses to establish empirical procedures for the determination of film thickness of transparent films on rough surfaces. Two models have been demonstrated to yield film thickness values for films, in the range 0–5000 A, on rough surfaces. If the optical constants of smooth clean metal are known, the empirical rough film (ERF) model is used. With this model the rough surface region is treated as a layer with optical properties intermediate between those of the substrate, oxide film, contamination and ambient. Having established the equivalent thickness and optical properties of the ERF prior to film deposition, the unknown thickness and refractive index of subsequent film deposition can be determined. If the optical constants of the smooth clean metal are not known the empirical rough surface (ERS) model is used. With this model the equivalent optical constants of the rough-contaminated surface are determined prior to film deposition and these values are used to obtain film thickness and refractive index for subsequent deposition. A simple method for the determination of film thickness on metal surfaces without the use of a computer is demonstrated. A new empirical ellipsometric roughness parameter, and its relation to r.m.s. roughness for light scattering, is revealed. The models and techniques are demonstrated for plasma polymerized films of styrene on aluminum, copper, nickel and Inconel.
Three-stage evolution of the Los Angeles basin, southern California

We propose that an episode of transtension dominated development of the Los Angeles basin area from 12 to 6 Ma, following middle Miocene transrotation and prior to the modern transpressional regime. Transtension resulted from the releasing bend of the San Gabriel–Chino Hills–Cristianitos fault, which acted as the primary transform boundary in southern California during this episode. Such an interpretation implies that significant transform motion did not occur on the southern San Andreas fault prior to 6 Ma and that the Gulf of California has opened primarily since 6 Ma. We propose a three-stage model for evolution of the Los Angeles basin and vicinity within the evolving transform-fault system: transrotation (18–12 Ma), transtension (12–6 Ma), and transpression (6–0 Ma). Timing of these stages correlates with microplate-capture events, which occurred during conversion from a convergent margin to a transform margin.
The Price of Nostalgia: Menzies, the 'Liberal' Tradition and Australian Foreign Policy

This article surveys some of the key contributions to the secondary literature on Australia's foreign and defence policy during Robert Gordon Menzies' two prime ministerships (1939–41, 1949–66), and seeks to identify Menzies' place in a “Liberal” and Liberal Party tradition through a reading of this work. Via a study of Menzies' imperialism, British race patriotism, nationalism, and attitudes towards Asia and the United States of America, it argues that the prime minister stands in an ambiguous relationship to the transformation that occurred in Australia's international orientation between the 1930s and 1960s. In the 1950s the Australian government's cold war foreign policy, and the political language that Menzies used in private and public to articulate it, were largely successful in balancing the competing claims of Britishness, Australianness and the newly-formed “American Alliance”. By the early 1960s, however, his nostalgia for a dissolving imperial order was sufficiently pronounced that it contributed powerfully to a symbolic and rhetorical defeat for his side of politics, allowing Labor to claim the mantle of Australian foreign policy modernity.
Supporting sets for general systems

In this paper, we introduce the concept of a supporting set for a general system. We study basic properties of supporting sets for a general system, supporting sets for subsytems of a system, homomorphic images of supporting sets for a system, and supporting sets for free sums and direct sums of systems.
Cross-talk between signaling pathways in murine embryonic palate cells: effect of TGF beta and cAMP on EGF-induced DNA synthesis.

Signaling pathways utilized by EGF, cAMP, and TGFβ have been demonstrated to play critical roles in normal palate development. Stimulation of these pathways has been shown in palate cells and numerous other systems to affect cell growth. Because proper regulation of cell growth is critical to palate development, we speculate that fine regulation of palatal cell growth may be accomplished through crosstalk between these signaling pathways. We therefore set out to determine the effects of cAMP and TGFβ on EGF-induced cell proliferation in murine embryonic palate cells. We found that both TGFβ and cAMP inhibited the proliferative response of cells to treatment with EGF, whereas H89, a serine/threonine protein kinase inhibitor with selectivity towards cAMP-dependent protein kinase, increased the cells’ proliferative response to EGF. Genestein, a selective inhibitor of tyrosine kinases, at high doses abrogated the cells’ proliferative response to EGF, confirming that EGF’s ability to induce cell proliferation is critically dependent upon tyrosine kinase activity. Lower doses of genestein, however, actually enhanced cellular response to EGF. The data suggest that both the TGFβ- and cAMP-mediated signaling pathways may be involved in modulation of the effects of EGF on palate cell growth in vivo.
Funding a Health Disparities Research Agenda: The Case of Medicare Home Health Care.

Medicare home health care provides critical skilled nursing and therapy services to patients in their homes, generally after a period in an inpatient facility or nursing home. Disparities in access to, or outcomes of, home health care can result in patient deterioration and increased cost to the Medicare program if patient care needs intensify. This article describes the process of obtaining funding to support a multiphased research agenda to document, enhance understanding, and work toward prevention of outcome disparities in the Medicare home health care benefit. The article discusses the importance of obtaining preliminary findings to support application for National Institutes of Health (NIH) or other federal agency funding, the need to employ interdisciplinary research teams and expert consultants, and it highlights the NIH R21 mechanism. Study methods and findings from the R21-funded mixed methods study are presented along with pedagogical opportunities resulting from this research agenda. Finally, ...
Is global warming harmful to health

Projections from computer models predict that global warming will expand the incidence and distribution of many serious medical disorders. Global warming aside from indirectly causing death by drowning or starvation promotes by various means the emergence resurgence and spread of infectious diseases. This article addresses the health effects of global warming and disrupted climate patterns in detail. Among the greatest health concerns are diseases transmitted by mosquitoes such as malaria dengue fever yellow fever and several kinds of encephalitis. Such disorders are projected to become increasingly prevalent because their insect carriers are very sensitive to meteorological conditions. In addition floods and droughts resulting from global warming can each help trigger outbreaks by creating breeding grounds for insects whose desiccated eggs remain viable and hatch in still water. Other effects of global warming on health include the growth of opportunist populations and the increase of the incidence of waterborne diseases because of lack of clean water. In view of this several steps are cited in order to facilitate the successful management of the dangers of global warming.
Single-Atom Detection by One-Photon and Two-Photon SONRES

Saturated Optical Nonresonance Emission Spectroscopy (SONRES) has been applied to metallic vapor detection. Using one-photon cw excitation less than 0. 2 atoms of sodium have been detected in the laser interaction volume with an ambient pressure environment. The method has been applied to the ultraviolet transitions of nickel and platinum using pulsed excitation sources, achieving detection limits less than 100 atoms in the detection volume for an ambient pressure high temperature environment. Resonance enhanced two-photon excitation has also been investigated for atomic detection applications. Experiments demonstrate that the two-photon method can be expected to achieve ultimate detection limits of 10-3 atoms in the laser interaction volume, approaching the theoretical limit of the one-photon SONRES method. The two-photon method provides optimum performance at low pressure and furnishes the sub-Doppler resolution required for highly selective isotope analysis.© (1977) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Dual attention to dynamically structured naturalistic events.

Videotapes of two naturalistic events, a basketball-like game and a vocalizing human face, were presented in a dual-task situation, with subjects responding to target events in individual episodes....
Bond Graph Modeling of Planar Mechanisms With Realistic Joint Effects

This work demonstrates that the Karnopp-Margolis method for treating derivative causality in the bond graph produces a formulation that is equivalent to the classical Lagrange λ multipliers method for the modeling of planar mechanisms. It is then demonstrated that this formulation can be used to eliminate derivative causality in general. Furthermore, the method can be used as the basis for an algorithm which automates the derivation of the dynamic equations for nonlinear systems. It is also shown that the method can be used to treat the modeling of joint nonlinearities such as joint clearances and joint compliances.
Smart Headlight: A new active augmented reality that improves how the reality appears to a human

Summary form only given. A combination of computer vision and projector-based illumination opens the possibility for a new type of augmented reality: selectively illuminating the scene to improve or manipulate how the reality itself, rather than its display, appears to a human. One such example is the Smart Headlight being developed at Carnegie Mellon University's Robotics Institute. The project team has been working on a new set of capabilities for the headlight, such as making rain drops and snowflakes disappear, allowing for the high beams to always be on without glare, and enhancing the appearance of objects of interest. This talk will present the idea, approach, and current status of the Smart Headlight Project.
The 1959 Moroccan oil poisoning and US Cold War disaster diplomacy

This article explores the ways in which Cold War publicity concerns shaped American humanitarian efforts in Morocco, examining responses to the 1959 cooking oil adulteration in light of Kenneth Osgood's work on American Cold War public relations, as well as the work of analysts of more recent ‘disaster diplomacy’. The Cold War provided an incentive for American disaster aid – but it also distorted that aid, as American policy prioritised immediate, visible aid over long-term relief efforts. In the case of the 1959 tri-ortho-cresyl phosphate poisoning, which paralysed 10,000 people, the American disinclination to support long-term relief and rehabilitation efforts rendered the American policy responses ill-suited to the circumstances of the disaster. This disinclination was compounded by fears that generosity would imply culpability for the incident, which originated with the sale of toxic surplus substances from a military base established without permission from the Moroccan government. However, a new an...
Allochthonous Jurassic ophiolite in northwest Washington

Fragments of Jurassic ophiolite having U-Pb zircon ages narrowly grouped at 160 to 170 m.y. are widespread over parts of northwest Washington. The Haystack thrust fault is inferred to mark the base of the ophiolite in the San Juan Islands and adjacent Cascade foothills; other bodies of mafic and ultramafic rock in the western Cascades may be klippen of the Haystack thrust plate. The Haystack thrust fault is probably the structurally highest and possibly most extensive thrust yet recognized within a family of Late Cretaceous thrust faults in northwest Washington. The ophiolite and its time of emplacement (bracketed between about 100 and 88 m.y.) suggest a similarity with the Coast Range thrust of California which thrust Upper Jurassic ophiolite and the Great Valley sedimentary sequence over the Franciscan assemblage. However, relations in the Cascades are complicated by the extraordinarily diverse character of lower plate rocks, of which very few resemble the Franciscan. We conclude that an original subduction system was modified by later tectonic activity so that a variety of terranes was juxtaposed as a family of rootless thrusts, with the ophiolite forming, at least in some areas, the uppermost structural unit. Perhaps the emplacement of Wrangellia, an allochthonous microcontinent west of the San Juan Islands, caused the thrusting.
Predictors of early mortality post transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts and the role of hepatic venous pressure gradient

Abstract Background This study was conducted to identify factors associated with early mortality (30-day, 60-day) among patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension who undergo transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS). Methods Consecutive patients who underwent TIPS between January 1993 and December 2008 were included in the study. Clinical, laboratory, and procedural data were collected for all patients by retrospective chart review. Qualitative variables were compared by chi square test and quantitative variables by Student's t-test. Multinomial logistic regression was used for multivariate analysis. Results A total of 643 patients had complete data and were included in the study. The incidence of 30-day mortality in the study group was 17.4% (112/643), and the incidence of 60-day mortality was 22.6% (145/643). Univariate analysis was carried out comparing these risk factors in patients stratified by 30-day and 60-day mortality. On univariate analysis, pre-TIPS bilirubin >2.0 mg, pre-TIPS albumin 2, pre-TIPS creatinine >2.0, pre-TIPS MELD (Model for End-stage Liver Disease) score >20, pre-TIPS hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) >20 mmHg, higher pre-TIPS alanine transaminase, and higher pre-TIPS aspartate transaminase were found to be predictors of both 30- and 60-day mortality. Multivariate analysis showed pre-TIPS creatinine >2 mg/dL, pre-TIPS MELD levels >20 and HVPG (hepatic venous portal gradient) >20 mmHg to be independent and significant predictors of both 30- and 60-day mortality. For every 1 mg/dL rise of creatinine exceeding 2 mg/dL, the odds of 30-day mortality increased by 80% [odds ratio = 1.8 (1.3–2.4)]. A pre-TIPS HVPG of more than 20 mmHg was found to be correlated with worsened 30-day and 60-day mortality in patients with variceal bleed but not in patients with ascites or hydrothorax. Conclusion Stepwise model selection determined that serum creatinine >2.0 mg/dL, MELD >20, and pre-TIPS HVPG >20 mmHg were independent predictors of early mortality. A pre-TIPS HVPG of more than 20 mmHg was found to be correlated with worsened 30-day and 60-day mortality in patients with variceal bleed but not in patients with ascites or hydrothorax.
Application of path analysis methodology to transit system maintenance performance

This paper develops a conceptual framework for bus maintenance based on path analysis and applies it to forty-eight bus transit systems. The application determines the total, direct, and indirect effects of the variables identified as having significant causal links with maintenance cost per mile. These variables are identified using the stepwise regression method. The findings are that the wage rate and fleet size increase maintenance cost directly and indirectly. In terms of the standardized regression coefficients, fleet size has been found to be the most important factor affecting maintenance cost per mile, followed by the proportion of articulated buses, the wage rate and local subsidy in that order. The proportion of articulated buses has been found to reduce maintenance cost per mile directly and to increase it indirectly. The indirect path coefficient of the proportion of articulated buses is 0.1794 whereas the direct path coefficient is −0.351. Similarly local subsidy as a proportion of revenue increases maintenance cost per mile directly and reduces it indirectly. The corresponding path coefficients for the direct and indirect effects of local subsidy are 0.2553 and −0.1073. In addition population density and the peak-base ratio are positively and significantly associated with miles between roadcalls. The implications of these findings are briefly examined in this paper. Because the path analysis methodology allows the direct and indirect effects of a causal variable to be determined, it is recommended for policy analysis.
Chemical protection performance of polystyrene sulfonic acid-filled polypropylene nonwoven membranes

Abstract One of the major purposes of using chemical protective membranes is to minimize the exposure of wearers to hazardous chemical warfare agents (CWAs) such as nerve agents and mustard gas. However, many chemical protection membranes have limitations such as low breathability, which can cause discomfort, and poor mechanical stability. Polystyrene sulfonic acid (PSS) was investigated for chemical protection due to its ability to hinder the permeation of organic agents while allowing water vapor to pass through. Cross-linked PSS was filled into the open pores of polypropylene nonwoven membrane supports, and the resultant PSS-filled nonwoven composite membranes have improved mechanical properties and reduced vapor permeation for simulants of sarin, soman, VX, and mustard gas. At the same time, these PSS-filled nonwoven membranes retain high water vapor permeation that is beneficial for reducing heat exhaustion. PSS-filled nonwoven membranes were also hot-pressed to further reduce the membrane thickness and vapor permeation, and to improve the mechanical properties. Results show that hot-pressed PSS-filled nonwoven membranes are mechanically strong and have lower CWA simulant vapor permeation and higher water vs. CWA simulant selectivity than commercially available Nafion®. Therefore, PSS-filled nonwoven membranes are promising candidate materials for chemical vapor protective applications.
Satellite passive microwave rain rate measurement over croplands during Spring, Summer and Fall

Rain-rate algorithms for spring, summer and fall that have been developed from comparisons between the brightness temperatures measured by the Nimbus-7 Scanning Multichannel Microwave Radiometer (SMMR) and rain rates derived from operational WSR-57 radars over land are described. Data were utilized from a total of 25 SMMR passes and 234 radars, resulting in about 12,000 observations of about 1600 sq/km areas. Multiple correlation coefficients of 0.63, 0.80 and 0.75 are achieved for the spring, summer and fall algorithms, respectively. Most of this information is in the form of multifrequency contrast in brightness temperature, which is interpreted as a measurement of the degree to which the land-emitted radiation is attenuated by the rain systems. The SMMR 37-GHz channel has more information on rain rate than any other channel. By combining the lower frequency channels with the 37-GHz observations, variations in land and precipitation thermometric temperatures can be removed, leaving rain attenuation as the major effect on brightness temperature. Polarization screening at 37 GHz is found to be sufficient to screen out cases of wet ground, which is only important when the ground is relatively vegetation free. Heavy rain cases are found to be significant part of the algorithms' success, because of the strong microwve signatures (low-brightness temperatures) that result from the presence of precipitation-sized ice in the upper portions of heavily precipitating storms. If IR data are combined with the summer microwave data, an improved (0.85) correlation with radar rain rates is achieved.
SSTR2 mediates the somatostatin-induced increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration and insulin secretion in the presence of arginine vasopressin in clonal β-cell HIT-T15

The effects of somatostatin (SRIF) are mediated through the seven transmembrane receptor family that signals via Gi/Go. To date, five distinct SRIF receptors have been characterized and designated SSTR1-5. We have characterized the SRIF receptor that mediates the increase in [Ca(2+)](i) and insulin secretion in HIT-T15 cells (Simian virus 40-transformed Syrian hamster islets) using high affinity, subtype selective agonists for SSTR1 (L-797,591), SSTR2 (L-779,976), SSTR3 (L-796,778), SSTR4 (L-803,087), SSTR5 (L-817,818) and PRL-2903, a specific SSTR2 antagonist. In the presence of arginine vasopressin (AVP), SRIF increased [Ca(2+)](i) and insulin secretion. Treatment with the SSTR2 agonist L-779,976 resulted in similar responses to SRIF. In addition, L-779,976 increased both [Ca(2+)](i) and insulin secretion in a dose-dependent manner. Treatment with L-779,976 alone did not alter [Ca(2+)](i) or basal insulin secretion. In the presence of AVP, all other SRIF receptor agonists failed to increase [Ca(2+)](i) and insulin secretion. The effects of SRIF and L-779,976 were abolished by the SSTR2 antagonist PRL-2903. Our results suggest that the mechanism underlying SRIF-induced insulin secretion in HIT-T15 cells be mediated through the SSTR2.
The effect of temperature and length of storage on bile salt-stimulated lipase and esterase in human milk

Abstract Five milk samples were analyzed for bile salt-stimulated lipase (BSSL) and bile-salt stimulated esterase (BSSE) activities immediately after collection. The samples then were divided into aliquotes and stored at 25, 4, −20 and −70 C. After 6, 12 and 24 hours of storage BSSL and BSSE activities were determined. Activities were also determined in milk after 2 and 4 weeks of storage at −20 and −70 C. There was no significant change in BSSL activity due to storage. The average activity of BSSL was 1.54 μmole free fatty acid /released/min/ml milk ±0.46 (SD). Activity from BSSE was significantly (P
A Continuous Quality Improvement Pilot Study: Impact on Nutritional Care Quality

Objective All long-term care facilities are supposed to engage in quality improvement activities in an effort to improve care quality. The purpose of this pilot study was to teach long-term care staff how to conduct continuous quality improvement (CQI) related to nutritional care. Methods Research staff conducted CQI training in one 48-bed pilot site with designated staff members. Supervisory staff were taught a standardized direct observational protocol, which was implemented weekly by both facility and research staff, to monitor defined nutritional care processes under the control of direct care staff. In addition, direct care staff received feedback on a weekly basis about care process implementation. Results Following initial training and 12 weeks of CQI implementation, there were improvements in all 5 nutritional care processes related to the adequacy and quality of daily feeding assistance care provision according to both facility and research staff data. Weekly CQI implementation required approximately 1 hour of supervisory staff time and less than 15 minutes of direct care staff time to receive feedback. Implications Both initial training and weekly CQI implementation were effective and required less than 2 hours of total staff time per week. Long-term care staff in this pilot site were able to improve nutritional care quality using a standardized direct observational protocol to guide CQI activities.