cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Further Evidence of the Validity of the Children's Version of "Onomatopoeia and Images".

Sevrrzl enrlier papers reported rhc conrrrucrion, reliability, validiry and other d m rrlr-vunt to the alrrrnare forms of rhe adulr and children's vcrrlon o f Onomaropoeia and Images, a rerr of v e r h l originaliry (Khnrenn. 1969. 1970n. 1970b. 1971; Scharfrr, 1970) . This paper prerenrr further evidence of validiry for the children's verrmoo. Children in Grader 6 ro 9 (N = 1 1 8 ) from two schools in Hunringron, W. Va., were administered Form 11 of the children's version o f Onomaropoeia and lmagen and either Form A or B of Thinking Crc-tivcly Wirh Words (Torrance, 1966). T h d r verbal originality scores on Onomatopoeia and lrnagrr, when correlorrd wirh scores on fluency, flexlbiliry and originality for each of rhc seven Torrance scale acrivirier gave rs ranging from .09 to .40: Asking Querrions gave r r of .19 (P ); Unusual User gave rs of .09 (nr ) , 3 1 and .40 ( p < .01) ; Unusual Querr~ons gave rr of 1 9 (P < .OS) on flurncy and .21 ( p < .0S) on originaliry; and Jus t Suppose gave rr of .15 (P < .OS, one-raikd terr), . I 3 (ns) and .34 ( 0 < 0 I n addition, when Onomaroporlo and Lmrger origlnaliry rcorrr were corrcIsred wirh composite fluency, flexibiliry and originality scorer o f rhe seven subterrr of rhe Torrance scaler n of .28, .34 and .SO ( p < .01) were obtained, It i r inrerrsring to note that Onamaropoeia and imager appears ro predict fluency or the producrion o f many i d e a (cxccpr for Unusual Uses), flexibility or rbc producrion of many differenr i d e s (rxcepr for Jusr Suppore, and Unusual User-n activity nor mrasuring flexibility), and originality or rhe oi srarisrically infrequent idear, as me=. urcd by the seven subrrrrs of the Torrance verbal scale. These flndingr provide furthrr support ro the children's version of Onomatopoeia and Imager as s m e s u r e o f creariviry.
Lipid testing for the year 2000 and beyond.

Abstract Lipid testing has progressed from early measurements of total lipid by extraction and weighing to assess the fat content of the specimen. This nonspecific approach to lipid testing has been replaced in clinical laboratories by automated and quantitative procedures that avoid the extraction process. Instead, selective enzymes are utilized in reaction schemes to quantitate the individual lipid classes present in patient specimens. For example, cholesterol esterase and oxidase are used on a routine basis to measure total cholesterol in plasma and serum specimens. Similar use of other enzyme systems has permitted triglycerides and phospholipids to be measured by clinical laboratories. Lipid and lipoprotein measurements have advanced considerably from the early nonspecific extraction and gravimetric analysis schemes to the specific automated procedures that are commonly used today. However, as lipids and lipoproteins increased in their clinical usefulness as cardiovascular risk assessment tools, the search intensified for newer approaches to measure these entities more easily and more accurately. The influence of National Cholesterol Education Program has played a key role in highlighting the importance of lipids and lipoprotein analysis. Today, lipid testing is available outside the traditional laboratory environments — drugstores sell units that individuals can use at home to assess cholesterol levels. Lipid testing has come a long way, and we have only begun to experience some of the remarkable changes for the future.
Dissecting the interaction of SHP-2 with PZR, an immunoglobulin family protein containing immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motifs.

Tyrosine phosphorylation of membrane proteins plays a crucial role in cell signaling by recruiting Src homology 2 (SH2) domain-containing signaling molecules. Recently, we have isolated a transmembrane protein designated PZR that specifically binds tyrosine phosphatase SHP-2, which has two SH2 domains (Zhao, Z. J., and Zhao, R. (1998) J. Biol. Chem. 273, 29367–29372). PZR belongs to the immunoglobulin superfamily. Its intracellular segment contains four putative sites of tyrosine phosphorylation. By site-specific mutagenesis, we found that the tyrosine 241 and 263 embedded in the consensus immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motifs VIYAQL and VVYADI, respectively, accounted for the entire tyrosine phosphorylation of PZR. The interaction between PZR and SHP-2 requires involvement of both tyrosyl residues of the former and both SH2 domains of the latter, since its was disrupted by mutating a single tyrosyl residue or an SH2 domain. Overexpression of catalytically inactive but not active forms of SHP-2 bearing intact SH2 domains in cells caused hyperphosphorylation of PZR. In vitro, tyrosine-phosphorylated PZR was efficiently dephosphorylated by the full-length form of SHP-2 but not by its SH2 domain-truncated form. Together, the data indicate that PZR serves not only as a specific anchor protein of SHP-2 on the plasma membrane but also as a physiological substrate of the enzyme. The coexisting binding and dephosphorylation of PZR by SHP-2 may function to terminate signal transduction initiated by PZR and SHP-2 and to set a threshold for the signal transduction to be initiated.
Hypertension, Dyslipidemia, and Insulin Resistance in Patients With Diabetes Mellitus or the Cardiometabolic Syndrome: Benefits of Vasodilating β‐Blockers

Hypertension frequently coexists with diabetes and the cardiometabolic syndrome. β-Blockers have been a mainstay for controlling blood pressure for nearly 4 decades. However, β-blockers are perceived to cause glucose and lipid metabolism dysregulation, including hypoglycemia masking, reduced glycemic control, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia. It should be noted, however, that β-blockers are diverse in their effects on glucose and lipid metabolism. Potential mechanisms that contribute to these metabolic effects include hemodynamic differences, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative pathways, and/or weight changes. Traditional β-blockers decrease cardiac output while peripheral vascular resistance increases or remains unchanged, which may result in glucose and lipid abnormalities. In contrast, vasodilating β-blockers reduce peripheral vascular resistance but have little effect on cardiac output. Vasodilating β-blockers may therefore result in less impact on insulin sensitivity and glycemic control, a reduced new-onset diabetes risk, and improved dyslipidemia compared with traditional β-blockers. Because of these effects, vasodilating β-blockers may represent a favorable option in the treatment of high-risk patients with hypertension.
Transient presence and functional interaction of endogenous GABA and GABAA receptors in developing rat optic nerve.

GABA ($\gamma $-aminobutyric acid) is a major inhibitory synaptic neurotransmitter with widespread distribution in the central nervous system (CNS). GABA can also modulate axonal excitability by activation of GABA$_{\text{A}}$ receptors in CNS white matter regions where synapses and neuronal cell bodies are not present. Studies on cultured glia cells have revealed the synthesis of GABA in rat optic nerve O-2A progenitor cells that give rise to oligodendrocytes and type 2 astrocytes in vitro. We report here that: (i) GABA is detected by immuno-electron microscopy in intact rat optic nerve and is localized to glia and pre-myelinated axons during the first few weeks of postnatal development, but is markedly reduced or absent in the adult; and (ii) neonatal optic nerve is depolarized by GABA$_{\text{A}}$ receptor agonists or by the inhibition of GABA uptake. These results demonstrate the presence of functional GABA$_{\text{A}}$ receptors, and GABA uptake and release mechanisms in developing rat optic nerve, and suggest that excitability of developing axons can be modulated by endogenous neurotransmitter at non-synaptic sites.
Near miss of the Earth by a small asteroid

THE 0.91-m Spacewatch Telescope, on Kitt Peak in Arizona, is being used to search for new Earth-approaching asteroids. On the night of 18 January 1991 a streaked image extending over more than 161 arcseconds was recorded. Further observations over the next 4.6 hours showed that the images were of an object travelling in an independent orbit around the Sun; it was given the asteroidal designation 1991 BA. Orbital computations, presented here, indicate that 1991 BA was only 0.0053 AU from the Earth at the time of discovery, closing to 0.0033 AU at the last detection. Extrapolation of the calculated orbit shows that the object passed only 0.0011 AU (170,000km) from the Earth 12 hours after it was found. The observed brightness translates into an absolute visual magnitude 28.9, corresponding to a diameter of only 5–10 m. 1991 BA is the closest and smallest asteroid yet observed outside the Earth's atmosphere.
Kinematical aspects of nonleptonic multiparticle decays of heavy baryons.

I derive formulas for analyzing in a model-independent way the nonleptonic multiparticle decays of spin-(1/2 baryons. Two- and three-body decays with up to two vector bosons in the final states are considered as special cases. All information contained in the polarizations of spinors and vector bosons is kept. These formulas may also be used to analyze polarized nucleon and meson scattering.
Prenuptial perfume: alloanointing in the social rituals of the crested auklet (Aethia cristatella) and the transfer of arthropod deterrents.

Alloanointing, the transfer of chemicals between conspecifics, is known among mammals, but hitherto, the behavior has not been documented for birds. The crested auklet (Aethia cristatella), a colonial seabird of Alaskan and Siberian waters, alloanoints during courtship with fragrant aldehydes that are released from specialized wick-like feathers located in the interscapular region. Crested auklets solicit anointment at the colony, and prospective mates rub bill, breast, head, and neck over wick feathers of their partners. This distributes aldehydes over the head, neck, and face where the birds cannot self-preen. The resulting chemical concentrations are sufficient to deter ectoparasites. Auklets that emit more odorant can transfer more defensive chemicals to mates and are thus more sexually attractive. Behavioral studies showed that crested auklets are attracted to their scent. Wild birds searched for dispensers that emitted their scent and rubbed their bills on the dispensers and engaged in vigorous anointment behaviors. In captive experiments, naive crested auklets responded more strongly to synthetic auklet scent than controls, and the greatest behavioral response occurred during early courtship. This study extends scientific knowledge regarding functions of alloanointing. Alloanointing had previously been attributed to scent marking and individual recognition in vertebrates. Alloanointing is described here in the context of an adaptive social cue — the transfer of arthropod deterrents between prospective mates.
Electrophysiologic evidence that neither sprouting nor neuronal hyperactivity occur following long term trigeminal or cervical primary deafferentation.

Abstract The possibility that collateral sprouting might occur in the convergence area of trigeminal and cervical afferents in the dorsal horn of the C1 and C2 segment was evaluated by electrophysiologic methods. Two groups of cats were studied. In one group the trigeminal root was sectioned unilaterally and, after survival periods in excess of 6 months, they were decerebrated and and the characteristics and distribution of dorsal cord potentials evoked by stimulating simultaneously both greater auricular nerves were studied. In the second group of animals, dorsal root ganglionectomies of C1, C2, and C3 were carried out and, after similar survival periods, the dorsal cord potentials evoked by simultaneous stimulation of both infraorbital nerves were examined and compared. In both groups of animals, microelectrode studies were carried out on units in the areas of the denervated nucleus from which the dorsal cord potentials had been obtained. Comparison of external recordings from the control and denervated sides demonstrated no differences in the configuration or distribution of the evoked responses in either group. In the single unit studies no evidence of neuronal burst firing or spontaneous hyperactivity was encountered. These observations indicate (i) that neuroplasticity of primary afferents in this area is either absent or of too limited degree to be detectable by the methods employed and (ii) that after 6 months of primary denervation, interneurons no longer show the spontaneous hyperactivity which has been reported to occur after shorter intervals.
Direct solution of Navier–Stokes equations by radial basis functions

Abstract The pressure–velocity formulation of the Navier–Stokes (N–S) equation is solved using the radial basis functions (RBF) collocation method. The non-linear collocated equations are solved using the Levenberg–Marquardt method. The primary novelty of this approach is that the N–S equation is solved directly, instead of using an iterative algorithm for the primitive variables. Two flow situations are considered: Couette flow with and without pressure gradient, and 2D laminar flow in a duct with and without flow obstruction. The approach is validated by comparing the Couette flow results with the analytical solution and the 2D results with those obtained using the well-validated CFD-ACE™ commercial package.
Theory As a Case of Design: Lessons for Design from the Philosophy of Science

Theories and designs are similar. Because they are similar, design researchers in information systems can learn much from the philosophy of science. Neither large data sets nor papers that generate and statistically test theory are necessary for the publication of contributions to the field. Moreover, the philosophy of pragmatism provides a more solid base than logical positivism from which to launch research about design. Future researchers may focus on two potentially fruitful issues: how designers evaluate a design prior to implementation, and how the automation of design in closed loop systems affect our understanding of both creativity and technology.
Power frequency electric field induces biological changes in successive generations of mice

Electromagnetic fields arising from the electrical power system are pervasively present in the environment. To help evaluate their public-health risk we raised 3 successive generations of mice in a low-strength, 60-Hz electric field. We found that the field caused an increased mortality in each generation, and, altered body weights in the 3rd generation.
Water-mediated ordering of nanoparticles in an electric field

Interfacial polar molecules feature a strongly anisotropic response to applied electric field, favoring dipole orientations parallel to the interface. In water, in particular, this effect combines with generic orientational preferences induced by spatial asymmetry of water hydrogen bonding under confined geometry, which may give rise to a Janus interface. The two effects manifest themselves in considerable dependence of water polarization on both the field direction relative to the interface and the polarity (sign) of the field. Using molecular simulations, we demonstrate strong field-induced orientational forces acting on apolar surfaces through water mediation. At a field strength comparable to electric fields around a DNA polyion, the torques we predict to act on an adjacent nanoparticle are sufficient to overcome thermal fluctuations. These torques can align a particle with surface as small as 1 nm2. The mechanism can support electrically controlled ordering of suspended nanoparticles as a means of tuning their properties and can find application in electro-nanomechanical devices.
Matrix representation for genetic algorithms

A matrix representation for genetic algorithmsBradley C. Wallet, David J. Marchette, and Jeffery L. SolkaNaval Surface Warfare CenterDahigren, Virginia 22448ABSTRACTMany problems have a structure with an inherently two (or higher) dimensional nature. Unfortu—nately, the classical method of representing problems when using Genetic Algorithms (GAs) is ofa linear nature. We develop a genome representation with a related crossover mechanism whichpreserves spatial relationships for two dimensional problems. We then explore how crossoverdisruption rates relate to the spatial structure of the problem space.After discussing why a more appropriate representation is needed and exploring the theoreticalaspects of our method, we empirically test our method to verify that it will be effective. Wedevelop an easily understood abstracted class of problems with a two dimensional structure. AMonte Carlo study comparing the GAs using the string and matrix methods on a number of mem-bers of this problem class is then conducted. Results are presented which clearly show that forthis particular problem, a matrix oriented GA should be used.Given our success in applying the matrix representation to an abstracted problem, we apply ourmethods to a real world image processing problem. We develop a method for using a GA with amatrix representation to denoise a greyscale image, and we apply this method to a noisy image.Finally, we discuss further ways in which to extend this work. Possible future image processingapplications include various problems such as filter design, segmentation and edge detection.Other applications include semi-parametric density estimation, nonlinear multiple regression andsolutions of multi-parameter multi-equation systems. We also discuss how problems wherehigher dimensional structures might be employed to further generalize our work to cases otherthan two dimensional problems.KEYWORDSGenetic Algorithms, rich data structures, matrix representation, crossover, prisoner's dilemma,spatial optimization, image processing, random fields, image reconstruction.1 INTRODUCTIONTraditionally, genetic algorithms (GAs) have used a binary bit string to represent the problemspace. Crossover, the primary mechanism for GA search, therefore takes on a very linear nature.Many problems encountered are inherently two dimensional in nature. Problems of this type for
Real-time streaming of environmental field data

Field measurements in the environmental sciences still depend upon the pencil and paper notebook for data collection. Although robust, this method is labor-intensive and susceptible to recording and georeferencing errors during transcription. Recent advances in mobile computing and wireless communications allow the geoscientist to process and transmit data while still in the field, thereby minimizing human errors and time delays. We describe an integrated system developed for environmental and geolocation data acquisition that is intended to streamline the collection process. The system consists of software applications and hardware components that enable wireless, mobile and Internet computing during field campaigns. In particular, two-way transfer and display of collected data is achieved between the field site and a remote location, a concept referred to as field data streaming. A prototype system has been tested in field trials in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA and Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. Field studies demonstrate the noticeable gains in efficiency and precision achieved with the use of the field streaming technology. Potential applications include biogeochemical and hydrologic studies, water quality monitoring, emergency response to water-borne disasters and intensive field sampling campaigns.
Effect of Pore Topology and Accessibility on Gas Adsorption Capacity in Zeolitic-Imidazolate Frameworks: Bringing Molecular Simulation Close to Experiment

When all cages are assumed to be accessible, popular force fields such as universal force field (UFF) and DREIDING dramatically overpredicted gas adsorption capacity in two widely studied zeolitic−...
Highlighting disputed claims on the web

We describe Dispute Finder, a browser extension that alerts a user when information they read online is disputed by a source that they might trust. Dispute Finder examines the text on the page that the user is browsing and highlights any phrases that resemble known disputed claims. If a user clicks on a highlighted phrase then Dispute Finder shows them a list of articles that support other points of view.Dispute Finder builds a database of known disputed claims by crawling web sites that already maintain lists of disputed claims, and by allowing users to enter claims that they believe are disputed. Dispute Finder identifies snippets that make known disputed claims by running a simple textual entailment algorithm inside the browser extension, referring to a cached local copy of the claim database.In this paper, we explain the design of Dispute Finder, and the trade-offs between the various design decisions that we explored.
Administration of memantine during withdrawal mitigates overactivity and spatial learning impairments associated with neonatal alcohol exposure in rats

Background: Prenatal alcohol exposure can disrupt central nervous system development, manifesting as behavioral deficits that include motor, emotional, and cognitive dysfunction. Both clinical and animal studies have reported binge drinking during development to be highly correlated with an increased risk of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). We hypothesized that binge drinking may be especially damaging because it is associated with episodes of alcohol withdrawal. Specifically, we have been investigating the possibility that NMDA receptor-mediated excitotoxicity occurs during alcohol withdrawal and contributes to developmental alcohol-related neuropathology. Consistent with this hypothesis, administration of the NMDA receptor antagonists MK-801 or eliprodil during withdrawal attenuates behavioral alterations associated with early alcohol exposure. In this study, we investigated the effects of memantine, a clinically used NMDA receptor antagonist, on minimizing ethanol-induced overactivity and spatial learning deficits. Methods: Sprague–Dawley pups were exposed to 6.0 g/kg ethanol via intubation on postnatal day (PD) 6, a period of brain development that models late gestation in humans. Controls were intubated with a calorically matched maltose solution. During withdrawal, 24 and 36 hours after ethanol exposure, subjects were injected with a total of either 0, 20, or 30 mg/kg memantine. The subjects’ locomotor levels were recorded in open field activity monitors on PDs 18 to 21 and on a serial spatial discrimination reversal learning task on PDs 40 to 43. Results: Alcohol exposure induced overactivity and impaired performance in spatial learning. Memantine administration significantly attenuated the ethanol-associated behavioral alterations in a dose-dependent manner. Thus, memantine may be neuroprotective when administered during ethanol withdrawal.
The transition phase in near-equiatomic TiNi alloy

Abstract The transformation of the parent b.c.c. phase of the TiNi intermetallic to the 9A cubic transition structure was studied by utilizing electron microscopy and diffraction. Very thin domain shaped precipitates are observed to form in samples annealed and slowly cooled from higher temperatures. The precipitate particles were densely distributed within the grains of the parent phase These produced reflections at the 1 3 position of the fundamental reflection of the b.c.c. phase in electron diffraction patterns. In certain orientations of the foil, reflections from the precipitate phase appeared as satellite spots around a diffused main reflection and are analysed to be from four different (111) precipitate habits statistically distributed as a domain structure.
Development of model-based publication for scientific communication.

We are developing a new set of computational tools to support the evaluation, understanding, sharing and publication of computational models of the nervous system. This is intended to lay the ground work for making models, rather than, as present, the written description of models, the base for scientific publication in neuroscience. The project is organized around ongoing research and development of the GENESIS modeling system. However, the publication system is designed to be platform independent as it adheres to the CBI federated software architecture [1].
A Small Conserved Domain of Drosophila PERIOD Is Important for Circadian Phosphorylation, Nuclear Localization, and Transcriptional Repressor Activity

We identify in this study a 27-amino-acid motif which is conserved between the Drosophila melanogaster period protein (PER) and the three mammalian PERs. Characterization of PER lacking this motif (PER) shows that it is important for phosphorylation of Drosophila PER by casein kinase I (CKI; doubletime protein or DBT) and CKII. S2 cell assays indicate that the domain also contributes significantly to PER nuclear localization as well as to PER transcriptional repressor activity. These two phenomena appear linked, since PER transcriptional repressor activity in S2 cells was restored when nuclear localization was facilitated. Two less direct assays of PER activity in flies can be interpreted similarly. The separate assay of nuclear import and export suggests that the domain functions in part to facilitate PER phosphorylation within the cytoplasm, which in turn promotes nuclear entry. As there is evidence that the kinases also function within the nucleus to promote transcriptional repression, we suggest that there is a subsequent collaboration between phosphorylated PER and the kinases to repress CLK-CYC activity, probably through the phosphorylation of CLK. This is then followed by additional PER phosphorylation, which occurs within the nucleus and leads to PER degradation.
An optimal Steiner tree algorithm for a net whose terminals lie on the perimeter of a rectangle

Given a set of input points, the rectilinear Steiner tree problem is to find a minimal-length tree consisting of vertical and horizontal line segments that connects the input points, where it is possible to add new points to minimize the length of the tree. The restricted Steiner tree problem in which all the input points lie on the boundary of a rectangle frequently occurs in VLSI physical design. Since the fastest published algorithm is cubic in the size of the point set, VLSI designers have been forced to use heuristic approximations to the length of the Steiner tree for this problem. A simple, practical, linear-time exact algorithm for finding the Steiner tree for points lying on the boundary of a rectangle which obviates the need for some heuristic algorithms in VLSI design is presented. The analysis of the algorithm is based on the use of a tie-breaking rule that should prove useful for other Steiner tree problems. >
Capital Structure with Endogenous Liquidation Values

Asset liquidation values are an important determinant of distress costs and therefore optimal capital structure. Capital structure theories typically assume liquidation values are exogenous even though they may be determined in part by the debt choices of firms in the industry (Shleifer and Vishny, 1992; Pulvino, 1998). We develop a model in which high industry debt leads to a greater supply of assets for sale by distressed firms but also lower demand for assets from relatively healthy firms because of debt overhang. Thus, high industry debt lowers expected asset liquidation values and provides an incentive for individual firms to take on less debt to take advantage of attractive future buying opportunities. The indirect effect of equilibrium asset prices tempers, and sometimes reverses, the effect of parameters on optimal capital structure choices compared to models with exogenous prices. For example, we show that firms may choose lower debt ratios when assets are more redeployable, contrary to standard intuition (Williamson, 1988).
Bridging the gap for future educators and researchers in electric energy systems

The power system education and research program at Howard University is discussed. The research of four students covering various areas of energy systems is reported. The projects are: (1) voltage collapse studies of typical power networks; (2) automated loss calculations and system planning; (3) impact of cogenerators on the stability of a typical power system network; and (4) a data bridge program for three different power flow programs. Brief summaries of the procedure, results, and conclusions are presented. >
Treatment of Sickle Cell Leg Ulcers with Pentoxifylline

A 58-year-old black man with leg ulcers of 43 years duration responded to pentoxifylline 400 mg tid in 8 months. The ability of pentoxifylline to increase erythrocyte flexibility and decrease blood viscosity was the basis for our use of this agent. Oral pentoxifylline may be a useful adjunct in healing sickle cell leg ulcers and preventing their recurrence.
Ballistic energy transport along PEG chains: distance dependence of the transport efficiency

Dual-frequency relaxation-assisted two-dimensional infrared (RA 2DIR) spectroscopy was used to investigate energy transport in polyethylene glycol (PEG) oligomers of different length, having 0, 4, 8, and 12 repeating units and end-labeled with azido and succinimide ester moieties (azPEGn). The energy transport initiated by excitation of the NN stretching mode of the azido group in azPEGn in CCl4 at ca. 2100 cm−1 was recorded by probing the CO stretching modes (reporters) of the succinimide ester moiety. Sensitive to the excess energy delivered to the reporter modes, RA 2DIR permits observation of both the through-bond and through-solvent energy transport contributions. The cross-peak data involving the reporter modes with different thermal sensitivity and the data for mixtures of compounds permitted concluding that through-bond energy transport is the dominant mechanism for most cross peaks in all four azPEGn compounds. The through-bond energy transport time, evaluated as the waiting time at which the cross peak maximum is reached, was found to be linearly dependent on the chain length of up to 60 A, suggesting a ballistic energy transport regime. The through-bond energy transport speed determined from the chain-length dependence of Tmax in CCl4 is found to be ca. 450 m s−1. The cross-peak amplitude at the maximum decays exponentially with the chain length; a characteristic decay distance is found to be 15.7 ± 1 A. The cross-peak amplitude at zero waiting time, determined by the end-to-end distance distribution, is found to decay with the chain length (L) as ∼L−1.4, which is close to predictions of the free flight chain model. The match indicates that the end-group interaction does not strongly perturb the end-to-end distribution, which is close to the ideal random coil distribution with the Gaussian probability density.
Who We Are: (In)visible African American Women Setting Traditions of Excellence and Paving Paths for Transformation.

The purpose of this lecture is to provide the voice and visibility of African American women who have upheld the tradition of excellence set by Amy Morris Homans in the development of physical education in higher education for women and set pathways to transition our field to be more inclusive and diverse and have served as transformative leaders and role models for me and countless other teachers, scholars, and administrators. I used a combination of personal experiences and reflections on the legacy of Amy Morris Homans to describe how our collective wisdom, strength, and resilience in the face of social, political, and historical barriers have enabled us all to transform physical education and kinesiology in higher education. Final recommendations include continued commitment to facing our fears and making conscious efforts to embrace opportunities to be more inclusive in our programs.
Experimental Verification of a Passive-Assist Design Approach for Improved Reliability and Efficiency of Robot Arms

This paper experimentally validates the simulation model developed in previous work to improve the reliability and efficiency of robot arms via a passive-assist design approach. Specifically, this procedure alters the mechanical design of a robot arm by incorporating a parallel spring designed to reduce the peak motor torque and energy required to perform a specified maneuver. Our experiment consisted of a single link robot arm, worm gear transmission, DC motor, sensors, and a PC based controller. We experimentally demonstrated that our model is accurate to within 3% and that the addition of a well-designed spring can reduce peak motor torques by ∼50% and energy consumption by as much as 25%.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Using epitope predictions to evaluate efficacy and population coverage of the Mtb72f vaccine for tuberculosis

The Mtb72f subunit vaccine for tuberculosis, currently in clinical trials, is hoped to provide improved protection compared to the current BCG vaccine. It is not clear, however, whether Mtb72f would be equally protective in the different human populations suffering from a high burden of tuberculosis. Previous work by Hebert and colleagues demonstrated that the PPE18 protein of Mtb72f had significant variability in a sample of clinical M. tuberculosis isolates. However, whether this variation might impact the efficacy of Mtb72f in the context of the microbial and host immune system interactions remained to be determined. The present study assesses Mtb72f's predicted efficacy in people with different DRB1 genotypes to predict whether the vaccine will protect against diverse clinical strains of M. tuberculosis in a diverse host population. We evaluated the binding of epitopes in the vaccine to different alleles of the human DRB1 Class II MHC protein using freely available epitope prediction programs and compared protein sequences from clinical isolates to the sequences included in the Mtb72f vaccine. This analysis predicted that the Mtb72f vaccine would be less effective for several DRB1 genotypes, due either to limited vaccine epitope binding to the DRB1 proteins or to binding primarily by unconserved PPE18 epitopes. Furthermore, we found that these less-protective DRB1 alleles are found at a very high frequency in several populations with a high burden of tuberculosis. Although the Mtb72f vaccine candidate has shown promise in animal and clinical trials thus far, it may not be optimally effective in some genotypic backgrounds. Due to variation in both M. tuberculosis protein sequences and epitope-binding capabilities of different HLA alleles, certain human populations with a high burden of tuberculosis may not be optimally protected by the Mtb72f vaccine. The efficacy of the Mtb72f vaccine should be further examined in these particular populations to determine whether additional protective measures might be necessary for these regions.
A comparative study of matrix measures for maximum likelihood texture classification

The performance of various matrix features in classifying synthetic and natural textures is compared by using the features directly in a maximum likelihood texture classifier. The matrix texture features examined are the spatial gray-level dependence matrix (SGLDM), the neighboring gray-level dependence matrix (NGLDM) and the neighboring spatial gray-level dependence matrix (NSGLDM). It is shown that, in general, for natural textures that are stochastic in nature, any of the texture features based on the NGLDM for distance (d) equal to 1 would be good choices as measures for texture classification. The parameter alpha should be chosen to maximize classification performance. For d=1, these measures require much fewer computations than the SGLDM with comparable performance. Also, the NGLDM-based measure require fewer computations for d=1 than for larger distances. For highly structured textures that may be characterized by large primitive elements, the NSGLDM can be used to extract texture information at larger distances while maintaining its relative computational efficiency. >
Critical Care Oncology

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Enhanced critical care capabilities have contributed substantially to improved survival. Critical care may be needed on a short-term basis for the complications of the underlying malignancy or of aggressive antineoplastic therapy. This chapter covers the changes in the central nervous system in patients with cancer admitted to the ICU. It covers oncological emergencies such as spinal cord compression, electrolyte abnormalities, and tumor lysis syndrome. A comprehensive review of diagnostic modalities in these patients is also covered.
Technology leverage and a sustainable society: a call for technology forecasting that anticipates innovation

We argue that economic value to society is created by converting input resources into valued outputs though the application of technology. To support this argument, the concept of technology leverage is introduced, and it is noted that the same input resource can be converted into different output values depending upon the technology employed in the conversion process and the state of technical innovation at the time the conversion occurs. This implies that through as yet unrealised innovations, future generations may create greater value for the same amount of resource than is currently possible. This difference has significant ramifications for current day resource allocation decisions. In addition to more conventional conservation arguments, technology leverage also recognises that the future value of retaining resources, especially non-renewable ones, may be evaluated using real option valuation techniques. These concepts are helpful in determining more comprehensive policies relating to resource allocation decisions.
Study of unit cell configurations for an all-dielectric metamaterial

In this paper, we present the results of EM field and scattering parameter spectra simulations and measurements for unit cells composed from two cylindrical resonators. The backward wave observations in such unit cells demonstrated a complicated character that has not been reported before.
The Oklahoma Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura–Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome Registry: a program for patient care, education and research

The Oklahoma Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura-Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (TTP-HUS) Registry was created by collaboration of the Oklahoma Blood Institute and the Colleges of Medicine and Public Health of the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, combining their respective strengths of community service, patient care, education, and clinical research methodology. The organization of the Registry is based on the fundamental principles of patient-oriented research: 1) all consecutive patients are identified at a uniform time early in the course of their disease; 2) analysis of clinical data requires quantitative and reproducible definitions; 3) patient follow-up is complete; and 4) therefore the data are generalizable to community practice. A summary of 15 years experience with 301 consecutive patients is presented. Some of these results and interpretations are different from other case series. These differences emphasize the distinct perspective of the Registry that includes all patients in the community who have had a clinical diagnosis of TTP or HUS and for whom plasma-exchange treatment was requested. The Oklahoma TTP-HUS Registry provides educational and research opportunities, in addition to improved patient care, and serves as a model for productive collaboration of community blood centers and universities.
A Review of Integration Strategies to Support Gene Regulatory Network Construction

Gene regulatory network (GRN) construction is a central task of systems biology. Integration of different data sources to infer and construct GRNs is an important consideration for the success of this effort. In this paper, we will discuss distinctive strategies of data integration for GRN construction. Basically, the process of integration of different data sources is divided into two phases: the first phase is collection of the required data and the second phase is data processing with advanced algorithms to infer the GRNs. In this paper these two phases are called “structural integration” and “analytic integration,” respectively. Compared with the nonintegration strategies, the integration strategies perform quite well and have better agreement with the experimental evidence.
Induction of a β-phaseolin promoter by exogenous abscisic acid in tobacco: developmental regulation and modulation by external sucrose and Ca2+ ions

Phaseolin genes are induced by unidentified factors at the onset of seed maturation in embryos of both Phaseolus and tobacco. We show that in tobacco, expression of a β-phaseolin promoter-GUS (PHSβ-uidA) mRNA and the corresponding GUS activity, could be induced by abscisic acid (ABA). The effect paralleled an increase in the amount of endogenous 12S globulin (Glb12S) mRNA. In contrast, ABA repressed the expression of isocitrate lyase (ll9) mRNA. The responses of PHSβ-uidA and Glb12S to ABA declined markedly between 11 and 13 DAF, indicating that they are developmentally regulated. We also show evidence that the ABA response of PHSβ-uidA can be modulated by the external concentrations of sucrose and Ca2+ ion. These compounds inhibited the response if added to the medium separately, in the concentration ranges of 80-200 mM for sucrose and 0.76–20 mM for CaCl2. However, the presence of both sucrose and CaCl2 restored the ABA response to 20–40% of the maximum value measured in sucrose- and CaCl2-free media. These results suggest that ABA induction of β-phaseolin gene expression is modulated by developmental signals and by the external supply of sucrose and calcium to the embryos.
Sandusky's Victims: Compensation, Vindication, and Blame

In a select group of high-profile cases, compensation funds have begun to emerge as an alternative to tort law. After the tragic events of September 11, 2001, Congress created a Victim Compensation Fund for the families of those killed, and then expanded the fund in 2010 to cover first responders and others who suffered from long-term injuries in the aftermath of the attack. After the Deep Horizon Oil Spill in April 2010, BP established a compensation fund mostly to pay those who could prove they had suffered economic loss. Most recently, a compensation fund was created to compensate victims in the sex abuse case involving Earl Bradley, a Delaware pediatrician whose decades-long abuse of small children has caused untold physical and emotional suffering.The cases that have given rise to these compensation schemes have little in common. This article explores the principal distinctions among them, and concludes that it is difficult to discern any rhyme or reason to the circumstances that give rise to compensation funds, or to the justification or shape of these funds when they are established. In the course of this project, the article sets forth some ground rules for deciding whether a compensation fund is a justifiable in particular cases. With this analysis as backdrop, I then make the argument that the sex abuse case involving Penn State employee Jerry Sandusky case is an especially apt candidate for a compensation fund, and that the fund created to settle the civil case against Earl Bradley case provides a useful (though not perfect) template to follow in fashioning relief. The article concludes with a few more general observations on the special suitability of compensation funds to sex abuse cases.
Rapid avatar capture and simulation using commodity depth sensors

We demonstrate a method of acquiring a 3D model of a human using commodity scanning hardware and then controlling that 3D figure in a simulated environment in only a few minutes. The model acquisition requires four static poses taken at 90i¾? angles relative to each other. The 3D model is then given a skeleton and smooth binding information necessary for control and simulation. The 3D models that are captured are suitable for use in applications where recognition and distinction among characters by shape, form, or clothing is important, such as small group or crowd simulations or other socially oriented applications. Because of the speed at which a human figure can be captured and the low hardware requirements, this method can be used to capture, track, and model human figures as their appearances change over time. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
STOP-BANG questionnaire as a screening tool for diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea by unattended portable monitoring sleep study

The Snoring, Tiredness, Observed apnea, high blood Pressure (STOP)-Body mass index (BMI), Age, Neck circumference, and Gender (BANG) questionnaire is a well validated screening tool for diagnosis of Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) by an in- lab sleep study. However, performance of STOP-BANG as a screening tool for diagnosis of OSA in patients undergoing portable monitoring (PM) sleep study has not been well validated. We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients older than 18 years who had unattended portable monitoring sleep study done at a VA medical center between June 2012 and October 2014. STOP-BANG questionnaire and Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) were routinely done prior to study. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value (PPV) various STOP-BANG score thresholds were calculated for diagnosis of OSA defined by Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) ≥5. Out of 502 unattended portable monitoring sleep studies, there were 465 males and 37 females. STOP-BANG thresholds of ≥2 and 3 have high sensitivity of 99.8 and 98.9 %, respectively, but very low specificity. Higher score thresholds of ≥7 and 8 have high specificity of 95 and 98.3 %, and PPV of 98.1 and 98.5 %, respectively, but very low sensitivity. A threshold of ≥7 in patients with BMI ≥30 was 100 % specific. The false negative rate for unattended portable monitoring sleep study compared to in-lab study was 80 %. STOP-BANG score thresholds of ≥7 and 8 are highly specific and have high PPV and therefore can potentially reduce need of diagnostic sleep studies in selected patients. Score thresholds of ≤2 or 3 are highly sensitive for AHI ≥5 by unattended portable monitoring sleep study but have high false negative rates. Therefore, in-lab sleep study should be performed to rule out OSA.
Siloxane D4 adsorption by mesoporous aluminosilicates

Abstract This study deals with the development and exploration of new zeolite-type materials with mesoporosity for siloxane adsorption. The mesopores in the adsorbents are preferred for adsorption of relatively large siloxanes, such as octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4) (∼10 A). Mesoporous aluminosilicate (UCT-15) is a zeolite-type material in the family of mesoporous oxide materials developed at the University of Connecticut (UCT). In this study, UCT-15 materials are synthesized, using different aluminum dopant amounts and calcination heating rates to obtain tunable textural properties. The synthesized materials are applied in biogas cleanup, particularly the adsorption of siloxane D4. Under room temperature and 1.79 mg/h D4 feed rate, the best adsorption performance (105 mg/g adsorption capacity) is found for mesoporous aluminosilicate synthesized with a Si:Al = 5 and a 10 °C/min calcination heating rate, because of its large BET surface area, external surface area, mesopore volume, and total pore volume. In the best case scenario, more than twice the amount of D4 is adsorbed by the synthesized mesoporous aluminosilicate, compared with commercial ZSM-5. Moreover, the external surface area and mesopore volume are the most influential adsorbent textual properties that affect the adsorption capacity. Furthermore, polymerization of the adsorbed D4 is investigated and attributed to the adsorbent surface hydroxyl groups.