cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Children's Road Crossing A Window Into Perceptual–Motor Development

Most research on perceptual–motor development has focused on changes occurring during infancy and toddlerhood. In this paper, we describe our work on the development of perceptual–motor development during late childhood and early adolescence in the context of an important applied problem: bicycling across traffic-filled roads. Specifically, we have examined the gaps between cars that children and adults accept when bicycling across intersections, using an immersive, interactive bicycling simulator. This work highlights both methodological advances in using immersive, interactive virtual environments to study perceptual–motor functioning as well as theoretical advances in understanding the problem of moving the self in relation to other moving objects. We conclude with ideas for future research and practical implications of this work.
Mammography rates after the 2009 US Preventive Services Task Force breast cancer screening recommendation.

Abstract Objective To measure the impact of the 2009 US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) breast cancer screening recommendation, which recommended against routine screening for women aged 40 to 49 and stated that there was “insufficient evidence” to recommend screening for women aged 75 and older, on mammography rates. Methods Self-reported mammography rates were calculated using the 2006–2010 Medical Expenditure Panel Surveys (n = 29,857). The paper reports mammography rates by age group (40 to 49, 50 to 74, and 75 and older), adjusted for age, race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and region. The study was performed at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, USA in 2012. Results Differences in mammography rates between 2010 and earlier years were not significant. Among women aged 40–49, biennial mammography rates declined by − 0.5 percentage points between 2006 to 2009 and 2010 (95% confidence interval [CI]: − 3.0 to 1.9; p = 0.67). Among women aged 50–74, rates declined by − 0.07 percentage points (95% CI: − 1.8 to 1.7; p = 0.93). Among women aged 75 years and older, rates declined by − 0.1 percentage points (95% CI: − 4.2 to 3.9; p = 0.94). Conclusion The revision to the USPSTF breast cancer screening recommendation did not affect screening patterns.
Relation between chubby cheeks and visceral fat.

To the Editor: An upper-body distribution of fat, especially with increased visceral fat, is more predictive of the metabolic complications of obesity than is the degree of overweight.1 Insulin res...
CT Reconstruction of an Unusual Chronic Posttraumatic Aneurysm of the Thoracic Aorta

Chronic traumatic aneurysm of the thoracic aorta is an unusual occurrence. Previously, arteriography was performed on all patients seen in our institution with this entity to allow confirmation of the diagnosis and anatomic delineation for operation. A case of chronic traumatic aneurysm of the distal descending aorta discovered on a routine chest roentgenogram and evaluated with chest computed tomographic scanning with three-dimensional reconstruction is presented. It is our belief that not all thoracic aneurysms require arteriography, and improved methods of computed tomographic scanning allow adequate diagnosis and anatomic delineation with decreased morbidity and cost.
Plasma hyperosmolality stimulates leptin secretion acutely by a vasopressin-adrenal mechanism.

Glucose administration to rodents acutely stimulates leptin secretion. To investigate the mechanism, rats were infused intravenously with various concentrations of glucose, and plasma leptin concen...
Efficient use of protection bandwidth and switching resources in optical WDM networks

Feature Issue on Photonics in SwitchingWe propose a method for simultaneously achieving high resource usage efficiency in terms of both bandwidth and switching resources in protected optical WDM networks. Branch points in protection bandwidth have previously been shown to lead to slower recovery times. We show that branch avoidance may also lead to more efficient use of resources within optical switches. Through our experimental simulations of our online algorithm with an incremental traffic model, we have found that considering bandwidth alone leads to inefficient use of switching resources. Similarly, total elimination of branching leads to inefficient bandwidth usage. However, taking a balanced approach leads to high efficiency with both resources.
Unique Limnological Phenomena Affecting Water Quality of Hamilton Harbour, Lake Ontario

Some unique limnological features and phenomena of Hamilton Harbour, namely (1) substantial exchange of water with Lake Ontario through a ship canal reducing the harbor's residence time by sixty percent, diluting concentrations of pollutants and oxygenating its hypolimnetic water; (2) a high degree of physical variability, resulting in oscillations, mixing, and unstable thermal structure; (3) high concentrations of suspended matter and reduced light regime controlling the development and composition of algal blooms; (4) discrepancy in the total phosphorus versus chlorophyll relationship; and (5) extremely high nitrogen to phosphorus ratios (over 100:1), favoring chlorophytes rather then more objectionable cyanophytes), are analyzed and their ameliorating effects on water quality assessed. These phenomena prevent the water quality of the harbor from reaching critical conditions, considering the high loading rates of nutrients and contaminants. Without their beneficial effects, the concentrations of pollutants per unit volume and algal biomass would be about fifty percent higher.
Economies of type: the public quest for cheap printing

This poster tracks the ways social media users associate discourse surrounding typeface and cost of ink in order to analyze the circulation of sustainable design on social media and the implications for professional writers, technical communicators, and designers. I will track the circulation of Pixart's Printing "The True Cost of Printing in Comic Sans" infographic across Pinterest and analyze the way(s) this visual is tagged by users. As a preliminary discourse analysis, this poster collects and analyzes public conversations as qualitative data to investigate how the public places this text on the cost of printing typefaces in different discourse communities in order to show awareness or interest of sustainable design.
Nuclear [3H]4-hydroxytamoxifen (4-OHTAM)- and [3H]estradiol (E2)-estrogen receptor complexes in the MCF-7 breast cancer and GH3 pituitary tumor cell lines

Nuclear [3H]4-OHTAM-ER complexes extracted by 0.6 M KCl from the MCF-7 human breast cancer and the GH3 rat pituitary tumor cell lines, sedimented as a 5S form on sucrose gradients after 1 to 24 h exposure to ligand (20 nM). The nuclear [3H]4-OHTAM-ER from MCF-7 cells increased from 2 +/- 0.2 pmoles/mg DNA at 1 h to approximately 4 +/- 0.1 pmoles/mg DNA at 6 and 24 h. In the GH3 cells the nuclear binding of [3H]4-OHTAM increased rapidly, and there was no significant difference in the receptor levels at 1 and 6 h (10 +/- 1.3 and 8.9 +/- 1.1 pmoles/mg DNA, respectively). At 24 h there was a decrease in [3H]4-OHTAM-ER levels (7.0 +/- 0.2 pmoles/mg DNA); however, this was due primarily to an increase in DNA synthesis, which occurred in these cells by 24 h. It appears that in both cell lines there is no processing of nuclear [3H]4-OHTAM-ER, and it is not associated with changes in sedimentation coefficient of the complex. When both cell lines were incubated with [3H]E2 (20 nM), processing of the nuclear [3H]E2-ER occurred over 6 h. In the MCF-7 cells there was a decrease in receptor content within 6 h from 3.2 +/- 0.2 to 0.9 +/- 0.2 pmoles/mg DNA. The nuclear [3H]E2-ER in the GH3 cells decreased from 7.3 +/- 0.5 to 2.8 +/- 0.3 pmoles/mg DNA. Although these cell lines appeared to process the [3H]E2-ER complex, the nuclear forms of [3H]E2-ER were different.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Sulfur Mustard-Induced Biochemical Alterations in Proliferating Human Cells in Culture

AbstractHuman epidermal keratinocytes (HEK), human epithelial tumor cells (HeLa), and actively proliferating human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) were used as in vitro model systems to investigate the biochemical sequelae of sulfur mustard-induced injury. Sulfur mustard exposure of all three proliferating cell types resulted in inhibition of cell cycle progression in the early S phase. Cytotoxicity due to sulfur mustard was higher in proliferating, mitogenstimulated PBL than in resting PBL. Niacinamide, an inhibitor of the nuclear enzyme poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase, partially prevented the loss of cellular NAD + in sulfur mustard-treated cells. Niacinamide also protected against the cytotoxic effects of sulfur mustard for 24 hr. However, this protection waned when cell growth was allowed to proceed up to 72 hr.
In vivo adaptation of SHIVSF162: Chimeric virus expressing a NSI, CCR5-specific envelope protein

The chemokine receptor CCR5 is known to be a critical determinant of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission and pathogenesis in the human host. Towards the development of a macaque model to evaluate the efficacy of vaccines and therapeutics against infection with CCR5-specific viruses, and to delineate the pathogenic properties of such viruses, we constructed a chimeric simian human immunodeficiency virus, SHIV(SF162), containing the env, tat, rev, and vpu genes from HIV-1(SF162) (R5, MT/NSI) in the context of the molecular clone simian immunodeficiency virus, SIV(mac239). Virus generated from this molecular clone was used to intravenously infect two juvenile macaques, followed by three consecutive serial blood/bone marrow transfusions. Animals infected with parental SHIV(SF162) (P1) had detectable levels of viral replication (as determined by p27(gag) production) within days of infection; however, viral set-points fell below detection by Week 3. Late passage animals (P3 and P4) had a two-log increase in the level of plasma p27(gag) antigen. These results demonstrate that in vivo serial passage of the R5-specific SHIV(SF162) enhanced its replicative capacity.
Further observations on the in vitro activity of the anti-hemolytic streptococcus factor present in saliva.

Abstract The anti-beta hemolytic streptococcus factor was found to be intimately associated with the in vitro metabolism of actively growing oral microorganisms. A relationship was noted between the numbers of oral microbial colonies and the relative concentration of the inhibiting agent. The factor was found to be distinct from biogenic hydrogen peroxide and acid production.
Ferroelectric instability under screened Coulomb interactions.

We explore the effect of charge carrier doping on ferroelectricity using density functional calculations and phenomenological modeling. By considering a prototypical ferroelectric material, ${\mathrm{BaTiO}}_{3}$, we demonstrate that ferroelectric displacements are sustained up to the critical concentration of 0.11 electron per unit cell volume. This result is consistent with experimental observations and reveals that the ferroelectric phase and conductivity can coexist. Our investigations show that the ferroelectric instability requires only a short-range portion of the Coulomb force with an interaction range of the order of the lattice constant. These results provide a new insight into the origin of ferroelectricity in displacive ferroelectrics and open opportunities for using doped ferroelectrics in novel electronic devices.
Medical librarians' uses and perceptions of social tagging.

In social tagging, in contrast to taxonomies developed by subject specialists using authorized terms (determined by professionals), people use their own keywords to describe websites for future discovery and retrieval. The resulting list of tags of information and objects is often termed a “folksonomy,” a classification done by untrained individuals (folks) [1]. According to a December 2006 Pew Internet & American Life Project survey of 2,373 individuals, 28% of Americans have tagged content on Internet sites [2]. Use of tagging tools was unrelated to income, age, or ethnic group. The study reported here documents how medical librarians use and perceive this relatively new way to describe information resources.
Alignment with the Horizontal Plane: Evidence for an Orientation Constraint in the Perception of Shape

In order to convert a 2-D image to a 3-D percept, the visual system must apply constraints that maximize the chances that the result will be unique and veridical. Previously proposed constraints include one that maximizes the symmetry of the percept, and one that maximizes its compactness (Li et al, 2009 Vision Research49 979–991). Analysis of the 3-D percepts elicited by certain 2-D forms suggests the action of an additional constraint, favoring the alignment of the surfaces and/or axis of symmetry of the perceived object with the horizontal plane.
Comparison of Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization, p57 Immunostaining, Flow Cytometry, and Digital Image Analysis for Diagnosing Molar and Nonmolar Products of Conception

Pathologic examination of products of conception (POC) is used to differentiate hydropic abortus (HA), partial hydatidiform mole (PM), and complete hydatidiform mole (CM). Histologic classification of POC specimens can be difficult, and ancillary testing is often required for a definitive diagnosis. This study evaluated 66 POC specimens by flow cytometry, digital image analysis, p57 immunohistochemical analysis, and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). The final diagnosis, based on the combined analysis of all test results, included 33 HAs, 24 PMs, and 9 CMs. The p57 immunostain identified 9 CMs that were evaluated as nontriploid by all other techniques. FISH seems to have the best accuracy (100%) for determining whether a specimen contains a triploid chromosome complement. These data suggest that the combination of p57 and FISH seems to be the best ancillary testing strategy to aid pathologists in the appropriate identification of CM, PM, and HA in POC specimens.
End effect in semi-infinite transversely isotropic cylinders.

A series solution is obtained for the problem of a semi-infinite solid cylinder, whose end is subjected to an axisymmetric self-equilibrated system of displacements or tractions. The cylinder exhibits transverse isotropy with respect to the cylindrical axis, and the cylindrical surface is stress free. Computational difficulties associated with the exact elastic analysis of the corresponding isotropic problem have greatly restricted the usuable results, and even the plausibility of completeness of this solution has never been demonstrated. In the present work on transversely isotropic cylinders, the question of completeness remains open; but it is shown to be very probable by consideration of a particular displacement boundary value problem that offers a rather severe test of the solution to satisfy boundary conditions adequately. The exponential decay of the field variables along the cylindrical axis for this particular problem is portrayed graphically. Finally, it is pointed out that the capability of present generation computers make the exact analysis of the end-effect problem considerably more attractive than it has been in the past.
Bladder fullness detection using multiple electrodes

An investigation has been made of multiple-electrode system to monitor the impedance changes corresponding to volume changes of the urinary bladder, using a finite-element model of the human body. The authors used an adaptive method for determining the optimal currents which would provide maximal impedance changes. They present simulation results and discuss the relationships between impedance change and the number and placement of the electrodes. >
Valuation network representation and solution of asymmetric decision problems

Abstract This paper deals with asymmetric decision problems. We describe a generalization of the valuation network representation and solution technique to enable efficient representation and solution of asymmetric decision problems. The generalization includes the concepts of indicator valuations and effective frames. We illustrate our technique by solving Howard's used car buyer's problem in complete detail. We highlight the contribution of this paper over the symmetric valuation network technique.
Microfabricated microneedles: a novel approach to transdermal drug delivery.

Although modern biotechnology has produced extremely sophisticated and potent drugs, many of these compounds cannot be effectively delivered using current drug delivery techniques (e.g., pills and injections). Transdermal delivery is an attractive alternative, but it is limited by the extremely low permeability of skin. Because the primary barrier to transport is located in the upper 10-15 micron of skin and nerves are found only in deeper tissue, we used a reactive ion etching microfabrication technique to make arrays of microneedles long enough to cross the permeability barrier but not so long that they stimulate nerves, thereby potentially causing no pain. These microneedle arrays could be easily inserted into skin without breaking and were shown to increase permeability of human skin in vitro to a model drug, calcein, by up to 4 orders of magnitude. Limited tests on human subjects indicated that microneedles were reported as painless. This paper describes the first published study on the use of microfabricated microneedles to enhance drug delivery across skin.
The Influence of Scale on School Performance

In this study, we investigate the joint influence of school and district size on school performance among schools with eighth grades (n=367) and schools with eleventh grades in Georgia (n=298). Schools are the unit of analysis in this study because schools are increasingly the unit on which states fix the responsibility to be accountable. The methodology further develops investigations along the line of evidence suggesting that the influence of size is contingent on socioeconomic status (SES). All previous studies have used a single-level regression model (i.e., schools or districts). This study confronts the issue of cross-level interaction of SES and size (i.e., schools and districts) with a single-equation-relative-effects model to interpret the joint influence of school and district size on school performance (i.e., the dependent variable is a school-level variable). It also tests the equity of school-level outcomes jointly by school and district size. Georgia was chosen for study because previous single-level analysis there had revealed no influence of district size on performance (measured at the district level). Findings from this study show substantial cross-level influences of school and district size at the 8th grade, and weaker influences at the 11th grade. The equity effects, however, are strong at both grade levels and show a distinctive pattern of size interactions. Results are interpreted to draw implications for a "structuralist" view of school and district restructuring, with particular concern for schooling to serve impoverished communities. The authors argue the importance of a notion of "scaling" in the system of schooling, advocating the particular need to create smaller districts as well as smaller schools as a route to both school excellence and equity of school outcomes.
The effect of water-to-cement ratio on the hydration kinetics of tricalcium silicate cements: Testing the two-step hydration hypothesis

Abstract Recent efforts to model tricalcium silicate based cements assume a two-step hydration mechanism where, in the first step, the empty space between cement particles rapidly fills with a low density calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) and in the second step, the thus formed C-S-H densifies slowly. This gives rise to models that nicely mimic the shape of experimentally observed hydration calorimetry curves and explains the transition between Stage 3 (acceleration) and Stage 4 (decreasing rate) hydration as well as post Stage 4 continued slow reaction. If this mechanism is correct, however, one would expect that the amount of heat energy released should increase with available space between particles, i.e. with water-to-cement ratio. A series of experiments, wherein the water-to-cement ratio was systematically varied showed little or no increase in total heat released when the water-to-cement ratio was doubled or tripled suggesting that the two-step mechanism may need revision.
Multicast fat-tree data center networks with bounded link oversubscription

Many data center networks (DCNs) adopt a multirooted tree structure called fat-tree, which has the potential to deliver large bisection bandwidth through rich path multiplicity. However, unbalanced traffic load distribution may prevent efficient utilization of such high degree of parallelism. Meanwhile, high bandwidth multicast communication is critical to many data center services and applications. Hence, in this paper we consider multicast traffic load balance problem in fat-tree DCNs from a novel angle, aiming to find the most cost-effective way to build a multicast fat-tree DCN with bounded link oversubscription ratio. First, we present a multi-rate network model to accurately describe the communication environment in a fat-tree DCN. Then, we derive the minimum number of core switches required to achieve bounded link oversubscription ratio under arbitrary multicast traffic. Finally, we provide a comprehensive comparison on the cost of different approaches to building such a multicast fat-tree DCN.
Approximate policy transfer applied to simulated Bongo Board balance

Developing global policies for humanoid robots using dynamic programming is difficult because they have many degrees of freedom. We present a formalism whereby a value function for a humanoid robot can be approximated using the known value functions of similar systems. These similar systems can include approximate models of the robot with reduced dimensionality or trajectories derived from human motion capture data. Once an approximate value function is known, a local controller is used to compute control signals. The approximate value function provides information about the global strategies that should be used to solve the task. The local controller provides complementary information about the robots dynamics. We present an implementation of this strategy and simulation results generated by this implementation.
Structure-function relations in tRNA.

The transfer RNA molecule is able to recognize both specific amino acids and corresponding genetic code words. In so doing, it translates the information encoded in nucleic acid messages into protein products. Multiple discrete steps in this process include amino acid binding, transport to the ribosome, binding to one ribosomal site, peptide bond formation, translocation to another ribosomal site, and release from the ribosome. Initiation of protein synthesis requires different tRNAs as compared to those utilized for the growth of initiated protein chains. Other reactions known to involve tRNA as a reactant include cell wall synthesis, phospholipid synthesis, phosphoserine synthesis, and repression of synthesis of certain amino acid metabolizing enzymes. Knowledge of the three-dimensional structure of tRNA molecules will provide a framework for integrating our understanding of these many metabolic functions.
Honey, I shrunk the pooled SMD! Guide to critical appraisal of systematic reviews and meta-analyses using the Cochrane review on exercise for depression as example

Abstract Problem In several countries, physical activity is now recommended in clinical practice guidelines as an option for the treatment of subthreshold, mild, and moderate adult depression. However, most physicians do not present this option to their patients, attributing their decision to the perception that the supporting research evidence is inadequate. To assist readers in developing a strategy for evaluating pertinent research evidence, the present analysis offers a critical appraisal of the Cochrane systematic review and meta-analysis examining the effects of exercise on depression. Remarkably, successive updates of this review have reported a gradual “shrinkage” of the pooled standardized mean difference associated with exercise by 44%, from −1.10 in 2001 to −0.62 in 2013. Method The analysis evaluated the inclusion and exclusion criteria, the uniformity of rules, the rationale behind protocol changes, the procedures followed in assessing methodological quality, and reporting errors. Results Inspection of the details of the review demystifies the “shrinkage” phenomenon, revealing that it is attributable to specific, questionable methodological choices and the fluidity of the review protocol. Reanalysis of the same database following rational modifications shows that the effect of exercise is large. Restricting the analysis to high-quality trials yields an effect size significantly different from zero. Conclusions Although the clinical value of the Cochrane review is questionable, its educational potential is undeniable. Clinicians, students, referees, editors, systematic reviewers, guideline developers, and policymakers can use the present analysis as a template for evaluating the influence of methodological choices on the conclusions of systematic reviews and meta-analyses.
Cardiovascular Benefits of Dark Chocolate

The use of cacao for health benefits dates back at least 3000 years. Our understanding of cacao has evolved with modern science. It is now felt based on extensive research the main health benefits of cacao stem from epicatechin, a flavanol found in cacao. The process of manufacturing dark chocolate retains epicatechin, whereas milk chocolate does not contain significant amounts of epicatechin. Thus, most of the current research studies are focused on dark chocolate. Both epidemiological and clinical studies suggest a beneficial effect of dark chocolate on blood pressure, lipids, and inflammation. Proposed mechanisms underlying these benefits include enhanced nitric oxide bioavailability and improved mitochondrial structure/function. Ultimately, further studies of this promising compound are needed to elucidate its potential for prevention and treatment of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases as well as other diseases that have underlying mechanisms of mitochondrial dysfunction and nitric oxide deficiency.
Discriminative stimulus effects of the mixed-opioid agonist/antagonist dezocine: cross-substitution by mu and delta opioid agonists

The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the discriminative stimulus effects of the mixed-opioid agonist/antagonist dezocine. In pigeons trained to discriminate 1.7 mg/kg dezocine from saline, a series of opioids with activity at the mu opioid receptor substituted completely for the dezocine stimulus with a rank order of potency similar to that obtained in other assays sensitive to the effects of mu agonists (i.e., fentanyl >[-]-cyclazocine >buprenorphine = butorphanol >l-methadone >nalbuphine >[-]-metazocine >morphine). (-)-N-allylnormetazocine and (+)-propoxyphene substituted partially for the dezocine stimulus, an effect obtained even when tested up to doses that suppressed responding. Naloxone (0.1 - 10 mg/kg) antagonized the stimulus effects of dezocine, (+)-propoxyphene and fentanyl in a dose-related manner, whereas doses of naloxone that antagonized fentanyl's rate-decreasing effects failed to antagonize the rate-decreasing effects of dezocine and (+)-propoxyphene. A 10-mg/kg dose of the mu-selective, noncompetitive antagonist beta-funaltrexamine was more effective against the stimulus effects of dezocine and nalbuphine than against morphine and fentanyl. As was observed with naloxone, beta-funaltrexamine failed to antagonize dezocine's rate-decreasing effects. The delta agonists BW373U86 and SNC80 substituted partially for the dezocine stimulus, and these effects were reversed by doses of the delta-selective antagonist naltrindole (0.1 and 1.0 mg/kg) that had no effect on the dezocine stimulus. Naltrindole also antagonized the rate-decreasing effects produced by BW373U86 and SNC80, but not those of dezocine. The kappa agonists bremazocine, spiradoline, U50,488 and U69,593 failed to substitute for the dezocine stimulus. The kappa-selective antagonist norbinaltorphimine (1.0 mg/kg) failed to antagonize dezocine's stimulus or rate-decreasing effects. The present findings indicate that dezocine shares similar stimulus effects with both mu and delta agonists, its stimulus effects are reversed by mu-selective antagonists, and its rate-decreasing effects are not mediated by activity at mu, kappa or delta opioid receptors.
From the gating charge response to pore domain movement: Initial motions of Kv1.2 dynamics under physiological voltage changes

AbstractRecent structures of the potassium channel provide an essential beginning point for explaining how the pore is gated between open and closed conformations by changes in membrane voltage. Yet, the molecular details of this process and the connections to transmembrane gradients are not understood. To begin addressing how changes within a membrane environment lead to the channel’s ability to sense shifts in membrane voltage and to gate, we performed double-bilayer simulations of the Kv1.2 channel. These double-bilayer simulations enable us to simulate realistic voltage drops from resting potential conditions to depolarized conditions by changes in the bath conditions on each side of the bilayer. Our results show how the voltage sensor domain movement responds to differences in transmembrane potential. The initial voltage sensor domain movement, S4 in particular, is modulated by the gating charge response to changes in voltage and is initially stabilized by the lipid headgroups. We show this response ...
Evaluation of several saccharides as osmotic agent for peritoneal dialysate.

♦ Objective: The carbonyl group of glucose reacts nonenzymatically with the amino group of protein to form advanced glycosylation end-products (AGEs). AGEs are found in the peritoneum of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis patients, and this AGE formation is suspected to be one of the causes of impaired peritoneal function. In order to control AGE formation in the peritoneum, AGE formation and ultrafiltration in rats were examined with peritoneal dialysates using as osmotic agents saccharides that lack a carbonyl group, the saccharic acid lactobionate [molecular weight (MW) 358.30], the sugar alcohol maltitol (MW 344.32), and the nonreducing sugar nistose (MW 666.58). ♦ Design: Bovine serum albumin (BSA) (25 mg/mL) was incubated with 18, 36, and 72 mg/mL maltitol, lactobionate, nistose, and glucose at 37°C. After 3 or 6 weeks, amounts of furosine and N-(carboxymethyl) lysine were measured. A 20-mL intraperitoneal injection of a lactate-based dialysate (osmotic pressure 388 mOsm/kg) containing 4.34% maltitol, 4.52% lactobionate, or 8.4% nistose was given to Sprague–Dawley rats and, after 2, 4, or 6 hours, the quantity of effluent and levels of urea nitrogen and creatinine in the effluent and in serum were measured. ♦ Results: No increases in furosine or N-(carboxymethyl) lysine were seen with maltitol, lactobionate, or nistose after 3 and 6 weeks of incubation with BSA; AGE formation was not observed. In the study in rats, the quantity of abdominal fluid after a 6-hour dwell was nistose > lactobionate > maltitol > glucose. No differences in dialysate-to-plasma ratios for urea nitrogen or creatinine were seen in any group. ♦ Conclusions: AGE formation in peritoneal tissue might be controlled by using saccharides with a modified carbonyl group as osmotic agents for peritoneal dialysates. Nistose is considered to yield the most efficient dialysis.
Evidence for the Reaffirmation of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation on Screening for High Blood Pressure

This evidence update supports the USPSTF recommendation on screening for high blood pressure. The only new evidence was about the harms of treatment of early hypertension: Although pharmacologic th...
Life-Stage Differences in Communication During Marital Conflicts

Conversations involving young, middle-aged and retired married couples were analyzed to shed light on the characteristics of communication within older marriages. The research indicated that retired couples were the least analytic and most non-committal in their remarks. Generally, retired couples rated marital problems as non-salient and their conversations were non-conflictive. However, those among the retired group who perceived salient, unresolved problems in the marriage were extremely conflictive, producing chains of reciprocal confrontative statements. Middle-aged couples were also non-conflictive and non-committal in their discussions but, unlike the retired couples, middle-aged couples became analytic when marital problems were salient. Young couples had a comparatively intense, engagement style of interaction, characterized by alternation between analytic, confrontative and humorous remarks. The results suggest that marital communication is shaped by a combination of developmental, life stage an...
Soy Isoflavones and Bone Health: The Relationship Is Still Unclear

Evidence of the effect of purified soy isoflavones and soy protein isolates containing isoflavones on bone health in rats and in humans is inconsistent. Differences may be because of synergies or antagonisms among the isoflavones, threshold or biphasic dose effects, life stage of animals or human subjects, estrogen status, and environment-genetic interactions, including the ability to produce metabolites upon ingestion of isoflavones. At this time, the benefits of soy protein and isoflavones on bone health are inconclusive. This overview will summarize these discrepancies and will suggest future studies to clarify the conditions under which these dietary substances can be helpful for bones.
Seismic Slip Distribution along the San Jacinto Fault Zone, Southern California, and Its Implications

The amount and distribution of seismic slip along 240 km of the San Jacinto fault zone between Cajon Pass and Superstition Mountain has been obtained from determinations of seismic moment and estimates of source dimension for each of the nine moderate earthquakes (6 < M < 7) which have occurred there since 1890. There are two significant gaps in seismic slip, one between Cajon Pass and Riverside, the other from Anza to Coyote Mountain. Each is about 40 km long and both are characterized by complex fault zones and a currently high level of minor seismicity (M < 5). No aseismic fault creep has been identified on either segment. These gaps may mark the sites of the next moderate earthquakes (M = 6 → 7) to occur along the San Jacinto fault zone. The two remaining sections of the fault, Riverside and Anza, and Coyote Mountain to Superstition Mountain, may have been ruptured along their entire lengths, in 1890–1923 and 1942–1968, respectively.
Should patients with type 2 diabetes asymptomatic for coronary artery disease undergo testing for myocardial ischemia

The rising incidence of impaired glucose tolerance and diabetes has resulted in a worldwide health-care crisis. Despite lifestyle changes and pharmacotherapy, over 25% of patients with diabetes have severe myocardial ischemia, myocardial infarction or both but without chest pain. Robert O’Rourke examines whether all patients with type 2 diabetes should be investigated for coronary artery disease, and possible treatment options.
Mouse Paneth cell antimicrobial function is independent of Nod2

Objective Although polymorphisms of the NOD2 gene predispose to the development of ileal Crohn9s disease, the precise mechanisms of this increased susceptibility remain unclear. Previous work has shown that transcript expression of the Paneth cell (PC) antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) α-defensin 4 and α-defensin-related sequence 10 are selectively decreased in Nod2 −/− mice. However, the specific mouse background used in this previous study is unclear. In light of recent evidence suggesting that mouse strain strongly influences PC antimicrobial activity, we sought to characterise PC AMP function in commercially available Nod2 −/− mice on a C57BL/6 (B6) background. Specifically, we hypothesised that Nod2 −/− B6 mice would display reduced AMP expression and activity. Design Wild-type (WT) and Nod2 −/− B6 ileal AMP expression was assessed via real-time PCR, acid urea polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry. PCs were enumerated using flow cytometry. Functionally, α-defensin bactericidal activity was evaluated using a gel-overlay antimicrobial assay. Faecal microbial composition was determined using 454-sequencing of the bacterial 16S gene in cohoused WT and Nod2 −/− littermates. Results WT and Nod2 −/− B6 mice displayed similar PC AMP expression patterns, equivalent α-defensin profiles, and identical antimicrobial activity against commensal and pathogenic bacterial strains. Furthermore, minimal differences in gut microbial composition were detected between the two cohoused, littermate mouse groups. Conclusions Our data reveal that Nod2 does not directly regulate PC antimicrobial activity in B6 mice. Moreover, we demonstrate that previously reported Nod2-dependent influences on gut microbial composition may be overcome by environmental factors, such as cohousing with WT littermates.
Fair stateless model checking

Stateless model checking is a useful state-space exploration technique for systematically testing complex real-world software. Existing stateless model checkers are limited to the verification of safety properties on terminating programs. However, realistic concurrent programs are nonterminating, a property that significantly reduces the efficacy of stateless model checking in testing them. Moreover, existing stateless model checkers are unable to verify that a nonterminating program satisfies the important liveness property of livelock-freedom, a property that requires the program to make continuous progress for any input.To address these shortcomings, this paper argues for incorporating a fair scheduler in stateless exploration. The key contribution of this paper is an explicit scheduler that is (strongly) fair and at the same time sufficiently nondeterministic to guarantee full coverage of safety properties.We have implemented the fair scheduler in the CHESS model checker. We show through theoretical arguments and empirical evaluation that our algorithm satisfies two important properties: 1) it visits all states of a finite-state program achieving state coverage at a faster rate than existing techniques, and 2) it finds all livelocks in a finite-state program. Before this work, nonterminating programs had to be manually modified in order to apply CHESS to them. The addition of fairness has allowed CHESS to be effectively applied to real-world nonterminating programs without any modification. For example, we have successfully booted the Singularity operating system under the control of CHESS.
MACRO-LEVEL ACTIVITY SPACES: SOME NATIONWIDE VISITATION PATTERNS*

The macro-level activity spaces of residents in Atlanta, Boston, Cleveland, Denver, Kansas City, and San Francisco differ significantly in areal extent, compactness and shape. They fail to conform closely with the pattern expected based on gravity formulations of distance to and size of potential destinations. Activity space is defined as the percentage of respondents in each city who have visited thirty other metro areas within a decade. Maps of residuals from regression indicate that the major visitation flows from each city are neither random nor concentric but spatially concentrated and easily identified. Macro-level activity spaces may be useful in understanding interregional migration flow bias.
Radar Technology Applied to Air Traffic Control

Use of primary radars for air traffic control (ATC) is discussed. The location and the parameters of various ATC radars are described. The clutter environment (land clutter, birds, automobiles, and weather) has had a major impact on the configuration of these radars. Signal-processing techniques and antenna techniques utilized to cope with the clutter are described. Future signal-processing techniques for the ATC radars are postulated.
Optimal pseudo-steady-state estimators for systems with Markovian intermittent measurements

A state estimator design is described for discrete time systems having observably intermittent measurements. A stationary Markov process is used to model probabilistic measurement losses. The stationarity of the Markov process suggests an analogous stationary estimator design related to the Markov states. A precomputable time-varying state estimator is proposed as an alternative to Kalman's optimal time-varying estimation scheme applied to a discrete linear system with Markovian intermittent measurements. An iterative scheme to find optimal precomputed estimators is given. The results here naturally extend to Markovian jump linear systems.
Working Between Worlds: Qualitative Methods and Social Psychology

We invite social psychologists in the United States to join with psychologists in other countries and with researchers in other disciplines to include qualitative approaches in their research repertory. Several classic studies in social psychology used field-based qualitative approaches, yet in recent decades, these ways of working have been on the margins of American social psychology. We explore what a qualitative stance offers and entails, giving examples from our own and others' research. The relentless attention that qualitative workers have given to issues of bias, subjectivity, and research ethics prompts us to consider how such issues are always present in research, regardless of its methods.
MAGNETIC HELICITY GENERATION BY SOLAR DIFFERENTIAL ROTATION

Observations of sunspots, active regions, filaments, coronal arcades, and interplanetary magnetic clouds indicate that the Sun preferentially exhibits left-handed, negative-helicity features in its northern hemisphere and their opposite counterparts in the south, independent of sunspot cycle. We investigate quantitatively the generation of magnetic helicity by solar differential rotation acting on emerged bipolar sources of flux, using analytical and numerical methods. We find that the vast majority of bipoles absorb negative helicity in the northern hemisphere and positive helicity in the south, in accord with observations. After 2-4 solar rotation periods have elapsed, the helicity generated by differential rotation amounts to about 10% of the bipole's squared flux. Thus, each of the approximately 1 × 103 large bipolar regions emergent on the Sun during sunspot cycle 21 entrained about 1 × 1043 Mx2 of helicity in its 1 × 1022 Mx of flux. We show further that the roughly 5 × 103 coronal mass ejections and associated interplanetary magnetic clouds that departed the Sun during the cycle carried off about 5 × 1024 Mx of flux and 1 × 1046 Mx2 of helicity, within a factor of 2 of the estimates for solar production of these quantities. Evidently, differential rotation acting on emerged bipolar sources of flux can account quantitatively for the magnetic helicity balance of the Sun and the heliosphere, as well as for the observed prevalence of negative-helicity magnetic features in the north and positive-helicity features in the south.
INTRAGENERIC PREDATION BY FIDDLER CRABS IN SOUTH CAROLINA

In South Carolina, two species of fiddler crab, Uca pugilator and U. pugnax, often feed in droves on the sand flats of smooth cordgrass salt marshes. Another fiddler crab, U. minax, does not drove, but large males of this species occasionally move onto sand flats and prey on members of the other smaller species. Successful predatory attacks entail a pounce, entrapment of prey in ambulatory appendages, reorientation of the predator to the supine position, maneuvering of the prey between the dactyl and propodus of the major cheliped, killing the prey by piercing or crushing its carapace with the major cheliped, and consumption. Females are successfully attacked with higher frequency than males. The frequency of predatory attacks declines exponentially as the composition of droves becomes biased towards larger males. This may indicate that predators face injury when attacking large males because only males possess potentially defensive claws and claw length increases with the square of body width. Uca pugilator individuals form pods in response to the approach of a predator. Pods are tight clumps of fleeing individuals that may function as mini-selfish herds. Pod composition is biased towards individuals most susceptible to U. minax predation, females and males of small body size, suggesting that pod formation is a selectively advantageous behavior.
Morphological and Biochemical Studies of Benign Recurrent Cholestasis

Summary A 27-year-old Caucasian man had experienced 14 episodes of pruritus, jaundice, bilirubinuria, and weight loss since puberty. Remission occurred spontaneously on each occasion. During a clinical exacerbation, bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, and serum di- and trihydroxy bile acid concentrations were increased and Tm sulfobromophthalein and hepatic sulfobromophthalein storage were reduced. Examination of a surgical biopsy specimen taken at that time revealed markedly altered bile canaliculi, with distorted and reduced microvilli, almost complete disappearance of nucleoside phosphatase activity, and reduction in the number of acid phosphatase-rich lysosomes. Lipid spheres and glycogen nuclei were abundant and intracanalicular, and intracellular bile pigment was common. During clinical remission, 10 months later, functional, cytochemical, and ultrastructural studies showed a remarkable return to normal patterns. Three exceptions were noted: the presence of small amounts of intracellular and intracanalicular bile pigment, some glycogen-rich nuclei, and the presence of crystalloid nucleoids within the microbodies.
Effect of friction stir welding and post-weld heat treatment on a nanostructured ferritic alloy

Abstract Nanostructured ferritic alloys (NFAs) are new generation materials for use in high temperature energy systems, such as nuclear fission or fusion reactors. However, joining these materials is a concern, as their unique microstructure is destroyed by traditional liquid-state welding methods. The microstructural evolution of a friction stir welded 14YWT NFA was investigated by atom probe tomography, before and after a post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) at 1123K. The particle size, number density, elemental composition, and morphology of the titanium-yttrium-oxygen-enriched nanoclusters (NCs) in the stir and thermally-affected zones were studied and compared with the base metal. No statistical difference in the size of the NCs was observed in any of these conditions. After the PWHT, increases in the number density and the oxygen enrichment in the NCs were observed. Therefore, these new results provide additional supporting evidence that friction stir welding appears to be a viable joining technique for NFAs, as the microstructural parameters of the NCs are not strongly affected, in contrast to traditional welding techniques.
Refraction Experiments in Waveguide Environments

This chapter contains sections titled: Introduction Microscopic and Macroscopic Views of Metamaterials Measurement Techniques Conclusion Acknowledgments References