cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
TSHMEM: Shared-Memory Parallel Computing on Tilera Many-Core Processors

With many-core processor architectures emerging, concerns arise regarding the productivity of numerous parallel programming tools, models, and languages as developers from a broad spectrum of science domains struggle to maximize performance and maintain correctness of their applications. Fortunately, a partitioned global address space (PGAS) programming model has demonstrated realizable performance and productivity potential for large parallel computing systems with distributed-memory architectures. One such PGAS approach is SHMEM, a lightweight, shared-memory programming library. Renewed interest for SHMEM has developed around Oppenheim, a recent community-led effort to produce a standardized specification for the SHMEM library amidst incompatible commercial implementations. This paper presents and evaluates the design of TSHMEM (short for TileSHMEM), a new OpenSHMEM library for the Tilera TILE-Gx8036 and TILEPro64 many-core processors. TSHMEM is built atop Tilera-provided libraries with key emphasis upon realizable performance with those libraries, demonstrated through micro benchmarking. Furthermore, SHMEM application portability is illustrated with two case studies. TSHMEM successfully delivers high performance with ease of programmability and portability for SHMEM applications on TILE-Gx and TILEPro architectures.
Increased survival in bacteremic sheep treated with ibuprofen

Cyclooxygenase inhibitors improve systemic hypotension, cardiac output, and metabolic acidosis in endotoxemia. However, the capacity of cyclooxygenase inhibitors to increase survival in a bacteremic animal model of injury has been inadequately addressed. This study evaluated the potential of a single intravenous dose of ibuprofen, a reversible cyclooxygenase inhibitor, to effect changes in cardiovascular variables and survival in unanesthetized sheep given live E. coli and antibiotic therapy. We found that ibuprofen significantly improved survival in this model with 66% survival in sheep treated with ibuprofen compared to 0% survival in sheep not treated with ibuprofen. Sheep treated with ibuprofen were protected against the drop in mean arterial pressure and increase in heart rate observed in sheep that received E. coli and antibiotics. Pulmonary arterial pressure and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure values were lower in animals treated with ibuprofen than values of animals that did not receive ibuprofen. Bacteremic rats treated with ibuprofen exhibited similar increased survival over that of untreated controls; this survival advantage was not demonstreted with indomethacin. These data show increased survival in septic sheep and rats with the administration of 10 mg/kg intravenous ibuprofen, and suggest that lessened systemic hypotension and pulmonary hypertension may contribute to the therapeutic effect of ibuprofen treatment.
MMPI measures of impulsivity and depression correlate with CSF 5-HIAA and HVA in depression but not schizophrenia

Recent studies have linked impulsivity with CSF concentrations of both 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) and homovanillic acid (HVA). One work found a negative correlation between the MMPI psychopathic deviate (Pd) scale and 5-HIAA in personality disordered men (Brown et al., 1982). We found that the 5-HIAA/Pd correlation extends (P less than 0.05) to unmedicated depressed patients (n = 21). A trend was found between HVA and Pd in depression. There was no relationship between either metabolite and the Pd scale in unmedicated schizophrenics (n = 24). A significant inverse correlation was found between the MMPI depression scale and CSF HVA but not 5-HIAA in the depressed patients.
The role of hatching asynchrony in siblicidal brood reduction of two booby species

Hatching asynchrony (HA) of masked boobies (Sula dactylatra) in the Galapagos Islands differs from that of its sympatric congener, the blue-footed booby (S. nebouxii), in association with differences in brood reduction systems. Masked booby nestlings are obligately siblicidal, have long HA, and the probability and timing of siblicide is strongly influenced by HA. Blue-footed boobies are facultatively siblicidal and have shorter HA. Experimental shortening of masked booby HA demonstrated that this species maintians its HA above an “early reduction threshold”, below which parents may incur costs of provisioning a brood that they cannot raise to fledging, but that blue-footed booby HA occur above, at, and below the masked booby threshold. Differences in HA alone cannot explain the differences between these two brood reduction systems.
Evaluation of Mini-mental Status Examination Score in a Prospective Study of Neurosurgical Resection and Intraoperative Cesium-131 Radioisotope Brachytherapy in Patients With Newly Diagnosed Brain Metastases

population is low. However, loss of PG function of about 5%/ 1 Gy of mean dose has been reported, suggesting that mean doses encountered in this study are significant with potential to impact salivary function and thereby affect QOL in these patients. Modifying treatment fields to block portions of bilateral PGs can substantially reduce mean parotid dose without compromising target volume coverage. Further study is required to determine the clinical and QOL impact of these changes. Author Disclosure: M.M. Shah: A. Employee; Henry Ford Hospital. K.N. Barton: A. Employee; Henry Ford Hospital. R. Yechieli: A. Employee; Henry Ford Hospital. S. Leadership; Michigan State Medical Society Executive Committee. F. Siddiqui: A. Employee; Henry Ford Hospital. S. Leadership; Vice Chair Radiation Oncology. A. Gopal: A. Employee; Henry Ford Hospital.
Fine control: microRNA regulation of adult neurogenesis

Neural stem cells transition through several progenitor stages before finally generating postmitotic neurons. New work shows that one of these steps, the generation of neuroblasts from transient amplifying precursors in the adult subventricular zone, requires downregulation of the transcription factor Sox9 by the microRNA miR-124.
Collagen balls in cervical smears. A previously undescribed finding.

Objective To evaluate several conventional cervical smears obtained from women undergoing routine screening for cervical dysplasia or carcinoma and whose smears contained structures resembling collagen balls. Study design Between 1995 and 1998, cervical smears containing collagen balls were analyzed. The clinical histories of the patients whose smears contained collagen balls, including the gestational history, were reviewed. Histopathologic material from any related surgical specimens was reviewed, with special attention to mesothelial surfaces. Results Collagen balls were found in 5 of 77,891 Pap smears examined (0.006%). None of the patients had evidence of neoplasms of the genital tract. One of the patients was in the first trimester of pregnancy. Conclusion We suggest that collagen balls in cervical smear originate in mesothelium-covered organs, from where they are transported via the fallopian tubes into the uterine cavity. Their significance lies in their being mistaken for mucin-distended cells exfoliated from a neoplasm or from detached fragments of a papillary ovarian neoplasm.
Bearing stress between a circumferential key and its keyway

Abstract Allowable bearing stress was defined as the normal stress required to initiate engraving between surfaces in direct contact. This concept was then used to evaluate the allowable bearing stress between a key and its keyway by applying the slip-line field theory of plasticity. It was found in analyzing the key that the force associated with the suggested concept of bearing stress exceeds the force permitted by conventional engineering theory. The relative strength of the key and the keyway shoulder were then discussed in detail. The strength of a rectangular key assembly was examined for three different modes of failure: (1) the bearing stress of the key; (2) the bearing stress of the keyway shoulder; and (3) the transverse shear of the key. Conditions under which each of these modes of failure dominates were expressed in terms of two dimensionless ratios: the ratio of the yield stress of the shoulder material to the yield stress of the key material and the effective aspect ratio of the rectangular key.
Pituicytes and the origin of the antidiuretic hormone.

INTRODUCTION THE question of the secretory activity of the tissue elements in the pars nervosa and more specifically of the pituicytes has been treated by most authors (Pickford, 1945; O’Connor, 1947; Harris, 1948; Collin and Stutinsky, 1949) as an open one, since the cells of the neurohypophysis do not possess cytological characteristics peculiar to gland cells, and since past attempts to link the production of posterior lobe hormones to microscopically visible changes in the pituicytes had failed. Gersh (1938, 1939) and Gersh and Brooks (1941), for instance, believed that they had shown a relationship between the state of dehydration of their experimental animals and the presence in the pituicytes of granules which they could stain with osmic acid. However, Hickey, Hare and Hare (1941), De Robertis and Primavesi (1942), and Desclin (1947) were unable to confirm these findings. The observations of Wang (1938) which have been frequently cited as supporting the concept of a secretory function of the pituic...
Remolding great power politics: China's strategic partnerships with Russia, the European Union, and India

Abstract The article investigates China's strategic partnerships with Russia, the European Union (EU), and India. The bulk of it is devoted to a comprehensive inquiry into Sino-Russian strategic partnership. An analysis is also offered on China's strategic partnerships with EU and India. Through a comparative study, it is clear that these partnerships are driven by a common political commitment by China and the other three major powers to maintaining a mutually positive interactive pattern in their relationships. Despite competitive dynamics in these dyads, China's partnership diplomacy has reflected its successful effort to remold great power politics such that the international environment is overall friendly to its rise.
Dry Milk Manufacture

The concept of preserving milk by drying is very old, indeed. Marco Polo's account of the use of a sun-dried skimnfilk product by the Mongols is famil iar to all students of the early history of dairying. Presumably, the art and use of milk in this way did not persist among t h e s e people, possibly because of the decline in need with change in warlike habits. According to Beardslee (1), the dry milk tablets produced by Nicholas Appert in 1810 were the first form o£ dry milk among Europeans. The tablets were made from milk concentrated slowly to a dough-like consistency in a current of h e a t e d air. Beardslee S. T. 0oul ter l i s t s ten patents, five British and five United States, which were granted between 1835 and 1886 for various methods or processes for drying milk. All but one called for the addition of other materials, seven of sugar, one of sulfuric acid or some similar material, and one required the addition of an absorbent material and suggested the use of a carbonate of alkali, salt, borax, or some other preservative. The one not calling for additives was that of Percy, United States Patent No. 125,406 (1872), which envisioned, in general terms, the process of spray drying. There was additional experimentation and development during the remainder of the 19th century, but it wasn't until af ter 1900 that dry milk became a commercial reality.
Real-time implementation of auto white balancing and auto exposure on the TI DSC platform

This paper presents the real-time implementation of an auto- white-balancing and an auto-exposure algorithm on the TI TMS320DSC21 platform. This platform is a power-efficient single-chip processor that has been specifically designed for digital still cameras. Its architecture consists of five subsystems including an ARM micro-controller, a DSP core, a memory subsystem, two co-processors, and an imaging peripherals subsystem. Due to the memory constraints, the algorithms were modified to allow their real-time implementation of the processor, i.e. a processing rate of 30 frames per second. These modifications are discussed in the paper. The details of the algorithms are reported in an accompanying paper presented in the SPIE conference 4669B.
Stabilization of enzymes in ionic liquids via modification of enzyme charge

Due to the propensity of ionic liquids (ILs) to inactivate enzymes, the development of strategies to improve enzyme utility in these solvents is critical to fully exploit ILs for biocatalysis. We have developed a strategy to broadly improve enzyme utility in ILs based on elucidating the effect of charge modifications on the function of enzymes in IL environments. Results of stability studies in aqueous-IL mixtures indicated a clear connection between the ratio of enzyme-containing positive-to-negative sites and enzyme stability in ILs. Stability studies of the effect of [BMIM][Cl] and [EMIM][EtSO4 ] on chymotrypsin specifically found an optimum ratio of positively-charged amine-to-negatively-charged acid groups (0.39). At this ratio, the half-life of chymotrypsin was increased 1.6- and 4.3-fold relative to wild-type chymotrypsin in [BMIM][Cl] and [EMIM][EtSO4 ], respectively. The half-lives of lipase and papain were similarly increased as much as 4.0 and 2.4-fold, respectively, in [BMIM][Cl] by modifying the ratio of positive-to-negative sites of each enzyme. More generally, the results of stability studies found that modifications that reduce the ratio of enzyme-containing positive-to-negative sites improve enzyme stability in ILs. Understanding the impact of charge modification on enzyme stability in ILs may ultimately be exploited to rationally engineer enzymes for improved function in IL environments.
Analysis of implementation issues for haptic interfaces using HIL concept

Haptic interfaces permit adaptation of human operator commands to the mechanical characteristics of the virtual environment. The implementation of a haptic interface is dependent on the dynamics characteristics of the interface components. Implementation issues are analyzed using a hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) experimental facility. Hardware-in-the-loop simulations based on the two-port effort-flow concept represent a solid base for investigating the implementation of haptic interfaces. The results are relevant for characterization of the performance and limits of haptic interface implementations.
Multicomponent cognitive-behavioural intervention to improve sleep in adolescents: a multiple baseline design.

Background: Adolescents are prone to sleep problems that have unique developmental aspects and contribute to physical, emotional, and behavioural problems. Aims: This study evaluated an individualized, multicomponent intervention that considered developmental factors, and promoted age-appropriate autonomy in three adolescent females with disrupted sleep. Method: Adolescents recorded sleep data on daily logs. A nonconcurrent multiple baseline design was used to evaluate a cognitive-behavioural intervention including sleep hygiene training, bedtime routine development, cognitive restructuring, relaxation training, stimulus control, sleep restriction, bedtime fading, and problem-solving, along with clinically indicated individualization. Results: Outcomes demonstrated clinically meaningful improvements and decreased variability in sleep parameters following intervention. Each participant's sleep log data indicated improvement in, or maintenance of, adequate total sleep time (TST), decreased sleep onset latency (SOL), improved sleep efficiency (SE), improvement in time of sleep onset, and decreased or continued low frequency of night awakenings (NA). Anecdotally, adolescents and parents reported improvement in daytime functioning, coping, and sense of wellbeing. Conclusions: These cases highlight the potential for cognitive-behavioural interventions to facilitate healthy sleep in adolescents with challenging sleep problems.
Markov chains with transition delta-matrix: ergodicityconditions, invariant probability measures and applications

A large class of Markov chains with so-called Δ m , n -and Δ ′ m , n -transition matrices (delta-matrices) which frequently occur in applications (queues, inventories, dams) is analyzed.The authors find some structural properties of both types of Markov chains and develop a simple test for their irreducibility and aperiodicity. Necessary and sufficient conditions for the ergodicity of both chains are found in the article in two equivalent versions. According to one of them, these conditions are expressed in terms of certain restrictions imposed on the generating functions A i ( z ) of the elements of the i th row of the transition matrix, i = 0 , 1 , 2 , … ; in the other version they are connected with the characterization of the roots of a certain associated function in the unit disc of the complex plane. The invariant probability measures of Markov chains of both kinds are found in terms of generating functions. It is shown that the general method in some important special cases can be simplified and yields convenient and, sometimes, explicit results.As examples, several queueing and inventory (dam) models, each of independent interest, are analyzed with the help of the general methods developed in the article.
Impact of climate change on rice production in Southeast Asia: Towards better farmer production functions

We propose a series of steps in an effort to understand climate change, and to understand its potential impact on crop production in Southeast Asia. We also present an innovative approach to estimating multi-stage farmer production functions through integration of a scientific crop model with a simultaneous estimation of an economic production function. First, we estimate detailed multistage production functions for rice crops in northeastern Thailand, using seven years of both individual and household-level monthly data collected from villages in Thailand as part of the Townsend Thai Survey at the University of Chicago (cier.uchicago.edu). Input data are disaggregated according to agricultural production stages (planting, growing, harvesting). We integrate this approach with output from a biological crop growth simulation model, the Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer (DSSAT), which takes as inputs environmental variables such as rainfall, temperature and soil characteristics. The combination of socioeconomic and bio-physical models is rare. It enables us to model the sequential nature of both farmers' decision making and bio-physical plant growth processes, as well as their intercausality. It lets us separate direct biological effects of rainfall, temperature and soil from effects due to farmers' response. Using the multistage approach we better understand diversity in yields over households, even within a village. We determine how much agricultural production variability is due to fixed heterogeneity such as soil, how much local temporal variation in soil moisture is due to environmental inputs such as rainfall and slope, and to separate these from the effects due to farmers’ responses. In addition, we shall also assess whether credit and insurance markets are functioning well. Second, our modeling of bio-physical/socioeconomic intercausality provides a powerful climate change assessment tool: we use these estimated production functions to simulate yields using the historical distribution of rainfall, obtained from the nearest national Thai meteorological rainfall stations, then feed in alternative weather change offsets and histograms from climate change models. This allows a direct look at the potential impact of climate change on output utilizing combined socioeconomic and bio-physical models, assuming no other mitigation strategies, as well as providing an improved model for farmers’ assessment of risk and decision-making under climate change scenarios. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, we can use this simulation tool to model how farmer crop management changes could allow adaptation to climate changes, assessing which adaptations could minimize crop yield losses, given farmers’ socioeconomic and financial credit constraints, and insurance considerations.
A framework for segmentation using physical models of image formation

This paper presents a new approach to segmentation using explicit hypotheses about the physics that creates images. We propose an initial segmentation that identifies image regions exhibiting constant color; but possibly varying intensity. For each region, we propose a set of hypotheses, each of which specifically models the illumination, reflectance, and shape of the 3-D patch which caused that region. Each hypothesis represents a distinct, plausible explanation for the color and intensity variation of that patch. Hypotheses for adjacent patches can be compared for similarity and merged when appropriate, resulting in more global hypotheses which group elementary regions. >
Haze trends over the United States, 1980-1995

The patterns and trends of haze over the United States for the period of 1980–1995 are presented. Haze measurements are based on human visual range observations at 298 synoptic meteorological stations operated by the United States Weather Service. There was a significant (B10%) decline in haziness over the 15-yr period. The reductions were evident throughout the eastern United States as well as over the hazy air basins of California. During the same period, in the eastern United States sulfur emissions also declined by about 10%. However, a causality for the reductions has not been established. This report is an update of an earlier survey of haze patterns and trends from 1950 to 1980. r 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
performance/energy optimization of dsp transforms on the XScale processor

The XScale processor family provides user-controllable independent configuration of CPU, bus, and memory frequencies. This feature introduces another handle for the code optimization with respect to energy consumption or runtime performance. We quantify the effect of frequency configurations on both performance and energy for three signal processing transforms: the discrete Fourier transform (DFT), finite impulse response (FIR) filters, and the Walsh-Hadamard Transform (WHT). To do this, we use SPIRAL, a program generation and optimization system for signal processing transforms. For a given transform to be implemented, SPIRAL searches over different algorithms to find the best match to the given platform with respect to the chosen performance metric (usually runtime). In this paper we use SPIRAL to generate implementations for different frequency configurations and optimize for runtime and physically measured energy consumption. In doing so we show that first, each transform achieves best performance/energy consumption for a different system configuration; second, the best code depends on the chosen configuration, problem size and algorithm; third, the fastest implementation is not always the most energy efficient; fourth, we introduce dynamic (i.e., during execution) reconfiguration in order to further improve performance/energy. Finally, we benchmark SPIRAL generated code against Intel's vendor library routines. We show competitive results as well as 20% performance improvements or energy reduction for selected transforms and problem sizes.
Bladder Pressure at the Onset of Vesicoureteral Reflux Determined by Nuclear Cystometrogram

ABSTRACTPurpose: Reflux grade predicts resolution and influences followup and treatment. Bladder pressure at the onset of reflux may reflect the ureterovesical junction competence. By combining simultaneous cystometry with nuclear cystography (nuclear cystometrogram) we determined bladder pressure at the onset of reflux.Materials and Methods: Nuclear cystometrograms were performed in 40 children to determine bladder pressure at the onset of reflux, reflux volume and bladder capacity at the onset of reflux. The effect of bladder pressure and capacity at the onset of reflux was assessed with a reflux pressure volume index.Results: A weak inverse correlation existed between bladder pressure at the onset of reflux and a normalized volume of reflux (r = −0.32, p = 0.018). A stronger correlation existed between reflux pressure and bladder volume at reflux (r = 0.47, p = 0.0002). An inverse correlation of the reflux pressure-volume index and reflux volume was significant (r = −0.49, p = 0.0002) as was the correl...
The C-terminal domain of p21 inhibits nucleotide excision repair In vitro and In vivo.

The protein p21Cip1, Waf1, Sdi1 is a potent inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs). p21 can also block DNA replication through its interaction with the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCN...
ISOLATION OF A NON‐PHAGE‐LIKE LYTIC VIRUS INFECTING AUREOCOCCUS ANOPHAGEFFERENS

We have been working to characterize viruses that infect the HAB-forming pelagophyte Aureococcus anophagefferens Hargraves et Sieburth. Field samples were collected during brown-tide events in 2002 and tested for the presence of lytic agents. Here, we describe a recently isolated, lytic virus-like particle (VLP) that is morphologically similar to particles observed in thin sections of infected A. anophagefferens cells from natural samples. TEM and SEM have revealed VLPs consistent with the morphological characteristics of previously described Phycodnaviridae. Large icosahedral particles (∼140 nm) of similar shape and morphology dominate cell lysates and are accompanied by smaller phage-like particles and heterotrophic prokaryotes that appear to be incurable from our cultures. To determine which of these particles interacts with the Aureococcus cells, we preserved cultures during the early stage of infection so that SEM could be used to visualize those particles that attach to the surface of naive cultures. SEM revealed that 63% of the large icosahedral-shaped particles attached to A. anophagefferens cells after only 30 min of exposure, while no significant frequency of attachment to the alga was observed for the phage-like particles. The results of these observations are in contrast to previous studies, where phage-like particles were reported to infect cells. When considered in conjunction with field observations, the results suggest that this newly isolated virus represents the dominant virus-morphotype associated with bloom collapse and termination.
Toward Ontology-Guided Knowledge-Driven XML Query Relaxation

Recently ontologies have drawn much attention from research communities. However, the advantage of using ontologies for knowledge-driven intelligent query answering is yet to be fully explored. In this paper, we examine the use of ontologies for guiding XML query relaxation and propose a practical approach which incorporates WordNet ontology with free software Qexo. Rather than reinventing the wheel, we take advantage of assembling publicly available tools to make query relaxation easy to implement. We present a methodology for XML query relaxation, and report experimental results to show the feasibility of the proposed approach. Our research indicates the importance of incorporating ontologies into the study of intelligent query answering.
Can Food be Addictive? Public Health and Policy Implications

Aims Data suggest that hyperpalatable foods may be capable of triggering an addictive process. Although the addictive potential of foods continues to be debated, important lessons learned in reducing the health and economic consequences of drug addiction may be especially useful in combating food-related problems.Methods In the current paper, we review the potential application of policy and public health approaches that have been effective in reducing the impact of addictive substances to food-related problems. Results Corporate responsibility, public health approaches, environmental change and global efforts all warrant strong consideration in reducing obesity and dietrelated disease. Conclusions Although there exist important differences between foods and addictive drugs, ignoring analogous neural and behavioral effects of foods and drugs of abuse may result in increased food-related disease and associated social and economic burdens. Public health interventions that have been effective in reducing the impact of addictive drugs may have a role in targeting obesity and related diseases.
More Than Meets the Eye: Clinical Reflection and Evidence-Based Practice in an Unusual Case of Adolescent Chronic Ankle Sprain

Background and Purpose Adolescents who have chronic pain after common orthopedic injuries such as ankle sprains may present a multidimensional clinical problem stemming from both physical and psychological issues. A traumatic incident such as a motor vehicle accident can produce clinical issues ranging from a specific tissue injury to multisystem complications such as complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The purpose of this retrospective case report on an adolescent with chronic ankle pain stemming from a motor vehicle accident is to demonstrate how reflection and the evidence base influenced the modification of the plan of care. Description of the screening methods, clinical findings, interventions, and outcomes of the case may help physical therapists identify and improve the quality of care in cases of suspected CRPS and PTSD. Case Description The patient was a 12-year-old girl with a medical diagnosis of recurrent right ankle sprain and with signs of potential CRPS and PTSD. Poor initial response to ankle sprain management led to reflective reconsideration of the diagnosis and plan of care. The revised plan of care supported by the evidence base emphasized empathetic consideration of the traumatic motor vehicle accident and focused on CRPS prevention and management of potential non-physical pain via mirror therapy and motor imagery therapy. Outcomes Pain was relieved, behavior improved, and functional movement began to normalize after 3 sessions of mirror therapy and motor imagery therapy. Discussion Patient symptoms were inconsistent with the medical diagnosis, and the clinical outcome of the original plan of care was unsuccessful. Reflection inspired a more-detailed history and systems review, which led to greater understanding and more-effective care.
Experimental design in brain activation MRI: cautionary tales.

The use of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in cognitive neuroscience has expanded at an amazing rate in the past 10 years. Current research includes increasingly subtle and specific attempts to dissect the cognitive and emotional mechanisms called into play when humans make decisions. The present essay will briefly review some of the general considerations and domains of information needed when one designs fMRI-based experiments. However, the main theme will be the difficulties associated with designing, conducting, analyzing and interpreting such research. Functional MRI is an unusually complicated technique, and there are numerous ways for experiments to go wrong. As well as demanding exceptional care in maintaining the quality of one’s own research, this makes the universal problem of evaluating other peoples’ research particularly challenging. © 2005 Published by Elsevier Inc.
Fitness of the US Workforce

Fitness matters for the prevention of premature death, chronic diseases, productivity loss, excess medical care costs, loss of income or family earnings, and other social and economic concerns. The workforce may be viewed as a corporate strategic asset, yet its fitness level appears to be relatively low and declining. Over the past half-century, obesity rates have doubled, physical activity levels are below par, and cardiorespiratory fitness often does not meet minimum acceptable job standards. During this time, daily occupational energy expenditure has decreased by more than 100 calories. Employers should consider best practices and design workplace wellness programs accordingly. Particular attention should be paid to human-centered cultures. Research should address ongoing surveillance needs regarding fitness of the US workforce and close gaps in the evidence base for fitness and business-relevant outcomes. Policy priorities should consider the impact of both state and federal regulations, adherence to current regulations that protect and promote worker health, and the introduction of incentives that allow employers to optimize the fitness of their workforce through supportive legislation and organizational policies.
Evaluation of inner–outer space distinction and verbal hallucinations in schizophrenia

Introduction. Verbal hallucinations could result from attributing one's own inner speech to another. Inner speech is usually experienced in inner space, whereas hallucinations are often experienced in outer space. To clarify this paradox, we investigated schizophrenia patients' ability to distinguish between speech experienced in inner space, and speech experienced in outer space. Methods. 32 schizophrenia patients and 26 matched healthy controls underwent a two-stage experiment. First, they read sentences aloud or silently. Afterwards, they were required to distinguish between the sentences read aloud (experienced in outer space), the sentences read silently (experienced in inner space), and new sentences not previously read (no space coding). The sentences were in the first, second, or third person in equal proportions. Linear mixed models were used to investigate the effects of group, sentence location, pronoun, and hallucinations status. Results. Schizophrenia patients were similar to controls in reco...
Role of Perivascular and Visceral Adipose Tissues in Murine Models of Obesity and Atherosclerosis: A Dissertation

Expansion of visceral adipose tissue correlates with the metabolic syndrome and increased cardiovascular risk. Hypertrophied visceral fat becomes inflamed, causing increased lipolysis, decreased triglyceride storage, and lipotoxicity in skeletal muscle and liver resulting in insulin resistance. Perivascular adipose tissue is a normal component of the adventitia of arteries in humans and animals. Whether or not perivascular adipose also becomes inflamed in obesity is an important question, as this may be an additional, direct mechanism by which obesity causes vascular inflammation and disease. Thus, for the first part of my thesis, we asked the question: does perivascular adipose in mice become inflamed with high fat feeding? In contrast to visceral adipose, macrophage gene expression was not increased in perivascular adipose in response to high fat diet, and this correlated with reduced F480 antigen positive cells as seen by immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry. Interestingly, perivascular adipose surrounding the thoracic aorta was similar to brown adipose tissue, a highly thermogenic fat depot, as shown by histology and DNA microarrays. Moreover, inter-scapular brown adipose was also resistant to diet induced inflammation in comparison to visceral adipose. These findings suggest that brown adipose in the perivascular niche may serve to protect the vasculature from diet induced inflammation, or from cold exposure, or both; whether or not brown perivascular adipose tissue exists in humans has yet to be determined.
Structural evidence for distinct IgG subclass-specific Fc receptors on mouse peritoneal macrophages

Membrane proteins which selectively bind to the Fc portion of IgG were identified in the Nonidet P-40 extracts of radiolabeled thioglycollate- elicited mouse peritoneal macrophages. Affinity columns of various IgG preparations coupled to Sepharose 4B were used to absorb the Fc-binding proteins. Analysis of the acetic acid or sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) eluates from aggregated human IgG or antigen-complexed rabbit IgG columns revealed two Fc(gamma)/-specific proteins with apparent 67,000 and 52,000 mol wt. These proteins were not detected in acid or SDS eluates from F(ab’)(2) columns or in eluates from IgG column, over which were passed lysates of Fc receptor-negative cells. With the use of affinity columns that contained aggregated mouse myeloma proteins of different IgG subclasses, we found that the 67,000-dahon protein selectively binds to IgG2a, whereas the 52,000-dalton protein binds to IgG1 and IgG2b. Neither protein was found in SDS eluates from IgG3 columns. Trypsin treatment of the macrophages before detergent lysis removed the 67,000-dalton protein, although it leaves intact the 52,000-dalton protein. These results provide structural confirmation for the existence of separate Fc receptors on mouse macrophages and indicate that the two Fc-binding proteins identified in this study represent all or part of the trypsin- sensitive Fc receptor which binds IgG2a and the trypsin-resistant Fc receptor which binds IgG2b and IgG1.
DEVONIAN CLADID CRINOIDS: FAMILIES GLOSSOCRINIDAE GOLDRING, 1923, AND RUTKOWSKICRINIDAE NEW FAMILY

Abstract The cladid crinoid order Poteriocrinida Jaekel, 1918 is a polyphyletic group that includes a variety of independent lineages united solely by the presence of ramulate or pinnulate arms. One of these lineages is the Rutkowskicrinidae new family herein assigned to the order Dendrocrinida, Bather 1899. Genera assigned to this new family include Rutkowskicrinus new genus, Decorocrinus new genus, Iteacrinus, Nassoviocrinus, Quantoxocrinus, Sacrinus, Sostronocrinus, ?Propoteriocrinus, and ?Schmidtocrinus. Members of this family are characterized by low conical cups with ridged thecal plates, U-shaped peneplenary radial facets bearing faint transverse ridges, a proximal median ridge on the posterior side of a long, narrow, predominantly straight anal sac, and pentagonal columns with one to two cirri per nodal. Arms in this family are highly variable, ranging from isotomous to heterotomous and pinnulate. The arms in the type specimen of Rutkowskicrinus patriciae n. sp. preserve all these various arm stag...
Digital, Catheter-Based Single-Operator Cholangiopancreatoscopes: Can Pancreatoscopy and Cholangioscopy Become Routine Procedures?

Working length 214cm Accessory channel diameter 1.2mm (3.6 French) outine visualization of the pancreatobiliary ductal Rsystem is probably the last endoscopic frontier in the alimentary tract. Although miniature endoscopes for insertion into the biliary or pancreatic ducts have been around for many years, cholangioscopy and pancreatoscopy are yet to become routine procedures. Performance of these procedures has remained mostly confined to large academic medical centers because of a variety of factors including lack of access to appropriate equipment, lack of expertise, and lack of user-friendliness of currently available endoscopes. The birth of catheter-based cholangiopancreatoscopes in the last decade by introduction of the Spyglass Direct Visualization System (DVS) (Boston Scientific, Natick, MA) led to more widespread use of cholangiopancreatoscopy. However, due to less that optimal image quality, the initial enthusiasm for routine use of this device soon faded. A new version of this catheter-based system with improved digital image has now been released. This article and the accompanying video present the use of this new technology in the pancreatobiliary ductal system and illustrate how it may lead to more widespread use of cholangiopancreatoscopy.
The Economics of Scientific Publications

The market of all published materials in the broadest sense, including books, magazines, movies, is very unsatisfactory. The market of scientific publications fares particularly badly, and this despite heavy subsidies. The fact that scientific publications serve the market so poorly just at the time when reproduction on a small scale is available to all scholars at small expense and when the system of subsidizing publication is largely diminished and partly collapsing — these suggest that now is the time for a decisive move for a reformer who wishes to see a radical change and for the entrepreneur who wants to make a kill. What is wanted, I shall argue, is a simple plan that I shall briefly outline, and the blessing of a reputable learned body, which I think is also coming, and even in a big way.
Traumatic Heart Diseases, Especially Myocardial Contusion

The pathology, symptomatology, physical signs and electrocardiographic changes in myocardial contusion are discussed, calling attention to the difficulties encountered in the differential diagnosis from myocardial infarction. Two cases are presented to illustrate not only this, but also the treatment and the usually favorable prognosis.
Elucidating distinct tumorigenic pathways in nodular versus superficial spreading melanoma.

8544 Background: Superficial spreading melanoma (SSM) and nodular melanoma (NM), which account for 70% and 20% of all melanoma diagnoses respectively, are believed to represent sequential phases of...
The Effect of Mixed Grammar Chains on Response to Survey Questions

Reports of the use of mixed grammar chains in survey research have become common in the literature. An investigation of the misunderstanding by respondents as the result of such usage suggests that...
Are Three-Point Scales Always Good Enough?

Recent work by Jacoby and Mattell [6] has suggested that three-point Likert scales are sufficient to meet criteria of test-retest reliability, concurrent validity, and predictive validity. Green and Rao [3], using the criterion of data configuration recovery, concluded that sixor seven-point scales are preferable, and the authors are "skeptical about the ability of large numbers of such scales (three- or two-point scales) to 'make up' for the limited information provided by each scale separately." In a reply to Green and Rao, Benson [1] argued that the frequent applicability and practical convenience of twoor three-point scales are strong points in their favor. Moreover, the focus of marketing research on population averages, rather than individuals, suggests that scales with few categories are adequate. This article delineates the conditions under which a two- or three-point scale may be good enough. BACKGROUND
The Transient Behavior of a Low Power Laboratory Xenon Hall Thruster

Characterization of the transient behavior of a co-axial xenon Hall accelerator is presented. Electrostatic probes, including floating, grounded, emissive (plasma potential), and swept Langmuir probes, are used to measure the time-average and spectral properties of the plasma both outside and within the acceleration channel. The measurements confirm the existence of low-frequency (< 100kHz) coherent azimuthal drift waves and more stochastic (turbulent) disturbances within the channel. The properties of these disturbances depend on the location within the channel, and where in the current-voltage characteristics the thruster is operating, in agreement with observations in other Hall thrusters documented in the literature. Measurements of the time-average plasma potential indicates that in this particular Hall thruster, the largest axial electric field exists between the channel exit and cathode plane, consistent with recent laser-induced fluorescence measurements in the same device, and coincident with the region of the thruster where there is a negative gradient in the magnetic field. The average azimuthal wave speeds are measured and compared to the E X B drift velocity. The electron temperature is fairly uniform along the discharge, and in the range of 5-10 eV, in qualitative agreement with the observed potential differences between the floating potential and floating emissive probes.
Fossils and fossilization

The origin of fossils After an animal dies, its behavior immediately stops. Of course! Thus, behavior is the first component of the phenotype to be lost. After this, DNA and soft tissues are also rapidly lost. Large and small animals may eat or scavenge the carcass, dismembering the body, stripping away flesh, and breaking open bones that are rich in marrow. Bacteria and fungi alter soft tissues as decay takes place. Nevertheless, soft-bodied organisms may be preserved as flattened carbon films, preserved as calcium phosphate, or altered by early mineralization. For example, in the 425 mya Eramosa Formation of Canada, animal tissues containing melanin were altered by sulfur early after death; this caused resistance to bacterial decay (von Bitter et al ., 2007). Exceptionally well-preserved material from this formation disproved an idea that shallow marine fossils after the Cambrian would be unlikely to fossilize in great detail. It had previously been thought that an increase in burrowing organisms after the Cambrian would irretrievably alter sediments. Specimens from the Eramosa Formation show that this is not necessarily the case. However, it must be understood that the likelihood of any single ancient organism being preserved is miniscule. It is only the multitude of organisms living over vast reaches of geological time that allows these faint probabilities to emerge as recognizable fossils. A special sub-discipline of paleontology has been created to study all of the processes that affect an organism immediately after death until its discovery as a fossil. This is taphonomy. Techniques used by paleontologists to study taphonomy and taphonomic processes affecting fossils are also used by archaeologists when analyzing archaeological materials and sites. They are also used by forensic anthropologists when analyzing material from a crime scene, especially when considering events around the time of death and after death (Klepinger, 2006).
Tunable H robust guidance law for homing missiles

The proposed robust guidance control law can attain satisfactory robust performance for pursuing an unpredictable maneuvering target. Sufficient condition analysis is also carried out for the proposed guidance control law with tunable parameters. The proposed method not only need not touch the hard-solved Hamilton–Jacobi partial differential inequality but also guarantees that the line-of-sight distance between homing missile and maneuvering target can quickly converge to zero. A previously-implemented simulation discussed elsewhere is performed using the guidance control law to illustrate the efficiency of the proposed design.
P052 : HLA GENE MUTAGENESIS CAUSED BY TUMOR BLAST CELLS IN PERIPHERAL BLOOD

Aim Since SBT technologies were applied in HLA typing, more and more new nucleotide mutations have been being identified and reported as new HLA alleles. However, some of the nucleotide mutations may not exist in the patient’s somatic cells, but (but or because) they are caused by tumor blast cells in the peripheral blood. If so, should the typing results be reported as new alleles? In this study, we present three cases in which nucleotide mutations were found in the whole blood from leukemia patients, but not in their buccal cells. Methods DNAs were isolated from peripheral whole blood (PB) specimens, and buccal specimens separately, as needed. Sequencing-based typing (SBT) was performed by using locus/group/allele specific primers to separate the heterozygous alleles. Results Initial SBT results with DNAs from PB showed case #1 carries HLA -B ∗ 14:02:01, 18:01:01 with 1 mutation in codon 203.1 (from TGC to YGC) and the patient with AML had 47% blasts in PB; Case #2 carries HLA-B ∗ 44:02:01 with 1 additional “A” in codon 171.3 (from TAC to TAM) and the patient with CML had 59% blasts in PB; and case #3 carries HLA-A ∗ 02:01:01 with 1 additional “T” in codon 96.1 (from CAG to YAG) and the patient with lymphoma had 71% abnormal lymphocytes with irregular nuclei. None of these patients had previous transplant history. Confirmatory SBT results with DNAs from buccal cells indicate that none of those nucleotide mutations above exist (Table 1). Conclusions The accurate HLA typings are crucial to the outcome of stem cell transplantation. Whenever an unusual HLA typing from peripheral blood of a cancer patient is identified, the result of blood differentials should be checked and the confirmatory testing with buccal specimen should be followed.