cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Slip Buddy App for Weight Management: Randomized Feasibility Trial of a Dietary Lapse Tracking App.

Background: Although calorie tracking is one of the strongest predictors of weight loss in behavioral weight loss interventions, low rates of adherence are common. Objective: This study aims to examine the feasibility and acceptability of using the Slip Buddy app during a 12-week web-based weight loss program. Methods: We conducted a randomized pilot trial to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of using the Slip Buddy app compared with a popular commercial calorie tracking app during a counselor-led web-based behavioral weight loss intervention. Adults who were overweight or obese were recruited on the web and randomized into a 12-week web-based weight loss intervention that included either the Slip Buddy app or a commercial calorie tracking app. Feasibility outcomes included retention, app use, usability, slips reported, and contextual factors reported at slips. Acceptability outcomes included ratings of how helpful, tedious, taxing, time consuming, and burdensome using the assigned app was. We described weight change from baseline to 12 weeks in both groups as an exploratory outcome. Participants using the Slip Buddy app provided feedback on how to improve it during the postintervention focus groups. Results: A total of 75% (48/64) of participants were female and, on average, 39.8 (SD 11.0) years old with a mean BMI of 34.2 (SD 4.9) kg/m2. Retention was high in both conditions, with 97% (31/32) retained in the Slip Buddy condition and 94% (30/32) retained in the calorie tracking condition. On average, participants used the Slip Buddy app on 53.8% of days (SD 31.3%), which was not significantly different from the calorie tracking condition (57.5% of days; SD 28.4%), and participants who recorded slips (30/32, 94%) logged on average 17.9 (SD 14.4) slips in 12 weeks. The most common slips occurred during snack times (220/538, 40.9%). Slips most often occurred at home (297/538, 55.2%), while working (153/538, 28.4%), while socializing (130/538, 24.2%), or during screen time (123/538, 22.9%). The conditions did not differ in participants’ ratings of how their assigned app was tedious, taxing, or time consuming (all values of P>.05), but the calorie tracking condition gave their app higher helpfulness and usability ratings (all values of P<.05). Technical issues were the most common type of negative feedback, whereas simplicity was the most common type of positive feedback. Weight losses of ≥5% of baseline weight were achieved by 31% of Slip Buddy participants and 34% of calorie tracking participants. Conclusions: Self-monitoring of dietary lapses and the contextual factors associated with them may be an alternative for people who do not prefer calorie tracking. Future research should examine patient characteristics associated with adherence to different forms of dietary self-monitoring. Clinical Trial: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02615171; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02615171.
Developing technologies for prevention of bovine failure of passive transfer of antibody (FPTA)

This article summarizes information concerning available and emerging products for the prevention of FPTA with emphasis on cheese whey derivatives e.g. Colostrx® which is derived from ultrafiltration of cheese whey.
Reactions to sales restrictions on flavored vape products or all vape products among young adults in the US.

Significance Despite increases in e-cigarette sales restrictions, support for sales restrictions and perceived impact on young adult use are unclear. Methods We analyzed Feb-May 2020 data from a longitudinal study of 2,159 young adults (ages 18-34; Mage=24.75±4.71; n=550 past 30-day e-cigarette users) in 6 metropolitan areas (Atlanta, Boston, Minneapolis, Oklahoma City, San Diego, Seattle). We examined support for e-cigarette sales restrictions and - among e-cigarette users - perceived impact of flavored vape product and all vape product sales restrictions on e-cigarette and cigarette use (and potential correlates; i.e., e-cigarette/tobacco use, use-related symptoms/health concerns). Results 24.2% of e-cigarette users (and 57.6% of non-users) supported (strongly/somewhat) sales restrictions on flavored vape products; 15.1% of e-cigarette users (45.1% of non-users) supported complete vape product sales restrictions. If restricted to tobacco flavors, 39.1% of e-cigarette users reported being likely (very/somewhat) to continue using e-cigarettes (30.5% not at all likely); 33.2% were likely to switch to cigarettes (45.5% not at all). Considering complete vape product sales restrictions, equal numbers (~39%) were likely vs. not at all likely to switch to cigarettes. Greater policy support correlated with being e-cigarette non-users (aR 2=.210); among users, correlates included fewer days of use and greater symptoms and health concerns (aR 2=.393). If such restrictions were implemented, those less likely to report continuing to vape or switching to cigarettes used e-cigarettes on fewer days, were never-smokers, and indicated greater health concern (aR 2=.361). Conclusions While lower-risk users may be more positively impacted by such policies, other young adult user subgroups may not experience benefit. Implications Young adult e-cigarette users indicate low support for e-cigarette sales restrictions (both for flavored products and complete restrictions). Moreover, if vape product sales were restricted to tobacco flavors, 39.1% of users reported being likely to continue using e-cigarettes but 33.2% were likely to switch to cigarettes. If vape product sales were entirely restricted, e-cigarette users were equally likely to switch to cigarettes versus not (~40%). Those most likely to report positive impact of such policies being implemented were less frequent users, never-smokers, and those with greater e-cigarette-related health concerns. This research should be considered in future tobacco control initiatives.
Testing for stability: Motor gasoline demand and distillate fuel oil demand

Abstract The structural stability of energy demand relationships is an important question in light of the events of the 1970s. This paper looks at this issue for two energy types, motor gasoline and distillate fuel oil (home heating oil). From the results of a statistical test developed by Brown, Durbin and Evans, it appears that the demand for motor gasoline destabilized following the 1979 Iranian revolution while the demand for distillate fuel oil destabilized following the very severe winter of 1976–1977. Once destabilized, neither of the demand relationships returned to their prior form.
Teacher Participation in Online Communities: Why Do Teachers Want to Participate in Self-Generated Online Communities of K-12 Teachers?

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to examine reasons for teacher participation in online communities of K–12 teachers. The authors interviewed 23 teachers from three self generated online communities and analyzed more than 2,000 postings in those communities. The findings indicated five reasons for participation: (a) sharing emotions, (b) utilizing the advantages of online environments, (c) combating teacher isolation, (d) exploring ideas, and (e) experiencing a sense of camaraderie. In conclusion, the findings imply that when designing teacher professional development programs, more emphasis needs to be placed on teachers’ emotional sharing and promotion of self-esteem.
Segmentation and analysis of 3D cardiac motion from tagged MRI images

This paper gives an overview of our framework for the automated segmentation and motion analysis of cardiac motion from MRI tagging lines. It consists of a series of novel methods which utilize theory from image processing, deformable models and finite elements. Our framework consists of several steps. In the first step we use Gabor filter banks and deformable models for the automatic segmentation of tagging lines and cardiac boundaries. The extracted tagging lines and boundaries are then used as input to a volumetric deformable model for the heart's motion estimation analysis. In this step we first extract parameters that can determine the difference between a normal and a pathologic heart motion. Second, using an expectation-maximization methodology (EM) we are able to determine a given heart's stress-strain relationship and fiber orientation. Our hypothesis is that the 3D shape and motion analysis of the heart will allow the faster and timely diagnosis of heart disease compared to traditional 2D methods. We present a series of segmentation, shape, motion and tissue property analysis results.
Renormalization group flows in generalized Toda field theories: (II). nonsimply laced algebras

Continuing our study of the scaling properties and renormalization group flows of Toda field theories in the presence of a background charge we consider the case of nonsimply laced algebras. We introduce (para)fermions associated with the exponentials containing short roots. Working in the Kosterlitz-Thouless region we find, as we did in the SU(N) case, RG trajectories connecting UV and IR fixed points where the central charge matches the values of the central charge of minimal models associated with the corresponding algebras. We present in detail the C3, B3, and G2 cases, as well as the simply laced case D4 to which the latter two are related by diagram folding.
Abstract P112: Changes in Lifestyle Behavior to Reduce Uncontrolled Blood Pressure in the Faith Trial

Introduction: Modifying lifestyle behaviors is a key method for controlling hypertension. This strategy is extremely important for hypertensive Black Americans, as they are more likely to have uncontrolled blood pressure (BP), have a higher risk of complications, and poorer outcomes. To address this need, we conducted a cluster-randomized controlled trial to reduce BP through lifestyle modification that was delivered by lay health advisors in Black churches. The Faith-based Approaches in the Treatment of Hypertension (FAITH) trial was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of a 12-week faith-based lifestyle intervention and subsequent 3-month motivational interviewing vs. health education control on BP reduction among hypertensive Black adults. This study examines the change in lifestyle behaviors during the trial from baseline to 6 months. Methods: We recruited 373 Black Americans with uncontrolled hypertension from 32 urban churches. BP was considered to be uncontrolled if systolic BP (SBP)≥140 mmHg or diastolic BP (DBP)≥90 mmHg, or DBP≥130 mmHg or DBP≥80 mmHg for participants with self-reported diabetes or kidney disease The primary outcome was within-participant change in BP from baseline to 6 months. Lifestyle data collected included the NCI fruit/vegetable intake screener and % calories from fat screener, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), medication adherence, and measured height and weight. Results: Participants’ mean age was 63.4 y, 76.4% were female, and 96.1% reported being of African descent. The mean BMI was 32.1 kg/m2. At 6 months, the intervention was associated with significant reduction in SBP but not DBP compared with the control group (-16.0 mmHg vs -10.3 mmHg, p=0.017). There was no significant change in number of servings of fruits and vegetables consumed, minutes walked per day, or weight for either group. However, the intervention group had a slight but significantly greater decrease of 1.08 % calories from fat over time compared with the control (p=0.018), but that change was not related to change in SBP. Most notably, there was a significant months x treatment interaction on medication adherence the intervention group had a greater decrease in non-adherence score than the control (-0.84 vs -0.30, p=0.28). This improvement in adherence was related to decrease in SBP (p=0.019). Conclusion: Community-based lifestyle modification program led to significantly reduced systolic BP; and this intervention effect was mediated by improved medication adherence. However, the 12-week intervention resulted in little change in key diet and physical activity behaviors found in other trials to positively affect BP.
Intravenous AAV8 Encoding Urocortin-2 Increases Function of the Failing Heart in Mice

Abstract Urocortin-2 (UCn2) peptide infusion increases cardiac function in patients with heart failure, but chronic peptide infusion is cumbersome, is costly, and provides only short-term benefits. Gene transfer would circumvent these shortcomings. We previously showed that a single intravenous (IV) injection of AAV8.UCn2 increases plasma UCn2 and left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic function for at least 7 months in normal mice. Here we test the hypothesis that IV delivery of AAV8.UCn2 increases function of the failing heart. Myocardial infarction (MI, by coronary ligation) was used to induce heart failure, which was assessed by echocardiography 3 weeks after MI. Mice with LV ejection fraction (EF) <25% received IV delivery of AAV8.UCn2 (5×1011 gc) or saline, and 5 weeks later echocardiography showed increased LV EF in mice that received UCn2 gene transfer (p=0.01). In vivo physiological studies showed a 2-fold increase in peak rate of LV pressure development (LV +dP/dt; p<0.0001) and a 1.6-fold ...
Analytical and computational assessment of locking in the hp finite element method

Locking is the phenomenon by which the numerical approximation of parameter-dependent problems deteriorates for values of the parameter close to a limiting value. In this paper, we give a definition of locking and develop precise computable and analytic ways to quantify it. Using the example of nearly incompressible elasticity, we show by means of computational and theoretical results, the difference between the h version and php version in combatting locking. Our results establish the superiority of high-order elements (both h, p and hp) when the standard variational form is used. We also discuss other issues such as curved elements, mixed methods, and locking phenomena for problems over anisotropic materials and over thin domains.
Kinetic emission of electrons from monocrystalline targets

This paper develops a single-collision theory of the emission of electrons from a metal surface subjected to high-energy ion bombardment, which gives reasonable agreement with the data of Carlston, Magnuson, Mahadevan, and Harrison, in the 1 to 10-keV energy range. The model is based upon a Thomas-Fermi-Firsov energy-transfer calculation which has been modified to include an explicit dependence upon lattice orientation. Orientation effects appear naturally, and orientation-dependent cross sections are not required, but the distribution of possible impact parameters for a particular crystal orientation is of central importance. The theory has been used to determine semiempirical interaction potentials between the moving particle and a lattice atom. These potentials are more similar to Abrahamson's atom-atom potentials than to the Gibson potentials used in radiation-damage studies.
Crime in Society and Schools

many years thereafter, people spoke about crime in society, not from the point of view of a careful analysis, nor from the point of view of evaluating efforts to deal with crime, but rather from personal ideology and organizational and institutional interests. The predictable result was that they talked past each other and arrived at no agreements as to how to approach the problem. Influential spokesmen aroused public expectations and then disappointed them. They fanned the flames of ideology and allowed preconceived positions to harden. This, in my view, made us worse rather than better off.
Organic Acid Changes During Ripening of Processing Peaches

Organic acids and their changes during peach (Prunus persica L. Batsch) fruit ripening were quantified by HPLC for clingstone cultivars, «Babygold 5» and «Babygold 7», and a freestone cultivar, «Cresthaven». At full maturity, «Babygold 5» and «Babygold 7» had about 60% malic, 20% citric and 19% quinic acid; whereas «Cresthaven» had similar amounts of all three organic acids (37, 35 and 28%, respectively). During fruit ripening, «Babygold 5» and «Babygold 7» increased in malic acid and decreased in citric and quinic acids, whereas, «Cresthaven» showed little change in these organic acids
Reducing drug use among methadone maintenance clients: Contingent reinforcement for morphine-free urines

This study assessed the impact on supplemental heroin use by seven methadone maintenance patients of providing extrinsic reinforcement contingent upon morphine-free urinalysis results. Reinforcement was available for morphine-free urine samples during randomly selected weeks. Reinforcement consisted of a choice between $15, two methadone take- home privileges, and two opportunities to self-regulate methadone dosage. The monetary reinforcer was chosen on 95% of reinforcement occasions. During contingent reinforcement the rate of morphine-positive urinalyses declined significantly below pre-study levels (Wilcoxon Test, P<0.01). The morphine-positive rate during the randomly intermixed non-reinforcement weeks also declined, and did not differ significantly from that during reinforcement weeks. The post-study morphine-positive rate increased to a level not significantly different from the prestudy level. These data suggest generalization of the reinforcement effect to the non-reinforcement weeks, and indicate the need for further studies to determine the specific impact of the reinforcement procedure. Clinically, these data support the utility of contingent reinforcement for drug-free biological samples as a treatment modality for substance abuse.
Biomechanical effect of increasing or decreasing degrees of freedom for surgery of trapeziometacarpal joint arthritis: A simulation study

Osteoarthritis of the trapeziometacarpal (TMC) joint can be treated by arthrodesis and arthroplasty, which potentially decreases or increases the degrees of freedom (DoF) of the joint, respectively. The aim of our study was to bring novel biomechanical insights into these joint surgery procedures by investigating the influence of DoF at the TMC joint on muscle and joint forces in the thumb. A musculoskeletal model of the thumb was developed to equilibrate a 1 N external force in various directions while the thumb assumed key and pulp pinch postures. Muscle and joint forces were computed with an optimization method. In comparison to that of the 2-DoF (intact joint) condition, muscle forces slightly decreased in the 0-DoF (arthrodesis) condition, but drastically increased in the 3-DoF (arthroplasty) condition. TMC joint forces in the 3-DoF condition were 12 times larger than the 2-DoF joint. This study contributes to a further understanding of the biomechanics of the intact and surgically repaired TMC joint and addresses the biomechanical consequences of changing a joint's DoF by surgery. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29:1675–1681, 2011
FPGA-RR: an enhanced FPGA architecture with RRAM-based reconfigurable interconnects (abstract only)

In this study, we explore the use of Resistive RAMs (RRAMs) as candidates for programmable interconnects in FPGAs. An RRAM cell can be programmed between high resistance state and low resistance state, with an on/off ratio close to MOSFET. It provides an opportunity to use an RRAM as a routing switch at a much smaller area cost than its CMOS counterpart. RRAMs can be fabricated over CMOS circuits using CMOS-compatible processes to have a more compact gate array. Our recent work (presented in NanoArch'2011) demonstrated significant potential of area, delay, and power reduction from using RRAMs in FPGAs. But some design problems remain open. The programming of RRAM switches integrated in interconnects is one important problem. We show that the high-level architecture of programming circuits for RRAM switches should be modified to avoid potential logic hazard. Also the programming cells used in previous works have an area overhead even larger than RRAM itself. We manage to reduce this overhead significantly with utilization of the non-arbitrary pattern of RRAM integration in FPGA interconnects. In addition we suggest a novel buffering solution for FPGA interconnects in light of the low area cost of RRAM-based routing switch. We propose on-demand buffer insertion, where buffers can be connected to interconnects via RRAMs to dynamically reflect the demand of the netlist to map onto FPGA. Compared to conventional buffering solution which are pre-determined during fabrication and can only be optimized for general case, our solution shows further area savings and performance improvement. The resulting FPGA architecture using RRAM for programmable interconnects is named FPGA-RR. We provide a complete CAD flow for FPGA-RR.
Civil Society and Online Political Discourse The Network Structure of Unrestricted Discussions

The goal of this study is to examine—theoretically and empirically—the implications of unrestricted, computer-mediated social interactions for civil society. Discussions of 207,419 participants in 35 newsgroups over 6 years are examined. Patterns of participation and attention attraction follow a power–law degree distribution—a highly skewed distribution—as is expected in large networks. Furthermore, analysis shows that these patterns are dependent on group size: The larger a group, the more skewed is its distribution. These patterns indicate hierarchical social structures that limit equality among participants and well-informed citizenry. The growth of discussions, which can empower civil society, is in fact making it more hierarchical.
Can 18-Month-Old Infants Learn Words by Listening in on Conversations?.

Previous research has shown that children as young as 2 can learn words from 3rd-party conversations (Akhtar, Jipson, & Callanan, 2001). The focus of this study was to determine whether younger infants could learn a new word through overhearing. Novel object labels were introduced to 18-month-old infants in 1 of 2 conditions: directly by an experimenter or in the context of overhearing the experimenter use the word while interacting with another adult. The findings suggest that, when memory demands are not too high, 18-month-old infants can learn words through overhearing.
Cancer Control and Prevention by Nutrition and Epigenetic Approaches

Significance: Epigenetics involves alterations in gene expression without changing the nucleotide sequence. Because some epigenetic changes can be reversed chemically, epigenetics has tremendous implications for disease intervention and treatment. Recent Advances: After epigenetic components in cancer were characterized, genes and pathways are being characterized in other diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and neurological disorders. Observational, experimental, and clinical studies in different diseases have shown that nutrients influence epigenetic regulation. Nutrients such as folic acid that supply methyl groups have been shown to have a protective effect in colon cancer. Critical Issues: Identifying steps during epigenetic regulation and developing intervention and treatment agents are the critical issues in the field. Future Directions: Following completion and validation of key observational studies in nutritional epigenetics, strategies can be developed for cancer control and treatment. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 17, 355–364.
Examination of super-harmonics in a multi-degree of freedom nonlinear vibration isolation system: Refined models and comparison with measurements

Abstract A multi-degree of freedom vibration isolation experiment consisting of a powertrain, three powertrain mounts including a dynamic load sensing hydraulic mount, a sub-frame, and 4 bushings is examined in both time and frequency domains. Since the hydraulic mount exhibits nonlinear phenomena, super-harmonics are observed in motion, pressure and interfacial force measurements when the system is sinusoidally excited. Refined indirect force estimation methods are proposed with a focus on the super-harmonics. This includes the development of a quasi-linear fluid system model with embedded spectrally varying and amplitude-sensitive parameters. The reverse path spectral method is employed using the measured relative motion and upper chamber pressure in the nonlinear hydraulic mount. The relevant transfer functions (with effective parameters for both rubber and hydraulic paths) are used to estimate the interfacial forces. Up to six harmonics of the fundamental excitation frequency are examined, and the contribution of each path is clarified. The proposed quasi-linear fluid system model including super-harmonics extends prior work on indirect force estimation methods and successfully predicts the interfacial forces in the multi-degree of freedom vibration isolation system. The quasi-linear fluid system model, however, seems to be inadequate in estimating the sub-harmonic responses.
On Naturalizing the Epistemology of Mathematics

In this paper, I consider an argument for the claim that any satisfactory epistemology of mathematics will violate core tenets of naturalism, i.e. that mathematics cannot be naturalized. I find little reason for optimism that the argument can be effectively answered.
A content-addressable pointer mechanism underlies comprehension of verb-phrase ellipsis

Abstract Interpreting a verb-phrase ellipsis (VP ellipsis) requires accessing an antecedent in memory, and then integrating a representation of this antecedent into the local context. We investigated the online interpretation of VP ellipsis in an eye-tracking experiment and four speed–accuracy tradeoff experiments. To investigate whether the antecedent for a VP ellipsis is accessed with a search or direct-access retrieval process, Experiments 1 and 2 measured the effect of the distance between an ellipsis and its antecedent on the speed and accuracy of comprehension. Accuracy was lower with longer distances, indicating that interpolated material reduced the quality of retrieved information about the antecedent. However, contra a search process, distance did not affect the speed of interpreting ellipsis. This pattern suggests that antecedent representations are content-addressable and retrieved with a direct-access process. To determine whether interpreting ellipsis involves copying antecedent information into the ellipsis site, Experiments 3–5 manipulated the length and complexity of the antecedent. Some types of antecedent complexity lowered accuracy, notably, the number of discourse entities in the antecedent. However, neither antecedent length nor complexity affected the speed of interpreting the ellipsis. This pattern is inconsistent with a copy operation, and it suggests that ellipsis interpretation may involve a pointer to extant structures in memory.
([2.2.2]Cryptand-κ6O)potassium (η4-cyclo­octa­diene)bis­(η2-pyrene)cobaltate(1−) pentane hemisolvate

The cation, anion, and solvent in the title compound, [K(C18H36N2O6)][Co(C8H12)(C16H10)2]·0.5C5H12, are well separated. The pentane solvent mol­ecules are found in channels along [100] and were modeled as disordered over crystallographic inversion centers. Using the mid-points of the coordinated olefins, the angle between the Cpy/Cpy–Co–Cpy/Cpy and the Ccod/Ccod–Co–Ccod/Ccod planes (py is pyrene and cod is cyclo­octa­diene) is 67.6 (2)°. Thus, the overall geometry of the coordination sphere around cobalt is best described as distorted tetra­hedral.
Elevation angle research in three-dimension channel model using ray-tracing

By adopting elevation domain beamforming and spatial domain multiplexing, 3 Dimensional (3D) Multiple Input and Multiple Output (MIMO) antenna system is the key technology in providing high throughput in modern communication systems. However, the conventional channel modeling method mainly focuses on 2 dimensional (2D) MIMO channels which neglect the vertical plane. It inspires scholars to do research on the characteristics of 3D channel models' elevation parameters. In this paper, we propose an automatic measurement approach for 3D MIMO channel by using ray-tracing algorithm. This method delivers the characteristics of the elevation angle for low-rise floors in Outdoor to Indoor (O2I) scenario, which have accurately matched the classical experimental results. In addition, further investigation for high-rise floors is successfully made by this proposed methodology as well.
Venodilation in Raynaud's disease

Abstract The pathogenesis of Raynaud's disease is unclear; an enhanced reponse to catecholamines has been hypothesised to contribute to this vasospastic disorder. Impaired endothelium-dependent dilation occurs in other diseases associated with vasospasm, such as coronary atherosclerosis. We investigated both endothelium-dependent and endothelium-independent venodilatory function in Raynaud's disease using the hand-vein compliance technique. Full dose-response curves to noradrenaline were constructed in 10 subjects with primary Raynaud's disease and 10 age and sex matched control subjects. The two groups did not have a different response to noradrenaline. Mean (SD) log values of ED 50 s (the dose producing half maximum response) were 1·00 (0·59) (geometric mean 10 ng/min) in Raynaud's disease compared with 1·29 (0·66) (20 ng/min) in control subjects (p=0·16). The efficacy of noradrenaline as a venoconstrictor was similar in the two groups: mean maximum dilation (E max ) to noradrenaline was 81 (14)% in the Raynaud's group and 89 (8)% in the control group (p=0·08). Full dose-response curves to the endothelium-dependent dilator bradykinin were constructed. E max to bradykinin was significantly lower in the Raynaud's group than in the control group (65 [21] vs 91 [29%], p=0·02). ED 50 values (doses producing half maximum response) for bradykinin were similar in the two groups. Maximum dilation with nitroprusside, a direct releaser of the vasodilator nitric oxide, was not diminished in the Raynaud's group (94 [23] vs 102 [15]% in controls, p=0·26). These results suggest that endothelium-dependent venodilation is impaired in peripheral vessels in Raynaud's disease, possibly due to diminished release of nitric oxide, and may contribute to the pathogenesis of the disorder.
The Impact of Preservice Preparation and Early Career Support on Novice Teachers’ Career Intentions and Decisions

A rationale for providing high-quality support during teachers’ early years is to develop further the skills teachers acquire during preparation and to help overcome weaknesses that might lead them to abandon the profession. Yet, almost no consideration has been given to potential interactions between preservice preparation and induction support received. This study utilizes survey and administrative data to examine the effects, including interactions, of preservice preparation and early career support on new teachers’ career intentions and decisions. Consistent with previous research, we find a direct association between perceived preparation quality and leaving teaching. Moreover, we find the quality and comprehensiveness of mentoring and induction to be related to teachers’ intentions and decisions. Our results also suggest that comprehensive support moderates the relationship between preservice preparation and intentions to leave. The findings point to the importance of considering preservice preparat...
Nonislet cell tumor hypoglycemia.

Nonislet cell tumor hypoglycemia (NICTH) is a rare cause of hypoglycemia. It is characterized by increased glucose utilization by tissues mediated by a tumor resulting in hypoglycemia. NICTH is usually seen in large mesenchymal tumors including tumors involving the GI tract. Here we will discuss a case, its pathophysiology, and recent advances in the management of NICTH. Our patient was diagnosed with poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma of esophagus. He continued to be hypoglycemic even after starting continuous tube feeds and D5W. General workup for hypoglycemia was negative and insulin-like growth factor II (IGF II) was in the normal range. Hypoglycemia secondary to “big” IGF II was considered, and patient was started on steroids. His hypoglycemia resolved within a day of treatment with steroids. Initially patient had hypoglycemia unawareness, which he regained after maintaining euglycemia for 48 hours.
Wind induced sea level variability in the Red Sea

Analysis of TOPEX/Poseidon altimetry data for the Red Sea shows a large seasonal sea level signal in agreement with the few available coastal sea level stations. The results are compared with the predictions from a simple model that balances the sea surface elevation against the wind stress. The winter sea level field in the central and northern Red Sea is shown to be a response to the convergent wind pattern associated with the Indian Monsoon, consisting of NNW winds in the northern Red Sea and SSE winds in the south. There is a very good agreement between the model and observations, indicating that the basic mechanism responsible for the variability of the sea surface height inside the Red Sea on seasonal time scales is the wind pattern.
Properties of bonded hydrogen in hydrogenated amorphous silicon and other hydrogenated amorphous silicon alloys

Abstract This paper discusses bonding configurations of hydrogen atoms (H) in amorphous silicon and amorphous-silicon-based alloys. Recent experiments combined with theoretical calculations have identified two new aspects of bonded H that have not previously been addressed: (i) the formation of H bonds between H atoms on SiH groups and electronegative atoms or groups such as O atoms or NH groups; and (ii) an inherent metastability of H-bonded clusters as driven by the trapping of charged carriers. Both of these are shown to play important roles in (i) a photo-induced defect metastability such as the Staebler-Wronski effect, and (ii) hydrogen evolution from amorphous silicon nitrides. Finally, the concepts developed for a-Si:H alloys apply equally well to defect metastability at SiSiO2 interfaces as in metal-oxide-semiconductor devices including insulated-gate field-effect transistors.
Data structures and algorithms in pen-based computingenvironments

Abstract Data structure visualization (or animation) has been studied for more than twenty years, though existing systems have not gained wide acceptance in the classroom by students and their instructors. The main reason is that animation preparation is too time consuming. A more technical reason is that when a particular data structure is encoded into an animation, it does not have the flexibility often needed in a classroom setting. There is also a pedagogical reason: a number of prior studies have found that using algorithm visualization in a classroom had no significant effect on student performance. We believe that the tablet PC, empowered by digital ink, will challenge the current boundaries imposed upon algorithm animation. One of the potential advantages of this new technology is that it allows the expression and exchange of ideas in an interactive environment using sketch-based interfaces. In this paper we discuss teaching and learning tablet PC based environment in which students using a stylus would draw a particular instance of a data structure and then invoke an algorithm to animate over this data structure. A completely natural way of drawing using a digital pen will generate a data structure model, which (once it is checked for correctness) will serve as a basis for execution of various computational algorithms. In the future, we will extend the above visualization tool to a hybrid theorem prover system. Experience shows that many computer science students have great difficulties with the proofs methods encountered in, say, an advanced course on algorithms. Indeed, often the logical foundation of a proof argument seems to escape some of the students. We propose to transform students’ experience with proofs by incorporating pen-based technology into introductory computer science courses. In particular, we consider formal proofs in Euclidean geometry. The cornerstone of this model is the concept of geometrical sketching, dynamically combined with an underlying mathematical model. A completely natural way of drawing using a digital pen will generate a system of polynomial equations of several variables. The latter will be fed to a theorem prover, based on the Grőbner bases technique, which will automatically establish inner properties of the model. Moreover, once a particular mathematical model is created and then checked for accuracy, it will serve as a basis for logical deduction of various geometrical statements that might follow. Finally, a detailed step-by-step exposition of the proving process will be provided.
Skin Movement for Individuals With ACL-Deficient and ACL-Reconstructed Knees

The anterior cruciate ligament reconstructed (ACL-R) knees suffer from a higher risk for osteoarthritis (OA) which is the major leading cause of disability[1]. In order to understand the mechanism of knee injury and the development of OA, precise 3-D knee joint motion is often determined by invasive, or radioactive approaches[2]. For studying daily activities like walking which has larger range of motion (ROM), the skin marker-based technique remains the only feasible way[3].Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Fluid intake, distribution, and excretion during lateral ventricular infusions of carbachol in rats.

Abstract Infusion of carbachol into the lateral ventricles of rats at rates of 400 or 2000 ng/h for 6 h produced dose-related natriuresis, kaliuresis, and water drinking but no consumption of hypertonic NaCl solution. Electrolyte excretion and water intake were maximal during the first 2 h, and no further increases occurred after 4 h. Sodium losses were estimated as 15–30% of total extracellular sodium. Continuous infusion of 2000 ng/h carbachol for 6 days produced a chronic increase of water intake but no increased consumption of saline. sodium balances were negative during the first day of infusion, but gradually returned to normal over 6 days. Plasma volume, hematocrit, and plasma sodium and potassium concentrations were normal in carbachol-infused animals on the 6th day. Cholinergic stimulation of the brain thus appeared to interfere with the usual salt appetite following sodium loss.
Differential effects of spinal cord lesions on narcotic and non-narcotic supression of nociceptive reflexes: Further evidence for the physiologic multiplicity of pain modulation

These studies examined the effects of bilateral lesions of the dorsolateral funiculus (DLF) of the rat spinal cord on the inhibition of a nociceptive reflex produced either by a systemic injection of 4 mg/kg of morphine or by a 20 sec exposure to 1.0 mA of transcutaneous electric shock. Reflex inhibition was quantified and analgesia inferred by use of a modified version of the D'Amour-Smith tail-flick test. Lesions which included only the DLF reduced morphine-produced analgesia (MA) by 73% but had no effect on shock-produced analgesia (SA) observed in the same rats. Baseline tail-flick latencies of this group were not affected by the lesions. Control lesions restricted to the dorsal columns attenuated neither MA nor SA. Lesions which included both the dorsal columns and DLF did not affect SA and produced no greater reduction in MA than lesions of the DLF alone. Previous work indicates that both MA and SA result, at least in part, from supraspinal activity. The current data indicate that: (1) supraspinal modulation participating in two different types of analgesic induction involves separate descending spinal pathways and (2) the maximal expression of analgesia produced by administration of narcotics requires the integrity of a supraspinal neural system projecting in the DLF.
Diet and cancer of the esophagus

Abstract The reported dietary, alcohol consumption and smoking habits of 147 Roswell Park Memorial Institute white male patients diagnosed with cancer of the esophagus were compared with the reports of 264 white males of comparable ages with diagnoses other than cancer. Overall frequency of vegetable and fruit consumption was associated with lower risk; persons reporting fruit and/or vegetable consumption 31–40 times a month had significantly greater risk than those who reported consumption 81 times a month or more. Calculated indexes of vitamin A and vitamin C intake were similarly related to reduction in risk. Dose‐response gradients were observed for frequency of vegetable and/or fruit consumption, as well as for vitamin A and C intake. The putative protective effect of vegetable and fruit intake remained evident after controlling for its possible association with smoking and drinking. Previously reported associations of smoking, alcohol use and social class, as measured by type of occupation, were rep...
Euclid's optics and its compatibility with linear perspective

An influential tradition which holds that Euclid's Optics and linear perspective conflict has been established by Erwin Panofsky and continued by John White, Morris Kline, Nelson Goodman and others.1 This is a surprising position because both systems attempt to develop a means of analyzing visual appearances in geometric terms, and to do this both make use of a cone of vision as the basis of the analysis while leaving aside psychological and physical aspects of vision. Euclid's Optics studies the apparent size, shape, and position of objects from a point of observation, while the central problem for linear perspective is determining the relative size, shape, and placement of objects in a scene as they appear at a picture plane. Thus these two systems take a similar approach to questions which are closely related. If the two systems conflict in their geometrical analysis, there might be reason to suppose that one or both are conventionally established geometries, that they
Cardiopathic effect of 1,2,3-trichloropropane after subacute and subchronic exposure in rats.

1,2,3-Trichloropropane (1,2,3-TCP) is an industrial water contaminant with potential for human exposure by the oral route. The systemic toxicology of 1,2,3-TCP was evaluated after subacute or subchronic exposure in male and female Sprague-Dawley rats. Animals were treated with 0.01, 0.05, 0.20 and 0.80 mmol kg−1 day−1 for 10 days and 0.01, 0.05, 0.10 and 0.40 mmol kg−1 day−1 for 90 days. Chemical exposure was by oral gavage in corn oil. Lethality did not occur in either study. Toxicity was observed primarily in the high dose group of subacute and subchronically treated rats of both sexes. Weight gain suppression occurred at a dose of 0.8 mmol kg−1 (118 mg kg−1) after 10 days. After 90 days of exposure to 0.40 mmol kg−1, the final body weights were 81% and 86% of control values for males and females, respectively. When major organ weights were normalized by body weight, liver and kidney values were generally increased relative to control in the two highest dose groups after 10- and 90-day chemical exposure. Serum chemistries and histopathology indicated a mild hepatotoxic response to 1,2,3-TCP in the high dose group of each study but did not support any renal toxicity. Thymic weight reduction due to atrophy occurred at 10 days of exposure in high dose groups but was normal in all groups after the 90-day treatment. The primary histological finding in this study was an inflammation-associated cardiopathy produced by 1,2,3-TCP. Myocardial necrosis and degeneration occurred in a diffuse pattern with marked eosinophilia of affected cells. Male and female animals showed a cardiopathic response only at a dose of 0.8 mmol kg−1 1,2,3-TCP after the 10-day exposure. In the subchronic study, the incidence of cardiopathy was more prevalent in males than in females. In addition to cardiac effects, the 90-day chemical exposure produced bile duct hyperplasia in 40% and 80% of males and females, respectively. This observation may be significant, since five other neoplastic and proliferative lesions were observed in rats receiving 1,2,3-TCP subchronically. Thus, this study demonstrates that heart and liver were target organs for 1,2,3-TCP toxicity and suggests that 1,2,3-TCP exposure may be involved in carcinogenesis.
Gasoline and crude oil fingerprinting using constant energy synchronous luminescence spectrometry

Abstract Constant energy synchronous luminescence spectrometry (CESLS) is applied to environmental analysis involving gasoline and crude oil samples containing polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Sample identification at low temperature (77 °K) with quartz tubes and room temperature on filter paper is performed. The ability to identify individual PAHs in samples as well as fingerprint different samples based on total PAH content with CESLS is demonstrated.
Unanticipated problems in the United States child protection system

Abstract While the United States child protection system is widely recognized as probably the most sophisticated and wide-ranging in the world, it nevertheless has come inherent problems. This article addresses some of the negative effects of mandatory reporting and the lack of fit of a short-term crisis intervention treatment approach for a substantial proportion of the protective services population. Reporting may have detrimental effects on the client-reporter relationship. Further, over half of the cases investigated are not substantiated. Of concern are the impact on innocent families of being investigated and the waste of scarce worker resources on investigation. While some protective services families are well suited to a crisis intervention model, a large number are multiproblem families who are always in crisis and families with chronic problems for whom crisis intervention is totally inadequate. Furthermore, because of high caseload size, workers are often not available to intervene after they have investigated the case. The problems described have been exacerbated by funding cutbacks under the current United States administration. The child protection system, along with other social welfare programs, is at risk for being dismantled by the Reagan administration.
Ultrastructural and molecular phylogenetic delineation of a new order, the Rhizophydiales (Chytridiomycota).

In the order Chytridiales, Rhizophydium is a morphologically defined genus based upon the production of a monocentric, inoperculate, epibiotic sporangium, an endobiotic rhizoidal axis which branches, and an epibiotic resting spore. Despite its simple morphology, over 220 species of Rhizophydium have been described. Recent phylogenetic analyses using nuLSU rRNA (28 S rRNA) gene sequences of a geographically diverse sampling of Rhizophydium cultures revealed that the classical genus Rhizophydium is genetically more variable than previously understood and actually represents multiple genera. In the present study, we use zoospore ultrastructural characters and 28 S rRNA and 5.8 S ribosomal gene sequences of 96 isolates in culture to circumscribe the monophyletic Rhizophydium clade as a new order, Rhizophydiales. Correspondingly, zoospores of members of the Rhizophydiales exhibit a unique suite of ultrastructural character states that further define the order and distinguish it from the order Chytridiales. Molecular analyses reveal several strongly supported clades within the Rhizophydiales. Three of those clades encompass a broad range of isolates and are defined as new families Rhizophydiaceae, Terramycetaceae, and Kappamycetaceae. To resolve close relationships within Terramycetaceae, combined 28 S rRNA and ITS1‐5.8 S‐ITS2 sequences were analysed and details of zoospore ultrastructural character states determined, with two new genera, Terramyces and Boothiomyces, described. Two species formerly classified in Rhizophydium are transferred to the new genera. This work provides a framework for additional taxonomic revisions within the new order Rhizophydiales and compares genetic variation useful in defining genera, species, and populations within this lineage of chytrids. A broader sampling of representatives is needed before taxonomic decisions can be made for remaining clades within the Rhizophydiales.