cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Which neuromuscular attributes are most associated with mobility among older primary care patients

Abstract Objective To identify the neuromuscular attributes that are associated with self-reported mobility status among older primary care patients. Design Cohort study. Setting Metropolitan-based health care system. Participants Community-dwelling primary care patients aged ≥65 years (N=430), with self-reported modification of mobility tasks resulting from underlying health conditions. Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures Basic and Advanced Lower Extremity Function as measured by the Late Life Function and Disability Instrument. Results We constructed multivariable linear regression models evaluating both outcomes. For Basic Lower Extremity Function, leg strength, leg velocity, trunk extensor muscle endurance, and ankle range of motion (ROM) were statistically significant predictors ( P R 2 =.21). For Advanced Lower Extremity Function, leg strength, leg strength asymmetry, leg velocity, trunk extensor muscle endurance, and knee flexion ROM were statistically significant predictors ( P R 2 =.39). Sensitivity analyses conducted using multiple imputations to account for missing data confirmed these findings. Conclusions This analysis highlights the relevance and importance of 5 categories of neuromuscular attributes: strength, speed of movement, ROM, asymmetry, and trunk stability. It identifies novel attributes (leg velocity and trunk extensor muscle endurance) relevant to mobility and highlights that impairment profiles vary by the level of mobility assessed. These findings will inform the design of more thorough and potentially more effective disability prevention strategies.
Assessment of efficient sampling designs for urban stormwater monitoring.

Abstract Monitoring programs for urban runoff have not been assessed for effectiveness or efficiency in estimating mass emissions. In order to determine appropriate designs for stormwater, total suspended solids (TSS) and flow information from the Santa Ana River was collected nearly every 15 min for every storm of the 1998 water year. All samples were used to calculate the “true load” and then three within-storm sampling designs (flow-interval, time-interval, and simple random) and five among-storm sampling designs (stratified by size, stratified by season, simple random, simple random of medium and large storms, and the first m storms of the season) were simulated. Using these designs, we evaluated three estimators for storm mass emissions (mean, volume-weighted, and ratio) and three estimators for annual mass emissions (median, ratio, and regular). Designs and estimators were evaluated with respect to accuracy and precision. The optimal strategy was used to determine the appropriate number of storms to sample annually based upon confidence interval width for estimates of annual mass emissions and concentration. The amount of detectable trend in mass emissions and concentration was determined for sample sizes 3 and 7. Single storms were most efficiently characterized (small bias and standard error) by taking 12 samples following a flow-interval schedule and using a volume-weighted estimator of mass emissions. The ratio estimator, when coupled with the simple random sample of medium and large storms within a season, most accurately estimated concentration and mass emissions; and had low bias over all of the designs. Sampling seven storms is the most efficient method for attaining small confidence interval width for annual concentration. Sampling three storms per year allows a 20% trend to be detected in mass emissions or concentration over five years. These results are decreased by 10% by sampling seven storms per year.
Density Fluctuations at Low Temperatures

The applicability to a quantum liquid of the standard classical formula connecting the compressibility with the coherent scattering cross section for large wavelengths, questioned by the author in a previous paper, is examined. The correctness of the standard formula is proved (a) at absolute zero (the density fluctuations being infranormal); (b) under quantum conditions for all temperatures at which the Wigner expansion converges (it is conjectured that for liquid helium the expansion may diverge below the lambdapoint); and (c) for a one-dimensional crystal for all temperatures. These results, while they stop short of a complete proof of the standard classical formula for all conditions, do extend considerably our knowledge of its range of validity.
Transforming Growth Factor-β1-induced Expression of Smooth Muscle Marker Genes Involves Activation of PKN and p38 MAPK

Differentiated vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) exhibit a work phenotype characterized by expression of several well documented contractile apparatus-associated proteins. However, SMCs retain the ability to de-differentiate into a proliferative phenotype, which is involved in the progression of vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis and restenosis. Understanding the mechanisms involved in maintaining SMC differentiation is critical for preventing proliferation associated with vascular disease. In this study, the molecular mechanisms through which transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) induces differentiation of SMCs were examined. TGF-β1 stimulated actin re-organization, inhibited cell proliferation, and up-regulated SMC marker gene expression in PAC-1 SMCs. These effects were blocked by pretreatment of cells with either HA1077 or Y-27632, which inhibit the kinases downstream of RhoA. Moreover, TGF-β1 activated RhoA and its downstream target PKN. Overexpression of active PKN alone was sufficient to increase the transcriptional activity of the promoters that control expression of smooth muscle (SM) α-actin, SM-myosin heavy chain, and SM22α. In addition, PKN increased the activities of serum-response factor (SRF), GATA, and MEF2-dependent enhancer-reporters. RNA interference-mediated inhibition of PKN abolished TGF-β1-induced activation of SMC marker gene promoters. Finally, examination of MAPK signaling demonstrated that TGF-β1 increased the activity of p38 MAPK, which was required for activation of the SMC marker gene promoters. Co-expression of dominant negative p38 MAPK was sufficient to block PKN-mediated activation of the SMC marker gene promoters as well as the serum-response factor, GATA, and MEF2 enhancers. Taken together, these results identify components of an important intracellular signaling pathway through which TGF-β1 activates PKN to promote differentiation of SMCs.
ACTH modulation of transcription factors responsible for steroid hydroxylase gene expression in the adrenal cortex.

Steroid hormone biosynthesis in the adrenal cortex and gonads involves the coordinated transcription of the genes encoding the steroid hydroxylases, 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3betaHSD), the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), and adrenodoxin (Adx). Transcriptional regulation of steroidogenic genes is multifactorial, entailing developmental, tissue-specific, constitutive, and cAMP-dependent mechanisms. Optimal steroidogenic capacity is achieved by the actions of ACTH which exerts transcriptional pressure on all steroidogenic genes. The actions of ACTH in the adrenal cortex have been studied in great detail and is mediated by cAMP and protein kinase A (PKA) via two temporally distinct pathways. The acute response leads to mobilization of cholesterol, the initial substrate for all steroidogenic pathways, from cellular stores to the inner mitochondrial membrane where cholesterol sidechain cleavage cytochrome P450 (P45011A1) resides. The slower, chronic response of ACTH in the adrenal cortex directs transcription of the genes encoding the steroidogenic enzymes. Although steroidogenic gene transcription in response to ACTH is cAMP-dependent, the consensus cAMP response pathway (CRE/CREB) is not involved. Instead, each steroidogenic gene utilizes unique cAMP-responsive sequences (CRS) found in the promoters of each gene, which bind a diverse array of transcription factors. Moreover, once specific transcription factors are bound to the promoters of the steroidogenic genes, increased gene expression requires posttranslational modification (phosphorylation/dephosphorylation) of the transcription factors and binding of coactivator proteins. This review provides a general view (with emphasis on the human) of the important factors involved in regulating steroidogenic gene expression and ultimately steroid hormone biosynthesis.
DETECTION OF DISBONDING IN GLARE COMPOSITES USING LAMB WAVE APPROACH

Lamb‐waves can be used to detect disbonds in composite plates. In this work, a photoacoustic technique was first applied to measure the dispersive property of a GLAss‐REinforced (GLARE) composite panel. The measured phase velocity dispersion curves are consistent with the theoretical calculation using the classical transfer matrix method for layered media. Based on the obtained properties, a finite element method (FEM) model was constructed to study the influence of a disbond void on the Lamb wave propagation in the GLARE plate. It is found that the displacement amplitudes of the Ao mode Lamb wave decrease while its travel time increases as the disbond size increases.
The San Andreas fault zone drilling project: Scientific objectives and technological challenges

The authors are leading a new international initiative to conduct scientific drilling within the San Andreas fault zone at depths of up to 10 km. This project is motivated by the need to understand the physical and chemical processes operating within the fault zone and to answer fundamental questions about earthquake generation along major plate-boundary faults. Through a comprehensive program of coring, fluid sampling, downhole measurements, laboratory experimentation, and long-term monitoring, the authors hope to obtain critical information on the structure, composition, mechanical behavior and physical state of the San Andreas fault system at depths comparable to the nucleation zones of great earthquakes. The drilling, sampling and observational requirements needed to ensure the success of this project are stringent. These include: (1) drilling stable vertical holes to depths of about 9 km in fractured rock at temperatures of up to 300 C; (2) continuous coring and completion of inclined holes branched off these vertical boreholes to intersect the fault at depths of 3, 6, and 9 km; (3) conducting sophisticated borehole geophysical measurements and fluid/rock sampling at high temperatures and pressures; and (4) instrumenting some or all of these inclined core holes for continuous monitoring of earthquake activity, fluid pressure, more » deformation and other parameters for periods of up to several decades. For all of these tasks, because of the overpressured clay-rich formations anticipated within the fault zone at depth, the authors expect to encounter difficult drilling, coring and hole-completion conditions in the region of greatest scientific interest. « less
Optical wireless networked-systems: applications to aircrafts

This paper focuses on leveraging the progress in semiconductor technologies to facilitate production of efficient light-based in-flight entertainment (IFE), distributed sensing, navigation and control systems. We demonstrate the ease of configuring "engineered pipes" using cheap lenses, etc. to achieve simple linear transmission capacity growth. Investigation of energy-efficient, miniaturized transceivers will create a wireless medium, for both inter and intra aircrafts, providing enhanced security, and improved quality-of-service for communications links in greater harmony with onboard systems. The applications will seamlessly inter-connect multiple intelligent devices in a network that is deployable for aircrafts navigation systems, onboard sensors and entertainment data delivery systems, and high-definition audio-visual broadcasting systems. Recent experimental results on a high-capacity infrared (808 nm) system are presented. The light source can be applied in a hybrid package along with a visible lighting LED for both lighting and communications. Also, we present a pragmatic combination of light communications through "Spotlighting" and existing onboard power-lines. It is demonstrated in details that a high-capacity IFE visible light system communicating over existing power-lines (VLC/PLC) may lead to savings in many areas through reduction of size, weight and energy consumption. This paper addresses the challenges of integrating optimized optical devices in the variety of environments described above, and presents mitigation and tailoring approaches for a multi-purpose optical network.
Robust control for an autonomous underwater vehicle that suppresses pitch and yaw coupling

Abstract Attitude control systems for autonomous underwater vehicles are often implemented with separate controllers for pitch motion in the vertical plane and yaw motion in the horizontal plane. We propose a novel time-varying model for a streamlined autonomous underwater vehicle that explicitly displays the coupling between yaw and pitch motion due to nonzero roll angle and/or roll rate. The model facilitates the use of a multi-input multi-output H ∞ control design that is robust to yaw–pitch coupling. The efficacy of our approach is demonstrated with field trials.
Noninvasive evaluation of mitral regurgitation by analysis of left atrial signal loss in cine magnetic resonance

Abstract Magnetic resonance imaging that uses shallow flip angles, short repetition times, and gradient refocused echoes results in multiple images throughout the cardiac cycle in which the blood pool has high signal intensity. In cine magnetic resonance images, disturbed (high velocity) blood flow produces a loss of signal intensity within the intracavitary blood pool, which makes this technique potentially useful for evaluating valvular disease. Multilevel cine magnetic resonance imaging was performed in 26 patients with mitral regurgitation (MR) documented and graded for severity by Doppler echocardiography or contrast ventriculography. Intracavitary left atrial signal intensity was analyzed in order to derive parameters that reflect the severity of the lesion. Seven normal volunteers were studied for comparison. All regurgitant lesions were visualized in cine magnetic resonance images as discrete regions of systolic signal loss extending from the mitral valve into the left atrium. The extent and degree of signal loss correlated well with severity. In patients with mild MR, signal loss was seen in 3.3 ± 1.2 (±SD) anatomic levels compared to 4.9 ± 1.4 levels in patients with moderate MR ( p = NS), and in 7.0 ± 1.4 levels in patients with severe MR ( p 2 in mild versus 31 ± 17 cm 2 in moderate ( p 2 in severe MR ( p
Use Of Medical Images In Today's Hospitals

Medicine is a visual discipline. In the Practice of medicine, physicians require many forms of visual information to successfully conduct their tasks of diagnosing the presence or absence of disease; evaluating the progression or remission of disease; developing strategies for individual patient treatment planning; and in educating their peers and students. Thus, today's hospitals must provide an effective management strategy for a variety of medical images. This management strategy includes the functions of the acquisition of patient images, the archiving of patient images, and the storage of patient images. In a hospital, each medical specialty generates a class of visual images from which information is extracted for use by the patient's physician. This paper will address four issues in the use of medical images in today's hospitals. First, an estimate of the sources and utilization of clinical images in a hospital will be presented. Second, estimates will be provided regarding the magnitude of each of these images sources. Third, current management strategies for dealing with these images will be reviewed. Fourth, several potential solutions will be described for improving the management and archiving of these image sources in a hospital environment.
A simple intensity noise reduction technique for optical low-coherence reflectometry

It is shown that by attenuating the reference power in an optical low-coherence reflectometry (OLCR) measurement, the reflection sensitivity can be improved, even though, in many other types of optical measurements, sensitivity is improved as optical power is increased. The difference is due to the presence of inherent intensity noise associated with low-coherence sources, which can dominate over shot noise at optical powers that are as low as 1 mu W. A reflection sensitivity of -146 dB is demonstrated using this technique. >
Systemic lupus erythematosus genome scan: support for linkage at 1q23, 2q33, 16q12-13, and 17q21-23 and novel evidence at 3p24, 10q23-24, 13q32, and 18q22-23.

Objective To identify chromosome regions likely to harbor genes that predispose to the development of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) by analyzing a full genome scan in nuclear families ascertained for siblings with SLE. Methods Approximately 400 multiallelic markers spaced an average of 10 cM apart were genotyped in a multiethnic panel of 238 individuals from 62 multiplex SLE families having 88 affected sibling pairs and 456 total sibling pairs. Findings were analyzed by 2 model-free statistical linkage procedures. Results Evidence supporting linkage to 4 previously reported (1q23, 2q33, 16q12–13, and 17q21–23) and 4 novel (3p24, 10q23–24, 13q32, and 18q22–23) chromosome regions was revealed. Stratification by family ethnicity indicated that linkage to 3 regions, 2q33, 10q23–24, and 18q22–23, was derived primarily from the Caucasian families, while linkage to 17q21–23 was seen primarily in the non-Caucasian families. Conclusion Linkage to the same chromosome regions in independent cohorts is a critical step in finding the genes that predispose to a complex disorder such as SLE. Four linked regions also seen in independent SLE cohorts lend credibility to the 4 novel regions identified by these analyses. Substantial linkage information was gleaned by genotyping and analyzing the unaffected siblings. These results provide additional evidence that the SLE clinical phenotype is genetically complex, multigenic, and heterogeneous.
Reoperative Antireflux Surgery

Despite documented success of antireflux surgery in controlling GERD in select patients, there remains a persistent incidence of failure requiring reoperation. Broadly speaking, the need for reoperation can be broken into three general categories, errors in diagnosis or patient selection, intraoperative errors, or the natural history of the antireflux operation itself or the condition being treated. When evaluating a patient for possible reoperative antireflux surgery, there are a variety of ways to approach the management, both determining whether to undertake a redo, and what operation to perform. These decisions depend on the timing of the development of recurrent symptoms or problems and the pattern of failure. Patterns of failure include, fundoplication disruption, recurrent or development of new hiatal hernia, tight fundoplication or crural stenosis, slipped fundoplication, and a fundoplication that is either too loose or misplaced at the time of initial surgery. Failure of antireflux surgery and the pattern of failure can usually be suspected based on presenting symptoms, either recurrent or new. A directed work-up including anatomic and functional studies should identify the failure pattern and guide decision-making about reoperation. Careful technique at the time of reoperation can result in a high rate of success of both resolving presenting symptoms and providing durable control of GERD. Understanding the patterns of failure can help guide improvements in technique to minimize future failure.
The transfer of Gelidiella trinitatensis W.R. Taylor (Gelidiales, Rhodophyta) to Parviphycus

Evidence is presented to support the transfer of the red algal species Gelidiella trinitatensis W. R. TAYLOR (Gelidiales) to the segregate genus Parviphycus SANTEL. The very small stature of this alga, the arrangement of tetrasporangia in distinct chevron rows, the organization as seen in transverse section, and the apical organization indicate its correct taxonomic placement is within the genus Parviphycus. This species, originally described from Trinidad in the southern Caribbean Sea, is now known to be widely occurring throughout the Caribbean. It has also been reported from Central and South America.
Two ZR Marx generator operating configurations that make possible their rolling upgrade integration into Z

If the Sandia National Laboratories' Z-Machine Marx generators and the Z-refurbishment (ZR) Marx generators are mixed to drive like-modules in parallel, the ZR banks need to be temporarily reconfigured to closely match the output waveforms of the Z banks. Otherwise, there is significant module-to-module variations and a loss of consistency at the central target region. Sandia has explored two solutions for operating the ZR Marx generators to meet this requirement. One method involves charging the ZR banks to about 72 kV along with the 90-kV charge for the Z banks, thus requiring two power supplies and charge busses plus a different SF/sub 6/ pressure in the Marx switches. The other method is to short or bypass an appropriate number of ZR Marx stages so the remaining "reduced" Marx generator may be charged to the same 90-kV level. Some hardware, labor, and bank inductance tuning are needed to match output timing to the original pulsed power. This paper examines how to implement both solutions and compares their advantages and disadvantages with the goal of choosing only one of them. Models supporting this effort take into account measurements obtained from existing Marx generators that are reconfigured in similar ways.
Asymptotic minimum discrimination information measure for asymptotically weakly stationary processes

An explicit expression is derived for the minimum discrimination information (MDI) measure with respect to Gaussian priors for sources characterized by their mean and by any principal leading block of their covariance matrix. An explicit expression is provided for the MDI extension of the given partial covariance of the source with respect to a Gaussian prior. For zero-mean sources and zero-mean Gaussian priors that are asymptotically weakly stationary (AWS) processes, it is shown that the asymptotic MDI measure equals half the Itakura-Saito distortion measure between the asymptotic power spectral densities of the source and prior. Asymptotic MDI modelling of a given AWS source by autoregressive and autoregressive moving average models, which are AWS models, is considered, and conditions are given for convergence of the sample covariance estimator of the source to the stationary covariance used in the modelling. >
DNA Ligase: Structure, Mechanism, and Function

DNA ligase of E. coli is a polypeptide of molecular weight 75,000. The comparable T4-induced enzyme is somewhat smaller (63,000 to 68,000). Both enzymes catalyze the synthesis of phosphodiester bonds between adjacent 5'-phosphoryl and 3'-hydroxyl groups in nicked duplex DNA, coupled to the cleavage of the pyrophosphate bond of DPN (E. coli) or ATP (T4). Phosphodiester bond synthesis catalyzed by both enzymes occurs in a series of these discrete steps and involves the participation of two covalent intermediates (Fig. 1). A steady state kinetic analysis of the reaction-catalyzed E. coli ligase supports this mechanism, and further demonstrates that enzyme-adenylate and DNA-adenylate are kinetically significant intermediates on the direct path of phosphodiester bond synthesis. A strain of E. coli with a mutation in the structural gene for DNA ligase which results in the synthesis of an abnormally thermolabile enzyme is inviable at 42 degrees C. Although able to grow at 30 degrees C, the mutant is still defective at this temperature in its ability to repair damage to its DNA caused by ultraviolet irradiation and by alkylating agents. At 42 degrees C, all the newly replicated DNA is in the form of short 10S "Okazaki fragments," an indication that the reason for the mutant's failure to survive under these conditions is its inability to sustain the ligation step that is essential for the discontinuous synthesis of the E. coli chromosome. DNA ligase is therefore an essential enzyme required for normal DNA replication and repair in E. coli. Purified DNA ligases have proved to be useful reagents in the construction in vitro of recombinant DNA molecules.
Generation of Micro Inductively Coupled Plasma on a Chip

Inductively coupled plasma (ICP) sources are of great importance for a wide range of applications, including but not limited to micro and nanofabrication, chemical analysis, and plasma processing. Portable and battery-operated instruments can be developed using a miniaturized micro ICP chip considering the low-power and low-voltage requirements of micro ICPs. To the best of authors' knowledge, this is the first report for generation of a micro ICP on a chip with size of nearly 1 mm using a planar coil with diameter of 800 mum. This chip is capable of producing stable ICPs at the power of 1 W, frequency of 900 MHz, and pressure of 1 torr of helium.
Alphabet Soup Science Curriculum Projects

In the midst of the Cold War, the U.S. federal government expressed concern about the apparent Soviet superiority in science and technology following the successful satellite launch of Sputnik in October 1957.
Dilute Nitride III-V Superlattices Lattice-Matched to Silicon

Dilute nitrides quaternary alloys of GaP1-x-yAsy Nx have attracted much attention since they exhibit a direct bandgap and their lattice constant matches the one of silicon for y=4.7x-0.1. These alloys offer interesting perspectives for the monolithic integration of III-V photovoltaics with the silicon technology. However, for practically achievable nitrogen composition (xles0.04), the band gap of GaP1-x-yAsyNx alloys lattice matched to Si is limited to about 1.75 to 1.8 eV. In an attempt to expand the operation wavelength of these dilute nitrides further toward the infrared a short period GaP1-xN x/GaAs1-yNy superlattice strain-balanced and lattice matched to silicon is devised. An eight-band Kane Hamiltonian modified to account for the strain effect and the band anti-crossing model is used to describe the electronic states of the highly strained GaP1-xNx and GaAs1-yN y ternaries. A transfer matrix method is applied to determine the electron and hole minibands of the superlattice structure, and the evolution of the band edge transition energies for different nitrogen compositions and alloying/thickness combinations. It is shown that lattice matched superlattice design, proposed here, allows for an additional bandgap shrinkage of 50-150 meV compared to quaternary alloys of similar average N concentration. The approach thus expands the direct bandgap photovoltaic material palette and offers new opportunities for two and three-bandgap lattice matched tandems operating in conjunction with Si bottom cells
Transistor Blocking Oscillator Analysis

Two commonly used basic transistor blocking oscillator circuits are considered: 1) a common-emitter with collector-to-base transformer coupling, and 2) a common-base circuit with collector-to-emitter transformer ccupling. The pulse widths of the blocking oscillators are assumed to be dependent on the transistor and circuit parameters rather than external timing devices, i.e., delay lines. Also the transformers used in the circuits are assumed to operate linearly and exhibit no saturation effects. A review of the basic principles of operation is given and simplified equivalent circuits are included. A rise time equation is given in terms of the circuit parameters for the common-base blocking oscillator. The deterioration of the rise time with loading is shown in the equations. Pulse width equations, suitable for design purposes, are given for each type of circuit. A linear worst-case analysis shows the response of the common-base circuit to a step voltage trigger. This linear trigger analysis is an approximation due to the inherent nonlinearities associated with the transistor during the turn-on interval. However these worst-case results compare favorably with experimental rise time results. A trigger pulse of sufficient amplitude and a pulse duration of 0.05 \mu sec simulates the voltage step function adequately since the circuit attains a regenerative mode during that period of time. The pulse width stability of the circuits is emphasized, and the common-base circuit is shown to have a better pulse width stability than the common-emitter circuit. A pulse width stability equation is obtained by considering partial derivatives of the pulse width equation.
The Relationship Among Child Weight Status, Psychosocial Functioning, and Pediatric Health Care Expenditures in a Medicaid Population

Objectives To examine the association between weight status and health service use, while considering the influence of psychosocial functioning and demographic variables. Methods Two hundred child–parent dyads were recruited from pediatric primary care clinics and completed measures of height, weight, and questionnaires assessing psychosocial functioning. Claims and expenditure data over a 12-month retrospective period were extracted from the Medicaid claims database. Results Children who were obese incurred greater health service use and expenditures than children who were of a healthy weight, even after controlling for psychosocial functioning and other demographic variables. Children who were overweight (but not obese) did not have differing levels of claims or expenditures than their healthy weight peers. Conclusions Understanding the impact of pediatric obesity on long-term expenditures is critical. These results provide some indication of the financial savings that might be achieved if obese children were supported to achieve a healthier weight status.
The Labor Force in Meiji Economic Growth: A Quantitative Study of Yamanashi Prefecture *

Economic development and â€œmodernizationâ€ have certain universal consequences for the structure and organization of the labor force. The history of each advanced country shows a shift of population out of agriculture and the replacement of family enterprise and particularistic employment relationships by large enterprise and wage labor. But the pace and completeness of these inevitable changes have varied widely among different countries.
The Attenuation of Strike Acceleration with the Use of Safety Equipment in Tae Kwon Do

Purpose: The objectives of this study include: (1) Determination of the attenuation of strike acceleration that Tae Kwon Do sparring safety pads provide from kicks from Olympic style TKD fighters, (2) The sex and weight differentiation in acceleration achieved within the thorax model with the roundhouse kicks. Methods: This prospective, observational study utilized 15 Olympic style fighters from an “elite” team kicking a water core heavy bag thorax model with roundhouse kicks. The model was fitted with a tri-axial accelerometer (GCDC, model X250-2) to measure g acceleration from strikes to the bag. The bag was kicked in three, 10 kick phases by all subjects: kicks without padding; kicks with hogu on heavy bag, and kicks with hogu and instep guards on feet. The g acceleration readings were recorded in all phases. Results: Kolmogorov-Smirnov failed for all variables. There were 8 female subjects: median age 14 years, median weight 53.4 kg and 7 male subjects: median age 17 years, median weight 70.45 kg. The ANOVA on ranks of the acceleration from kicks against the bag achieved significance, P≤0.001. Spearman rank order correlation between the weights of players and acceleration of strike against the hogu without and with insteps pads was significant, P=0.035/r=0.54 and P=0.018/r=0.59, respectively.
Inhibition of cyclic AMP-dependent kinase by expression of a protein kinase inhibitor/enhanced green fluorescent fusion protein attenuates angiotensin II-induced type 1 AT1 receptor mRNA down-regulation in vascular smooth muscle cells.

Expression of the angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1-R) mRNA in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) is down-regulated by a variety of agonists, including growth factors, agonists of Gαq protein-coupled receptors, and activators of adenylyl cyclase. To determine whether cAMP-dependent protein kinases (PKA) participates in AT1-R mRNA down-regulation controlled by multiple classes of receptors, a PKA inhibitor peptide (PKIα) was developed and expressed in rat VSMC as a fusion with the enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP). PKA activity elicited both by forskolin and angiotensin II is suppressed in cells expressing this fusion protein (PKIα-eGFP), but platelet-derived growth factor-BB does not stimulate PKA activity in this preparation. PKIα-eGFP expression fully inhibits the forskolin-stimulated down-regulation of AT1-R mRNA levels and blocks 50% of the effect elicited by angiotensin II. This indicates that PKA plays a substantial role in angiotensin II-stimulated AT1-R mRNA down-regulation. However, inhibition of PKA has no effect on AT1-R mRNA down-regulation caused by platelet-derived growth factor-BB. These findings show how agonists such as angiotensin II that are not normally considered as activators of PKA can use PKA-dependent processes to modulate gene expression. These findings also provide definitive evidence that PKA-dependent pathways are involved in modulation of AT1-R mRNA levels in VSMC.
Evaluation of Gamma-linolenic Acid Composition of Evening Primrose (Oenothera) Species Native to Texas

TX 79409-2122 Additional index words. evening primrose oil, GLA Abstract. The oil of evening primrose (Oenothera sp.) is an important source of gamma- linolenic acid (GLA). GLA (C18:3® 6,9,12) is an unsaturated fatty acid in demand for its nutritional and pharmaceutical application. Oenothera biennis L. is the primary com- mercial source of evening primrose oil. A study was conducted to determine if species of Oenothera, adapted to Texas, produce GLA levels comparable to O. biennis. This project identified and evaluated the fatty acid composition of eight species of evening primrose native to Texas. GLA levels of 54 accessions evaluated from collected seed ranged from 0.0% to 11.0%. Field experiments were then conducted to determine oil content, fatty acid composition, seed yield, and potential adaptation to commercial production of selected accessions. Mean GLA levels of cultivated seed from these accessions ranged from 0.0% to 10.1%. Mean seed oil content ranged from 7.3% to 21.7%. Of the spe- cies examined, O. elata subsp. hirsutissima (A. Gray ex S. Watson) W. Dietrich and O. jamesii (Torrey & Gray) demonstrated GLA levels and seed yields adequate for com- mercial production. Based on these results, O. elata subsp. hirsutissima and O. jamesii demonstrated sufficiently high GLA levels, oil content, and seed yields to be considered for commercial production.
The Defense of a Psychiatrist Charged with Malpractice

To function as a forensic psychiatrist, evaluating individuals engaged in legal matters, and then testifying in their behalf, is an arduous but challenging task. Many learned treatises and conferences have been devoted to the basics, the ethics, and the nuances of this difficult and complex specialty. Yet, after a number of years, as with any task performed repeatedly, one becomes comfortable and proficient in it. Although there exists the constant challenge of the new case and the planned-for appearance in the courtroom, the “expert” in forensic psychiatry is trained to pursue his/her task along time-honored pathways.
Sulfonamides as a prophylactic agent in conjunction with cesarean section.

Abstract After the therapeutic value of sulfonamides was established, it was proposed that one or more of them might be used in a prophylactic fashion. Various reports have been given. The Army and Navy Medical Corps gave trials on prophylactic value for injuries sustained in combat and for venereal exposures. The purpose of this presentation is to give our observation on the deposition of sulfanilamide in forty patients and sulfathiazole in three patients under the peritoneal reflection from the urinary bladder to the uterus in association with the closures of the uterine wound at the time of cesarean section.
Antifungal Susceptibility Testing Methods: Non-CLSI Methods for Yeast and Moulds

There are defined methods for performing susceptibility testing that have been published by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) for yeast and moulds. There are commercially available products for performance of the recommended broth microdilution methods that are contained in those documents. These are described in Chapter 2 of this text. In addition, there are other available methods that are described in this chapter that are culture-based and non-culture-based. These include the use of disk diffusion, Etest, chromogenic media, and molecular methods.
Smoking in Adolescence

Rates of adult smoking in the United States have declined in recent years (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2009; Lee et al., 2007). National antismoking efforts are credited with similar “substantial reductions” in cigarette smoking by adolescents in the last decade (Lopez, Compton, & Volkow, 2009). Unfortunately, according to a national report, this decline in adolescent smoking has diminished in the last few years (CDC, 2010a), and it only continues among specific populations (CDC, 2010b).
Prediction of Jet Noise From Rectangular Nozzles

In this paper, numerical simulations are performed to study the phenomenon of flowinduced noise from rectangular jet. In addition, simulations are performed with the addition of forward flight as well as forward flight at an angle of attack. The Detached Eddy Simulation (DES) approach is used to simulate both the jet nozzle internal and external flows as well as the jet plume. This methodology allows the turbulence model to transition from an unsteady Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes (URANS) method for attached boundary layers to a Large Eddy Simulation (LES) in separated regions. Thus it is ideally suited to jet flow simulations when the nozzle is included. The radiated noise is calculated using a permeable surface Ffowcs Williams - Hawkings surface integral method. Simulations of a turbulent jet flow from a rectangular nozzle with an aspect ratio of 3 have been carried out. Simulations for both unheated and heated cases are included. The eects of forward flight and jet angle of attack on the radiated noise are also examined. Comparisons are made with available experimental data or empirical databases.
Modeling the Solubility of SO2 + CO2 Mixtures in Brine at Elevated Pressures and Temperatures

The knowledge of solubility behavior of SO2 + CO2 mixtures in brines at elevated pressures and temperatures is important both in the viability investigations of geologic cosequestrations into deep ...
Univalent foundations as structuralist foundations

The Univalent Foundations of Mathematics (UF) provide not only an entirely non-Cantorian conception of the basic objects of mathematics (“homotopy types” instead of “sets”) but also a novel account of how foundations ought to relate to mathematical practice. In this paper, I intend to answer the question: In what way is UF a new foundation of mathematics? I will begin by connecting UF to a pragmatist reading of the structuralist thesis in the philosophy of mathematics, which I will use to define a criterion that a formal system must satisfy if it is to be regarded as a “structuralist foundation.” I will explain why neither set-theoretic foundations like ZFC nor category-theoretic foundations like ETCS are structuralist in my sense, essentially because of an undue emphasis on ontology at the expense of language. Then I will argue that UF is better-able to live up to the proposed criterion for a structuralist foundation than any currently available foundational proposal. First, by showing that most criteria of identity in the practice of mathematics can be formalized in terms of the preferred criterion of identity between the basic objects of UF (“homotopy equivalence”). Second, by countering several objections that have been raised against UF’s capacity to serve as a foundation for the whole of mathematics.
COMMITTING TO AMNESTY

There is a generic problem in human relationships. Consider the following situation between two sides: a dominant side (this could be an individual or a government) and a subordinate side (which I refer to as a victim). Suppose the dominant side has been using repression to control the behavior of the victim, but now he decides to step down from the position that has given him control over the means of repression. To protect himself, he decides to negotiate a pact with the victim. According to this pact, the dominant side would retire from the position of authority in exchange for the victim's promise not to seek justice for the harm that was done to her. The problem is that this pact is not enforceable, since the victim is better off seeking justice than keeping her promise of amnesty. Once the dominant side retires, he has no means of protecting himself and the victim may deal with him as she desires. The dilemma features prominently in pacts concerning exchanges of amnesty for free elections. In these instances, the literature on negotiated transitions predicts that autocrats concede to democratization only after they are guaranteed immunity for past human rights violations. Examples of such institutional guarantees include constitutions that render retroactive legislation illegal or electoral laws that give the outgoing regime an upper hand (Colomer 1991; Colomer 2000; Omar 1996; Paczkowski 2000; Przeworski 1992; Sutter 1995).
A Culture of Indignity and the Failure of Leadership

This paper uses a dignity lens to examine the collapse of a major US corporation. The company was experiencing a significant breakdown in its relationships with its unions, creating hostility, unrest and mistrust among its employees. The paper describes the assessement and dignity intervention that was used to repair the broken relationships between management and its unions and to heal the “culture of indignity” that was fueling the conflicts.
Can Modified Starch be Used As A Binder For Iron Ore Pellets

ABSTACTOrganic binders are often desired when making low-silica iron ore pellets. Corn and wheat are grown in large quantities near certain iron ore pelletizing facilities and their starches are easily modified to form cold-water-soluble powders that can be used as binders. We investigated how starch cold-water solubility, starch dose, starch hydration time, green ball moisture content, and firing temperature affected pellet quality. With a fluxed, hematite concentrate, the high-soluble starch led to good wet and dry balls, but weak and friable indurated pellets compared to the standard binder, bentonite clay. As expected, the low-soluble starch did not make as good green balls as the high-soluble starch. Thermogravimetric analyses of unfired pellets and their abrasion products showed that modified starch was inhomogeneously distributed in pellets, with a high concentration near the ball surfaces. The surface concentration increased, and the core concentration decreased, as pellets grew during the pelleti...
Radiation Damage to DNA in Various Animal Tissues: A Comparison of Yields and Repair In Vivo and In Vitro

In general, DNA is assumed to be the critical target in mammalian cells exposed to ionizing radiation. However, the spectrum of lesions induced, their subsequent repair, and the interrelationships between these damage and repair mechanisms to cellular endpoints such as cell killing, mutation, and carcinogenesis remain important topics for research. Of the various types of lesions known to be produced by radiation, DNA strand breaks have been the subject of intensive study, primarily owing to the availability of sensitive methods for their detection in cultured cells irradiated in vitro. Although the results from such work have contributed significantly to our understanding of the effects of radiation on mammalian cells, the models developed from these studies may not be strictly applicable to the situation in vivo. The evidence that has accumulated over the last few years suggests that there may be significant differences between the in vitroand in vivosituations that influence both the formation and repair of radiation-induced DNA lesions. Such factors include the degree of oxygenation,1 intracellular levels of reduced glutathione (GSH),2 and degree of cellular differentiation.3–7
A 6 to 10 Years Follow-Up Study Comparing Two-incision Total Hip Arthroplasties in Patients with Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head or Hip Dysplasia

Two-incision total hip arthroplasty (THA) has a steep learning curve and might increase the risks of implant malposition and perioperative complications in difficult cases. Whether dysplasic hip or osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) would have different results by the two-incision technique remains unreported. From 2003 to 2010, 159 hips in 151 patients (68 female and 83 male) treated with the two-incision THA were included. Cases were divided into two groups with ONFH in 99 hips and dysplasia in 60 hips. The inclusion criteria for hip dysplasia were a Sharp's angle more than 43° and coverage of the femoral head less than 75%. Clinical data and radiological measurement were retrospectively analyzed. The ONFH patients had younger age (48.5 ± 12.8 years) with male predominance (74%) while the dysplasic patients had older age (62 ± 12 years) with female predominance (76%). There were no differences in preoperative functional score, operation time, blood loss, wound size, and length of hospital stay between groups. The ONFH group had bigger cup size ( p = 0.028) but similar stem size ( p = 0.072) as compared with the dysplasia group. The cup inclination angle was 43.7° ± 4.8° and 42.8° ± 5° ( p = 0.25) and the cup anteversion angle was 17.6° ± 7.6° and 14.2° ± 8.2° ( p = 0.009), in the ONFH and the dysplasia group, respectively. At the final follow-up, there were three revisions cases (one septic loosening in the dysplasia group and two periprosthetic fractures in the ONFH group). No dislocation was noted in the study cohort. We had overall 99.4% cup and 98.1% stem survival rate with the two-incision THA. The only differences were the bigger cup size and the more anteverted cup position in the ONFH hips as compared with the dysplasic hips. The two-incision THA seemed to be successful for patients with ONFH or dysplasic hips.