cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Asymmetries for Ameslan handshapes and other forms in signers and nonsigners

Much recent research has addressed the question of cerebral asymmetry in the perception of American Sign Language (Ameslan). The question has, of course, been prompted by the traditional characterization of the left hemisphere as specialized for language and the right for visuospatial or nonlinguistic functions. Since Ameslan carries a complexity and regularity analogous to that of spoken languages into the visual modality, the issue has been posed as one pertinent to the study of cerebral specialization in general. However, since several studies have demonstrated left-hemisphere advantages for nonlinguistic forms (Bever & Chiarello, 1974; Patterson & Bradshaw, 1975) and since others have shown right-hemisphere linguistic capacities (for a review, see Searleman, 1977), the question of asymmetries in the perception of sign language is by no means clear-cut. Indeed, variability of results in . this domain have been extensively documented by Poizner and Battison (in press) and Poizner, Battison, and Lane (1979), and lend force to the notion that the study of hemisphere specialization in sign is complex. Our point in this note is to compare two previous studies (Phippard, 1977; Poizner & Lane, 1979) with our own, presented here for the first time. All were conducted independently at about the same time, and are very similar in design. Yet the results are somewhat different. To facilitate discussion, we present our study first.
Reducing calf losses in beef herds.

Comprehensive neonatal disease control programs use estrous synchronization and artificial insemination to breed a high percentage of replacement heifers to bulls with high-accuracy expected progeny differences (EPD) for acceptable birth weight. Reducing the incidence of dystocia improves passive transfer of antibodies to calves and reduces likelihood of a prolonged postpartum interval to cycling resumption, allowing breeding of first-calf heifers early in the subsequent season. Use of mature cow-herd estrous synchronization systems, nutritional management for optimum body condition, heifer development plans assuring that heifers are cycling before breeding, and breeding soundness examination (BSE) of bulls ensures that a high percentage of cows conceive early, thereby reducing calves exposed to significantly older calves and amplified pathogen loads during the neonatal period.
Single-site approximations for equilibrium and transport properties of random alloys☆

Abstract Introducing the configuration averaging as a projection operator, we propose a new formulation of the average t -matrix and the coherent potential approximations that treats on equal footing both the equilibrium and the residual transport properties of disordered alloys.
One loop corrected mode functions for scalar QED during inflation

We solve the one loop effective scalar field equations for spatial plane waves in massless, minimally coupled scalar quantum electrodynamics on a locally de Sitter background. The computation is done in two different gauges: a non-de Sitter invariant analogue of Feynman gauge, and in the de Sitter invariant, Lorentz gauge. In each case our result is that the finite part of the conformal counterterm can be chosen so that the mode functions experience no significant one loop corrections at late times. This is in perfect agreement with a recent, all orders stochastic prediction.
Kinin metabolism by normal and malignant leucocytes

Figure 1 represents a typical inflammatory response in terms of the rate of migration of cellular elements of inflammation to an inflammatory site. The inflammation in this illustration was caused by the presence of glycogen in the peritoneal cavity of the rabbit. Glycogen infusion is an artificial mechanism which has been used in many laboratories to produce inflammation (1). It may be seen (note the log scale of the ordinate) that the polymorphonuclear leucocytes ar’2 the first type of leucocytes to migrate to the area of inflammation. Several hours later monocytes and lymphocytes begin to appear. These cells represent possible extra-plasma sources of chemical mediators which could influence the inflammatory response. We have looked into this possibility by investigating the various leucocytes as far as their kinin-forming and kinin-destroying eazymes and at the kinin that these enzymes could possibly make. Figure 2 demonstrates that kinin-forming enzymes in polymorphonuclear leucocytes when acting on purified kininogen produces two types of kinins(2). Avariety of studies have shown that the first kinin eluted is no doubt bradykinin while the second peak differs in a variety of respects from all know mammalian kinins.
The significance of ASCUS cytology in HIV-positive women.

Abstract Objective. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence and severity of dysplasia associated with a cytologic diagnosis of atypical cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) in women infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Methods. A cross-sectional analysis of cervical cytology, colposcopic impression, and cervical biopsy results was performed on 261 HIV-positive women diagnosed with ASCUS. The prevalence and grade of histologically documented cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) was determined. Patients with CD4 counts above and below 200 cells/mm 3 were compared using χ 2 analysis to determine any effect of worsening immunosuppression on the rates of associated dysplasia. Results. Seven hundred sixty-one Pap smears were performed during the study period. Two hundred nine (27%) were diagnosed as ASCUS. All patients (pts) received colposcopic evaluation. The incidence of human papilloma virus (HPV) effect, low-grade CIN (I), and high-grade CIN (II, III, and carcinoma in situ ) documented by cervical biopsy, cervical conization or endocervical curettings was 40, 17, and 15%, respectively. No cases of invasive cancer were found. These results are similar to those of previous cytohistologic studies of ASCUS in HIV-untested populations. There was no significant difference in frequency or severity of CIN in pts with severe immunosuppression ( P = 0.4). Conclusion. A cytologic diagnosis of ASCUS in HIV-positive women identifies a group at significant risk for histologic abnormalities. The majority of pts will be diagnosed with HPV or low-grade CIN. HIV infection and severe immunosuppression do not appear to increase the frequency or severity of CIN associated with ASCUS. Given the 32% risk of associated CIN, all HIV-positive women with ASCUS cytology should undergo colposcopic evaluation.
Synthetic Surface for Expansion of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Xeno-Free, Chemically Defined Culture Conditions

Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) possess three properties of great interest for the development of cell therapies and tissue engineering: multilineage differentiation, immunomodulation, and production of trophic factors. Efficient ex vivo expansion of hMSCs is a challenging requirement for large scale production of clinical grade cells. Low-cost, robust, scalable culture methods using chemically defined materials need to be developed to address this need. This study describes the use of a xeno-free synthetic peptide acrylate surface, the Corning® Synthemax® Surface, for culture of hMSCs in serum-free, defined medium. Cell performance on the Corning Synthemax Surface was compared to cells cultured on biological extracellular matrix (ECM) coatings in xeno-free defined medium and in traditional conditions on tissue culture treated (TCT) plastic in fetal bovine serum (FBS) supplemented medium. Our results show successful maintenance of hMSCs on Corning Synthemax Surface for eight passages, with cell expansion rate comparable to cells cultured on ECM and significantly higher than for cells in TCT/FBS condition. Importantly, on the Corning Synthemax Surface, cells maintained elongated, spindle-like morphology, typical hMSC marker profile and in vitro multilineage differentiation potential. We believe the Corning Synthemax Surface, in combination with defined media, provides a complete synthetic, xeno-free, cell culture system for scalable production of hMSCs.
Cyber Courts and the Future of Justice

Abstract A real need exists to use the benefits of modern technology intelligently to reduce the court backlogs. Cyber courts are a viable alternative to the endless delays that plague court dockets, but only if they succeed in making courts more efficient.
Prospective evaluation of heart block complicating early Lyme disease

Lyme disease is a recognized cause of heart block/carditis. The incidence of heart block complicating early Lyme disease has not been prospectively evaluated. In this study, 61 patients with early Lyme disease documented by the rash of erythema migrans were prospectively evaluated for carditis. Fifty five of 61 patients had a repeat examination 3 to 4 weeks after initiation of antibiotic therapy. Only one of 61 patients (1.6%) presented with heart block, which resolved with antibiotics. None of the 54 patients without heart block on initial presentation had a change in any measured electrocardiographic parameter or progressed to heart block after antibiotics. Therefore, early Lyme disease appears to be infrequently complicated by heart block. Early administration of antibiotics may prevent the development of heart block/carditis.
Reducing Welding Defects in Turnaround Projects: A Lean Six Sigma Case Study

This case study describes how one specialty construction company used the Lean Six Sigma methodology to reduce welding defects in turnaround projects.
Dynamics of dislocation-mediated melting in a two-dimensional lattice in the presence of an oscillatory applied strain.

The temperature and frequency dependence of the power dissipated in a two-dimensional crystal subjected to an applied strain is shown to exhibit a distinct signature for dislocation-dissociation melting. The power absorption is analogous to the case of thin helium films subjected to an applied velocity field. Power loss by dislocation motion in the compressional mode is severely limited by the presence of nonequilibrium densities of interstitial and vacancy defects that are created or annihilated by dislocation climb. Tables of analogs between dislocations, vortices, and charges in two-dimensional systems are presented. The relation of the results to published experiments is discussed.
Stimulus alternation and the Purkinje shift.

Abstract Simultaneous spectral sensitivity determinations of the human electroretinogram and the visual evoked potential were made over an adaptation range extending from scotopic to photopic. Determinations were made for the amplitude of the B wave and the late negative potential of the electroretinogram and for the latency of a conspicuous peak of the VEP.3 Alternating stimuli were delivered to a peripheral region of the visual field. Responses at both recording sites matched the scotopic CIE luminosity function at low levels; at high levels they matched Wald's curve for the peripheral cones. The transition from scotopic to photopic function with light adaptation was not abrupt. Mixed activity was the rule over most of the range of adaptation, but the relative prominence of photopic activity increased with light adaptation. The spectral sensitivities of the responses from the two recording sites were similar but not identical with the electroretinogram receiving a stronger contribution from the scotopic system over much of the adaptation range.
Cyclosporin A has divergent effects on plasma LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) and lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] levels in renal transplant recipients. Evidence for renal involvement in the maintenance of LDL-C and the elevation of Lp(a) concentrations in hemodialysis patients.

Cardiovascular disease is the major cause of mortality in renal transplant recipients. Plasma levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) are often elevated following renal transplantation, and the immunosuppressant cyclosporin A has been implicated as a predisposing factor for posttransplantation hyperlipidemia. Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is an LDL-like lipoprotein particle; elevated levels of Lp(a) provide an independent and significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Plasma concentrations of Lp(a) vary greatly among individuals, and the mechanisms that govern changes in their levels in transplant patients are unknown. The effect(s) of cyclosporin A on Lp(a) was studied in two groups of renal transplantation patients. In group I plasma lipoproteins including Lp(a) were measured before and after successful renal transplantation; this group received both prednisone and cyclosporin A for immunosuppression. Group II patients were studied after renal transplantation and received prednisone alone for immunosuppression. Following surgery, group I patients demonstrated increased plasma concentrations of LDL-C (mean +/- SEM range, 111 +/- 6 to 142 +/- 17 mg/dL; P < .005). In contrast, plasma Lp(a) levels for this group were markedly decreased after renal transplantation (median, 34.3 to 19.7 mg/dL). Patients not treated with cyclosporin A (group II) exhibited mean LDL-C and median Lp(a) levels (118 +/- 42 and 33.1 mg/dL, respectively) that were remarkably similar to those observed before renal transplantation (group I). These data confirm that hyperlipidemia following renal transplantation is associated with cyclosporin A therapy and show that this drug has opposing effects on plasma Lp(a) and LDL-C accumulations.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Wesley Hall: A Residential Unit for Persons with Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders

Too frequently the impairment of persons with dementia is considered to be caused exclusively by organic brain change. The impact of environmental intervent~on on functional impairmcnt due to dementia and the nccd for pro- fessionally developed environmental intervention programs are beginning to be recognizcd. This paper describcs a model residential treatment project for pcrsons with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias designed and implemented by staff of the Institute of Geron- tology, the University of Michigan. This researchldemonstra- Lion project, called Wesley Hall, is structured to maximize capacities, compensate for deficits, and foster succcss and self- rcspect on the part of residents. The description of the model identifies interventions or combinations of interventions that have been effective in reducing such behaviors as inconti- nence, restlessness and anxiety reactions. The project rejects the medical diagnosis of dementia alone as a basis for deter- mining treatment. A case profile of one of the residents illus- trates the value of designing individualized milieu intervention programs based on extensive knowledge about each person gained from observation and neuropsychological testing.
Development of a NCT probing system for SINCGARS radio systems

This paper describes the development of a non-contact testing (NCT) system to monitor the electrical signals existing on dense printed wiring assemblies in the Army's SINCGARS communication systems. The system specifications and characteristics are provided along with a description of the NCT workcell's operational procedure. >
Autoantibodies of U Blood Group Specificity in Autoimmune Haemolytic Anaemia

Summary Autoantibody specificity in acquired haemolytic anaemia of the warm antibody type has been thought to be directed against Rh antigens or the precursors from which they arise. In many cases Rhnull red cells fail to react with these antibodies, providing apparent support for the assumption that they have Rh specificity. Rhnull red cells are also non-reactive with anti-U sera, and in addition have abnormal S and s antigens. We have studied 50 cases of warm antibody autoimmune haemolytic anaemia looking particularly for possible U, S or s blood group specificity of the causative antibodies. In the majority of cases the antibodies were found to be directed against antigens of the Rh complex, but in three cases multi-specific autoantibodies were shown to have complex specificity involving the Rh and U blood groups.
Inspired by Hope, Motivated by Envy: Comparing the Effects of Discrete Emotions in the Process of Social Comparison to Media Figures

Despite considerable research and theorizing regarding the process of social comparison, limited attention has been given to the role of discrete emotions in this context, particularly as they may influence the behavioral responses resulting from comparison to similar others. In the context of cosmetic surgery makeover programs, we explore how discrete emotions may mediate the effects of social comparison on behavior and how different emotions, envy and hope in particular, may differentially relate to behavioral motivation. Based on the survey responses of 236 female students, results suggest that social comparison to media figures correlates with a range of emotional responses as well as with behavioral motivation for invasive cosmetic enhancements. Envy maintained a significantly greater association with behavioral motivation than hope or any other emotional response. Further, mediational analyses were consistent with the argument that envy, but not hope, mediates the social comparison–behavioral motiva...
Vitamin B1 ecophysiology of marine picoeukaryotic algae: Strain-specific differences and a new role for bacteria in vitamin cycling

We confirmed multiple picoeukaryotic algae, Ostreococcus, Micromonas, and Pelagomonas spp., as thiamine (vitamin B1) auxotrophs in laboratory experiments with axenic cultures. Examined strains have half saturation growth constants (Ks) for B1 between 1.26 and 6.22 pmol B1 L−1, which is higher than reported seawater concentrations. Minimum B1 cell quotas for Ostreococcus and Micromonas spp. are high (2.20 × 10−8–4.46 × 10−8 pmol B1 cell−1) relative to other B1 auxotrophic phytoplankton, potentially making them B1 rich prey for zooplankton and significant B1 reservoirs in oligotrophic marine habitats. Ostreococcus and Micromonas genomes are nonuniformly missing portions of the B1 biosynthesis pathway. Given their gene repertoires, Ostreococcus lucimarinus CCE9901 and Ostreococcus tauri OTH95 are expected to salvage B1 from externally provided 4-methyl-5-thiazoleethanol (HET) and 4-amino-5-hydroxymethyl-2-methylpyrimidine (HMP). However, in culture, neither could use HET plus HMP instead of B1, highlighting current limitations of genome-based prediction of B1 salvaging by picoeukaryotic algae. HMP and phosphorylated B1 use varied amongst tested strains and notably all Prasinophytes tested could not use HMP. B1-limited O. lucimarinus CCE9901 could not grow on added thiamine diphosphate (TDP), a phosophorylated B1 form. However, in co-culture with Pseudoalteromonas sp. TW7, a bacterium known to exhibit phosphatase activity, O. lucimarinus CCE9901 exhibited increased growth following TDP additions. This demonstrates that bacteria influence vitamin B1 availability beyond de novo synthesis and consumption; they can also serve as conduits that chemically alter, but not completely degrade or retain B1 analogs (e.g., TDP), and make them accessible to a broader range of microbes.
Localization and quantitation of calcium pools and calcium binding sites in cultured human keratinocytes

Calcium plays a crucial role in regulating the growth and differentiation of cultured keratinocytes. However, the mechanism(s) of this regulation is not clear. Prior studies have shown that intracellular free calcium (Cai) increases with keratinocyte differentiation. In this study, in order to evaluate the role of cytosolic free calcium and organelle-bound calcium in keratinocyte differentiation, we quantitated and localized calcium pools in keratinocytes, utilizing the fluorescence probe indo-1 and ion-capture cytochemistry, respectively. Cai of undifferentiated keratinocytes was 80–120 nM, whereas Cai of differentiated keratinocytes was 200–300 nM depending on the extent of differentiation. The Cai of individual cells in an undifferentiated colony was heterogeneous (60–160 nM) with larger cells displaying higher Cai. Heterogeneity also was observed in the intracellular calcium-containing precipitates in the different layers of stratifying keratinocyte cultures using the cytochemical technique. Calcium precipitates were abundant in the lower cell layers, progressively decreasing apically, with the uppermost layer devoid of precipitates. Calcium-containing precipitates appeared as fine-tocoarse electron-dense granules on the plasma membrane, within the cytosol, mitochondria, nucleus, and vacuolar organelles. Whereas ionomycin in the presence of extracellular calcium increased the amount of intracellular calcium precipitates, EGTA removed calcium precipitates from organelles. Unlike intact epidermis, keratinocytes displayed no extracellular calcium reservoirs. Putative calcium binding sites, visualized by trivalent lanthanum (La) binding, were abundant on cell membranes and desmosomes of basaloid cells, but decreased in the upper cell layers. These studies revealed differences in the distribution of free ionic calcium (as determined by the fluorescence technique) and organelle-bound calcium (as determined by the cytochemical technique). Striking differences were also observed in calcium localization between intact epidermis and cultured epidermal cells. The localization pattern of calcium in cultured keratinocytes may reflect the hyperproliferative state of these cells, as in psoriatic epidermis, and/or the absence of a normal permeability barrier in these submerged cultures. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Distributed Dynamic Spectrum Leasing (D-DSL) for Spectrum Sharing over Multiple Primary Channels

We propose a new architecture for dynamic spectrum sharing called the distributed dynamic spectrum leasing (D-DSL) and a game-theoretic framework for its implementation on a cognitive radio network. In D-DSL, each available frequency channel is assigned to a primary user who may independently lease the channel to secondary users. Secondary users are allowed to transmit in multiple channels simultaneously. We establish conditions for the system to reach an equilibrium and analyze the robustness of the proposed game theoretic D-DSL in time-varying channels. For the same amount of available primary spectrum, D-DSL leads to better overall performance compared to previously proposed Centralized-DSL.
Characterization of Cu Reflows on Ru

As compared to conventional Cu reflows on Ta, lower temperature reflow anneals of Cu on Ru are achieved. Cu films are reflowed into 40-nm-wide features at an optimum temperature of 250°C with a measured activation energy of 0.8 eV. Although higher anneal temperatures can shorten the process time, they also tend to increase hollow metal defects (missing Cu within patterned features). Compared to the control electroplated samples, the reflow-annealed samples do not show bigger Cu grains in the final structure. The observed resistance reduction from the reflowed samples is attributed to higher purity within the Cu interconnects.
Separation of intra-S checkpoint protein contributions to DNA replication fork protection and genomic stability in normal human fibroblasts.

The ATR-dependent intra-S checkpoint protects DNA replication forks undergoing replication stress. The checkpoint is enforced by ATR-dependent phosphorylation of CHK1, which is mediated by the TIMELESS-TIPIN complex and CLASPIN. Although loss of checkpoint proteins is associated with spontaneous chromosomal instability, few studies have examined the contribution of these proteins to unchallenged DNA metabolism in human cells that have not undergone carcinogenesis or crisis. Furthermore, the TIMELESS-TIPIN complex and CLASPIN may promote replication fork protection independently of CHK1 activation. Normal human fibroblasts (NHF) were depleted of ATR, CHK1, TIMELESS, TIPIN or CLASPIN and chromosomal aberrations, DNA synthesis, activation of the DNA damage response (DDR) and clonogenic survival were evaluated. This work demonstrates in NHF lines from two individuals that ATR and CHK1 promote chromosomal stability by different mechanisms that depletion of CHK1 produces phenotypes that resemble more closely the depletion of TIPIN or CLASPIN than the depletion of ATR, and that TIMELESS has a distinct contribution to suppression of chromosomal instability that is independent of its heterodimeric partner, TIPIN. Therefore, ATR, CHK1, TIMELESS-TIPIN and CLASPIN have functions for preservation of intrinsic chromosomal stability that are separate from their cooperation for activation of the intra-S checkpoint response to experimentally induced replication stress. These data reveal a complex and coordinated program of genome maintenance enforced by proteins known for their intra-S checkpoint function.
Selective preemption strategies for parallel job scheduling

Although theoretical results have been established regarding the utility of pre-emptive scheduling in reducing average job turn-around time, job suspension/restart is not much used in practice at supercomputer centers for parallel job scheduling. A number of questions remain unanswered regarding the practical utility of pre-emptive scheduling. We explore this issue through a simulation-based study, using job logs from a supercomputer center We develop a tunable selective-suspension strategy, and demonstrate its effectiveness. We also present new insights into the effect of pre-emptive scheduling on different job classes and address the impact of suspensions on worst-case slowdown.
Parainfluenza 2 virus: increase in hemagglutinin titer on treatment with Tween-80 and ether.

SummaryTreatment with Tween-80 and ether resulted in a marked increase in hemagglutination (HA) titer of parainfluenza 2 virus, a slight increase for parainfluenza 3 and mumps viruses and no increase for parainfluenza 1. This parainfluenza 2 hemagglutinin had no infectivity, and the HA titer remained unaltered at 4°C for 8 weeks. The hemagglutination inhibiting antibody titers of sera tested with this antigen were slightly higher than the titers obtained with untreated antigen.
Seven Deadly Sins: An Assessment of Criticisms Directed at the International Monetary Fund

This article describes, classifies, and evaluates key criticisms that are directed at the International Monetary Fund ("IMF"). Some of these criticisms are substantive in character, claiming that the IMF prescribes economic and financial policies that hurt, not help, its borrowing member countries, or that IMF operations place crushing burdens on the poor and cause serious non-economic injury (for example, environmental degradation). Some of the criticisms are institutional or constitutional in character, denouncing the IMF for a lack of transparency and accountability, or arguing that the IMF perceives its role more broadly that its charter allows, or complaining that it exempts its rich and powerful member countries from the very kinds of performance requirements that it demands of its poorer borrowing member countries. The author examines these criticisms and explains why some are valid but others are misplaced or outdated and may therefore be dismissed. The valid criticisms, he says, could form a basis for further reforms in the IMF. In particular, he calls for two types of initiatives: (i) adopting structural reforms that will bring more accountability, legitimacy, and equity to the IMF and its operations; and (ii) adopting substantive reforms that will strengthen the IMF's role in improving the competence of national governments to handle the economic challenges of an interconnected world.
Ring retention in the homopolymerization of cyclic olefins by rhenium olefin metathesis catalysts

The homogeneous catalyst system, Re(CO)5Cl/C2H5AlCl2, was found to promote the homopolymerization of cyclic olefins containing 5-, 6-, 7-, and 8-member rings to low-molecular-weight materials. The final compounds, which polymerize only at elevated temperatures, were found by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and infrared (IR) studies to be totally saturated systems. Various bands in the IR spectra indicate that the ring systems are preserved and that the final products are made up of repeating 1,2-, or a combination of 1,2- and isomerized single-bond units. Although the active catalyst initially contains a coordinated carbene, a mechanism similar to that of polymerization by a Ziegler—Natta catalyst is proposed.
The Ethics of Correctional Privatization: A Critical Examination of the Delegation of Coercive Authority:

Privatization in the correctional setting takes many forms. This article focuses on an extreme variant of correctional privatization—privately owned and operated facilities—and critically examines the philosophical argument used to legitimate the practice. Among the more problematic features identified include a reliance on an interpretation of liberal theory that muddles the distinction between rights and authority, and confusion regarding the libertarian conceptions of the ultraminimal and minimal state. As a result, the attempt to justify the delegation of coercive authority from the state to private agencies is questioned. The authors attempt to advance ongoing debate by discussing one method for identifying what privatization alternatives are consistent with liberal theory's conceptions of the individual and the state's authority to punish.
Fat plane radiological signs in wrist and elbow trauma

With most elbow or wrist injuries, if fractures are not evident, they are probably nonexistent. But in a small percentage of cases, these signs serve to lower diagnostic thresholds. Of the four fat plane signs reviewed, the posterior fat pad sign and the navicular fat stripe seem to be more valuable than the supinator and pronator quadratus signs. However, each is useful in its own way. Although the clinical appearance of the extremity may dictate the same initial treatment whether or not a fracture is found, early identification of more subtle fractures will avoid delay of definitive treatment and provide a better estimation of healing time. None of these signs alone is completely reliable; they should be used as adjuncts in fracture diagnosis. Finally, no sign is specific to one type of fracture, although one or two types of occult fractures are most commonly identified on supplementary views when such signs are positive.
Can Civilian Attitudes Predict Civil War Violence

How do insurgents choose their tactics in civil wars? While most theories of civil war violence marginalize the role of ideology, we argue that the location, type, and lethality of insurgent violence are all shaped by the underlying spatial distribution of civilians' relative support for combatants. Unlike current "hearts and minds" theories, we contend that pro-government attitudes are associated with increased, not reduced, violence, and that these attitudes predict future attacks. A survey experiment in 204 Afghan villages is used to establish a positive association between pro-International Security Assistance Force attitudes and future Taliban attacks. We extend our analysis to 14,606 non-surveyed villages, where our measure of civilian attitudes improves out-of-sample prediction by 20--30% over standard forecasting models. The results are especially strong for Taliban attacks with improvised explosive devices. These findings hold even after adjusting for possible confounders, including past violence, military bases, and aid.
PHOTOPERIOD AND COOLING DURATION INFLUENCE GROWTH AND FLOWERING OF SIX HERBACEOUS PERENNIALS

SummarySeedlings of six taxa of herbaceous perennials were subjected to 0, 4, 8 or 12 weeks cold treatment at 2–38C followed by long or short day photoperiods after the cold treatment. Cold was not necessary for flowering in any taxa studied, but the duration of cold treatment was inversely related to forcing-phase days to flower for all taxa. Plant height at flowering increased due to cooling in Myosotis scorpioides (forget-me not) and Campanula carpatica (Carpathian harebell) while decreasing in Anchusa capensis (Cape bugloss). In M. scorpioides, the number of growing points also decreased as cooling duration increased. Photoperiod influenced flowering time in four taxa but not in M. scorpioides and Arabis blepharophylla (fringed rock-cress). Flower stems of M. scorpioides and A. capensis elongated more in long days than in short days. Short days reduced internode elongation in Gypsophila repens (creeping baby's breath) and inhibited flowering of C. carpatica and Catananche caerulea (blue Cupid's dart)....
Current concepts of respiratory complications of neuromuscular disease in children.

Chronic neuromuscular diseases affect the respiratory muscles in varying patterns and degrees. As a result, patients with these disorders develop restrictive pulmonary disease, ineffective cough, atelectasis and pneumonia, and chronic respiratory insufficiency leading to respiratory failure. Therape
Field Tests for the Control of Certain Alfalfa Insect Pests in New York

Field trials were made from 1958 to 1961 for the control of certain forage insect pests on alfalfa. The pea aphid, Macrosiphum pisi (Harris), was effectively controlled by most organic phosphate insecticides, some at relatively low levels. A number of insecticides gave good control of the potato leafhopper, Empoasca fabae (Harris), 3 days after application, but only methoxychlor and dimethoate were effective after 7 days. Triathlon® ( O,O -diethyl S-p- chlorophenylthiomethyl phosphorodithioate), Guthion® ( O,O -dimethyl S -(4-oxo-1,2,3-benzotriazin-3-(4 H )-ylmethyl) phosphorodithioate) and dimethoate at 1.0 pound and heptachlor, endrin, lindane and parathion at 0.25 pound per acre showed good control of various grasshopper species even at 14 days after treatment. Control of adults of the meadow spittlebug, Philaenus spumarius (L.), was obtained with numerous materials, the best of which were endrin, lindane, and Phosdrin® (a mixture of the alpha isomer of 2-carbomethoxy-I-methyl vinyl dimethyl phosphate (not less than 60%) and related compounds (not more than 40%)) at 0.25 pound, and methoxychlor and Guthion at 1.0 pound per acre. The phytotoxic nature of some of the organic phosphate materials, especially Guthion, to alfalfa plants will undoubtedly limit their use for forage insect control.
Three Single-Copy Sequences of the Malaria Vector Anopheles gambiae (Diptera: Culicidae)

Three single-copy sequences from the malaria vector Anopheles gambiae Giles are described. For each clone, a restriction enzyme site map, a genomic Southern analysis, and localization to polytene chromosomes are presented. Two clones revealed restriction site fragment polymorphisms, whereas another showed no variation within the strains tested. A portion of 1 clone was sequenced, but showed no significant homology to other sequences in GenBank. The sequence is available in GenBank as accession number [L11314][1]. The clones mark chromosome arms 2L, 2R, and 3L. [1]: /lookup/external-ref?link_type=GEN&access_num=L11314&atom=%2Fee%2F24%2F4%2F846.atom
59 ATORVASTATIN ATTENUATES LRP5/WNT-MEDIATED ATHEROSCLEROSIS AND OSTEOPOROSIS IN A MOUSE MODEL OF EXPERIMENTAL HYPERCHOLESTEROLEMIA.

Atherosclerosis and osteoprorosis are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the aging population in the United States. Evidence indicates that hyperlipidemia plays a paradoxical role in these disease processes. However, the hyperlipidemic mechanisms of atherosclerotic calcification and decrease bone mass are not well understood. We have previously shown that cardiovascular calcification expresses an Lrp5/Wnt-mediated osteoblast phenotype in humans. We hypothesize that hyperlipidemia plays a role in cardiovascular calcification and osteoporosis via reagulation of the Lrp5/Wnt pathway. We propose to test this hypothesis in an experimental hypercholesterolemia model and further test if statins play a protective role in this process LDLR −/− mice ( n = 60). Group I ( n = 20) normal diet, group II ( n = 20) 0.2% chol diet (w/w), and group III ( n = 20) 0.2% (w/w) chol diet + atorv for the development of calcification. The aortic valves and aortas (AVAs) were examined for proliferation, calcification, Lrp5/Wnt, and bone matrix markers. Bone formation was assessed by micro-computed tomography (microCT), calcein injection, osteocalcin, and cbfa-1 and osteopontin expression. Results The cholesterol diet induced complex bone formations by microCT in the calcified aortic valves and aortas with an increase in cellular proliferation, osteopontin, osteocalcin, Lrp5, and cbfa-1 expression. Atorvastatin reduced bone formation, cellular proliferation Lrp5, and cbfa-1 levels in the AVAs. Ex vivo analysis of calcein label demonstrated an increase in calcein in the hypercholesterolemia AVAs and bones with attenuation of the label with atorvastatin in these tissues. The cholesterol-treated femurs demonstrated an increase in bone resorption, with a decrease in Lrp5/Cbfa1. The cholesterol-treated femurs demonstrated an increase in calcein incorporation. Conclusion Hypercholesterolemic AVA calcification and bone turnover are attenuated by atorvastatin and are mediated in part by an Lrp5/Wnt pathway. This model may have future implications in the treatment of cardiovascular calcification and osteoporosis with statin therapy.
Control strategy design for car autonomous navigation using adaptive dynamic programming

The car autonomous navigation system has been a hot topic in path planning. This paper focuses on control strategy design for car autonomous navigation with obstacles avoidance by using adaptive dynamic programming(ADP) approach. First,the method for car observing the environment in simulation process is introduced. Second, a continuous reward/punishmen signal for car autonomous learning the control strategy is proposed. Third, the different simulation environment with different obstacles' states are established by virtual reality(VR) technology. The simulation results show that the ADP approach provides the suitable reliability and stability for control strategy design on autonomous navigation problem.
Internal carotid artery thrombolysis therapy for children with ischemic cerebrovascular disease

Objectives To investigate the efficiency of internal carotid artery thrombolytic therapy in treatment of children with ischemic cerebrovascular disease(ICD).Methods Image and clinical data of 38 patients treated with internal carotid artery thrombolysis from Jan.2000 to Dec.2006 were analyzed.All patients aged from 9 months to 11 years old were treated with internal carotid artery thrombolysis after they were definitely diagnosed as ICD by DSA blood vessel of brain angiography.The interval between hemiplegia paroxysm and the treatment starting were 1 d(6 cases),2 d(2 cases),3-5 d(8 cases),1-2 week(8 cases),2-4 week(4 cases),1-6 month(4 cases),6-12 month(3 cases),and 1 year(3 cases).Seldinger's technology was adopted to put the catheter into the lesion side of internal carotid artery and complete contact thrombolytic process.4000-5000 U/service urokinase,15-20 ml liquid and dextran;10-15 ml with 1 ml/min perfusion were given during the procedure.Results Improvement of hemiplegia and recovery of walking and holding were seen in 24(63.2%) patients one to two weeks after the therapy,muscle power became to 3-4 grade in 11 cases(28.9%) and no improvement in 3 cases(7.9%).Conclusions Timely internal carotid artery thrombolytic therapy combined with clinical complex treatment for children with ICD are efficient in improving blood supply to brain hematopoietic tissue,and accelerating motor function regain.
Prevention of Urinary Tract Infection and Bacteremia Following Transurethral Surgery: Oral Lomefloxacin Compared to Parenteral Cefotaxime

AbstractA multicenter, randomized, open label study compared the safety and efficacy of a single dose of oral lomefloxacin, a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent of the quinolone class, to a single parenteral dose of cefotaxime, a third generation cephalosporin, for prophylaxis in transurethral surgery. Of the 230 patients initially recruited 182 were considered evaluable: 92 in the lomefloxacin group and 90 in the cefotaxime group. Both study groups were well balanced with respect to demographics and transurethral procedures. Efficacy and safety were evaluated with urine cultures, clinical laboratory evaluations and monitoring of adverse events. The success rate among the lomefloxacin patients was 98% versus 94% in the cefotaxime patients. The difference was not statistically significant. Adverse events, regardless of attributability, were reported by 16% of the lomefloxacin patients and 17% of the cefotaxime patients, respectively. Our results indicate efficacy and safety profiles of lomefloxacin equival...
A Nonparametric Estimator of Survival Functions for Arbitrarily Truncated and Censored Data

It is well-known that the nonparametric maximum likelihood estimator (NPMLE) may severely under-estimate the survival function with left truncated data. Based on the Nelson estimator (for right censored data) and self-consistency we suggest a nonparametric estimator of the survival function, the iterative Nelson estimator (INE), for arbitrarily truncated and censored data, where only few nonparametric estimators are available. By simulation we show that the INE does well in overcoming the under-estimation of the survival function from the NPMLE for left-truncated and interval-censored data. An interesting application of the INE is as a diagnostic tool for other estimators, such as the monotone MLE or parametric MLEs. The methodology is illustrated by application to two real world problems: the Channing House and the Massachusetts Health Care Panel Study data sets.
Evocations of Byzantium in Zenitist Avant-Garde Architecture

Evocations of Byzantium in Zenitist Avant-Garde Architecture considers references to Byzantium in the architecture and philosophy of Zenitism, an Eastern European avant-garde movement founded by Ljubomir Micic in 1921. In this article, Jelena Bogdanovic analyzes the visionary projects for the Zeniteum, designed by the only architect member of the Zenitist group, Jo Klek (Josip Seissel), as a singular example of Byzantine-modernist architecture, which incorporated aspects of Byzantine total design, spirituality, and aesthetics of dematerialization. She outlines the ways Zenitist theories and visionary drawings privileged the “Byzantine” dichotomy of a dome and a wall over Western European trabeated architecture while also deviating from the historicist, neo-Byzantine architectural style popular in Eastern Europe. Zenitism used indirect evocations of the Byzantine to create a dynamic Byzantine-modernist architecture, the study of which enriches discourse on tradition and the avant-garde in architecture.
Impacts of coal ash on methylmercury production and the methylating microbial community in anaerobic sediment slurries

Mercury (Hg) associated with coal ash is an environmental concern, particularly if the release of coal ash to the environment is associated with the conversion of inorganic Hg to methylmercury (MeHg), a bioaccumulative form of Hg that is produced by anaerobic microorganisms. In this study, sediment slurry microcosm experiments were performed to understand how spilled coal ash might influence MeHg production in anaerobic sediments of an aquatic ecosystem. Two coal ash types were used: (1) a weathered coal ash; and (2) a freshly collected, unweathered fly ash that was relatively enriched in sulfate and Hg compared to the weathered ash. These ash samples were added to anaerobic sediment slurries constructed with a relatively pristine sediment (containing 0.03 mg kg−1 Hg) and a Hg-contaminated sediment (containing 0.29 mg kg−1 Hg). The results of these experiments showed negligible net production of MeHg in microcosms with no ash and in microcosms amended with the low sulfate/low Hg ash. In contrast, slurry microcosms amended with high sulfate/high Hg ash showed increases in total MeHg content that was 2 to 3 times greater than control microcosms without ash (p < 0.001). 16S amplicon sequencing of microbial communities in the slurries indicated that the coal ash addition generally increased the relative abundance of the methylating microbial community, including sulfate-reducing bacteria and iron-reducing bacteria species that are known to be efficient methylators of Hg. The stimulation of these microorganisms was likely caused by the release of substrates (sulfate and Fe) originating from the ash. Overall, the results highlight the need to incorporate both environmental parameters and coal ash characteristics into risk assessments that guide coal ash management and disposal.
Measuring decisional certainty among women seeking abortion

Abstract Objective Evaluating decisional certainty is an important component of medical care, including preabortion care. However, minimal research has examined how to measure certainty with reliability and validity among women seeking abortion. We examine whether the Decisional Conflict Scale (DCS), a measure widely used in other health specialties and considered the gold standard for measuring this construct, and the Taft–Baker Scale (TBS), a measure developed by abortion counselors, are valid and reliable for use with women seeking abortion and predict the decision to continue the pregnancy. Methods Eligible women at four family planning facilities in Utah completed baseline demographic surveys and scales before their abortion information visit and follow-up interviews 3 weeks later. For each scale, we calculated mean scores and explored factors associated with high uncertainty. We evaluated internal reliability using Cronbach's alpha and assessed predictive validity by examining whether higher scale scores, indicative of decisional uncertainty or conflict, were associated with still being pregnant at follow-up. Results Five hundred women completed baseline surveys; two-thirds (63%) completed follow-up, at which time 11% were still pregnant. Mean scores on the DCS (15.5/100) and TBS (12.4/100) indicated low uncertainty, with acceptable reliability ( α =.93 and .72, respectively). Higher scores on each scale were significantly and positively associated with still being pregnant at follow-up in both unadjusted and adjusted analyses. Conclusion The DCS and TBS demonstrate acceptable reliability and validity among women seeking abortion care. Comparing scores on the DCS in this population to other studies of decision making suggests that the level of uncertainty in abortion decision making is comparable to or lower than other health decisions. Implications The high levels of decisional certainty found in this study challenge the narrative that abortion decision making is exceptional compared to other healthcare decisions and requires additional protection such as laws mandating waiting periods, counseling and ultrasound viewing.