cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Learning computer hardware design using computer-aided design tools

The paper describes a course at the University of Arkansas with the following catalog description: CSEG/ELEG 4983: Computer Hardware Organization. Design of a complete single board computer including basic hardware organization, memory subsystem design, peripheral interfacing, DMA control, interrupt control, and bus organization.
Population Dynamics of Meloidogyne arenaria and Pasteuria penetrans in a Long-Term Crop Rotation Study

The endospore-forming bacterium Pasteuria penetrans is an obligate parasite of root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.). The primary objective of this study was to determine the effect of crop sequence on abundance of P. penetrans. The experiment was conducted from 2000 to 2008 at a field site naturally infested with both the bacterium and its host Meloidogyne arenaria and included the following crop sequences: continuous peanut (Arachis hypogaea) (P-P-P) and peanut rotated with either 2 years of corn (Zea mays) (C-C-P), 1 year each of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) and corn (Ct-C-P), or 1 year each of corn and a vegetable (V-C-P). The vegetable was a double crop of sweet corn and eggplant (Solanum melongena). A bioassay with second-stage juveniles (J2) of M. arenaria from a greenhouse (GH) population was used to estimate endospore abundance under the different crop sequences. A greater numerical increase in endospore densities was expected in the P-P-P and V-C-P sequences than in the other sequences because both peanut and eggplant are good hosts for M. arenaria. However, endospore densities, as determined by bioassay, did not substantially increase in any of the sequences during the 9-year experiment. To determine whether the nematode population had developed resistance to the resident P. penetrans, five single egg-mass (SEM) lines from the field population of M. arenaria were tested alongside the GH population for acquisition of endospores from the field soil. Four of the five SEM lines acquired 9 to 14 spores/J2 whereas the GH population and one of the SEM lines acquired 3.5 and 1.8 spores/J2, respectively. Endospore densities estimated with the four receptive SEM lines were highest in the P-P-P plots (14-20 spores/J2), intermediate in the V-C-P plots (6-7 spores/J2), and lowest in the Ct-C-P plots (< 1 spore/J2). These results indicate that the field population of M. arenaria is heterogeneous for attachment of P. penetrans endospores. Moreover, spore densities increased under intensive cropping of hosts for M. arenaria, but the GH population of the nematode was not receptive to spore attachment. However, previously, the GH population was very receptive to spore acquisition from this field site. One explanation for this inconsistency is that the M. arenaria population in the field became resistant to the dominant subpopulation of P. penetrans that had been present, and this led to the selection of a different subpopulation of the bacterium that is incompatible with the GH population.
Age-Related Changes Heart Function in the Female SHR, a Model of Postmenopausal Cardiovascular Physiology (LB712)

Age-Related Changes Heart Function in the Female SHR, a Model of Postmenopausal Cardiovascular Physiology. Joseph McCarthy1, Rolando J.J. Ramirez1, Jacqueline Novak2. 1Biology, The University of Ak...
Comparison of the Archibald-Kern and Stransky colorimetric procedure and the Praetorius enzymatic procedure for the determination of uric acid.

The Archibald modification of the Kern and Stransky procedure for uric acid has been studied and its efficacy for routine use in clinical chemistry evaluated. Mean values and the range of values for men and women have been determined.
Impacts of a Comprehensive School Readiness Curriculum for Preschool Children at Risk for Educational Difficulties

This article reports findings from a cluster-randomized study of an integrated literacy- and math-focused preschool curriculum, comparing versions with and without an explicit socioemotional lesson component to a business-as-usual condition. Participants included 110 classroom teachers from randomized classrooms and approximately eight students from each classroom (N = 760) who averaged 4.48 (SD = 0.44) years of age at the start of the school year. There were positive impacts of the two versions of the curriculum on language, phonological awareness, math, and socioemotional outcomes, but there were no added benefits to academic or socioemotional outcomes for the children receiving explicit socioemotional instruction. Results are discussed with relevance to early childhood theory, policy, and goals of closing the school readiness gap.
Epidemiology of Oral HPV Infection and HPV-Associated Head and Neck Cancer

Tobacco and alcohol exposure are the traditional risk factors for malignancies of the head and neck, and account for approximately three-quarters of all cases worldwide and half of the cases in the USA [1]. Infection with human papillomavirus (HPV), particularly type 16, has also been established as yet another important risk factor [2–5]. The overwhelming majority of HPV-associated head and neck cancers (HPV-HNSCCs) arise from the oropharynx [2, 6]. HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) represents a growing aetiologically distinct subset of head and neck cancers, with unique epidemiological, clinical and molecular characteristics that differ from those of HPV-negative cancers.
A fulbright in sweden: runes, academics, archetypal motifs, and other things

Summary. Two years ago I spent three months in Sweden as the first nurse scholar to receive a Fulbright Research and Lecture Award in that country. I was sponsored by the University ofGoteborg, Department of Advanced Nursing Education. Special hosts included Professor Head Britt Johansson of the Department, and faculty colleagues Elvi Walldall, Bjorn Sjostrom, and Marianne Gustaffson. My experience provided a rare opportunity for personal and professional growth, a chance to contribute to nursing's development beyond the United States, and to work with international colleagues. The experience was mutually satisfying, in that my interests and work in caring philosophy and theory and Sweden's academic terminology of “caring science” and Sweden's social and political commitment to a caring society were congruent. During my time in Sweden I taught a doctoral course on caring theory and engaged in consultation, workshops, seminars, and public lectures, along with clinical research and study of the educational and health care system.
Importance of exogenous substrates for the energy production of adult rat heart myocytes.

Abstract The ability of freshly isolated Ca 2+ tolerant heart myocytes to derive its energy requirements from combinations of exogenously provided glucose, lactate and palmitate was studied. When the substrates were added individually to the incubation medium, myocytes oxidized 5 m m glucose (2.3 ± 0.2 nmol min −1 mg −1 protein), 1.0 m m lactate (6.20 ± 0.5), or 0.4 m m palmitate (0.55 ± 0.07) at rates which were several fold higher than previously reported. Palmitate or lactate decreased glucose oxidation by 25% and 50%, respectively, while together they inhibited glucose oxidation rates by 70%. The rate of lactate oxidation was decreased by 50% in the presence of glucose or palmitate. Palmitate oxidation was least affected by the alternative substrates studied. Oxygen consumption was substrate dependent, ranging from 17.9 ± 0.9 nmol min −1 mg −1 in the presence of glucose alone, to 29.5 ± 1.3 when both lactate and palmitate were present in the medium. The high rates of exogenous substrate oxidation observed in this study accounted for a major portion of myocyte oxygen consumption, but the combined oxidation of multiple substrates was necessary to supply all their energy requirements.
Oxygen Reduction and Hydrogen Oxidation Reactions on Pt(111) and Pt(100) in Solutions Containing Copper Ions

The effects of underpotentially deposited copper (Cuupd) on the kinetics of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and the hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) have been studied at Pt(111) and Pt(100) su...
Anatomy of the nasal-pharyngeal airway of experimental animals

Silicone rubber casts were prepared of the nasal, pharyngeal and laryngeal regions of two rats, a rhesus monkey, and three beagle dogs and one for each species selected for detailed measurements. Cross-sections of the casts were made and the area and perimeter of each section measured using an image analyzing computer. Considerable anatomical differences were found between the species. Some of the differences, such as the sharp bend in the nasopharynx of the monkey, could be related to normal posture. One of the main differences was the greater complexity of the turbinate region of the dog as compared to the corresponding area of the monkey.
Angiomatoid Fibrous Histiocytoma in a Six-Year-Old Child

We report a case of AFH presenting as an asymptomatic subcutaneous nodule on the arm of a 6-year-old boy. AFH is a fibrohistiocytic tumor of intermediate malignancy. Predominantly seen in children and young adults, AFH presents as a deep dermal or subcutaneous nodule usually on the extremities. The histology is characterized by a fibrous capsule, surrounding lymphocytic infiltrate and blood-filled cystic spaces lined by flattened tumor cells. AFH cells express desmin, epithelial membrane antigen, and CD 68 in over 60% of cases; they are negative for myogenin, MYOD1, and endothelial markers. Rate of local recurrence is 2% to 20%. The metastatic rate is 1%. Management is with wide surgical excision and careful follow-up.
Dynamics of probability density functions for decaying passive scalars in periodic velocity fields

The probability density function (PDF) for a decaying passive scalar advected by a deterministic, periodic, incompressible fluid flow is numerically studied using a variety of random and coherent initial scalar fields. We establish the dynamic emergence at large Peclet numbers of a broad-tailed PDF for the scalar initialized with a Gaussian random measure, and further explore a rich parameter space involving scales of the initial scalar field and the geometry of the flow. We document that the dynamic transition of the PDF to a broad-tailed distribution is similar for shear flows and time-varying nonsheared flows with positive Lyapunov exponent, thereby showing that chaos in the particle trajectories is not essential to observe intermittent scalar signals. The role of the initial scalar field is carefully explored. The long-time PDF is sensitive to the scale of the initial data. For shear flows we show that heavy-tailed PDFs appear only when the initial field has sufficiently small-scale variation. We also connect geometric features of the scalar field with the shape of the PDFs. We document that the PDF is constructed by a subtle balance between spatial regions of strong and weak shear in conjunction with the presence of small-scale scalar variation within the weak shear regions. For cellular flows we document a lack of self-similarity in the PDFs when periodic time dependence is present, in contrast to the self-similar decay for time independent flow. Finally, we analyze the behavior of the PDFs for coherent initial fields and the parametric dependence of the variance decay rate on the Peclet number and the initial wavenumber of the scalar field.
Effects of verteporfin-mediated photodynamic therapy on endothelial cells

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a treatment modality in which cytotoxic reactive oxygen species are generated from oxygen and other biological molecules when a photosensitizer is activated by light. PDT has been approved for the treatment of cancers and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) due to its effectiveness in cell killing and manageable normal tissue complications. In this study, we characterized the effects of verteporfin-PDT on SVEC mouse endothelial cells and determined its underlying cell death mechanisms. We found that verteporfin was primarily localized in mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in SVEC cells. Light treatment of photosensitized SVEC cells induced a rapid onset of cell apoptosis. In addition to significant structural damages to mitochondria and ER, verteporfin-PDT caused substantial degradation of ER signaling molecules, suggesting ER stress. These results demonstrate that verteporfin-PDT triggered SVEC cell apoptosis by both mitochondrial and ER stress pathways. Results from this study may lead to novel therapeutic approaches to enhance PDT outcome.
Nutrient Intake and Food Group Consumption of 10-Year-Olds by Sugar Intake Level: The Bogalusa Heart Study

Objective: The effect of total sugar intake on nutrient intake and food group consumption was examined in children.Methods: Twenty-four hour dietary recalls were collected on a sample of 568 ten-year-olds from two cross-sectional surveys. The population was stratified according to total sugar intake quartiles: ≤25th (46 g/1000 kcal), 25–50th (67 g/1000 kcal), 50–75th (81 g/1000 kcal) and ≥75th (106 g/1000 kcal).Results: No significant difference was shown in energy intakes across the quartiles and no significant race or gender differences were observed in mean total sugar intakes. However, with increasing total sugar intake, there was a significant linear decrease in mean intakes of protein, fat, saturated fat, starch, cholesterol, sodium, vitamins B6 and E, thiamin, niacin, iron, and zinc; and a significant linear increase in mean intakes of carbohydrate, fructose, lactose, sucrose, vitamin D, and calcium. Eating patterns reflected the differing nutrient intakes, with high sugar consumers having signific...
Immune mediated and inherited defences against flaviviruses

Abstract Background: Flavivirus infection elicits an abundant immune response in the host which is directed against a number of the viral proteins. Resistance to flavivirus-induced disease can also be controlled via a non-immune mechanism involving the product of a naturally occurring murine gene, Flv . Objectives: To review studies that have reported the mapping of epitopes on flavivirus proteins that elicit T- or B-cell immune responses in mice or humans and to discuss a possible mechanism for flavivirus-specific genetic resistance. Study design: Purified viral proteins and synthetic peptides were used to map B-cell epitopes. Purified proteins, vaccinia-expressed viral protein fragments and synthetic peptides were used to map T-cell epitopes. Congenic-resistant, C3H/RV and congenic susceptible, C3H/He mice and cell cultures were used to study the mechanism of genetic resistance to flavivirus infection. Results: T- and B-cell epitopes have been mapped to the E, NS1 and NS3 proteins of several flaviviruses. Immune responses to the C, PreM, NS2a, NS4a, and NS5 proteins have also been documented. Data suggest that the Flv gene product acts intracellularly to suppress the synthesis of viral genomic RNA. Conclusions: Although flavivirus infection elicits an abundant immune response, this response is not always rapid enough to protect the host from developing encephalitis. During secondary infections both the humoral and cellular flavivirus-specific responses can confer protection. Dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF) and dengue shock syndrome (DSS) appear to be caused by an overly vigorous immune response. In genetically resistant animals reduced production of virus results in a slower spread of the infection, which in turn allows time for the immune response to develop and to clear the infection before disease symptoms appear.
Analysis of positioning uncertainty in reconfigurable networks of heterogeneous mobile robots

This work studies the localization accuracy of a team of mobile robots that perform cooperative localization. We provide an analytical expression for the upper bound in positioning accuracy as a function of a weighted connectivity graph for the network of relative position measurements in the robot group. This network has a time-varying topology determined by the availability of relative position measurements between pairs of robots. The weights of the connectivity graph depend on (i) the odometric and orientation accuracy of each robot, and (ii) the accuracy of the robot tracker on each member of the team that measures its relative position with respect to other robots in the group. The theoretical results are validated by extensive simulations.
Lineage-specific adjacent IFNG and IL26 genes share a common distal enhancer element

Certain groups of physically linked genes remain linked over long periods of evolutionary time. The general view is that such evolutionary conservation confers ‘fitness’ to the species. Why gene order confers ‘fitness’ to the species is incompletely understood. For example, linkage of IL26 and IFNG is preserved over evolutionary time yet Th17 lineages express IL26 and Th1 lineages express IFNG. We considered the hypothesis that distal enhancer elements may be shared between adjacent genes, which would require linkage be maintained in evolution. We test this hypothesis using a bacterial artificial chromosome transgenic model with deletions of specific conserved non-coding sequences. We identify one enhancer element uniquely required for IL26 expression but not for IFNG expression. We identify a second enhancer element positioned between IL26 and IFNG required for both IL26 and IFNG expression. One function of this enhancer is to facilitate recruitment of RNA polymerase II to promoters of both genes. Thus, sharing of distal enhancers between adjacent genes may contribute to evolutionary preservation of gene order.
Osmotic properties of human red cells

When an osmotic pressure gradient is applied to human red cells, the volume changes anomalously, as if there were a significant fraction of "nonosmotic water" which could not serve as solvent for the cell solutes, a finding which has been discussed widely in the literature. In 1968, Gary-Bobo and Solomon (J. Gen. Physiol. 52:825) concluded that the anomalies could not be entirely explained by the colligative properties of hemoglobin (Hb) and proposed that there was an additional concentration dependence of the Hb charge (ZHb). A number of investigators, particularly Freedman and Hoffman (1979, J. Gen. Physiol. 74:157) have been unable to confirm Gary-Bobo and Solomon's experimental evidence for this concentration dependence of ZHb and we now report that we are also unable to repeat the earlier experiments. Nonetheless, there still remains a significant anomaly which amounts to 12.5 +/- 0.8% of the total isosmotic cell water (P much less than 0.0005, t test), even after taking account of the concentration dependence of the Hb osmotic coefficient and all the other known physical chemical constraints, ideal and nonideal. It is suggested that the anomalies at high Hb concentration in shrunken cells may arise from the ionic strength dependence of the Hb osmotic coefficient. In swollen red cells at low ionic strength, solute binding to membrane and intracellular proteins is increased and it is suggested that this factor may account, in part, for the anomalous behavior of these cells.
production of charmonium states by resonant pp̄ annihilation

Abstract Cross sections are estimated for the production of charmonium states in pp annihilation on resonance. For processes like p p →η c →γγ the cross sections are about 1 nb. Non-resonant contributions are estimated and found to be much smaller. Similar rates are found for p p →η′→γγ and p p → 1 P 1 →η c γ→γγγ . These may thus furnish a unique means of observing these charmonium states. Upsilonic states might be observable in colliding ring pp experiments, but the cross sections are likely to be in the picobarn range.
Race, sex, ordinal position of birth, and self-disclosure in high school students.

The Jourard and Lasakow (1958) Self-disclosure Questionnaire was administered to 120 high school students in order to examine relationships of birth order, race, and sex to self-disclosure. Results indicated that later borns disclosed more than firstborns, whites disclosed more than Negroes, and mother was the favorite target person. Further, firstborn Negroes disclosed less than any other group, females disclosed most to mother and female friend while males disclosed least to female friend, firstborns disclosed most to mother, and whites disclosed more to father than Negroes. Results were discussed in relation to possible child-rearing practices affecting the meaningfulness of interpersonal relationships established by the various birth ranks.
Communication in ecosystem management: a case study of cross-disciplinary integration in the assessment phase of the interior Columbia Basin Ecosystem Management Project.

Effective communication is essential to the success of collaborative ecosystem management projects. In this paper, we investigated the dynamics of the Interior Columbia Basin Ecosystem Management Project’s (ICBEMP) cross-disciplinary integration process in the assessment phase. Using a case study research design, we captured the rich trail of experience through conducting in-depth interviews and collecting information from internal and public documents, videos, and meetings related to the ICBEMP. Coding and analysis was facilitated by a qualitative analysis software, NVivo. Results include the range of internal perspectives on barriers and facilitators of cross-disciplinary integration in the Science Integration Team (SIT). These are arrayed in terms of discipline-based differences, organizational structures and activities, individual traits of scientists, and previous working relationships. The ICBEMP organization included a team of communication staffs (CT), and the data described the CT as a mixed group in terms of qualifications and educational backgrounds that played a major role in communication with actors external to the ICBEMP organization but a minor one in terms of internal communication. The data indicated that the CT-SIT communication was influenced by characteristics of actors and structures related to organizations and their cultures. We conclude that the ICBEMP members may not have had a sufficient level of shared understanding of central domains, such as the task at hand and ways and timing of information sharing. The paper concludes by suggesting that future ecosystem management assessment teams use qualified communications specialists to design and monitor the development of shared cognition among organization members in order to improve the effectiveness of communication and cross-disciplinary integration.
Evaluation of infant/toddler intervention programs

Abstract The need for infant enrichment programs has been highlighted in the past decades. Research evidence has accumulated that infants who were raised in families that did not provide rich language and play experiences dropped drastically in IQ by three years of age compared to those raised in developmentally more stimulating environments (Golden, Birns, Bridger, & Moss, 1971). Also, increasing numbers of single and working parents have found quality substitute care for infants to be a rare commodity. Their concerns have lent urgency to efforts to evaluate the effects of infant care programs.
CLEO measurement of B-->π + π - and determination of weak phase α

The CLEO Collaboration has recently reported a (first) measurement of $\mathrm{BR}(\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{B}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}{)=(4.7}_{\ensuremath{-}1.5}^{+1.8}\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.6)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}6}.$ We study, using recent results on QCD improved factorization, the implications of this measurement for the determination of the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa (CKM) phase $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ and also for the rate for $\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{B}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{0}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{0}.$ If the $\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{B}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ form factor is large $(\ensuremath{\gtrsim}0.3),$ then we find that the CLEO measurement favors small $|{V}_{\mathrm{ub}}{/V}_{\mathrm{cb}}|$ so that the expected error (due to neglecting the QCD penguin amplitude) in the measurement of $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ using only the time-dependent analysis of the decay $\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{B}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ is large $\ensuremath{\sim}15\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}.$ However, if $|{V}_{\mathrm{ub}}{/V}_{\mathrm{cb}}|$ is known, then it is possible to determine the correct value of $\mathrm{sin}2\ensuremath{\alpha}.$
A Clinical Research Strategy To Support Shared Decision Making

Greater use of evidence in health care decision making has highlighted the limited quantity and quality of evidence for many decisions. To make informed decisions, patients and physicians depend on valid evidence about benefits, risks, and costs of alternative treatments. Policymakers can also use this information to make promising new technologies available sooner, while ensuring adequate evaluation. The clinical research enterprise can be expanded with simple trials and registries. A more systematic effort to produce this evidence will entail establishing research priorities, improving research methods, expanding the research infrastructure, and engaging new funds.
Clinical Management of Reproductive Problems in Dairy Cows

Abstract Reproductive herd health programs are effective in maintaining and improving the reproductive efficiency of dairy herds resulting in increased net income. Unobserved estrus, ovarian cysts, conception failure, uterine disease, abnormal pregnancy, and observed abortions are common reproductive abnormalities in dairy cows that may be controlled effectively with improved management practices and appropriate administration of pharmacological and biological agents. Prostaglandin F 2 α is effective in the management of unobserved estrus, uterine disease, and abnormal pregnancy whereas gonadotropin-releasing hormone is a reliable treatment for ovarian cysts and may be useful to improve conception in repeat breeders. Incidence of uterine disease can be minimized by eliminating or reducing factors that predispose to retained placenta and appropriate treatment of affected cows. Immunizing agents should be selected for each herd based on risks of exposure to infectious diseases that cause infertility or abortion.
Britain and American Railway Development

Our task here is to inquire into the relations between two familiar sets of phenomena—the economic development of the Western Hemisphere and the involvement of British investors, financiers, engineers, contractors, and financial groups in railways in that area. As a matter of convenience we shall look chiefly at the United States and Argentina, and at the time span of three quarters of a century preceding the First World War. It is no secret that during that period both countries underwent rapid development, whose contours included such matters as the effective occupation of new areas of vast extent; the growth of population, partly fed by immigration; the effective application of technological improvements to the exploitation of natural resources; an increasing complexity of the division of labor; and a rise in productivity and real income per capita, participated in by large segments of the population. During the same period, the Western Hemisphere was normally the outlet for from 40 to 60 per cent of British foreign investment, the United States and the Argentine being two of the countries chiefly affected. We are familiar with estimates that British investments in the United States, on the eve of the First World War, amounted to over 4 billion dollars, approximately 3 billion of which were in railway securities, and that something like half as much was invested in Argentina, with a somewhat smaller percentage directly in rails.
Changes in chondrocyte gene expression following in vitro impaction of porcine articular cartilage in an impact injury model.

Our objective was to monitor chondrocyte gene expression at 0, 3, 7, and 14 days following in vitro impaction to the articular surface of porcine patellae. Patellar facets were either axially impacted with a cylindrical impactor (25 mm/s loading rate) to a load level of 2,000 N or not impacted to serve as controls. After being placed in organ culture for 0, 3, 7, or 14 days, total RNA was isolated from full thickness cartilage slices and gene expression measured for 17 genes by quantitative real-time RT-PCR. Targeted genes included those encoding proteins involved with biological stress, inflammation, or anabolism and catabolism of cartilage extracellular matrix. Some gene expression changes were detected on the day of impaction, but most significant changes occurred at 14 days in culture. At 14 days in culture, 10 of the 17 genes were differentially expressed with col1a1 most significantly up-regulated in the impacted samples, suggesting impacted chondrocytes may have reverted to a fibroblast-like phenotype. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31: 385–391, 2013
Dietary patterns of rural elderly females in Malaysia

Interviews which collected data on dietary patterns were conducted with 317 rural Malay females age 55 and older. Cultivated, wild, and purchased foods all contributed to the household food supplies of subjects. Over 90% reported eating breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, while daily snacking patterns were less consistent. Estimates of food intake frequency indicate that a variety of foods were eaten by these women. The most frequently consumed foods were rice, cooking oil, dried anchovies, sugar, and fresh fish. Intake frequency for individual food items tended to decrease with increasing age but increase with increasing income.
Prune-belly syndrome and other anomalies in a stillborn fetus with a ring X chromosome lacking XIST

Ring X chromosomes that lack the X inactivation center and fail to be inactivated have been implicated as a cause of mental retardation and multiple congenital anomalies. We report on a stillborn fetus with karyotype mos45,X/46,X,r(X) and early urethral obstruction or prune-belly sequence, single umbilical artery, limb deficiency, horseshoe kidney, cardiac hypertrophy, persistent left superior vena cava, and axial skeleton abnormalities. Fluorescent in situ hydridization (FISH) studies confirmed that the ring chromosome is X-derived and demonstrated that it lacks the XIST locus. The findings in this fetus are discussed with regard to the spectrum of phenotypes associated with monosomy X and small ring X chromosomes.
Pulsed electrodeposition of Bi2Te3 and Bi2Te3/Te nanowire arrays from a DMSO solution

Abstract Dense, continuous and polycrystalline bismuth telluride (Bi 2 Te 3 ) nanowire arrays have been deposited from a DMSO solution containing Bi(NO 3 ) 3 ·5H 2 O and TeCl 4 in porous alumina templates by a pulse electrochemical method. The composition of the nanowire is dependent on the applied potential, and the composition distribution along a single nanowire becomes more uniform as the potential-off time becomes longer. The Bi 2 Te 3 nanowire arrays have a highly preferential orientation along the [1 1 0] direction. Bi 2 Te 3 /Te multilayered nanowire arrays have also been deposited from the same DMSO solution. A clear interface between segments of different composition can be distinguished by TEM analysis. The elemental analysis shows the atomic percentage of Te in Te segments to be more than 95 atom%. Bi-rich regions were obtained in the Bi 2 Te 3 segments.
Dissociation of Intracellular Sodium from Contractile State in Guinea-Pig Hearts Treated with Ouabain

The positive inotropic effect of cardiac glycosides has been attributed to inhibition of the Na–K-ATPase, accumulation of intracellular sodium and enhanced calcium availability due to Na–Ca exchange. However, few measurements of intracellular sodium in the functioning left ventricle following ouabain exposure at therapeutic doses are available. Our experimental objective was to quantitate the relationship between contractile state and intracellular sodium measured by23Na nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy or atomic absorption in the intact heart. Isolated guinea-pig hearts, perfused in the Langendorff mode, were paced and then exposed to ouabain (3×10−7m) for 30 min. Left-ventricular pressure was monitored continuously. Intracellular sodium was measured either at 1-min intervals throughout the perfusion by shift reagent-aided23Na nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy in the beating heart or following 30 minutes of perfusion by atomic absorption in myocardial tissue. While treatment with ouabain was associated with almost a two-fold rise in developed pressure, there was no significant increase in intracellular sodium measured by either technique. Thus, the positive inotropic effect of ouabain in this model is not associated with significant changes in bulk intracellular sodium. However, these results do not exclude the possibility of shifts between intracellular pools which would not be detected in bulk measurements, or changes in NMR-invisible intracellular pools which are not detectable by single quantum spectroscopy techniques.
Comparison of the pathology of interstitial plaque in human ICSF stone patients to NHERF-1 and THP-null mice

Extensive evidence now supports the role of papillary interstitial deposits—Randall’s plaques—in the formation of stones in the idiopathic, calcium oxalate stone former. These plaques begin as deposits of apatite in the basement membranes of the thin limbs of Henle’s loop, but can grow to become extensive deposits beneath the epithelium covering the papillary surface. Erosion of this covering epithelium allows deposition of calcium oxalate onto this plaque material, and the transition of mineral type and organic material from plaque to stone has been investigated. The fraction of the papilla surface that is covered with Randall’s plaque correlates with stone number in these patients, as well as with urine calcium excretion, and plaque coverage also correlates inversely with urine volume and pH. Two animal models—the NHERF-1 and THP-null mice—have been shown to develop sites of interstitial apatite plaque in the renal papilla. In these animal models, the sites of interstitial plaque in the inner medulla are similar to that found in human idiopathic calcium oxalate stone formers, except that the deposits in the mouse models are not localized solely to the basement membrane of the thin limbs of Henle’s loop, as in humans. This may be due to the different morphology of the human versus mouse papillary region. Both mouse models appear to be important to characterize further in order to determine how well they mimic human kidney stone disease.
Educating preservice teachers for family, school, and community engagement

Effective family, school, and community partnerships enhance the academic, social, and emotional development of children. As a result, colleges, schools, and departments of education are increasingly addressing the topic. Unfortunately, teachers continue to report that the most significant challenge encountered when entering the profession is the establishment of relationships with families and communities. This article reviews existing literature on the outcomes of efforts to prepare educators who are capable of successfully engaging a broad range of families and communities. Based on a comprehensive literature review, the findings reveal a narrow sample of empirically based research; however, these studies offer insights regarding pedagogical approaches that increase teachers’ confidence and self-awareness, improve educators’ knowledge of diverse families, and enhance teachers’ ability to use knowledge about families and communities to improve instruction. This review examines efforts in higher educatio...
Recent testing of 30 kW hydrogen arcjet thrusters

NASA is conducting efforts to evaluate high-power hydrogen arcjets for orbit transfer propulsion applications. As part of this program, an attempt was made to reexamine both radiatively- and regeneratively-cooled, 30 kW thrusters first demonstrated by the Giannini Scientific Corp. in 1963. The arcjets were configured to force arc attachment upstream of the throat in a subsonic chamber region. While thruster currents were steady, the voltage traces exhibited sawtooth waveforms at frequencies on the order of 20 kHz. Voltage variations per cycle were typically between 100 and 310 volts, indicating major changes in the position of the arc attachment with time. When operated at their respective design points, the performance of both thrusters fell below the values listed in the 1960's development reports. The reason for the discrepancies is not currently understood and further investigations are in progress. However, the recently measured efficiencies were high compared to those obtained with constricted-arc designs at similar conditions, and further arcjet performance optimizations may be possible.
Creating an Internet Consumer Health Resource for Western New York Breast Cancer Patients

After a breast cancer diagnosis, it is important to locate quality, reliable information in order understand, explore, and discuss treatment options available to patients with their oncologists and health professionals. This column explores the creation of a consumer health resource for breast cancer patients and families using various Web 2.0 tools such as wikis and an RSS Feed.
Enhanced photoluminescence of conjugated polymer thin films on nanostructured silver

Abstract Photoluminescence of a conjugated polymer in the presence of surface plasmons on metallic nanoparticles is studied. A layered device structure was constructed that enabled control over nanoparticle diameter and separation between the polymer and nanoparticles layers. The dependence of the surface plasmon evanescent field and energy transfer has been investigated with the largest enhancement in photoluminescence observed at a 40 nm distance separation between the fluorophore and the surface plasmon. A spectrum of surface plasmon resonances ranging from the emission to the absorption energies of the conjugated polymer revealed largest enhancements when the resonance was tuned to the conjugated polymer emission energy. At peak photoluminescence the maximum photoluminescent enhancement was found to be 5.6 times of the photoluminescence of the control structure and the total integrated enhancement was 5.9 times.
Qiagen's Investigator™ Quantiplex Kit as a Predictor of STR Amplification Success from Low‐Yield DNA Samples,

Qiagen's Investigator™ Quantiplex kit, a total human DNA quantitation kit, has a 200-base pair internal control, fast cycling time, and scorpion molecules containing a covalently linked primer, probe, fluorophore, and quencher. The Investigator™ Quantiplex kit was evaluated to investigate a value under which complete short tandem repeat (STR) failure was consistently obtained. Buccal swabs were extracted using the Qiagen QIAamp(®) DNA Blood Mini Kit, quantified with the Investigator™ Quantiplex kit using a tested half-volume reaction, amplified with the ABI AmpFlSTR(®) Identifiler kit, separated on the 3100Avant Genetic Analyzer, and data analyzed with GeneMapper(®) ID v.3.2. While undetected samples were unlikely to produce sufficient data for statistical calculations or CODIS upload (2.00 alleles and 0.82 complete loci on average), data may be useful for exclusionary purposes. Thus, the Investigator™ Quantiplex kit may be useful for predicting STR success. These findings are comparable with previously reported data from the Quantifiler™ Human kit.
A self-dual language for graph theory

Abstract A symbolic language is developed around the primitive notions of edge and spanning tree, with each spanning tree being interpreted as a binary relation on edges. A sense is considered in which the properties expressible in this language are precisely the self-dual properties of graph theory.
Electric polarization and the viability of living systems: ion cyclotron resonance-like interactions.

Wellness can be described in physical terms as a state that is a function of the organism's electric polarization vector P(r, t). One can alter P by invasive application of electric fields or by no...
The surgical treatment of hydatid disease of the liver

A consecutive series of 227 patients with hydatid disease of the liver is reported. During the first period when marsupialization or drainage of the cyst was applied, long hospitalization and bilious leakage were reported. During the second period omentoplasty superseded the above methods. As a result, hospitalization was lowered from 36 or 52 to 12 days, while the incidence of biliary leakage was minimized from 25.2 or 60.7 per cent to 2.5 per cent respectively. The overall mortality is about 3.5 per cent. Consequently omentoplasty is considered the treatment of choice when dealing with hydatid cyst of the liver. Marsupialization or partial hepatectomy is the alternative for huge, infected cysts. ECHINOCOCCOSIS is a well-known disease, but its surgical treatment has markedly changed during the past years. The word ‘echinococcus’ is Greek in origin and means ‘hedgehog berry’. Hydatid disease of the liver was known to Hippocrates, who refers to a ‘liver full of water’. It was not until 1782 that Goeze recognized microscopically the small taenias with their characteristic hooklets. Since then numerous reports have made absolutely clear both the pathology and epidemiology of the disease. In Greece, with a population of up to 8 million, an average of 500 cases yearly are reported, i.e., a frequency of 6 per 100,000 inhabitants (Toole, 1969).
Use of magnetic resonance imaging to assess myocardial perfusion after transmyocardial laser revascularization.

Background: Transmyocardial laser revascularization (TMLR) is an alternative treatment modality for patients with refractory angina who are not candidates for conventional surgical or percutaneous revascularization. Clinical studies of TMLR have not shown one-to-one correlation between increased myocardial perfusion and improved clinical status. Methods: Three patients (51, 53, and 70 years old) with severe, diffuse coronary artery disease not amenable to conventional surgical revascularization and with angina (Canadian Cardiovascular Society [CCS] class 3-4) refractory to maximal medical therapy underwent TMLR with a CO2 laser. Preoperative and postoperative cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were performed to assess left ventricular perfusion and wall-motion changes in the laser-treated areas. Postoperative MRIs were performed within 6 months of TMLR and at 12 months. Angina status was assessed with the Seattle Angina Questionnaire. Results: Postoperative adenosine stress myocardial perfusion imaging with MRI revealed improved overall perfusion and a reduction in subendocardial hypoperfused areas when compared to preoperative images. In all patients, an improvement in CCS class was consistent with an improvement in perfusion. Conclusions: Cardiac MRI can be used to assess improved subendocardial perfusion after TMLR treatment. In our study, we found that endocardial perfusion was maintained over a 12-month period.
In vivo flexion and kinematics of the knee after TKA: comparison of a conventional and a high flexion cruciate-retaining TKA design

This study investigated the in vivo 6DOF knee kinematics and tibiofemoral contact location after total knee arthroplasty using a conventional and a high flexion cruciate retaining component (15 NexGen CR, 11 NexGen CR-Flex). Each patient performed a single-leg lunge while being imaged by a dual fluoroscopic imaging system. Data were analyzed at hyperextension, 0° to 90° in 15° intervals, and at maximum flexion. The average maximum weight-bearing flexion for all the CR patients was 110.1° ± 13.4°, and for all the CR-Flex patients was 108.2° ± 13.2°. No difference was seen in the maximum flexion achieved by the patients, and the kinematics demonstrated by the groups was similar. However, at high flexion, the tibiofemoral articulating surfaces were more conforming in the CR-Flex design than the CR design, suggesting that the use of the high flexion component improved the tibiofemoral contact environment at high flexion in patients who could achieve high flexion.
Incomplete multiresponse designs and surrogate endpoints in clinical trials

Abstract Incorporating plausible surrogate variates, a general class of incomplete multiresponse designs for clinical trials is considered. In this context, the basic differences between the conventional linear models and survival analysis models are discussed thoroughly. Along with some parametric procedures, suitable nonparametric ones are considered, and the related asymptotic theory is presented.
What is directionality

In their reply, Kramer and Boivin state “The terms cohort, case-control, cross-sectional, prospective, and retrospective are used regularly by epidemiologic and clinical investigators to describe the design of their studies. It is clear that it is the concept of directionality that is essential to the distinctions indicated by this panoply of terms.” [5, p. 7181. Stating that “It is clear” is neither explanatory nor clarifying. In particular, Kramer and Boivin’s claim is not clear to us or, apparently, Dr Miettinen [4]. We and many others [e.g. 6101 regularly use all the terms they list without ever having recourse to the concept of “directionality.” Case-control studies are distinguished from cohort studies by their use of outcome-selective sampling. Crosssectional studies are distinguished from cohort studies by the data studied: the former collect and examine cross-sectional data (which allows only direct measurement of disease prevalence), whereas the latter collect and examine data taken over a span of cohort experience (which allows direct measurement of incidence as well). Prospective studies are based on ascertainment of events (exposures and outcomes) at the time they actually occur; retrospective studies are based on purely historical determinations; thus this distinction is one of timing. Since we and other [6-lo] can distinguish all the terms given by Kramer and Boivin [2, 51 without using the directionality concept, we ask them to please clarify just how directionality is “essential” to the distinctions among those terms. Kramer and Boivin also claim that “directionality remains a key concept for understanding sources of bias and the inferential problems arising therefrom” [ 1, p. 7 181. Unfortunately, they give no example in which directionality is in any way essential for understanding a source of bias or an inferential problem. We thus ask them to give an example in which, after considering sample selection, timing, and order of measurement, one needs directionality to understand a source of bias. Such an example may help clarify not only how directionality is essential (if it is) but also what it means.
Lanthanide thermodynamic predictions

Abstract For the plus-two and plus-three lanthanide ions, ΔHf is inversely related to the sums of the ionic radii by ΔH°f = Qn + A/(rLn3++ rxn−) + B. This equation reproduces the known values for the plus-three oxides and the halides, and predicts the absolute hydration energies of the aqueous lanthanide(III) ions. The model is also used to calculate ΔHf of the lanthanide(II) oxides and fluorides. Based upon the enthalpies of disproportionation, EuO, YbO, SmF2, EuF2 and YbF2 are predicted to be stable.