cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Topical antibiotic and delayed primary closure in the management of contaminated surgical incisions

Abstract In a randomized study of abdominal incisions contaminated by bacteria from acute appendicitis and perforative trauma to the gastrointestinal tract, delayed primary closure of the skin and subcutaneous layers significantly reduced the incidence of subsequent wound infection. However, the open wound that had been prepared for later closure frequently became colonized by hospital pathogens and subsequently became infected after closure by a different set of bacteria. An antibiotic aerosol spray (Neosporin) of the contaminated surgical incision just prior to primary wound closure also significantly reduced the incidence of wound infection. Failures were noted to occur when the contaminating bacteria were relatively resistant to the topically administered antibiotic. Intravenously administered cephalothin (Keflin) failed to diminish the wound infection rate in contaminated surgical incisions, irrespective of whether the systemic antibiotic was administered preoperatively or post operatively.
Cooling of cesium atomic beam with light from spectrally broadened diode lasers

We have used spectrally broadened counterpropagating radiation from tunable diode lasers to cool an atomic beam of cesium. This produces a continuous beam of cold atoms. The injection current to the single-mode diode laser is modulated at 10 MHz, resulting in spectrally broadened light for atomic cooling and optical pumping. The atomic beam is probed with a weak single-mode laser. This is a simple and relatively inexpensive method for producing a continuous supply of cold atoms.
The constant phase angle impedance of the finite sierpinski electrode

Abstract The impedance of the finite Sierpinski electrode has been numerically calculated by Sapoval recently. He found that the frequency exponent ν of the impedance, Z(ω) ∼ (jω)−ν, is related to the fractal dimension D of the surface by the relation ν = 3−D with D 5 2 . Using the same geometry of the electrode and taking into account the ionic resistance between the working and counter electrodes, we have proved analytically that the relation ν = 3−D holds. However, our result shows that in the low frequency limit the existence of the constant phase angle (CPA) impedance for the electrode is not restricted by the condition D 5 2 .
A subnanosecond cycle time chip in Josephson technology

THIS PAPER will describe the design and performance of a subnanosecond cycle time logic chip in Josephson technology. A data processing circuit, implemented in 2.5pm Josephson Current Injection Logic (CIL)? has been tested at cycle times as small as 665ps The chip power dissipation was about 350pW. The circuit contained OR gates, AND gates, EX-OR gates and latches - equivalent to 102 logic gates, consisting of 177 devices. The gates were powered by an ac power supply2 which was regulated on chip3. The latch circuits were of a self-resetting type, designed for this application.
Inhaled nitric oxide therapy in neonatal hypoxic respiratory failure: insights beyond primary outcomes

The Neonatal Research Network developed and initiated 3 multicenter randomized controlled clinical trials evaluating inhaled nitric oxide therapy. Additional projects evolved from these efforts including basic science research and observational investigations. This article provides a historical prospective of the Network's investigations related to the diagnosis and management of neonatal hypoxic respiratory failure, especially those related to inhaled nitric oxide therapy. It will review the Network's contributions toward advancing the clinical care of the newborn with severe hypoxic respiratory failure.
Cost-Effectiveness of Apixaban Compared with Warfarin for Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation

Background: Apixaban was shown to be superior to adjusted-dose warfarin in preventing stroke or systemic embolism in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and at least one additional risk factor for stroke, and associated with reduced rates of hemorrhage. We sought to determine the cost-effectiveness of using apixaban for stroke prevention. Methods: Based on the results from the Apixaban Versus Warfarin in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation (ARISTOTLE) trial and other published studies, we constructed a Markov model to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of apixaban versus warfarin from the Medicare perspective. The base-case analysis assumed a cohort of 65-year-old patients with a CHADS2 score of 2.1 and no contraindication to oral anticoagulation. We utilized a 2-week cycle length and a lifetime time horizon. Outcome measures included costs in 2012 US$, quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), life years saved and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios. Results: Under base case conditions, quality adjusted life expectancy was 10.69 and 11.16 years for warfarin and apixaban, respectively. Total costs were $94,941 for warfarin and $86,007 for apixaban, demonstrating apixaban to be a dominant economic strategy. Upon one-way sensitivity analysis, these results were sensitive to variability in the drug cost of apixaban and various intracranial hemorrhage related variables. In Monte Carlo simulation, apixaban was a dominant strategy in 57% of 10,000 simulations and cost-effective in 98% at a willingness-to-pay threshold of $50,000 per QALY. Conclusions: In patients with AF and at least one additional risk factor for stroke and a baseline risk of ICH risk of about 0.8%, treatment with apixaban may be a cost-effective alternative to warfarin.
The Existence of Periodic Travelling Waves for Singularly Perturbed Predator-Prey Equations via the Conley Index

This paper is concerned with the existence of periodic travelling wave solutions of reactiondiffusion equations, which arise as models of predator-prey interactions in mathematical ecology. The relevant equations are somewhat similar to the Fitz-Hugh-Nagumo equations, and our results apply to this latter system as well. In studying the Fitz-Hugh-Nagumo equations, Conley ([ 3 I), initiated a new topological approach to this problem. His method depends on the construction of an isolating neighborhood (cf. Section 2A) about a “singular” periodic solution. Associated with such a neighborhood is a topological invariant, the Conley Index, which, when nontrivial, implies the existence of a smooth solution near the singular one. The new aspects of the present discussion are in the method used to construct the isolating neighborhood (in IFi4), and in the computation of the index. With regard to the isolating neighborhood, our construction is global in that a parameter taken to be small in Conley’s equations, is now allowed to assume large values. In order to compute the index, we “continue” our equations to those studied by Conley. Actually, we go one step further and continue Conley’s equations to the Van der Pol equations crossed with a pair of linear equations admitting a repelling critical point. The index for this latter system is easily computed and turns out to be non-trivial. It follows from the invariance of the index under continuation (21, that the desired
A multi-level approach to reduce the impact of NBTI on processor functional units

NBTI is one of the most important silicon reliability problems facing processor designers today. The impact of NBTI can be mitigated at both the circuit and microarchitecture levels. In this paper, we propose a multi-level optimization approach, combining techniques at the circuit and microarchitecture levels, for reducing the impact of NBTI on the functional units (FUs) of a high-performance processor core. We perform SPICE simulations to evaluate the impact of circuit-level design optimizations to reduce the NBTI guardband in terms of area, delay, and power. We then propose a set of NBTI-aware dynamic instruction scheduling policies at the microarchitecture level and quantify their impact on application performance and guardband reduction through execution-driven simulation. We show that carefully combining techniques at both these levels provides the most attractive solution to reducing the guardband while imposing the least overhead in terms of area, power, delay, and application performance.
Drinking elicited by injection of eserine or carbachol into rat brain.

Abstract Two experiments investigated the induction of drinking that results from eserine injections into rat limbic system nuclei. In the first, a high correlation was found between the neural sites from which drinking was elicited by eserine and those from which drinking was elicited by carbachol. In the second, it was found that central atropine injection into one cholinergically positive drinking site inhibited the drinking elicited by eserine at a second such site. These results suggest a physiological role of the cholinergic drinking substrate and further confirm the diffuse distribution of this substrate.
The formation of anodic oxide films on tantalum in non-aqueous solutions

Abstract The anodic films formed on tantalum in many non-aqueous solutions have been found to consist of two layers. Next to the metal there is a layer of Ta 2 O 5 with the same characteristics as that of films formed in aqueous electrolytes, while between the Ta 2 O 5 film and the solution there is a layer which is characteristic of the forming solution. Changes in the relative thicknesses of the two layers with formation rate, temperature, and forming solution result in a dependence of formation rate on the history of the film. During anodic oxidation it has been found that the tantalum ions move out through the Ta 2 O 5 film to react with oxygen at the oxide-electrolyte interface.
A path analysis of the utilization of dental services

In this paper Andersen's model of health services utilization is applied to the use of dental visits. This analysis builds on previous work by including clinical oral health indicators rather than self-reports as measures of need by using a path model to analyze the dynamics of predisposing, enabling and need factors on dental utilization. The sample consisted of 287 volunteers who were employees of a university health center. The path analysis using ordinary least squares found that sex was the most important variable affecting use of services. Men tended to have higher number of visits due to higher need and women more visits regardless of need. A surprising result was that income had no significant effect on volume of dental visits, which contradicts much of the literature in the area. Finally, the analysis suggests that because of the nature of clinical oral health indicators cross-sectional analysis of dental service utilization may not be appropriate.
Using Performance-Based Assessments to Prepare Safe Science Teachers

Standard 9 of the National Science Teachers Association Standards for Science Teacher Preparation is designed to ensure that science teacher preparation programs provide preservice science teachers with the knowledge and skills to understand and successfully engage students in a safe and ethical manner. This standard contains four components describing science teachers’ legal and ethical responsibilities, appropriate use of instructional materials (chemicals in particular), emergency procedures and safety equipment, and guidelines for proper use of living organisms in the classroom. In this article, we describe the requirements of Standard 9 and provide guidance on assessments that can be used to present evidence for preservice teachers’ competence in each of the four components.
Surgical repair of a double lip

A rare congenital anomaly, double lip, is described and the surgical correction for this chronic enlargement of the lip is explained. Double lip, an accessory fold of redundant mucous membrane inside the vermilion border, is differentiated from other chronic enlargements of the lip, and treatment for this congenital anomaly is outlined.
The magnitude of post-reinforcement EEG synchronization (PRS) in cats reflects learning ability

Electrocortical alpha-like activity, termed post-reinforcement synchronization (PRS), observed during operantly conditioned behavior, was quantified in 25 cats and plotted against the number of training sessions required for each to learn to press a lever for milk reward. A significant correlation (r = 0.77 ; P < 0.001) was found between PRS magnitude and learning ability. The time required for learning correlated with the amount of perseveration in partially reinforced, i.e. ineffective, behavioral modes.
Stochastic Efficiency versus Mean-Variance Criteria as Predictors of Adoption of Reduced Tillage: Comment

Lee, Brown, and Lovejoy (LBL) compared the meanvariance and stochastic efficiency criteria as predictors of the adoption of reduced tillage. The analysis tested the relative predictive performance of objective and subjective income distributions. LBL surveyed farmers with respect to farm size, crop acreages, rotations, production practices, and the machinery complement for each farm. These data were used to construct a single-period linear programming (LP) model in order to generate objective income distributions for each farm. Subjective income distributions were obtained by asking farmers "to distribute ten probability blocks along an income continuum..." (LBL, p. 841). Before distributing the probability blocks, farmers were reminded of the data they had provided in the survey and were shown a chart which included the range of income generated by multiple runs of the LP model for a single growing season. They were allowed to choose end points outside of this range when distributing the probability blocks of incomes (LBL, p. 841 and footnote 1). LBL argued that although "subjective probability distributions appear preferable to objective probability distributions, when the goal is to predict behavior," many agricultural risk analyses "are based on objective probability distributions developed from historical data on prices, yields, or weather rather than on a decision mak
Interactions of Bacterial Proteins with Host Eukaryotic Ubiquitin Pathways

Ubiquitination is a post-translational modification in which one or more 76 amino acid polypeptide ubiquitin molecules are covalently linked to the lysine residues of target proteins. Ubiquitination is the main pathway for protein degradation that governs a variety of eukaryotic cellular processes, including the cell cycle, vesicle trafficking, antigen presentation and signal transduction. Not surprisingly, aberrations in the system have been implicated in the pathogenesis of many diseases including inflammatory and neurodegenerative disorders. Recent studies have revealed that viruses and bacterial pathogens exploit the host ubiquitination pathways to gain entry and to aid their survival/replication inside host cells. This review will summarize recent developments in understanding the biochemical and structural mechanisms utilized by bacterial pathogens to interact with the host ubiquitination pathways.
Whatever Works: Doing Science for George W. Bush:

The Bush administration has systematically suppressed and distorted scientific findings to conform to its ideological agenda. Unfortunately, this practice has carried into educational research and evaluation, including the Institute of Education Sciences' What Works Clearing Clearinghouse, a unit that purports to screen studies that are "scientific."
A Preliminary Comparison Study of Two Noncrosslinked Biologic Meshes Used in Complex Ventral Hernia Repairs

The biologic materials currently available for hernia repairs are costly and there are limited statistics on recurrences and rates of infection in connection with their use in complex cases. We performed a retrospective review and comparison of two types of biologic mesh used at our institution for abdominal hernia repairs spanning a 1-year period. Demographic data and outcomes relating to surgical site infections, hernia recurrences, and mortality were analyzed. Of the 35 patients in the study, 23 patients (Group I) were managed with SurgiMend, a neonatal bovine mesh, and 12 patients (Group II) were managed with Flex HD, a human-derived mesh. The study cohorts met criteria for high-risk stratification based on body mass index, comorbid conditions, and a high prevalence of contaminated wounds. The overall surgical site infection rate was 17 % for Group I and 50 % for Group II. These differences reached statistical significance when comparing superficial infections but not for deep infections with mesh involvement. Hernia recurrences in Group I were 5 % compared to 33 % in Group II. No deaths were observed. These preliminary data demonstrate promising short-term outcomes for high-risk complex hernias repaired with biologic mesh, particularly SurgiMend, but the long-term durability of these biological materials is yet to be determined.
Collision between polymeric radicals for termination rate constants

The motion of each polymeric radical during a collision between the polymeric radicals with the same radius is treated as completely random motion. The result obtained is: kt = 0.250ks (where kt is the chain-termination rate constant and ks is the reaction rate constant between radical chain ends). On taking the motion of the primary radical during a collision between a primary radical and a large polymeric radical to be completely random, the result obtained is: kti = 0.250ksi (where kti is the primary radical termination rate constant and ksi is the reaction rate constant between primary radical and radical chain end). On substituting ks for ksi in the second equation, the rate constant obtained becomes the chain termination rate constant between the very small polymeric radical and the very large polymeric radical, and identical to the former equation. This identity indicates that the effect of the difference of the size of the polymeric radicals on the collision process relating to the chain termination rate constant should not be large.
The origin and development of alopecia in mice homozygous for strong's luxoid gene.

Hair follicles are initiated in mice homozygous for Strong's luxoid gene at the normal times. The dermis from 16 days of gestation to nine days after birth lags in development. The adipose layer instead of enlarging at the normal time of three days after birth delays until nine days. The growth of the first cycle hairs is inhibited, particularly on dorsal surfaces. Some follicles of all types degenerate. The surviving follicles enter telogen at seven days after birth, after forming only short unpigmented or poorly-pigmented hairs. Many follicles immediately begin a second cycle of growth, in which more normal hairs develop and a substantial adipose layer forms. No alopecia develops on ventral surfaces, but growth of the first cycle ceases and the second cycle commences earlier than normal; the hairs formed are abnormal. Abnormal hair growth in Strong's luxoid homozygotes may be a result of the retarded growth of the dermis or both defects may be secondary to a more fundamental defect.
SU‐FF‐J‐94: Comparison of Analytic and Iterative Algorithms for Image Reconstruction in Gated Megavoltage CT

Purpose: To assess and compare the merits of analytic and iterative algorithms for reconstructions of 3D images from gated megavoltage (MV) projection data that are non-uniformly sampled in projection angle. Method and Materials: 2D projection images are acquired in a full fan cone beam geometry using the 6MV beam from a Varian 2100 EX accelerator and a prototype Varian 4030HE electronic portal imager. Because a respiratory gating system is used to confine radiation delivery to a predetermined part of the respiratory cycle, the projection image sets containing angular gaps of varying length. This non-uniform angular sampling of the projection data can be expected to result in image artifacts when an analytic reconstruction algorithm is employed. We compare two different methods, a filtered backprojection (FBP) algorithm and the expectation maximization (EM) method, for reconstructing 3D images of phantoms and patients from gated cone-beam MV projection data. Several data sets are considered that contain different sized gaps in the angular sampling of the cone-beam projections. The quality of the reconstructions is assessed by calculating contrast to noise ratios (CNRs) of inserts in an electron density phantom and by observer preference. Results: The CNRs are consistently higher in the images reconstructed by use of EM algorithm. This can be attributed to the lower noise and artifact levels in the images. The computational burden of the EM algorithm is large, but it may be reduced considerably by use of the ordered subsets expectation maximization (OS-EM) version of the algorithm. Conclusion: The EM reconstruction algorithm produced 3D images with reduced artifact levels and higher CNRs than those in images produced by the FBP algorithm. Iterative reconstruction methods can significantly improve image quality in gated MV CT applications, but is not suitable for immediate clinical use without implementation on high-performance computers or dedicated hardware.
Design of an integrated thermosyphon-fin on the basis of specific volume of the working fluid

An integrated thermosyphon-fin system was designed by embedding the condenser section of the thermosyphon within a set of copper micro-channel tubing used as fins. The performance of this system was studied as a function of the specific volume of the working fluid.
CORROSION ON DEEP GULF SHIPWRECKS OF WORLD WAR II1

ABSTRACT During the summer of 2004, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) National Marine Sanctuary Program (NMSP) participated with Minerals Management Service (MMS), NOAA's Office of Ocean Exploration (NOAA OE) and C&C Technologies, under the auspices of the National Oceanographic Partnership Program (NOPP), in an investigation to study the “artificial reef effect” of manmade structures in differing depths, and conversely, the effect of the environment on those structures over the course of 60 years, by studying six steel-hulled vessels sunk in the Gulf of Mexico. The National Marine Sanctuary used this opportunity to conduct research on the effects of corrosion on the six vessels identified for study. Corrosion on Deep Gulf Shipwrecks of World War II project represents Phase II of NOAA's RUST database project. Through this study, we addressed the following questions: Does depth of a wreck effect state of corrosion? Is this primarily a chemical, physical or biological process? Do ferr...
The Nature of Elementary Student Science Discourse in the Context of the Science Writing Heuristic Approach.

This case study aimed to determine the nature of student interactions in small groups in an elementary classroom utilizing the Science Writing Heuristic approach. Fifth grade students were audio‐recorded over four units of study while working in small groups to generate knowledge claims after conducting student‐directed investigations. Analysis consisted of (1) identifying amount of on/off task talk, (2) categorizing on‐task talk as generative (talk associated with generating an argument) or representational (talk associated with representing an argument in a final written form), (3) characterizing the generative components of argument, and (4) determining the functions of language used. Results indicate that students were on task 98% of the time. Students engaged in generative talk an average of 25% of the time and representational talk an average of 71% of the time. Students engaged in components of Toulmin’s model of argument, but challenging of each other’s ideas was not commonplace. Talk was dominate...
An interpolation technique for time-domain phased array measurements

A technique is presented for determining the insertion phase of phased array elements from time-domain spectra. It is shown that the inverse discrete Fourier transform (IDFT), commonly used in obtaining a time-domain spectrum, yields unreliable phase results. A phase compensation to the IDFT is proposed which allows the phase of an array element to be accurately determined without explicit time-gating and without taking a second DFT. The technique is applied to determine the element insertion phases of an L-band array.
The effect of visual and tactual stimulation on learning of abstract forms

Four experiments were performed to explore visual, tactual, and combined visual-tactual learning in adults. A recognition experiment demonstrated visual training or testing to be superior to tactual training or testing. A recall experiment showed visual learning to be superior to both tactual learning and combined visual-tactual learning. A pretraining procedure, using either familiar or unfamiliar tactual stimuli, showed that a lack of experience with tactual stimuli did not affect performance. In an experiment varying order of presentation, Ss receiving visual stimulation before tactual stimulation recalled more than Ss receiving the reverse order. The results were interpreted as indicating the superiority of visual information processing. Combining tactual with visual stimulation resulted in decreased performance.
EXPRESSION PATTERN OF THE MURINE LIM CLASS HOMEOBOX GENE LHX3 IN SUBSETS OF NEURAL AND NEUROENDOCRINE TISSUES

Murine Lhx3 cDNA isolated from the mouse pituitary cDNA library encodes a LIM-type homeodomain protein that contains two tandemly repeated LIM domains and the homeodomain. The identities of predicted amino acid sequences between the mouse of Lhx3 and Xenopus Xlim-3 genes are 80, 95, and 97% in the LIM domains 1 and 2, and the homeodomain, respectively, and 84% in the entire protein. 5'-RACE procedures and genomic cloning revealed that two distinct N-terminal sequences arise from two different exons 1a and 1b. Exon 1a encodes a sequence similar to that of Xlim-3, whereas exon 1b encodes a different N-terminus. It is likely that there are two transcription initiation sites in the Lhx3 gene. The Lhx3 transcripts were detected by whole mount in situ hybridization as early as day E9.5 post coitum in Rathke's pouch and the closing neural tube. During subsequent development, Lhx3 expression was observed in the anterior and intermediate but not in the posterior lobes of the pituitary, and in the ventral hindbrain and spinal cord. Northern blot analysis of adult tissues showed that Lhx3 mRNA persists in the pituitary. The expression pattern of Lhx3 is well conserved between Xenopus and mouse, underscoring the functional importance of this gene as a regulator of development. A number of established cell lines of pituitary origin express Lhx3 and therefore constitute a useful tool for further study of Lhx3 gene function.
An RNA polymerase from Drosophila

Abstract RNA polymerase was isolated and partially purified from two types of cells of Drosophila melanogaster. Only one species of polymerase, which appeared to be the same in both cell types, was detected. The enzyme can transcribe, in addition to Drosophila DNA, various other template DNAs, including calf thymus, bacteriophage T4, SV40 virus, and poly(dAT). The RNA molecules produced by the enzyme are small, sedimenting at about the same rate as 4S transfer RNA. The molecular size of the enzyme is about 470,000 daltons. Phosphocellulose chromatography separates the enzyme into two components, both of which are required for full enzymatic activity.
Physical and biological properties of homophilic therapeutic antibodies

Homophilic antibodies have been discovered in mice and primates and can also be engineered. Compared to conventional antibodies, homophilic antibodies form lattices on targets leading to enhanced binding via polyvalent attachment. Previously, we have observed a paradoxical dose/potency effect with an engineered homophilic antibody against a human lung cancer tumor. Here, we have investigated some biophysical properties of homophilic antibodies and also studied the inhibition of human tumor growth in a xenograft model using homophilic Herceptin. Dimerization and viscosity of two homophilic antibodies are greater at physiological temperature than at 4°C. Similarly, binding to solid-phase antigen is greater at 37°C than at room temperature or 4°C. Dimer formation is higher at therapeutic concentration, supporting the notion that preformed dimers in solution are the effective molecular species responsible for polyvalent target binding and enhanced therapeutic potency.
Property values drop when blacks move in, because... : Racial and socioeconomic determinants of neighborhood desirability

Are housing prices lower in neighborhoods with high concentrations of black residents. If so, is this relationship evidence of pure discrimination, or can it be explained by considering nonracial neighborhood traits? These questions derive their importance from the link between mobility patterns and residential segregation, and the consequent relationship between high levels of segregation and a host of deleterious outcomes. I assess the magnitude and motivations of racial aversion by conducting a hedonic price analysis of geocoded data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics. I find clear evidence of lower property values in neighborhoods with relatively high proportions of black residents. However, whether it is blacks' race or their socioeconomic status that affects property values depends on whether housing units are rented or owner-occupied
Achieving 'Unmarkedness' in Organisational Discourse: A Praxis Perspective on Ethnolinguistic Identity:

An ethnomethodological approach to ethnolinguistic identity is presented using the linguistic concept of 'markedness' as a heuristic innovation to explore the dynamics of ethnolinguistic minorities in work settings. A matrix is proposed that consists of a marked/unmarked boundary and a high/low power boundary. Four propositions relating to crossing the boundaries are advanced, and illustrative evidence supporting each proposition is developed in a discourse analysis of talk in a large hotel work site. The paper concludes that a more praxisoriented perspective on ethnolinguistic identity can enrich understanding of the three concepts embedded in that term ethnicity, language, and identity.
MUDDY FLAVOR AND ACCEPTABILITY OF FRESH ICEDSTORED AND VALUE ADDED LOUISIANA RANGIA CLAM

Rangia clam, an abundant under utilized mollusc found in southeastern coastal waters, has successfully met shellfish microbial requirements through relaying or depuration. A problem encountered in developing Rangia into a viable seafood resource has been the occasional presence of an objectionable “muddy” flavor. The purpose of this study was to identify the high quality harvesting months when the muddy flavor was absent or minimal and to evaluate muddy flavor and acceptability of the clam when used in value-added processed products. Steamed clams were evaluated at harvest every month for 1 year, and at 1 and 2-weeks’ iced storage for “muddy” flavor and acceptability by a 10-member trained sensory panel. Rangia value-added products were similarly evaluated. Muddy flavor, found to be lowest in the colder winter months, was inversely correlated with acceptability (R2= 0.73). Flavor scores were consistent throughout 2-weeks of iced storage. Value-added products were rated very low in muddy flavor and very high in acceptability.
Effects of rewarded interpolated tasks upon short-term retention

Eighty Ss were shown two separate nonsense syllables on a memory drum for 2 sec. Following this, the Ss performed various interpolated activities. Under one condition interpolated activity was rewarded monetarily; under the other, it was not. Analysis of the data indicated that Ss under the rewarded condition experienced poorer recall of the syllables than they did under the nonrewarded condition. Differences in retention could not be attributed to performance levels during the interpolated activity.
Physical activity interventions and children's mental function: an introduction and overview.

Background This review provides a historical overview of physical activity interventions designed by American educators and an evaluation of research that has assessed the effects of exercise on children's mental function.
Incidence and risk factors for mitral valve prolapse in severe adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is known to be associated with thoracic skeletal anomalies. To determine the incidence and risk factors for mitral valve prolapse in the adolescent population with severe idiopathic scoliosis (IS), a prospective follow-up study on 139 adolescent patients with IS from the Pediatric Orthopedic Service was undertaken. Data collected included age, sex, medical and family history, physical exam, electrocardiogram and echocardiogram, spinal x-rays, and pulmonary function tests. MVP was detected by echocardiogram in 13.6% (19/139) of patients with IS as compared with 3.2% in 154 age- and weight-matched controls (p < 0.006). All patients with MVP were asymptomatic and a systolic click or murmur was detected on the single preoperative exam only in 37% (7/19) of them. Patients with MVP and IS weighed less (45.1 ± 2.0 vs 51.8 ± 0.1 kg, p < 0.002) as compared with those IS patients without MVP. The electrocardiogram was abnormal in 21% (4/19) of patients with MVP as compared with only 1.6% (2/120) of patients with IS but no MVP. The two groups did not differ with respect to age at diagnosis, severity of scoliosis, positive family history of scoliosis, or the presence of restrictive lung disease. Though IS was more prevalent in females (79%), the presence of MVP was not related to gender. MVP was persistent in 10 of the 19 patients reevaluated by echocardiogram 2–4 years after spinal surgery. We conclude that MVP is four times more common in patients with severe IS than in the normal adolescent population, and is associated with a lower body weight in IS patients with MVP than in IS patients without MVP. The persistent nature of MVP, even after corrective spinal surgery, may be related to factors other than geometric changes of the heart caused by abnormal thoracic curvature.
Does total hip arthroplasty restore native hip anatomy? Three-dimensional reconstruction analysis

Purpose Component orientations and positions in total hip arthroplasty (THA) are important parameters in restoring hip function. However, measurements using plain radiographs and 2D computed tomography (CT) slices are affected by patient position during imaging. This study used 3D CT to determine whether contemporary THA restores native hip geometry.
Creatinine, arsenic metabolism, and renal function in an arsenic-exposed population in Bangladesh.

Kidney disease is emerging as an arsenic (As)-linked disease outcome, however further evidence of this association is warranted. Our first objective for this paper was to examine the potential renal toxicity of As exposure in Bangladesh. Our second objective relates to examining whether the previously reported positive association between urinary creatinine (uCrn) and As methylation may be explained by renal function. We had hypothesized that these associations relate to supply and demand for s-adenosylmethionine, the methyl donor for both creatine synthesis and As methylation. Alternatively, renal function could influence both As and creatinine excretion, or the As metabolites may influence renal function, which in turn influences uCrn. We conducted a cross-sectional study (N = 478) of adults, composed of a sample recruited in 2001 and a sample recruited in 2003. We assessed renal function using plasma cystatin C, and calculated the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Consistent with renal toxicity of As, log-uAs had a marginal inverse association with eGFR in the 2003 sample (b = −5.6, p = 0.07), however this association was not significant in the 2001 sample (b = −1.9, p = 0.24). Adjustment for eGFR did not alter the associations between uCrn and the %uAs metabolites, indicating that GFR does not explain these associations. Increased eGFR was associated with increased odds of having %uInAs >12.2% (2001: OR = 1.01, 95%CI (1.00,1.03); 2003: OR = 1.04, 95%CI (1.01,1.07)). In the 2003 sample only, there was a negative association between eGFR and %uDMA (b = −0.08, p = 0.02). These results may indicate differential effects of renal function on excretion of InAs and DMA. Alternatively, a certain methylation pattern, involving decreased %InAs and increased %DMA, may reduce renal function. Given that these studies were cross-sectional, we cannot distinguish between these two possibilities. Discrepancies between the samples may be due to the higher As exposure, poorer nutrition, and lower As methylation capacity in the 2003 sample.
Endovascular training of vascular surgeons in the USA.

Current trends in vascular surgery in the USA are driven by increased demand for endovascular procedures. Traditionally-trained vascular surgeons have adapted to these trends by acquiring endovascular skills; vascular surgery fellowships were standardized to 2-years to incorporate endovascular training. However, the traditional “5 + 2” training paradigm appears to be less appealing to the current generation of surgical students, resulting in fellowship positions going unfilled, and potentially predicting a shortage of vascular surgeons. Recognition of this trend has led to the adoption of alternative training pathways, in particular the integrated “0 + 5” pathway, to supplement the traditional “5 + 2” independent pathway. The integrated pathway has several perceived advantages for vascular surgery trainees including early teaching of endovascular skills. However, it has challenges that include maintaining open operative skills and changing strategies to attract candidates from among the pool of medical students instead of the pool of general surgery residents. Simulators, both open and endovascular, are playing an increasingly important role in training programs as well as for outreach programs to medical students. Recruitment strategies for future generations of vascular surgeons in the USA may need to consider residents’ lifestyle preferences as well as outreach to traditionally underrepresented groups such as women and minorities.
Complete nucleotide sequence of Oat necrotic mottle virus: A distinct Tritimovirus species (family Potyviridae) most closely related to Wheat streak mosaic virus

Summary. The RNA genome (9346 nucleotides) of Oat necrotic mottle virus (ONMV) was cloned and sequenced. Complete genome comparisons indicated that ONMV, currently classified as a rymovirus, was most closely related (∼73% nucleotide, ∼79% amino acid identity) to the tritimovirus Wheat streak mosaic virus (WSMV). ONMV encoded a single polyprotein, with proteinase cleavage sites very similar to those of WSMV. Pairwise comparison of ONMV and WSMV cistrons revealed that P3 was most conserved (∼79% nucleotide, ∼86% amino acid), whereas HC-Pro was most divergent (∼67% nucleotide, ∼69% amino acid). In contrast, the ONMV sequence was distantly related (∼40% nt, ∼26% amino acid identity) to that of the rymovirus Ryegrass mosaic virus, with highest sequence conservation noted within the NIb cistron (∼47% nucleotide, ∼41% amino acid identity). These results firmly establish that ONMV is not a rymovirus but is instead a distinct species of the genus Tritimovirus.
Transesterification reaction kinetics of poly(ethylene terephthalate/poly(ethylene 2,6‐naphthalate) blends

The transesterification reaction of poly(ethylene terephthalate)/poly(ethylene 2,6-naphthalate) blends during melt-mixing was studied as a function of blending temperature, blending time, blend composition, processing equipment, and different grades of poly(ethylene terephthalate) and poly(ethylene 2,6-naphthalate). Results show that the major factors controlling the reaction are the temperature and time of blending. Efficiency of mixing also plays an important role in transesterification. The reaction kinetics can be modeled using a second-order direct ester–ester interchange reaction. The rate constant (k) was found to have a minimum value at an intermediate PEN content and the activation energy of the rate constant was calculated to be 140 kJ/mol. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 80: 2422–2436, 2001
Short-Term Cold Storage of House Fly (Diptera: Muscidae) Embryos: Survival and Quality of Subsequent Stages

The survival of Musca domestica L. embryos was assessed after storage at 5°C. Chilling tolerance was influenced by the length of the storage period and by the age of the embryo at the time of low temperature exposure. Embryos placed into cold storage at 3 h of age were able to survive 3 d with little reduction in larval emergence or adult eclosion and vitality. One-hour-old embryos were the least tolerant of chilling and could not survive 1 d at 5°C. Three patterns of chilling injury were expressed. They are characterized as immediate, accumulative, and latent. Expression of immediate and accumulative injury was linked to the age of the embryo at the time of chilling, and the latent type of injury was expressed during the postembryonic stages of development and was related to length of cold exposure. Exposure of the house fly embryos to hypoxic conditions did not increase chilling tolerance, and a hyperoxic environment was detrimental to the use of cold storage as a strategy to increase insect shelf life.
The Figure Rating Scale as an Index of Weight Status of Women on Videotape

CARDINAL, TIFFANY M., NIKO KACIROTI, AND JULIE C. LUMENG. The Figure Rating Scale as an index of weight status of women on videotape. Obesity. 2006;14: 2132–2135. Objective: To determine whether Stunkard’s Figure Rating Scale (FRS) is a valid and reliable index of weight status when an unbiased observer assigns the figure ratings of adult women viewed on videotape. Research Methods and Procedures: Seventy-two women drawn from a community sample participated in a videotaped study in which height and weight were measured. The FRS is a rating scale displaying 9 silhouettes ranging from very thin to very obese. Women were assigned a figure rating “in-person” by a research assistant (FRS used as a 17-point scale) and by additional research assistants viewing women only on videotape (FRS used as both a 17- and 9-point scale). Pearson’s correlation coefficients were calculated for in-person figure ratings, mean videotape figure ratings, and BMI. Results: BMI and in-person figure ratings were highly correlated (r 0.91), as were BMI and both mean 17-point videotape figure ratings and mean 9-point videotape figure ratings (r 0.89 and 0.87, respectively). Inter-rater agreement for in-person figure ratings and mean 17-point videotape figure ratings was 0.86, and agreement between in-person figure ratings and mean 9-point videotape figure ratings was 0.82. Discussion: The FRS can be used as an index of women’s weight status by an unbiased observer, with subjects viewed in-person or on videotape.
Encounter Groups: Positive Change or Deterioration? More Data and a Partial Replication

Several recent articles have concluded that 8% to 10% of participants in encounter groups can be classified as casualties and up to 50% reap a negative benefit. However, these articles investigate negative benefit. Using the Lieberman, Yalom, and Miles criteria of two peer nominations or a self-nomination for identifying a participant's experience, 10% of 327 participants in 39 trainerless T groups were classified as negatively affected and 54% as positively affected. Of the 10% classified as having a negative experience, 7% were also classified as having had a positive experience, leaving only 3% with solely a negative experience. It may be that some discomfort is inherent in the growth process. Future research on encounter groups might investigate the positive as well as the negative aspects and how these experiences aid in overall growth.
Sparse representation from a winner-take-all neural network

We introduce an incremental algorithm for independent component analysis (ICA) based on maximization of sparseness criteria. We propose using a new sparseness measure criteria function. The learning algorithm based on this criteria leads to a winner-take-all learning mechanism. It avoids the optimization of high order nonlinear function or density estimation, which have been used by other ICA methods. We show that when the latent independent random variables are super-Gaussian distributions, the network efficiently extracts the independent components.
Reusable launch vehicle trajectory control in sliding modes

Trajectory control for a reusable launch vehicle (RLV) is considered in the reentry and launch modes. Decoupling sliding mode controllers are designed to achieve the asymptotic tracking of Euler angles' profiles upon plant uncertainties and external disturbances. Effectiveness of the sliding mode controllers is confirmed by simulations of trajectory tracking in a trimmed condition for the WB001 RLV studied at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center.
QoS provisioning for adaptive services with degradation in cellular network

It is an inherently challenging task to provide quality of service (QoS) to real time applications in cellular networks owing to their mobility-induced uncertainties. Here we consider an adaptive framework where services may undergo bandwidth degradation. In contrast to the existing schemes, we here provide a reservation states based approach to provision the QoS to the individual adaptive applications. By using information related to users' mobility, the proposed approach can assure probabilistic QoS to multiple level of degradation as maybe required by such adaptive services. Simulation results show the effectiveness of the scheme in realizing the target QoS.
Non-Axial Crushing of E-Glass/Polyester Pultruded Tubes

Two types of non-axial crushing, off-axis crushing and angled crushing, have been identified and significant differences found between the E-glass/polyester pultruded tubes crushed in these different configurations. Energy absorption for the two types of crushing was found also to vary significantly with the angle of inclination, with the difference being largest at high angles of inclination. Reasons for energy absorption differences between the crushing configurations include the initiation of different crack patterns, different loading of individual fibers, and altered friction. For all angles, the load required for continued crushing was found to fluctuate more for off-axis crushing than for angled crushing.
Modelling time trend via spline confidence band

Simultaneous confidence band is obtained for the trend function of time series with heteroscedastic α-mixing errors, based on constant and linear spline smoothing. Simulation study confirms that the bands have conservative coverage of the true trend function. Linear band has been constructed for the leaf area index (LAI) data collected in East Africa, which has revealed that the trigonometric curve in the regional atmospheric modelling system (RAMS) is inadequate.
Immune enhancing effects of WB365, a novel combination of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) and Maitake (Grifola frondosa) extracts.

Stress has been found to significantly reduce the abilities of the immune system to fight infections. One of the ways to overcome the defects of the immune system is the strengthening of the defense reactions by nutrition. Aims: To evaluate immune enhancing effects of the following material: WB365, a novel combination of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) and Maitake (Grifola frondosa) extracts. Results: We found that both glucan-rich maitake extract and WB365 caused a similar stimulation of phagocytic activity. Stress-induced increase of corticosterone production was blocked by feeding with Ashwagandha extract and even more by WB365. Cytokine experiments showed that feeding with WB365 helped overcome the stress-related inhibition of IL-6, IL-12 and IFN-γ production. Conclusion: This study clearly demonstrated that WB365, a combination of Maitake mushroom-derived glucan and Ashwagandha extracts, has strong pleiotropic biological effects related to immune health and stress reduction.