cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The new diagnostic criteria for diabetes: the impact on management of diabetes and macrovascular risk factors

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) has recently revised the system of classification and criteria for diagnosis of diabetes to help remedy the problem of undiagnosed diabetes, as well as to move away from a system of diagnosis based on treatment used toward a system based on disease etiology. The ADA report identifies 4 major categories of diabetes: (1) type 1 (absolute insulin deficiency); (2) type 2 (insulin resistance with an insulin secretory defect); (3) other specific types; and (4) gestational diabetes mellitus. The major changes are establishing a fasting glucose > or = 126 mg/dL for the diagnosis of diabetes and the suggestion that oral glucose tolerance tests are not needed in routine practice for the diagnosis of diabetes. The report stresses that the degree and type of diabetes can change over time and underscores the importance of early recognition and management of glycemic disorders. More aggressive screening, using fasting plasma glucose (FPG) concentrations of > or = 110 mg/dL as a marker of insulin resistance, should help identify not only patients with hyperglycemia but also those with insulin resistance without significant hyperglycemia. Even if hemoglobin A1c levels are in the normal range, patients in this category are at increased risk for developing macrovascular complications and may benefit from active intervention to reduce cardiac risk factors.
A closed form recursive solution for Maximum Correntropy training

This paper presents a closed form recursive solution for training adaptive filters using the Maximum Correntropy Criterion (MCC). Correntropy has been recently proposed as a robust similarity measure between two random variables or signals, when the pdf s involved are heavy tailed and non-Gaussian. Maximizing the cross-correntropy between the output of an adaptive filter and the desired response leads to the Maximum Correntropy Criterion for adaptive systems training. We show that a closed form, recursive solution of the filter weights using this criterion yields a simple weighted least squares like formulation. Our simulations show that training the filter weights using this recursive solution is much faster than gradient based training, and more accurate than the RLS algorithm in cases where the error pdf is non-Gaussian and heavy tailed.
Perceptions of community benefits from two Wild and Scenic Rivers.

Wild and Scenic Rivers provide a host of psychological, social, ecological, and economic benefits to local communities. In this study, we use data collected from recreational users of two Wild and Scenic Rivers to examine perceptions of the benefits provided by the rivers to local communities. Our purposes are (1) to determine if similar perceptions of community benefits exist across the two rivers, (2) to determine if individuals’ proximity to the rivers are related to the benefits they perceive, (3) to determine if individuals’ prior recreation experience on the river is related to variations in perceived benefits, (4) to determine if users’ sociodemographic characteristics are related to perceived community benefits, and (5) to determine if the influence of these characteristics on perceived community benefits is similar across the two resource areas. Perceived benefits were found to be analogous across both rivers as individuals consistently ranked ecological/affective benefits as well as tangible benefits similarly. Recreationists living further from the river ranked ecological and affective benefits as significantly less important than those individuals living closer to the river. Women perceived the community benefits produced by the resource areas to be significantly more important when compared to men. Significant relationships were also found between perceived benefits and recreationists’ previous use of the river, their age, and their level of education. With the exception of resource proximity and prior use history, the effects of user characteristics on perceived community benefits were not statistically different across the two rivers. These findings imply similar patterns of perceived community benefits exist across distinct resource areas and that the relationships between user characteristics and perceived benefits are also similar across the study rivers.
DWI enforcement programs: why are they not more effective?

Abstract Enforcement-oriented countermeasure programs to prevent alcohol-related fatal crashes in the United States have not been more effective because they have been based on a number of misconceptions. It is widely believed that (a) 50% of all traffic deaths involve alcohol, (b) alcohol-related fatal crashes are part of a continuum beginning with the minor fender bender, (c) one-third of all fatal crashes are caused by problem drinkers, (d) all problem drinkers, heavy drinkers in general and youth who drink are high-risk drivers and (e), that those arrested for DWI are of the same population as those involved in alcohol-related fatal crashes. It is further believed that mass arrests for DWI would reduce the number of alcohol-related fatal crashes. A review of the literature reveals that the proportion of all fatal crashes involving alcohol in some causal fashion is closer to 30% than to 50%, that relatively few alcoholics are high-risk drivers and that it is not alcohol alone that leads to crash involvement but alcohol in combination with such characteristics or conditions as alienation, hostility, aggression, and/or transient traumatic experiences. Mass arrests for DWI have not been effective in preventing alcohol-related deaths. The frequency of impaired driving episodes is believed to be of such magnitude and the relative likelihood of involvement in an alcohol-related fatal crash is so low that current DWI enforcement programs are regarded as inefficient means to prevent alcohol-related deaths. Recommendations to define the problem more clearly are presented. It is concluded that, if fatal crashes are the problem of concern (as opposed to the use of alcohol), the focus of research must be turned from drinking (per se) to the behavior, characteristics or conditions that precede or accompany fatal crashes, only some of which are triggered or exacerbated by alcohol. This approach would not only focus attention on the estimated 30% of all fatal crashes that involve alcohol, but on the other 70% as well.
Spectral domain analysis of three symmetric coupled lines and application to a new bandpass filter

A quasi-static analysis and detailed investigation are performed on three coupled, symmetric suspended striplines and microstriplines. The self and mutual capacitances of the structure, the per-unit-length capacitance matrix elements, and the three quasi-TEM mode per-unit-length capacitances are derived explicitly for the first time in terms of capacitances corresponding to arbitrary excitations. Normal mode characteristic impedance and effective dielectric constant data are presented. The mode impedances of the lines are found to be unequal for lines of equal width unlike previously reported. Chain matrix parameters for a new bandpass filter employing three coupled lines are derived. A filter with passband centered at 3 GHz has been designed, built, and tested, and measured performance shows good agreement with theoretically predicted performance. >
“If you Build it, they will Come”: Developing a Graduate Program in Media Literacy in a College of Education

Who studies media literacy and why? What has the nation’s first graduate program in media literacy learned about what motivates students to come from across the country and around the world to purs...
Dynamics of Myxobolus cerebralis in the Lostine River, Oregon: Implications for Resident and Anadromous Salmonids

Abstract Myxobolus cerebralis, the myxozoan parasite causing whirling disease in salmonids, was first detected in northeastern Oregon in 1986. To better understand the potential impact of M. cerebralis on resident and anadromous salmonids in this region, a series of studies was conducted in the Lostine River, where infected fish were first reported. Rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss fry were exposed in sentinel cages for 14 d at five sites from near the river's mouth to the headwaters during the period from July 1998 to November 1999. A subsample of exposed fry was assayed for the presence of DNA of M. cerebralis by polymerase chain reaction. Following four exposures, fish were held in the laboratory for 5 months of observation. The severity of infection in these fish was determined by histological examination, enumeration of spores isolated from the cranial cartilage, and observation of clinical signs. Sentinel fry became infected throughout the river from March to November, although the prevalence of in...
Electrical resistance at carbon nanotube/copper interfaces: Capped versus open-end carbon nanotubes

Abstract This paper presents a study to compare the electrical resistance between a capped CNT/Cu interface and an open-end CNT/Cu interface. It is found that the capped CNT/Cu interface has (1) much weaker interfacial bond strength, due to the lack of dangling bonds of the carbon atoms at the CNT's capped end, as well as the reduced actual interfacial contact area, and (2) much higher electrical resistance because of the reduction and localization of density of states in the vicinity of the Fermi level.
Severe Deep Moist Convective Storms: Forecasting and Mitigation

Small-scale (2-20 km) circulations, termed 'severe deep moist convective storms', account for a disproportionate share of the world's insured weather-related losses. Spatial frequency maximums of severe convective events occur in South Africa, India, Mexico, the Caucasus, and Great Plains/Prairies region of North America, where the maximum tornado frequency occurs east of the Rocky Mountains. Interest in forecasting severe deep moist convective systems, especially those that produce tornadoes, dates to 1884 when tornado alerts were first provided in the central United States. Modern thunderstorm and tornado forecasting relies on technology and theory, but in the post-World War II era interest in forecasting has also been driven by public pressure. The forecasting process begins with a diagnostic analysis, in which the forecaster considers the potential of the atmos- pheric environment to produce severe convective storms (which requires knowl- edge of the evolving kinematic and thermodynamic fields, and the character of the land surface over which the storms will pass), and the likely character of the storms that may develop. Improvements in forecasting will likely depend on technological advancements, such as the development of phased-array radar sys- tems and finer resolution numerical weather prediction models. Once initiated, the evolution of deep convective storms is monitored by satellite and radar. Mitigation of the hazards posed by severe deep moist convective storms is a three- step process, involving preparedness, response, and recovery. Preparedness implies that risks have been identified and organizations and individuals are familiar with a response plan. Response necessitates that potential events are identified before they occur and the developing threat is communicated to the public. Recovery is a function of the awareness of local, regional, and even national governments to the character and magnitude of potential events in specific locations, and whether or not long-term operational plans are in place at the time of disasters.
Parameter sensitivity of a model of viral epidemics simulated with monte carlo techniques. I. Illness attack rates

This is the first of a series of papers concerning sensitivity analyses of stochastic micropopulation models. A model of epidemic spread of viral infection is used in this series to illustrate the principles and performance of the sensitivity analysis system. For these studies the analysis system now known as SENSEN was redesigned and extended to use the principles and modules of the SUMMERS simulation shell. The latter was used in the implementation of the epidemic model as well as a number of others. The SENSEN system can be used with any of these. The advantages of sensitivity analysis for stochastic micropopulation models are discussed. Its general form and operation are illustrated by a comparison of illness attack rates with infection attack rates.
Neurog2 controls the leading edge of neurogenesis in the mammalian retina

In the mammalian retina, neuronal differentiation begins in the dorso-central optic cup and sweeps peripherally and ventrally. While certain extrinsic factors have been implicated, little is known about the intrinsic factors that direct this process. In this study, we evaluate the expression and function of proneural bHLH transcription factors during the onset of mouse retinal neurogenesis. Dorso-central retinal progenitor cells that give rise to the first postmitotic neurons express Neurog2/Ngn2 and Atoh7/Math5. In the absence of Neurog2, the spread of neurogenesis stalls, along with Atoh7 expression and RGC differentiation. However, neurogenesis is eventually restored, and at birth Neurog2 mutant retinas are reduced in size, with only a slight increase in the retinal ganglion cell population. We find that the re-establishment of neurogenesis coincides with the onset of Ascl1 expression, and that Ascl1 can rescue the early arrest of neural development in the absence of Neurog2. Together, this study supports the hypothesis that the intrinsic factors Neurog2 and Ascl1 regulate the temporal progression of retinal neurogenesis by directing overlapping waves of neuron formation.
Central venous catheter-related infections: Pathogenesis, predictors, and prevention

Central venous catheters are used widely for a variety of therapeutic purposes and have an increased incidence of infections related to their use. The purpose of this article is to address the issue of central venous catheter-related infections, including pathogenesis, predictors and diagnosis, and prevention.
A bovine babesiosis model with dispersion.

Bovine Babesiosis (BB) is a tick borne parasitic disease with worldwide over 1.3 billion bovines at potential risk of being infected. The disease, also called tick fever, causes significant mortality from infection by the protozoa upon exposure to infected ticks. An important factor in the spread of the disease is the dispersion or migration of cattle as well as ticks. In this paper, we study the effect of this factor. We introduce a number, $\mathcal{P}$ , a “proliferation index,” which plays the same role as the basic reproduction number $\mathcal{R}_{0}$ with respect to the stability/instability of the disease-free equilibrium, and observe that $\mathcal{P}$ decreases as the dispersion coefficients increase. We prove, mathematically, that if $\mathcal{P}>1$ then the tick fever will remain endemic. We also consider the case where the birth rate of ticks undergoes seasonal oscillations. Based on data from Colombia, South Africa, and Brazil, we use the model to determine the effectiveness of several intervention schemes to control the progression of BB.
Biosorption of nickel in complex aqueous waste streams by cyanobacteria

A study was undertaken to determined if a suitable biosorbent could be found for removal of nickel at low concentrations (< 20 parts per million [ppm]) from a chemically complex wastewater effluent generated by electroplating operations. Algae and cyanobacteria were chosen as candidate biosorbent materials because they are easy to grow and they have the ability to withstand processing into biosorbent materials. Several species were screened for nickel-biosorption capacity initially, and three species of cyanobacteria were selected for further study based on their performance in the scoping tests. When compared to live controls, autoclaving improved the binding capacities of all three species, but usually biosorption data from experiments with live cells were more consistent. None of the three species was able to bind nickel efficiently in actual effluent samples. Further experimentation indicated that sodium ions, which were present in high concentrations in the effluent, were interfering with the ability of the cells to bind nickel. Adsorption isotherm plots for biosorption of nickel by two species of Anabaena in NiCl2-deionized water solutions were prepared.
An improved algorithm for the planar 3-cut problem

Abstract A 3-cut of a connected graph G is a subset of edges which, when deleted, separates G into three connected components. In this paper we present an O(n log n) algorithm for finding a minimum 3-cut in planar graphs. Our algorithm improves the best previously known algorithm for the problem by an O( n log n) factor.
Estimation of El strength functions by direct reaction inelastic scattering

Abstract A method is suggested for determining the distribution of E l transition strengths from the ground state to excited states as a function of excitation energy and l ; it uses direct reaction inelastic scattering and a simplifying assumption which is tested and found to be reasonably accurate. The method depends on the reliability of DWBA calculations, and experimental tests of this reliability are devised and carried out; most of these tests are failed, so results on E l strength functions must await improvements in DWBA calculations.
THE CONLEY INDEX AND GLOBAL BIFURCATIONS II.: ILLUSTRATIVE APPLICATIONS

This paper continues the presentation of a set of tools based on the Conley index for studying global dynamics and bifurcations. The first part gives the basic theory and some fundamental results. In this second part, we give a number of examples in more detail to illustrate the way these tools are applied. They are chosen to address issues such as: how is an index pair selected? how do we deal with high dimension? etc. In addition, we present powerful algebraic methods for computing the Conley index: the method of forming the cone over a space and the use of exact sequences and excision. It is understood that the likely users of these methods are far from being familiar with these mathematical results, so the emphasis is in revealing exactly how information is extracted from them. The many figures will hopefully aid the understanding of these novel concepts.
Spontaneous and cortically-evoked unit activity in the caudate nucleus after systemic morphine ☆

Abstract The ability of systemically administered morphine to alter spontaneous and cortically-evoked single unit activity in rat caudate nucleus was assessed in this study. The animals were prepared with permanently implanted microelectrode guide cannulas and cortical stimulating electrodes. For recording sessions, they were pretreated with phenobarbital to allow mounting in the stereotaxic device. Morphine was administered intraveneously in incremental doses from 1 to 30 mg/kg. Neither spontaneous activity nor evoked firing was altered in approximately half the units. Spontaneous activity was depressed in 12 of 33 cells and stimulated in 5 of 33 cells. Evoked activity was reduced in 7 of 36 units and enhanced in 9 of 36 cells. A large proportion of the responses to morphine were not reversed by 1 mg/kg naloxone, especially the changes in cortically-evoked firing. These results demonstrate a multiplicity of changes in spontaneous and cortically-evoked activity of caudate necleus neurons following systemically administered morphine.
KINETICS AND MECHANISM OF THE REVERSIBLE DISSOCIATION OF AMMONIUM CARBAMATE : INVOLVEMENT OF CARBAMIC ACID

The kinetics of the reversible decomposition of ammonium carbamate, NH4CO2NH2 (AC), into NH3 (A) and CO2 (C) has been studied between 278 and 312 K by recording the time dependence of the total pressure above an AC sample that, after being previously evacuated, is exposed to the headspace of an isoteniscope. At early times (<1 s), the data show an inflection, which is enhanced in first derivative transformations. Three mechanisms are discussed, each containing six rate constants. Two assume the presence of gas phase carbamic acid (CA) as an intermediate. These mechanisms are explored further through ab initio computational studies of CA. These results indicate that gas phase CA is a very stable species. No evidence could be found for its presence from Fourier transform IR spectra of the equilibrium vapor above AC. The mechanism that we suggest involves the reversible decomposition of AC into surface-bound CA, A, and C molecules, with the latter two reversibly desorbing from the surface. The experimental k...
Reversible Repositioning of Zinc Atoms within Single Crystals of a Zinc Polycarboxylate with an Open-Framework Structure

Upon dehydration at 220 degrees C under vacuum, an open-framework zinc tetrahydrofuran-2,3,4,5-tetracarboxylate undergoes reversible single crystal to single crystal conversion by some of the zinc atoms moving to different positions that are 3 A away. The reverse process occurs at room temperature by exposing dehydrated crystals to air.
Isolation of pyrimidine isostichs from chick erythrocyte DNA.

Abstract The isolation of pyrimidine oligonucleotides (isostichs) from chick erytyrocyte DNA was accomplished on a preparative scale with the goal of providing starting material for further chemical modifications. The DNA was degraded by the method of Burton and Petersen and the isostichs were obtained via paper chromatography and ion-exchange chromatography. The various isostichs were further fractionated into base compositional isomers, the frequency of which was determined as mole percent of total pyrimidines. Although this work was not intended to be an analytical study, the large quantities of DNA used allowed the measurement of most compositional isomers with an accuracy of 5% of the listed values. The data for long oligothymidylates are less reliable. The results of the present study revealed the anticipated bias in the distribution of pyrimidine isostichs in favor of longer chain lengths as compared to that expected for a random distribution. Isostichs above chain length 10 occur in amounts approx...
‘At the crossroads of world attitudes and reaction’: the Paris American Committee to Stopwar and American anti-war activism in France, 1966–1968

This paper examines the anti-Vietnam War activism of a group of American expatriates in France, the Paris American Committee to Stopwar (PACS), from its formation in 1966 to its dissolution in 1968. Using oral history and archival research, the article uses PACS' history to further recent studies focusing on the Vietnam War as a global event. Through an evaluation of how PACS dealt with Communism, networking, military deserters and the French government, the article demonstrates how being in France benefited and limited anti-war activism while also highlighting changes in French governmental attitudes post-May 1968. In so doing, the article showcases the significance of location in determining how anti-war protest plays out.
Speaking with a Unified Voice: Recommendations for the Collection of Aggregated Outcome Data in NurseManaged Centers

Although nurse-managed centers have been instrumental in serving the underserved since the 1800s, little is known about their capacity to serve as effective primary health care providers. Nurse-managed centers also provide unique clinical opportunities for nursing students to learn about serving vulnerable populations, with an emphasis on attaining cultural competency. As more Americans seek their services, it is imperative that nurse-managed centers become more visible and pragmatic in their approaches to document their successes in improving health care access to those in most need. This article describes a meeting with representatives from nurse-managed centers throughout the United States, in an effort to recommend a uniform set of aggregate outcome data. This outcome data will provide policy makers and the general public with information that clearly supports nurse-managed centers as key safety net providers of accessible and effective primary health care.
Nanomedicine: Downsizing tumour therapeutics

Repairing disordered blood vessels in tumours can improve the delivery of small nanomedicines.
Translesional synthesis on DNA templates containing a single abasic site. A mechanistic study of the "A rule"

Site-specifically modified oligodeoxynucleotides containing a single natural abasic site or a chemically synthesized (tetrahydrofuran or deoxyribitol) model abasic site were used as templates for primer extension reactions catalyzed by the Klenow fragment of Escherichia coli DNA polymerase I or by calf thymus DNA polymerase alpha. Analysis of the fully extended products of these reactions indicated that both polymerases preferentially incorporate dAMP opposite the natural abasic site and tetrahydrofuran, while DNA templates containing the ring-opened deoxyribitol moiety block translesional synthesis, promoting sequence context-dependent deletions. The frequency of nucleotide insertion opposite the three types of abasic sites follows the order dAMP > dGMP > dCMP > dTMP. The frequency of chain extension was highest when dAMP was positioned opposite a natural abasic site. The frequency of translesional synthesis past abasic sites follows the order tetrahydrofuran > deoxyribose > deoxyribitol. The Klenow fragment promotes blunt end addition of dAMP; this reaction was much less efficient than insertion of dAMP opposite an abasic site. We conclude that the miscoding potential of a natural abasic site in vitro closely resembles that of its tetrahydrofuran analog. Ring-opened abasic sites favor deletions. Studies with polymerase alpha in vitro predict preferential incorporation of dAMP at abasic sites in mammalian cells.
Effect of adrenocorticoid receptors on potassium and sodium flux in rat C6 glioma cells.

Abstract C6 glioma cells contain two types of receptors for adrenocorticoids. Glucocorticoid (Type II) receptors are present at higher density and mediate increases in glycerol phosphate dehydrogenase and glutamine synthetase activity. The function of mineralocorticoid (Type I) receptors present at low density in C6 cells is unknown. Since mineralocorticoid (Type I) receptors in renal epithelial cells regulate cation transport, we sought to determine whether adrenocorticoid receptors located in glioma cells are similarly linked to electrolyte transporting activity. Occupation of mineralocorticoid receptors in C6 glioma by adrenocorticoids did not alter Na + or K + transport, in contrast to their effects on renal epithelial and vascular smooth muscle cells. Occupation of glucocorticoid receptors produced a 20–25% decrease in K + uptake into C6 cells, but did not alter Na + influx. Stimulation of Na + influx with the ionophore monensin produced a large ouabain-sensitive increase in glucose utilization, as measured by 2-deoxyglucose uptake. However, mineralocorticoid receptor occupation did not alter glucose utilization, providing further evidence that these receptors do not influence Na + transport in C6 cells. These studies provide evidence that mineralocorticoid receptors in glioma cells do not regulate Na + or K + transport. Glial glucocorticoid receptors have an inhibitory effect on glial K + influx, which may contribute to glucocorticoid hormone effects on brain excitability.
Mechanical properties of hydroxyapatite formed at physiological temperature

The mechanical properties of monoliths of calcium-deficient and carbonated hydroxyapatite formed by dissolution-precipitation reactions at 38°C have been determined. Particulate solid reactants were mixed at liquid-to-solid weight ratios of 0.11 and 0.2 and pressed into various configurations on which mechanical tests were carried out. Testing was performed on wet had formed. Calcium-deficient hydroxyapatite produced at a liquid-to-solids ratio of 0.11 exhibited a tensile strength as high as 18 MPa, an average compressive strength of 174 MPa and a Young's modulus of 6 GPa. These values were lower when a larger proportion of water (liquid-to-solid 0.2) was used in sample preparation. However, the compressive strengths of calcium-deficient hydroxyapatite prepared at 38°C are comparable to the compressive strengths of sintered hydroxyapatite containing an equivalent total porosity. Carbonated hydroxyapatite showed mechanical properties inferior to those exhibited by calcium-deficient material. These differences appear to be related to the microstructural variations between these compositions.
The effects of blood osmolality changes on cat carotid body chemoreceptors in vivo

The possibility that carotid chemoreceptors respond to changes in plasma osmolality was investigated in the cat, perfusing the carotid artery with blood made hyper- or hypo-osmotic and recording chemoreceptor activity from carotid nerve fibers. Blood made hyperosmotic with sucrose or NaCl reduced the chemoreceptor discharge, while hypoosmotic blood increased chemoreceptor activity. The minimal osmolality variation necessary to obtain a detectable frequency change was 3–8% of the control. Frequency changes of 30% of the control were obtained with a 20% variation in osmolality. The frequency variations produced by the osmotic changes lasted as long as the infusion was maintained (up to 15 min). In some instances a rebound was observed when iso-osmotic saline was perfused again. A transient change in frequency and a clear rebound were obtained when blood made hyperosmotic with glycerol was perfused. These effects probably reflect a rapid change in intracellular osmolality due to the free passage of glycerol across cellular membranes. The modifications in chemoreceptor activity consecutive to osmolality variations are the opposite of those observed in isolated and superfused carotid bodies. As it is known that osmolality values affect the smooth muscle of the blood vessels, we conclude that our results are mainly produced by changes in carotid body blood flow due to a direct effect of hyper- and hypo-osmotic solutions on vascular muscle tone. Chemoreceptor excitation during a decrease in blood osmolality may contribute reflexly to the increased vascular resistance observed during acute osmolality reductions in man.
Efficient message computation in Sigma’s graphical architecture

Abstract Human cognition runs at ∼50 ms per cognitive cycle, implying that any biologically inspired cognitive architecture that strives for real-time performance needs to be able to run at this speed. Sigma is a cognitive architecture built upon graphical models – a broadly applicable state-of-the-art formalism for implementing cognitive capabilities – that are solved via message passing (with complex messages based on n-dimensional piecewise-linear functions). Earlier work explored optimizations to Sigma that reduced by an order of magnitude the number of messages sent per cycle. Here, optimizations are introduced that reduce by an order of magnitude the average time required per message sent.
Two-stage earth-to-orbit vehicles with series and parallel burn

Recent studies have indicated that a fully reusable earth-to-orbit vehicle system will be needed near the beginning of the next century. One likely concept is a two-stage, vertical takeoff system with liquid rocket propulsion. Such vehicles have been examined with series burn and parallel burn of the engines of each stage. The results indicate that the preferred concept will have parallel burn with crossfeed, the booster will have hydrocarbon engines, the Orbiter will have both hydrocarbon and hydrogen engines, and the staging velocity will be low enough to allow the booster to glide back to the launch site.
Infant crying: Acoustics, perception and communication

This paper first reviews briefly the literature on the acoustics of infant cry sounds and then presents two empirical studies on the perception of cry and noncry sounds in their social-communicative context. Acoustic analysis of cry sounds has undergone dramatic changes in the last 35 years, including the introduction of more than a hundred different acoustic measures. The study of cry acoustics, however, remains largely focused on neonates who have various medical problems or are at risk for developmental delays. Relatively little is known about how cry sounds and cry perception change developmentally, or about how they compare with noncry sounds. The data presented here support the notion that both auditory and visual information are important in caregivers' interpretations of infant sounds in naturalistic contexts. When only auditory information is available (Study 1), cry sounds become generally more recognizable from 3 to 12 months of age; perception of noncry sounds, however, generally does not change over age. When auditory and visual information contradict each other (Study 2), adults tend to perform at chance levels, with a few interesting exceptions. It is suggested that broadening studies of acoustic analysis and perception to include both cry and noncry sounds should increase our understanding of the development of communication in infancy. Finally, we suggest that examining the cry in its developmental context holds great possibility for delineating the factors that underlie adults' responses to crying.
Negative regulation of active zone assembly by a newly identified SR protein kinase.

Presynaptic, electron-dense, cytoplasmic protrusions such as the T-bar (Drosophila) or ribbon (vertebrates) are believed to facilitate vesicle movement to the active zone (AZ) of synapses throughout the nervous system. The molecular composition of these structures including the T-bar and ribbon are largely unknown, as are the mechanisms that specify their synapse-specific assembly and distribution. In a large-scale, forward genetic screen, we have identified a mutation termed air traffic controller (atc) that causes T-bar–like protein aggregates to form abnormally in motoneuron axons. This mutation disrupts a gene that encodes for a serine-arginine protein kinase (SRPK79D). This mutant phenotype is specific to SRPK79D and is not secondary to impaired kinesin-dependent axonal transport. The srpk79D gene is neuronally expressed, and transgenic rescue experiments are consistent with SRPK79D kinase activity being necessary in neurons. The SRPK79D protein colocalizes with the T-bar-associated protein Bruchpilot (Brp) in both the axon and synapse. We propose that SRPK79D is a novel T-bar-associated protein kinase that represses T-bar assembly in peripheral axons, and that SRPK79D-dependent repression must be relieved to facilitate site-specific AZ assembly. Consistent with this model, overexpression of SRPK79D disrupts AZ-specific Brp organization and significantly impairs presynaptic neurotransmitter release. These data identify a novel AZ-associated protein kinase and reveal a new mechanism of negative regulation involved in AZ assembly. This mechanism could contribute to the speed and specificity with which AZs are assembled throughout the nervous system.
Two-Stage Nasolabial Flaps for Facial Reconstruction: Revisiting the Three Week Rule for Pedicle Division

Results: Sixteen staged nasolabial flap nasal reconstructions were performed with an average patient age of 60 years old, ranging from 38 to 82 years old, with a 5:3 female to male ratio. The most common dermatologic pathology was basal cell carcinoma. The nasal ala was involved in 50% of cases, while the tip and dorsum were involved in 38% and 19% of surgical defects, respectively. Three patients were active smokers. The average defect area was 1.2 cm2, ranging from 0.12 to 4 cm2. Pedicle division occurred at any point between four and sixteen days, with a mean time to division of 7.3 days.
EXIT-to-resection for fetuses with large lung masses and persistent mediastinal compression near birth.

Abstract Purpose To identify prenatal diagnostic features that will help select fetuses with lung masses (LM) who may benefit from ex-utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT procedure) as the preferred mode of delivery. Methods The CCAM–volume ratio (CVR), fetal treatment, and outcomes of all fetuses with LM evaluated between 2001 and 2011 were reviewed retrospectively. Fetuses with hydrops or CVR>1.6 were classified as high risk. Indications for fetal interventions included hydrops and heart failure, and indication for EXIT-to-resection was the finding of persistent mediastinal compression (PMC) near birth. Results Of 110 fetuses evaluated for LM, 78 were classified as low-risk. No fetus in this group had PMC near birth and none required perinatal treatment. Of 32 high-risk fetuses, 8 developed heart failure of which 4 survived (3 following fetal surgery). Nine high-risk fetuses with no PMC near birth were asymptomatic postnatally and treated electively. Sixteen high-risk fetuses had PMC near birth. All 9 babies with PMC treated with EXIT-to-resection did well with discharge at a median of 10days post-operatively. All 7 fetuses treated without an EXIT developed respiratory distress following birth requiring an urgent operation; 2 died. Conclusion The EXIT-to-resection procedure is a favorable delivery approach for those fetuses with large LM and PMC near birth.
Using MapReduce to Compare Large Collections of Phylogenetic Trees

Phylogenetic trees depict the relationships between sets of organisms sharing a common ancestor. In several recent court cases, phylogenetic trees have been critical in convicting and exonerating suspects of purposefully transmitting the HIV virus. Parallel computing applications such as MapReduce Speeds Up Robinson-Foulds (MrsRF) make it possible to compare large collections of phylogenetic trees efficiently, and can be used to ensure that the searches that produce these trees properly converged.In this paper, we describe MrsRF++, an updated version of MrsRF that utilizes the Phoenix++ MapReduce engine. The original version of MrsRF was implemented with Phoenix 1.0, which had a number of critical limitations. Implementing MrsRF with Phoenix++ overcomes many of these shortcomings, and increased program modularity. We ran MrsRF++ on the same two large biological tree sets described in the original MrsRF paper. Our preliminary results indicate that using the Phoenix++ MapReduce engine increases MrsRF's scalability, a fact that will enable scientists to analyze increasingly large collections of phylogenetic trees.
COLLEGE ALGEBRA STUDENTS’ ATTITUDES TOWARD MATHEMATICS IN THEIR CAREERS

The purpose of this study was to identify the degree to which college algebra students’ value mathematical skills in their prospective careers. A survey was administered to N = 144 students in 6 college algebra classes at a mid-sized doctoral granting university. Students in half the classes completed a data analysis project, and half of the students planned to major in a business-related degree. Logistic regression suggested that students held mostly positive attitudes about the value of mathematics in their career, with business students expressing more positive attitudes than those reported by non-business students. Unexpectedly, those who completed the data analysis project expressed less positive attitudes on 6 of the 20 survey items.
Sensation seeking, recognition memory, and autonomic arousal

Substantial evidence shows that sensation seeking impacts memory; however, research has not examined how sensation seeking impacts automatic familiarity and conscious-controlled recollection memory systems. The present study (N = 80) examined high and low sensation seekers’ familiarity and recollection of high and low arousal images with negative valence using behavioral and skin conductance measures. Low sensation seekers had more accurate familiarity judgments to high than low arousal images, reflecting a heightened aversive motivational system. High sensation seekers showed an opposite pattern with memory enhancement for low arousal images, regardless of old–new status. The lack of any sensation seeking effects in relation to recollection judgments suggests that this personality trait is more influential on automatic than conscious controlled memory systems.
Inhibition of thrombotic properties of persistent autoimmune anti-β2GPI antibodies in the mouse model of antiphospholipid syndrome

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disorder with increased risk for thrombosis and pregnancy losses. β2-glycoprotein I (β2GPI) is the major antigen for clinically relevant antibodies in APS. We engineered a molecule, A1-A1, which interferes with 2 prothrombotic mechanisms in APS: the binding of β2GPI to negatively charged cellular surfaces and ApoE receptor 2. We studied how A1-A1 affects arterial thrombosis in vivo in lupus-prone (NZW × BXSB)F1 male mice. For the first time, we demonstrated that A1-A1 efficiently reduces thrombus size in vivo in the presence of chronic autoimmune anti-β2GPI antibodies. We have shown that A1-A1 interferes with thrombotic properties of β2GPI/antibody complexes and does not affect normal thrombus formation in the absence of anti-β2GPI antibodies. A1-A1 inhibits prothrombotic properties of β2GPI/antibody complexes in wild-type mice after acute infusion with anti-β2GPI antibodies, as well as in mice expressing persistent autoimmune anti-β2GPI antibodies. A1-A1 reduced thrombus size in a mouse model of APS in the presence of lupus features, suggesting that A1-A1 might effectively interfere with thrombosis not only in primary APS but also in APS secondary to lupus. Our results suggest that A1-A1 could be a prototype for an antithrombotic drug in APS.
TMC function in hair cell transduction.

Transmembrane channel-like (TMC) proteins 1 and 2 are necessary for hair cell mechanotransduction but their precise function is controversial. A growing body of evidence supports a direct role for TMC1 and TMC2 as components of the transduction complex. However, a number of important questions remain and alternate hypotheses have been proposed. Here we present an historical overview of the identification and cloning of Tmc genes, a discussion of mutations in TMC1 that cause deafness in mice and humans and a brief review of other members of the Tmc gene superfamily. We also examine expression of Tmc mRNAs and localization of the protein products. The review focuses on potential functions of TMC proteins and the evidence from Beethoven mice that suggests a direct role for TMC1 in hair cell mechanotransduction. Data that support alternate interpretations are also considered. The article concludes with a discussion of outstanding questions and future directions for TMC research. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled .
POLSSS: overview and cost-effectiveness analysis

Safety concerns in shipping in and around The Netherlands' harbors and ports range from the risks and environmental impacts of shipping disasters to the economic effects of more common accidents. Safety is also an important precondition for further developing Rotterdam's mainport function. The Netherlands Ministry of Transport, Public Works and Water Management asked RAND Europe to develop and apply an analytical framework to identify promising sea shipping safety policies. The study, POLicy for Sea Shipping Safety (POLSSS), included an assessment of the costs and benefits of a range of policy options for maintaining or improving safety in the North Sea, a survey of the perceptions of stakeholders about the safety situation in the North Sea, and a survey of the perceptions of stakeholders about the cost-effectiveness of some of the policy options. This paper describes the cost-effectiveness analysis.
Dabigatran etexilate: an oral direct thrombin inhibitor for the management of thromboembolic disorders.

Abstract Background Until recently, warfarin was the only oral anticoagulant available in the United States. Its narrow therapeutic index, interpatient variability in dose response, and drug and food interactions make it difficult to use. Dabigatran etexilate (DE) is a new oral direct thrombin inhibitor that was approved in the US and in Canada for the prevention of thromboembolic events in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), as well as in Europe and Canada for the prevention of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Objective To discuss the role of DE for the prevention and treatment of VTE, as well as for the prevention of stroke in patients with AF. Methods Peer-reviewed clinical trials, review articles, and treatment guidelines were identified from MEDLINE and the Current Contents database (both 1966–February 15, 2012) using the search terms dabigatran, VTE, Afib, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, pharmacoeconomics, and cost-effectiveness . Citations from available articles were also reviewed for additional references. Results For VTE prophylaxis, DE 150 or 220 mg orally daily has demonstrated either superiority or noninferiority to subcutaneous enoxaparin once daily in most studies. However, one study failed to demonstrate noninferiority to subcutaneous enoxaparin dosed BID in the composite end point of VTE, and all-cause mortality. For VTE treatment, DE 150 mg BID orally was shown to be noninferior to warfarin in preventing recurrent events. For AF, DE 150 mg BID orally is superior to warfarin in the prevention of thromboembolism, whereas 110 mg BID is noninferior to warfarin. Pharmacoeconomic analyses performed in the United Kingdom and Ireland found that DE can be cost-saving compared with enoxaparin in the prevention of VTE. Adverse effects of DE reported in clinical studies include dyspepsia (12%–13%) and bleeding (minor bleeding: 6%–22%). Conclusions DE exhibited a safety profile and efficacy comparable to enoxaparin for VTE prophylaxis; comparable safety profile and efficacy to warfarin for VTE treatment; and superiority (150 mg BID orally) in the prevention of stroke and systemic embolism compared with warfarin in patients with AF. The relative ease of oral administration, no need for routine monitoring, and lack of significant drug interactions, may favor use of DE over other anticoagulants. However, there is no antidote for DE currently available.
Abstainers in Adolescence and Adulthood: Exploring the Correlates of Abstention Using Moffitt’s Developmental Taxonomy

Moffitt’s developmental taxonomy describes a small group of adolescents who abstain from all forms of delinquency because they are isolated from peer groups or because, unlike most adolescents, they lack the desire to engage in “adult-like” behaviors, such as drinking and smoking. Based on Moffitt’s work, this study examines the correlates of abstention for males and females, focusing on negative personal characteristics that may isolate youth from their peers. Using a sample followed from birth through adulthood, the authors found that although many prosocial characteristics are associated with abstention, individuals who refrain from delinquency are also more likely than offenders to possess undesirable personal characteristics. Still, abstainers are more likely than other youth to become successful, well-adjusted adults.
Lethal inflammatory pseudotumor masquerading as “Laryngitis”

An unusual case of sudden death in a healthy young man due to an inflammatory pseudotumor (polyp) of the larynx is presented. An indirect laryngoscopy performed in the emergency department or accomplishment of a thorough follow-up ear, nose, and throat examination may have been lifesaving in this patient.
Approximation algorithm for the temperature-aware scheduling problem

The paper addresses the problem of performance optimization for a set of periodic tasks with discrete voltage/frequency states under thermal constraints. We prove that the problem is NP-hard, and present a pseudo-polynomial optimal algorithm and a fully polynomial time approximation technique (FPTAS) for the problem. The FPTAS technique is able to generate solutions in polynomial time that are guaranteed to be within a designer specified quality bound (QB) (say within 1% of the optimal). We evaluate our techniques by experimentation with multimedia and synthetic benchmarks mapped on the 70 nm CMOS technology processor. The experimental results demonstrate our techniques are able to match optimal solutions when QB is set at 5%, can generate solutions that arc quite close to optimal ( 25%) for large task sets with 120 nodes (while the optimal solution takes several hundred seconds). We also analyze the effect of different thermal parameters, such as the initial temperature, the final temperature and the thermal resistance.