cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Correlations between Estimated and True Dietary Intakes: Using Two Instrumental Variables

Purpose We describe a new application of the method of triads that allows an estimate of the correlation between a dietary questionnaire measure (Q) and true intake (T). Methods Three surrogate variables Q, M, and P are observed where M and P are both instrumental (often biological) variables. A reference dietary method (R) is not required. The variables M and P may be concentration rather than recovery biomarkers. Estimating equations produce C o r ˆ r ( Q , T ) , C o r ˆ r ( M , T ) , C o r ˆ r ( P , T ) , conditional on assumptions about error correlations. Correlations between errors in both Q and a reference dietary measure can also be estimated if R is available. A small validation study of California Seventh-day Adventists provided food frequency, repeated 24-hour dietary recalls (R), and biological data (blood, overnight urines, and subcutaneous fat). Results Values of C o r ˆ r ( Q , T ) ranged between 0.40 and 0.66. Values of C o r ˆ r ( R , T ) were higher, between 0.48 and 0.83. Estimated correlations between errors in R and Q were all positive. Conclusions When carefully chosen, M and P, rather than M and R, should better satisfy assumptions about error correlations. Food frequency data and repeated 24-hour recalls both provide estimates of T, but the latter has greater validity. Standard errors suggest that for good precision C o r ˆ r ( Q , T ) requires large validation studies (2000–3000 subjects).
Reactive Collision Avoidance for Fixed-wing MAVs Flying in Urban Terrain

Flying flxed-wing miniature air vehicles (FW-MAVs) in urban terrain is a challenging task because of unstructured urban environments, the minimum speed requirement for ∞ight of flxed-wing vehicles, and the non-holonomic characteristics of FW-MAVs. While traditional path-planning algorithms can efiectively overcome many of these constraints, if the FW-MAV detects new obstacles in-∞ight that were not included in the initial pathplanning, immediate action must be taken to avoid collision. Re-planning with traditional path-planning algorithms is not feasible due to the time required to plan an entire path. Therefore, a reactive collision avoidance system must be used to guarantee obstacle avoidance until a new path can be planned which includes the newly sensed information. In this paper we develop a reactive nonlinear collision avoidance guidance law for FWMAVs ∞ying in urban terrain. Our guidance law is designed for the scenario where a wall or other large object is observed. In this case, we would like the FW-MAV to maintain a specifled safe distance away from the obstacle over time. The algorithm is developed using Lyapunov stability theory, relative geometry between the FW-MAV and the obstacle. The FW-MAV reacts given the range information between the FW-MAV and the obstacle at a constant bearing. We show that our guidance law guarantees the convergence of distance between the FW-MAV and the obstacle to the desired safe distance. We also derive a sliding mode controller to take into account the uncertainty in wall orientation. Simulation results show that the guidance law is successful in navigating the FW-MAV between zigzag walls, non parallel walls, and curved walls.
Development and evaluation of a biomedical search engine using a predicate-based vector space model

Graphical abstractDisplay Omitted HighlightsPredicates, called triples, contain more structured information than keywords.We propose a new predicate-based search engine approach for biomedical texts.We develop a new vector space model and query-document similarity function.It achieves higher precision and relevance score than traditional keyword approach.Predicates can support more precise information search than keywords. Although biomedical information available in articles and patents is increasing exponentially, we continue to rely on the same information retrieval methods and use very few keywords to search millions of documents. We are developing a fundamentally different approach for finding much more precise and complete information with a single query using predicates instead of keywords for both query and document representation. Predicates are triples that are more complex datastructures than keywords and contain more structured information. To make optimal use of them, we developed a new predicate-based vector space model and query-document similarity function with adjusted tf-idf and boost function. Using a test bed of 107,367 PubMed abstracts, we evaluated the first essential function: retrieving information. Cancer researchers provided 20 realistic queries, for which the top 15 abstracts were retrieved using a predicate-based (new) and keyword-based (baseline) approach. Each abstract was evaluated, double-blind, by cancer researchers on a 0-5 point scale to calculate precision (0 versus higher) and relevance (0-5 score). Precision was significantly higher (p<.001) for the predicate-based (80%) than for the keyword-based (71%) approach. Relevance was almost doubled with the predicate-based approach-2.1 versus 1.6 without rank order adjustment (p<.001) and 1.34 versus 0.98 with rank order adjustment (p<.001) for predicate-versus keyword-based approach respectively. Predicates can support more precise searching than keywords, laying the foundation for rich and sophisticated information search.
A tribute to Max Wertheimer: Three stories of three days

The development of Max Wertheimer's ideas about productive thinking is presented as a fable, taking its form from his own fable, “A Story of Three Days.” This development is traced from his early study of the thinking of tribal peoples to his paper of 1920 on the syllogism, and it draws on his book, Productive Thinking. In a final fable, the author very briefly surveys current work in the field of productive thinking.
Evaluation of a Cross-Training Curriculum for Mental Health and Addiction Counselors.

ABSTRACT Cross-training professionals from mental health and addiction treatment systems can help further the goal of comprehensive treatment for clients with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders (co-occurring disorders). Two such trainings brought together 122 professionals from mental health and addiction treatment fields. This evaluation study explored changes in treatment staffs' knowledge, beliefs, and cross-disciplinary collaboration over the course of the 22.5 hour training. Results suggest that participants benefited from exposure to content outside their respective discipline, and knowledge of co-occurring disorders and treatment for co-occurring disorders improved. Both groups of professionals endorsed similar beliefs about the nature and etiology of addiction over the course of the training. Differences emerged in participants' views about cross-disciplinary collaboration, with addiction treatment professionals reporting more agency collaboration. Participants favored aspects ...
Characterization of Lymphocyte-Dependent Angiogenesis Using a SCID Mouse: Human Skin Model of Psoriasis

From a clinical perspective, angiogenesis is an important component of acute and chronic psoriatic skin lesions as they are erythematous and display a tendency to bleed after superficial removal of scale. By routine histology, numerous microscopic vascular abnormalities are also present. The structural expansion of capillaries and distinctive activated phenotype of lesional endothelial cells are believed not only to be clinical and pathologic hallmarks of the disease, but to play a central role in the pathogenesis of psoriatic plaques. Despite over 20 years of research by leading angiogenesis experts and numerous studies, many details regarding the cellular and molecular basis for angiogenesis in psoriasis remain unknown. In this review, 10 different sections are presented to update recent progress in this active field of investigative skin biology. Highlights of this review include the phenotypic characterization of endothelial cells in acute and chronic psoriatic plaques, and a review of a novel animal model of psoriasis using human skin engrafted onto severe combined immunodeficient mice followed by injection of activated immunocytes. This new experimental model represents a reproducible and pharmacologically validated method to trigger neovascularization and bona fide psoriatic plaque formation. In addition, the potential contribution of epidermal keratinocytes and dermal macrophages to the angiogenic tissue reaction is presented, and a series of questions are then posed that can be answered using the severe combined immunodeficient mouse model of psoriasis. Finally, a model is proposed integrating all available data into a coherent multistep reaction schema that includes active participation by multiple cell types including natural killer T cells, keratinocytes, macrophages, and microvascular endothelial cells.
Noise in strong laser-atom interactions: Phase telegraph noise

We discuss strong laser-atom interactions that are subjected to jump-type (random telegraph) random-phase noise. Physically, the jumps may arise from laser fluctuations, from collisions of various kinds, or from other external forces. Our discussion is carried out in two stages. First, direct and partially heuristic calculations determine the laser spectrum and also give a third-order differential equation for the average inversion of a two-level atom on resonance. At this stage a number of general features of the interaction are able to be studied easily. The optical analog of motional narrowing, for example, is clearly predicted. Second, we show that the theory of generalized Poisson processes allows laser-atom interactions in the presence of random telegraph noise of all kinds (not only phase noise) to be treated systematically, by means of a master equation first used in the context of quantum optics by Burshtein. We use the Burshtein equation to obtain an exact expression for the two-level atom's steady-state resonance fluorescence spectrum, when the exciting laser exhibits phase telegraph noise. Some comparisons are made with results obtained from other noise models. Detailed treatments of the effects ofmly jumps, or as a model of finite laser bandwidth effects, in which the laser frequencymore » exhibits random jumps. We show that these two types of frequency noise can be distinguished in light-scattering spectra. We also discuss examples which demonstrate both temporal and spectral motional narrowing, nonexponential correlations, and non-Lorentzian spectra. Its exact solubility in finite terms makes the frequency-telegraph noise model an attractive alternative to the white-noise Ornstein-Uhlenbeck frequency noise model which has been previously applied to laser-atom interactions.« less
Mitigation of dynamic wavefront distortions using a nematic liquid crystal spatial light modulator and simplex optimization

Laser beam propagating through the atmosphere is subjected to severe wavefront distortions due to the optical turbulence. This leads to reduction in the received power, ultimately resulting in the BER degradation, even for short ranges. Optical properties of the atmospheric channel change over time; hence, maintaining a reliable link requires dynamic wavefront control to mitigate the effects of the atmospheric turbulence. An electrically addressed programmable nematic liquid crystal spatial light modulator (SLM) is proposed to perform this task. Wavefront correction is achieved by computing a phase shift for each pixel of the SLM, which could be a rigorous and time-consuming procedure. Hence, the goal is to obtain a stable and relatively simple approach to dynamically control the modulator elements. The phase profile of the distorted beam can be approximated using Zernike formalism or another type of wavefront polynomial, which provides efficient mapping between a large number of SLM pixels and a much smaller number of approximation coefficients. Furthermore, wavefront correction needs to be performed in real-time; hence the Simplex method by Nelder and Mead, known for fast improvement of an optimization metric, is used to adjust the approximation coefficients. The phase profile obtained from the optimization procedure is imposed on the received beam by the SLM. This facilitates the reduction of the optical path difference (OPD) present in the distorted wavefront by applying an inverse OPD, and mitigating the effects of the optical turbulence. This paper presents a basic algorithm as well as the experimental results.
Dextrose-, adenosine- and magnesium-induced protective actions during anoxia and reperfusion in canine Purkinje tissue.

SUMMARY 1. The effects of dextrose, magnesium (Mg) and adenosine on membrane potential and force of contraction were studied in driven and overdriven canine cardiac Purkinje tissue. 2. Dextrose (50 mmol/L) and adenosine (4–6 mmol/L) both showed protective action (the latter to a lesser extent) against simulated anoxia and reperfusion- induced arrhythmias, increased force of contraction transiently on reperfusion, and the former sustained the increase in force to a lower level as long as it was in the superfusing solution. 3. Dextrose (50 mmol/L) and Mg (5 mmol/L) restored overdrive- induced hyperpolarization during simulated anoxia. Adenosine was largely ineffective. 4. It was concluded that dextrose and adenosine (to a lesser extent) protect against arrhythmias by replenishing the critical intracellular pool of ATP which controls membrane transport of electrolytes such as K and Ca. Restoration of Na-K ATPase activity alone (as in the case of high Mg concentrations) is not sufficient to prevent arrhythmias.
Will the costs of accommodating workers with disabilities remain low

Whether the costs of job accommodation remain low as more persons with disabilities enter the work force is a crucial issue in evaluating the progress of the employment provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Much depends on the extent to which health and economic factors thought to raise or lower the costs of accommodation to employers actually predict accommodation outcomes. An empirical model of employer accommodation is specified and tested with data on a representative sample of Americans in their fifties. Among others, the results show that both the likelihood and extent of job accommodation are significantly influenced by cost-increasing and cost-decreasing factors, in each case in the direction predicted by the model. Inferences about the future trajectory of the costs of job accommodation and the employment effects of the ADA are discussed. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interface formation with ions and neutral atoms

Etude des morphologies et de la deformation des bandes de In/GaAss(110), Bi/GaAs(110) et Ag/InP(110). Les resultats montrent que des ions acceleres a 200 eV derangent les substrats In/GaAs et Bi/GaAs on augmentent le derangement de Ag/InP. Trois croissances tridimensionnelles apparaissent pour les deux types d'interface
A Survey of Symbolic Dynamics and Celestial Mechanics

For over thirty years, symbolic dynamics has been used in celestial mechanics to show the presence of chaos. This paper reviews this history and the more recent attempts at using symbolic dynamics as a method of global analysis in the three-body problem.
Selective electron-capture sensitization of water, phenols, amines and aromatic and heterocyclic compounds

Abstract A survey of signal enhancements for various classes of compounds was made using selective electron-capture sensitization (SECS) with nitrous oxide-doping. This technique was used to aid in the identification of five phenolic compounds in a complex oil shale waste water fraction. The three-fold difference in the enhancements found for ortho - and para -toluidine and the twenty-fold difference for benzo[ a ]pyrene and benzo[ e ]pyrene indicate that SECS can be valuable for identifying these isomers. Enhancement factors are presented for other aromatic and heterocyclic compounds. The signal from water was enhanced 260-fold, allowing trace determinations at part-per-million concentrations.
Serum and intestinal fluid immunoglobulins in patients with giardiasis.

To test the possibility that a factor predisposing to symptomatic giardiasis in the general population is immunoglobulin deficiency, we measured immunoglobulins in serum and intestinal fluids of 9 giardiasis patients (8 after eradication ofGiardia lamblia) and 12 healthy individuals. The concentrations of IgG, IgA, IgM, and IgE in serum and of IgA and IgM in intestinal fluids from the 2 groups were similar. Intestinal fluid IgG levels were significantly higher (P<0.1), however, in the patients (5.8±6.3 mg/100 ml) than in the control subjects (1.1±1.9 mg/100 ml). This difference was unexplained and is of uncertain biological significance. We conclude that giardiasis in generally healthy individuals is not etiologically related to unsuspected immunoglobulin deficiencies, even thoughG. lamblia infection is known to be very common in grossly immunoglobulin-deficient patients.
Enhanced hydrogen at the lunar poles: New insights from the detection of epithermal and fast neutron signatures

[1] The Lunar Prospector (LP) and Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) orbital neutron spectroscopy data sets represent a unique comprehensive multimission lunar resource. A rigorous statistical approach has been used to (re)analyze neutron data from both missions to provide new details regarding the relationships between the individual detector data sets, as well as a new evaluation of enhanced hydrogen deposits at the lunar poles. Using the multimission epithermal neutron data set, we find water ice distributed broadly across the poles, but showing evidence for a dependence on topographical features. A footprint averaged water equivalent hydrogen (WEH) abundance of 106 ± 11 ppm at each pole, with maxima of 131 and 112 ppm at the north and south poles, respectively, is derived from the epithermal neutron data. We also report the first definitive detection of a fast neutron signature consistent with an enhanced hydrogen hypothesis. These data suggest a highly localized distribution, consistent with Shackleton Crater, corresponding to a footprint averaged WEH abundance of 194 ± 11. If confined to this crater, this abundance yields a localized deposit of ∼0.7% WEH. Details of the analysis approach are presented along with spatial distribution maps showing the intriguing enhanced hydrogen deposits at the lunar poles.
Mathematics, Models, and Modality

John P. Burgess, Mathematics, Models, and Modality: Selected Philosophical Essays. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2008. xiii + 301 pp. $90.00, £50.00. ISBN 978-0-521-88034-3. Adobe eBook, $...
Planning Life Tests in Which Units Are Inspected for Failure

In some life tests, exact failure times cannot be observed. Instead failures are detected upon inspection. Equally spaced inspection times can be statistically inefficient, especially when a product has a decreasing failure rate. In such cases, equal spacing in log time provides an attractive alternative. This paper gives guidelines for choosing statistically efficient inspection times and the approximate sample size that achieves a specified degree of precision for estimating a particular quantile of a Weibull time-to-failure distribution. This information can be used to plan more efficient life tests.
Hypolipidemic, hepato-protective and renal damage recovering effects of catechin isolated from the methanolic extract of Cassia fistula stem bark on Streptozotocin-induced diabetic Wistar rats: a biochemical and morphological analysis

Traditional systems of medicine and medicinal plants research are the most promising areas of research in the modern drug discovery technologies. Today, drugs have taken their roots from the phytoconstituents. This study is aimed at the establishment of the hypolipidemic, hepatoprotective, and renal damage restoring efficacies of catechin isolated from Cassia fistula using bioassay guided fractionation on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic male albino Wistar rats. Catechin was administered to STZ (60 mg/kg b. wt)-induced diabetic male Wistar rats at 20 mg/kg b. wt for 45 days. Plasma glucose level was significantly reduced when compared with the control. In addition, oral administration of catechin significantly decreased glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C), serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL-cholesterol, urea, uric acid, and creatinine, and at the same time, markedly increased hemoglobin, HDL-cholesterol, and serum protein. Catechin also restored the altered plasma enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and acid phosphatase) levels to near normal. Histological studies reveal that oral administration of catechin recovered the hepatic and renal damages. Results of this experimental study indicated that catechin possessed hypolipidemic, hepato-protective, and renal damage restoring efficacies, and hence, this could be used as an oral drug for treating diabetes and related diseases.
Disruption of spelling-to-sound correspondence mapping during single-word reading in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy.

Processing and/or hemispheric differences in the neural bases of word recognition were examined in patients with long-standing, medically-intractable epilepsy localized to the left (N = 18) or right (N = 7) temporal lobe. Participants were asked to read words that varied in the frequency of their spelling-to-sound correspondences. For the right temporal lobe group, reaction times (RTs) showed the same pattern across spelling-to-sound correspondence conditions as previously reported for normal participants. For the left temporal lobe group, however, the pattern of RTs suggested a greater relative influence of orthographic frequency than rime frequency, such that performance was worse on words whose orthographic body was less frequent in the language. We discuss these results in terms of differences in processing between the two cerebral hemispheres: the results for the right-temporal lobe patients are taken to support connectionist models of reading as described for the dominant (left) hemisphere, while results for the left-temporal lobe patients support a view of the right hemisphere as relatively less sensitive to phonology and relatively more sensitive to orthography.
α-Lactalbumin tertiary structure changes on hydrophobic interaction chromatography surfaces

Hydrogen exchange (HX) detected by mass spectrometry (MS) was used to analyze the structure of calcium-free α-lactalbumin, a model protein with marginal stability. Two chromatographic peaks were observed from samples of pure protein eluted from SOURCE phenyl hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC) media. Whole-protein HX measurements showed that the less-retained peak had solvent exposure similar to native protein in the absence of the HIC surface while the retained protein was nearly, although not fully, solvent exposed. The formation of these two peaks was kinetically limited. The protein also refolded successfully following elution. In addition, proteolytic fragmentation was used to analyze HX at the peptide level. This approach revealed that helix C was the most stable region of α-lactalbumin under native conditions and in the flow-through peak. Helix C also formed the core of residual native structure in the partially unfolded protein in the retained peak. The results suggest that residues that are most solvent accessible under native conditions may be those most likely to unfold upon adsorption.
Targeted Disruption of Mouse EGF Receptor: Effect of Genetic Background on Mutant Phenotype

Gene targeting was used to create a null allele at the epidermal growth factor receptor locus (Egfr). The phenotype was dependent on genetic background. EGFR deficiency on a CF-1 background resulted in peri-implantation death due to degeneration of the inner cell mass. On a 129/Sv background, homozygous mutants died at mid-gestation due to placental defects; on a CD-1 background, the mutants lived for up to 3 weeks and showed abnormalities in skin, kidney, brain, liver, and gastrointestinal tract. The multiple abnormalities associated with EGFR deficiency indicate that the receptor is involved in a wide range of cellular activities.
High strength steel bolted connections with filler plates

Abstract The effects of undeveloped filler plates were experimentally evaluated for high strength steel bolted connections using standard size holes, oversize holes and multiple fillers. Filler plates up to 51 mm (2 in.) thick were utilized in connecting high performance A709 HPS 480W (HPS 70W) grade steel plates using 22 mm (0.88 in.) A490 bolts. With increasing filler thickness, the connection strength was found to decrease up to a limit and then recover for thicker fillers in standard and oversized hole connections. Multiple filler connections experienced the greatest strength decrease as the bolt failure shifted to the threads located outside the shear planes. Deformations also exhibited a limit, however the use of oversize holes resulted in 1.7 times larger deformations than standard or multiple fillers. Recommendations were developed for strength reduction and deformation amplification as function of filler thickness and bolt diameter.
Expression of striatal adenosine and dopamine receptors in mice deficient in the p50 subunit of NF-κB

The striatal dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) and adenosine A2A receptor (A2AAR) exhibit mutually antagonistic effects through physical interactions and by differential modulation of post-receptor signaling pathways. The expression of the A2AAR and the D2R is differentially regulated by nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB). In this report, we determined the role of NF-kappaB in regulation of these receptors by comparing mice deficient in the NF-kappaB p50 subunit (p50 KO) with genetically intact B6129PF2/J (F2) mice. Quantification of adenosine receptor (AR) subtypes in mouse striatum by real time PCR, immunocytochemistry and radioligand binding assays showed more A2AAR but less A1AR in p50 KO mice as compared with F2 mice. Striata from p50 KO mice also had less D2R mRNA and [(3)H]-methylspiperone binding than did striata from F2 mice. G(alphaolf) and G(alphas) proteins, which are transducers of A2AAR signals, were also present at a higher level in striata from the p50 KO versus F2 mice. In contrast, the G(alphai1) protein, which transduces signals from the A1AR and D2R, was significantly reduced in striata from p50 KO mice. Behaviorally, p50 KO mice exhibited increased locomotor activity relative to that of F2 mice after caffeine ingestion. These data are consistent with a role for the NF-kappaB in the regulation of A1AR, A2AAR, D2R and possibly their coupling G proteins in the striatum. Dysregulation of these receptors in the striata of p50 KO mice might sensitize these animals to locomotor stimulatory action of caffeine.
Iron nitrosyl complexes as models for biological nitric oxide transfer reagents

Owing to the indiscriminate reactivity of the free NO radical, intricate control mechanisms are required for storage, transport and transfer of NO to its various biological targets. Among the proposed storage components are protein-bound thionitrosyls (Rprotein–SNO) and protein-bound dinitrosyl iron complexes. Current knowledge suggests the latter are derived from iron–sulfur cluster degradation in the presence of excess NO. Mobilization of protein-bound NO could involve NO or Fe(NO)2 unit transfer to small serum molecules such as glutathione, free cysteine, or iron-porphyrins. The study reported is of a reaction model which addresses the key steps in NO transfer from a prototypal iron dinitrosyl complex. While the N,N′-bis(2-mercaptoethyl)-N,N′-diazacyclooctane (bme-daco) ligand typically binds in square-planar N2S2 coordination, it also serves as a bidentate dithiolate donor for tetrahedral structures in the preparation of the (H+bme-daco)Fe(NO)2 derivative (Chiang et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 126:10867–10874, 2004). The removal of one NO produces the mononitrosyl complex, (bme-daco)Fe(NO), and simplifies studies of NO release mechanisms. We have used heme-type model complexes, Fe or Co porphyrins as NO acceptors, yielding (porphyrin)M(NO), where M is Fe or Co, and monitored reactions by ν(NO) Fourier transform IR spectroscopy. Reaction products were verified by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Rudimentary mechanistic studies suggest a role for HNO in the NO release from the dinitrosyl; the mononitrosyl benefits as well from acid catalysis. Other NO uptake complexes such as [(N2S2)Fe]2 [N2S2 is bme-daco or N,N’-bis(2-mercapto-2-methylpropyl)-daco] are shown to form Fe(NO) mononitrosyls with stability and spectroscopic signatures similar to those of the porphyrins.
High-power, subpicosecond 10-microm pulse generation.

Two-picosecond, 10-μm pulses, generated by optical semiconductor switching, have been regeneratively amplified in a multiatmosphere TE CO2 gain module. Pulses have been produced with a peak circulating energy of ~15 mJ and a power density in the gain medium in excess of 1012 W/cm2. A plasma-breakdown wave, traveling with the regeneratively amplified pulse, combined with anomalous dispersion in the NaCl windows, has permitted compression of these pulses to less than 1 psec in duration.
Involvement of FAD-containing monooxygenase in cocaine-induced hepatotoxicity.

Abstract FAD-containing monooxygenase, purified and in microsomal suspension, oxidizes norcocaine to N-hydroxynorcocaine, in vitro. Based on calculations of its apparent Km, norcocaine is an excellent substrate for microsomal FAD-containing monooxygenase. Norcocaine acetate, administered to mice, caused significant hepatotoxicity as measured by the depression of three drug oxidizing enzyme systems. Enhancement of hepatic FAD-containing monooxygenase, in vivo, by male castration resulted in increased norcocaine-induced hepatotoxicity as compared to sham-operated animals. It is concluded that FAD-containing monooxygenase participates in cocaine bioactivation by hydroxylating norcocaine to produce N-hydroxynorcocaine.
Unique Contributions of Impulsivity and Inhibition to Prereading Skills in Preschoolers at Head Start

The goal of this study was to explore the relationship between temperament (specifically impulsivity and inhibition) and prereading skills (letter knowledge and print concepts) in preschool children from disadvantaged backgrounds. The participants in the study were 111 preschool children with a mean age of 58.09 months (SD = 5.80) attending Head Start. Results from hierarchical multiple regression analyses indicated that lower levels of impulsivity (consisting of persistence, negative emotionality, and activity-level characteristics) and lower levels of inhibition made unique contributions to higher letter knowledge and print concepts skills. Theoretical implications for early childhood education and directions for future research are highlighted.
Analysis of an inclined crack centrally placed in an orthotropic rectangular plate

AbstractThe problem of an inclined crack centrally placed in a generally orthotropic rectangular plate under tension is investigated. The modified mapping-collocation technique introduced by Bowie ...
The Location of Culture: The Urban Culturalist Perspective

The majority of research in urban sociology tends to favor the study of urbanization, the development and growth of cities, over urbanism, the way of life in cities. Here, I identify a strand of ur...
Authors’ Response to: Epidemiology and public health research productivity in Africa

We fully agree that the results of bibliometric analysis published in IJE1 may be conservative given that our methodology may not have captured all the existing publications from some countries (e.g. Seychelles). We adopted the ‘absolute country counting’ method, where each country contributing to an article received one paper credit based on the first, last or corresponding author originating from such country. Although we have attempted to eliminate potential flaws in our bibliometric analysis, some limitations were inevitable and are linked to the inherent problems of bibliometric analyses. For example, one possible error that could arise from the indexing process is incorrect citation of origin for the authors. By using the author addresses listed in the bylines of research articles, one can only identify countries and organizations where the authors were employed when the research was done or where the article was written, or both. Whereas our bibliometric analysis results may biased toward underestimation, it is good to know that the true reality may be even more encouraging. Despite this limitation, we strongly believe that our conclusions remain valid and informed by our results. The overall positive trend of manuscripts published over time speaks to the fact that epidemiological and public health publications are on the rise in the WHO/AFRO. However, more capacity building and training initiatives in epidemiology are required to promote research and address the public health challenges facing the African continent.
Pressurized downdraft combustion of woodchips

A novel pressurized combustor for a gas turbine has been built and tested using woodchips. Air flows downward through a 23 cm diam. fuel bed which is supported by alumina gravel. The combustor is operated with high excess air and the reaction zone in the chips is a few cm thick. Test results are presented for continuous feed of 2 cm yellow poplar chips at pressures of 1 to 5 atm and inlet air temperatures of 20 to 200 С For example the burning rate is 48 kg/hr at 4 atm, 200 С inlet air, 200% excess air and 15% moisture. Sensitivity of the burning rate to pressure, inlet air temperature, excess air and fuel moisture is presented. Gaseous and particulate emissions data are presented. The physical and chemical processes within the combustor are discussed. Currently we are proceeding to connect the combustor to an Allison model 250 gas turbine.
Customer Metrics and Their Impact on Financial Performance

The need to understand the relationships among customer metrics and profitability has never been more critical. These relationships are pivotal to tracking and justifying firms' marketing expenditures, which have come under increasing pressure. The objective of this paper is to integrate existing knowledge and research about the impact of customer metrics on firms' financial performance. We investigate both unobservable or perceptual customer metrics (e.g., customer satisfaction) and observable or behavioral metrics (e.g., customer retention and lifetime value). We begin with an overview of unobservable and observable metrics, showing how they have been measured and modeled in research. We next offer nine empirical generalizations about the linkages between perceptual and behavioral metrics and their impact on financial performance. We conclude the paper with future research challenges.
On the Rate of Convergence of the Ross Approximation to the Renewal Function

Consider a renewal process [ N ( t ), t>0]. For fixed t > 0 and each n ≥ 1, let y n ,1 , …, Y n,n be independent exponentials each having mean t / n , independent of the renewal process. Ross [2] developed a recursion for the sequence of approximations m n = EN ( Y n ,1 + … + Y n,n ) that converges to m ( t )if the renewal function m (·) = EN (·) is continuous at t > 0. In this note, we derive an upper bound on the rate of convergence of this sequence under mild conditions on m near t . Tightness of this bound is discussed in terms of regularity conditions on m .
Horizon extension for rolling production schedules: Length and accuracy requirements

Abstract This paper examines the effect of forecast length and accuracy in extending the planning period beyond the frozen horizon of rolling-production schedules. Extensive computational testing is carried out through a simulation study in which the performance of the Wagner-Whitin algorithm and the Silver-Meal heuristic are compared. Results indicate that horizon extension is worthwhile for relatively large forecast errors and improves the Wagner-Whitin in more instances than previous research has indicated.
The Adult Brain Makes New Neurons, and Effortful Learning Keeps Them Alive

The brain continues to produce new neurons throughout life. For instance, the hippocampus (a brain region necessary for select learning processes) produces thousands of new neurons each day. However, a significant number of them die and do so within just a few weeks of their birth. Laboratory animals that are trained to learn a new skill between one and two weeks after the new cells are generated retain most cells that would have otherwise died. The types of skills that keep new cells alive are not limited to those that depend on the hippocampus but rather include those that are effortful to learn, requiring more training trials or time spent training. Importantly, training alone is not sufficient to increase cell survival; animals that are trained but do not learn do not retain more cells than animals that are not trained. Therefore, learning increases the survival of newly generated cells in the hippocampus as long as the learning experience is new, effortful, and successful. Once rescued, the vast majo...
The role of integrated distribution management systems in Smart Grid implementations

The Integrated Distribution Management System (IDMS) being implemented at Alabama Power, A Southern Company, is described in terms of functional architecture. The IDMS functionally consists of distribution SCADA, visualization, electronic switching, outage management, distribution network analysis and optimization, all sharing a single instance of a dynamic connectivity model which removes duplication of data entry and model synchronization issues. A single user interface is shared by all of the functions providing seamless navigation between them with a common look and feel. How these functional components fit into a Smart Grid implementation is discussed.
A Simple Proof of the Equivalence of Input and Output Intervals in Jackson Networks of Single Server Nodes

In this paper, we provide a simple proof that the distributions of an input and an output interval in a stationary Jackson network of single server nodes are equivalent. The proof also applies to Gordon and Newell networks of single server nodes. The proof's key idea is that the reverse process of a Jackson network's stationary queue length process is also a Jackson network's stationary queue length process.
Seismic Analysis of Meloland Road Overcrossing Using Multiplatform Simulation Software Including SSI

A multiplatform simulation of a highway overcrossing bridge is introduced where the embankments, abutments, and pile groups are modeled in a powerful finite-element (FE) package with nonlinear soil material model while the bridge is modeled in another FE package that excels in fiber-based frame analysis. The Meloland Road Overcrossing Bridge, which is heavily instrumented, is selected as a reference analysis model due to the existence of measured data. The components as well as the integrated system are verified through comparison with previous studies and measured data. The stiffness of abutments and pile foundations are evaluated by three-dimensional finite-element analysis and compared with those from previous investigations. The analytical models of abutments and foundations are combined with the structural model using the multiplatform analysis framework, UI-SimCor. The dynamic properties of the model for multiplatform analysis are compared with those evaluated from system identification techniques using recorded ground motion. Finally, response history analyses are conducted with recorded free-field ground motion. The analysis results are in very good agreement with measured response showing the promising potential of multiplatform dynamic simulation.
The role of transcriptional activation in the function of the Drosophila myb gene.

Abstract ABSTRACT Vertebrate myb genes encode DNA-binding proteins that regulate transcription and have been implicated in regulation of cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. We have demonstrated that the single myb gene in Drosophila melanogaster, Dm myb, is required for the G 2 /M transition of the cell cycle and for suppression of endoreduplication. Recently, it has become apparent that the family of proteins containing Myb-related DNA-binding domains is much larger than originally believed and that the biochemical properties and functions of these proteins are diverse. We undertook studies to characterize the biochemical properties of the Drosophila Myb protein (DMyb). We now provide evidence that in addition to having homology with the vertebrate Myb proteins, the Drosophila Myb protein (DMyb) shares its biochemical properties. DMyb binds to a similar consensus sequence and activates transcription from a reporter construct regulated by vertebrate Myb proteins. We also show that DMyb proteins carrying mutations corresponding to previously isolated mutant alleles of Dm myb are less active as transcriptional activators than wild-type DMyb, indicating that a decrease in transcriptional activation ability is likely to cause the mutant phenotypes.
Tumor Volume Threshold of Insignificant Prostate Cancer—Was Dr. Stamey Right All Along?

THE continuous debate on whether current serum prostate specific antigen based screening strategies are potentially leading to the overtreatment of a subset of patients with prostate cancer (PCa) has further fueled interest in pursuing clinicopathological and molecular parameters that may help identify patients with biologically significant prostate cancers. 1,2 A parallel pursuit of clinicopathological algorithms and criteria that can accurately predict insignificant PCa tumors is also gaining momentum. These tumors are generally defined as lacking the biological potential to affect disease specific mortality and morbidity within a given patient life expectancy. As alternative PCa management approaches such as proactive surveillance are increasingly offered, accurate identification of insignificant PCa becomes more pressing. Tumor volume (TV) has been an integral part of the pathological definition of insignificant PCa with the 0.5 ml index tumor volume cutoff used most frequently based on the original analysis by Stamey et al. 3 At the time the 0.5 ml cutoff was obtained by applying an 8% lifetime risk estimate for clinically significant PCa to the index tumor volume distribution in a series of incidental PCa tumors in cystoprostatectomy specimens. Subsequently the same TV threshold was adopted while developing the most frequently used criteria to predict the presence of insignificant PCa. The often cited Epstein criteria are based on a combination of tumor extent and Gleason score parameters on needle biopsy, and serum prostate specific antigen density ratio. 4
The Indian in Latin American history : resistance, resilience, and acculturation

Chapter 1 Introduction Chapter 2 The Inca Empire and Its Subject Peoples Chapter 3 Early Spanish-Indian Accommodation in the Andes Chapter 4 Persistent Maya Resistance and Cultural Retention in Yucatan Chapter 5 Cultural Adaptation and Militant Autonomy among the Araucanians of Chile Chapter 6 Coping with the Cultural Conquest Chapter 7 Negotiating Roots: Indian Migrants in the Lima Valley during the Colonial Period Chapter 8 Patterns and Variety in Mexican Village Uprisings Chapter 9 State Power, Indigenous Communities, and Land in Nineteenth-Century Guatemala, 1820-1920 Chapter 10 Yaqui Resistance to Mexican Expansion Chapter 11 Native Cultural Retention and the Struggle for Land in Early Twentieth-Century Bolivia Chapter 12 Ethnic Identity and Its Attributes in a Contemporary Mexican Indian Village Chapter 13 Glossary Chapter 14 Suggested Readings and Films
Gliomas Promote Immunosuppression through Induction of B7-H1 Expression in Tumor-Associated Macrophages

Purpose: Gliomas are known to induce local and systemic immunosuppression, inhibiting T-cell–mediated cytotoxic responses to tumor growth. Tumor-associated macrophages are a significant component of the immune infiltrate in gliomas and may express immunosuppressive surface ligands, such as B7-H1. Experimental Design: Tumor and peripheral blood samples from patients with glioblastoma (GBM) were analyzed by flow cytometry to evaluate the expression of B7-H1 in circulating and tumor-infiltrating macrophages. Human monocytes from healthy patients were stimulated with conditioned media from glioma cells to evaluate B7-H1 expression. Production of interleukin (IL)-10 by stimulated monocytes was measured by ELISA, and stimulation with IL-10 alone was evaluated for the ability to induce B7-H1 expression. The effect of inhibiting IL-10 and its receptor on glioma-induced B7-H1 expression in monocytes was evaluated. Results: Circulating monocytes in patients with GBM had significantly increased expression of B7-H1 compared with healthy control patients. Tumor-associated macrophages from matched GBM tissue had even greater B7-H1 expression. Treatment of normal monocytes with glioma-conditioned media could significantly increase B7-H1 expression. Stimulation of monocytes with conditioned media resulted in substantial production of IL-10 and upregulation of the IL-10 receptor. Stimulation of monocytes with IL-10 alone could significantly increase B7-H1 expression, sufficient to induce T-cell apoptosis when cocultured with stimulated monocytes. Inhibition of IL-10 and the IL-10 receptor could knock down the effect of glioma media on B7-H1 by more than 50%. Conclusions: Gliomas can upregulate B7-H1 expression in circulating monocytes and tumor-infiltrative macrophages through modulation of autocrine/paracrine IL-10 signaling, resulting in an immunosuppressive phenotype. Clin Cancer Res; 19(12); 3165–75. ©2013 AACR .
A scan‐angle correction for thermal infrared multispectral data using side lapping images

Thermal infrared multispectral scanner (TIMS) images, acquired with side lapping flight lines, provide dual angle observations of the same area on the ground and can thus be used to estimate variations in the atmospheric transmission with scan angle. The method was tested using TIMS aircraft data for six flight lines with about 30% sidelap for an area within Joshua Tree National Park, California. Generally the results correspond to predictions for the transmission scan-angle coefficient based on a standard atmospheric model although some differences were observed at the longer wavelength channels. A change was detected for the last pair of lines that may indicate either spatial or temporal atmospheric variation. The results demonstrate that the method provides information for correcting regional survey data (requiring multiple adjacent flight lines) that can be important in detecting subtle changes in lithology.