cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dendritic cells in atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease with activation of both the innate and adaptive arms of the immune system. Dendritic cells (DCs) are potent activators of adaptive immunity and have been identified in the normal arterial wall and within atherosclerotic lesions. Recent evidence points to a functional role for DCs in all stages of atherosclerosis because of their myriad functions including lipid uptake, antigen presentation, efferocytosis, and inflammation resolution. Moreover, DC-based vaccination strategies are currently being developed for the treatment of atherosclerosis. This review will focus on the current evidence as well as the proposed roles for DCs in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and discuss future therapeutic strategies.
Topological reasoning about dextrous grasps

The need, in robot manipulation, for higher levels of dexterity and versatility than those provided by grippers and by special-purpose end-effectors has prompted much research effort during the last decade on the design and control of multifingered hands. Most work on multifingered robot hands has dealt with low-level, numeric control, commonly based on screw theory and tools drawn from line geometry, differential geometry, kinematics, and dynamics. Current numeric, contact-based schemes, however, are limited to tip prehension (intentional grasping by the fingertips). The intriguing ease with which humans perform grasping and manipulation activities has concurrently triggered new investigations to provide robots with humanlike, prehensile capability for complex tasks in unstructured environments. These investigations have resulted in numerous AI-oriented, task-directed, distributed, symbolic schemes that have been conducted essentially independently. Efforts to link symbolic and numeric schemes have been undertaken, but the results have been rather modest. This paper deals with an intelligent, integrated symbolic-numeric scheme for dextrous manipulation, using a topological approach. In this paper, we introduce a reasoning scheme called topological reasoning that is used in conjunction with a grasp-based, topological model for uniform representations of multifingered robot hands at different levels of detail (e.g., whole hand, finger, joint), and discuss its application to dextrous manipulation (grasp selection and regrasping). We show that using topological reasoning, both hand posture and hand functionality can be derived from symbolic, high-level task requirements and object attributes, and can be transformed into numeric, low-level, joint space variables. Furthermore, the reasoning scheme is applicable not only to tip prehension, but also to palm prehension and any combination of the two.
A Progress Report on Some Insecticides Used Against the European Corn Borer

This progress report offers some data relative to the reductions in the European corn borer ( Pyrausta nubilalis Hubn.) populations resulting from the! application of some common insecticides to corn.
Ex vivo accuracy of three electronic apex locators: Root ZX, Elements Diagnostic Unit and Apex Locator and ProPex.

Plotino G, Grande NM, Brigante L, Lesti B, Somma F. Ex vivo accuracy of three electronic apex locators: Root ZX, Elements Diagnostic Unit and Apex Locator and ProPex. International Endodontic Journal, 39, 408–414, 2006. Aim To compare ex vivo the accuracy of three electronic apex locators (EALs): Root ZX, Elements Diagnostic Unit and Apex Locator and ProPex. Methodology Electronic working length determination was carried out in 40 extracted teeth using an ex vivo model. After access preparation, a first operator determined the reference length (AL) for each tooth under a 30· stereomicroscope using the apical constriction as the apical landmark. All teeth were then measured with each EAL and the results obtained were compared with the corresponding AL. The AL was subtracted from the electronically determined distance. The measurements exceeding the AL were recorded as positive (long) and the measurements short of the AL were recorded as negative. Data were analyzed using the Friedman Test and Tukey multiple range test for nonparametric correlation amongst groups. Statistical significance was considered at P < 0.05. Results Comparing the differences between measurements obtained with the three EALs and those obtained with the stereomicroscope, the percentage of measurements within ±0.5 mm of the AL was 97.37% (84.22% within 0.5 mm short of AL) for the Root ZX, 94.28% (88.57% within 0.5 mm short of AL) for the Elements and 100% (35.9% within 0.5 mm short of AL) for the ProPex.The mean difference between the AL and the lengths measured by the Root ZX, the Elements and the ProPex were, respectively, )0.157 ± 0.228, )0.103 ± 0.359 and 0.307 ± 0.271 mm. Conclusions The results of the present study confirm that the EALs determined the canal length within ±0.5 mm from the apical constriction in the majority of cases. The majority of the ProPex readings were long.
Preventing Overflow Attacks by Memory Randomization

Buffer overflow is known to be a common memory vulnerability affecting software. It is exploited to gain various kinds of privilege escalation. C and C++ are very commonly used to develop applications; due to the efficient “unmanaged” executions these languages are not safe. These attacks are highly successful as every executing copy of a shipped binary is the same. This work presents two approaches to randomizing the memory layout which does not require modifications at the developer end. Both techniques are implemented at the user-end machines and have no requirement for source code. The feasibility of the two techniques is shown by randomizing complex applications and demonstrating that the run-time penalty for the randomization schemes is very less.
Understanding Stay/Leave Decisions in Violent Relationships: A Behavior Analytic Approach

Numerous theories have been developed to account for the various factors influencing victims' decisions to remain in or leave an abusive relationship. Thus far, however, these theories have failed to adequately capture the complexity of stay/leave decision-making and have had limited clinical and research utility. The purpose of the current paper is to provide a behaviorally based approach to understanding stay/leave decisions by expanding on Myers' (1995) behavioral conceptualization of partner violence. An illustration is given on how various basic and contemporary behavioral principles might be applied to stay/leave decisions, followed by a discussion of how this behavioral analysis may provide a means of incorporating the components of other stay/leave models into a more comprehensive, contextually-based behavior analytic approach. Lastly, recommendations are provided for integrating this approach into future research, and suggestions are made regarding how this analysis might be used to improve future partner violence prevention and treatment programs.
Southern belles and southern buildings: The built environment as text and context in designing women

In Designing Women, a situation comedy that chronicles a female‐owned and ‐operated Atlanta interior design firm, a Victorian house, functionally reconstituted as studio and store, signifies a track of contemporary American cultural issues—the interrelated meanings of work, gender, and the South—that frame the series' narrative discourse, aesthetic text, and ideological framework. This article argues that Designing Women exploits shared but stereotyped signs and symbols—the house as a model of domesticity and the city as a signifier of regionalism—that allow Americans to communicate architectonically. Constructs of sense of place and meaning of place are blurred, fostering an assimilation of Southern heritage into a larger North American culture. Designing Women's architectural imagery serves hegemonic ends, suggesting that television's imagistic use of the built environment mirrors a consensus narrative of traditional American senses of place and space.
Conduction Cooling Of Nd:Glass Slab Lasers

Isolation cooling of slab geometry solid state lasers potentially solves a number of problems with direct cooling. We have tested a static gas cooled Nd:Glass slab laser to determine the advantages and limitations of this type of cooling system. This paper reports on these tests and discusses approaches to improve the average power of such a laser. The zig-zag slab geometry laser is an established method of reducing thermo-optical effects in solid state lasers. Eggleston et.al.,1 built and tested a small test-bed Nd:Glass slab laser that confirmed computer model performance predictions but demonstrated the need to carefully control the heat distribution within the slab. Eggleston et.al.'s work also indicated problems with direct fluid cooling the slab. In addition to coolant sealing difficulties a degradation of the total internal reflection faces due to contamination and etching was apparent. Since the zig-zag geometry involves many reflections off this surface any increase in loss is extremely undesirable. This under-standing led to the design and construction of a second generation of slab lasers that avoided the difficulties of direct fluid cooling by using cooling across a thin static aas gap.2 Joseph Chernoch was awarded the patent for conduction cooled slab lasers in July 19723 but to our knowledge a slab geometry laser using this cooling approach was never constructed. The laser built to examine the merits of static gas conduction cooling is shown in cross-section in Fig. 1. A (150 x 45 x 6.3) mm slab of Hoya LHG 5 phosphate glass with 8% Nd doping was used for these tests. Pumping was provided by two 15 cm long xenon flashlamps surrounded by second surface silver reflectors. The inner cooling pane was a 1 mm thick pyrex window supported and sealed by flexible elastomer such that it was free to be pressed against teflon spacers over the slab by the water flow. This allowed a variable gas gap thickness and easy mounting for the glass slab. This sealed static environment avoids slab surface contamination and provides a 'soft' thermal boundary against sudden changes in coolant temperature. One disadvantage of the gas conduction cooling design is the reflection loss of pump radiation at the solid to gas interfaces. We measured a slope efficiency increase of 33% when the gas gap was filled with water. Antireflection coatings on the window and the slab would improve flashlamp coupling but cannot prevent the rejection of radiation outside the critical angle for this solid to gas boundary. It can be noted that a permanent conduction layer of static fluid would be acceptable if a seal around the slab face could be made and convection of the thin static fluid layer in the flat plane of the slab could be effectively baffled.
Demonstration of a micro-fabricated hydrogen storage module for micro-power systems

The objective of this work was to demonstrate a micro-fabricated hydrogen storage module for micro-power systems. Hydrogen storage materials were developed as thin-film inks to be compatible with an integrated manufacturing process. Performance and durability of storage modules were evaluated. Further, applications were demonstrated for a nickel-hydrogen battery and a micro-fabricated hydrogen-air PEM fuel cell. The ink making process, in which polymer binders and solvents were added to the palladium-treated alloys, slightly decreased the storage capacities, but had little effect on the activation properties of the treated alloys. After 5000 absorption/desorption cycles under hydrogen, the hydrogen storage capacities of the thin-film inks remained high. Absorption/desorption behavior of the ink was tested in the environment of a new type nickel-hydrogen battery, in which it would in contact with 26wt% KOH solution, and the ink showed no apparent degradation. Storage modules were used as the successfully as hydrogen source for PEM fuel cell.
Nausées-vomissements postopératoires : nouveautés

Resume La prise en charge des nausees et vomissements postoperatoires a fait des progres significatifs. De nouvelles molecules sont a disposition telles que les setrons de longue duree d’action et les antagonistes des recepteurs NK1. La promethazine et la scopolamine ont egalement ete evaluees. Il n’y a pas de preuve de l’efficacite de l’acupuncture mais quelques donnees en faveur de l’electrostimulation. La prevention en chirurgie ambulatoire est particulierement importante. Tout ce qui permet une meilleure application des recommandations sur le sujet doit etre mis en valeur.
Multifunctional design of prismatic cellular materials

Low density, prismatic cellular materials have a combination of properties that make them suitable for multifunctional or multi-physics applications such as ultralight load-bearing combined with energy absorption and heat transfer. In this work, non-uniform, graded cellular materials are designed to achieve superior thermal and structural performance. A general multifunctional design approach is presented that integrates multiobjective decision-making with multi-physics analysis tools of structural and heat transfer performance. Approximate analysis models for heat transfer and elastic stiffness are utilized to analyze designs efficiently. Search/solution algorithms are used to solve multiobjective decisions by interfacing with customized and commercial software. During the design process, cell topology is assumed to be rectangular, but aspect ratios and dimensions of cells and cell walls are varied. Two design scenarios are considered – maximum convective heat transfer and in-plane elastic stiffness in the first case and maximum convective heat transfer and elastic buckling strength in the second case. A portfolio of heat exchanger designs is generated with both periodic and functionally graded cells. Both single- and multi-objective performance are considered, and trade-offs are assessed between thermal and structural performance. Generalization of this approach is discussed for broader materials design applications in which material structures and processing paths are designed to achieve targeted properties and performance characteristics within a larger overall systems design process, and process-structure-property-performance relations are manifested on a hierarchy of length and time scales.
Structure of E. coli glutaminyl-tRNA synthetase complexed with tRNA(Gln) and ATP at 2.8 A resolution

The crystal structure of Escherichia coli glutaminyl-tRNA synthetase (GlnRS) complexed with its cognate glutaminyl transfer RNA (tRNA(Gln] and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) has been derived from a 2.8 angstrom resolution electron density map and the known protein and tRNA sequences. The 63.4-kilodalton monomeric enzyme consists of four domains arranged to give an elongated molecule with an axial ratio greater than 3 to 1. Its interactions with the tRNA extend from the anticodon to the acceptor stem along the entire inside of the L of the tRNA. The complexed tRNA retains the overall conformation of the yeast phenylalanine tRNA (tRNA(Phe] with two major differences: the 3' acceptor strand of tRNA(Gln) makes a hairpin turn toward the inside of the L, with the disruption of the final base pair of the acceptor stem, and the anticodon loop adopts a conformation not seen in any of the previously determined tRNA structures. Specific recognition elements identified so far include (i) enzyme contacts with the 2-amino groups of guanine via the tRNA minor groove in the acceptor stem at G2 and G3; (ii) interactions between the enzyme and the anticodon nucleotides; and (iii) the ability of the nucleotides G73 and U1.A72 of the cognate tRNA to assume a conformation stabilized by the protein at a lower free energy cost than noncognate sequences. The central domain of this synthetase binds ATP, glutamine, and the acceptor end of the tRNA as well as making specific interactions with the acceptor stem.2+t is
Cohort Profile: Wisconsin longitudinal study (WLS)

The Wisconsin Longitudinal Study (WLS) is a longitudinal study of men and women who graduated from Wisconsin high schools in 1957 and one of their randomly selected siblings. Wisconsin is located in the upper midwest of the United States and had a population of approximately 14 000 000 in 1957, making it the 14th most populous state at that time. Data spanning almost 60 years allow researchers to link family background, adolescent characteristics, educational experiences, employment experiences, income, wealth, family formation and social and religious engagement to midlife and late-life physical health, mental health, psychological well-being, cognition, end of life planning and mortality. The WLS is one of the few longitudinal data sets that include an administrative measure of cognition from childhood. Further, recently collected saliva samples allow researchers to explore the inter-relationships among genes, behaviours and environment, including genetic determinants of behaviours (e.g. educational attainment); the interactions between genes and environment; and how these interactions predict behaviours. Most panel members were born in 1939, and the sample is broadly representative of White, non-Hispanic American men and women who have completed at least a high school education. Siblings cover several adjoining cohorts: they were born primarily between 1930 and 1948. At each interview, about two-thirds of the sample lived in Wisconsin, and about one-third lived elsewhere in the United States or abroad. The data, along with documentation, are publicly accessible and can be accessed at http://www.ssc.wisc.edu/wlsresearch/. Requests for protected data or assistance should be sent to ude.csiw.css@slw.
The Chiari Malformations of the Posterior Fossa and Their Relation to Hydrocephalus

The classification of the developmental malformations of the posterior fossa associated with hydrocephalus proposed by Chiari is systematic and comprehensive. It is based upon the relative position of cerebellum and brainstem in relation to the foramen magnum and the upper cervical canal. Types I to II are degrees of a similar abnormality in which a conical deformity of the posterior midline cerebellum and the elongated brainstem lie at or below the foramen magnum. In the Type IV deformity, in contrast, the cerebellum and brainstem lie fully within the posterior fossa and their position in relation to the foramen magnum is normal. The most common example of this type is probably the Dandy-Walker malformation, in which a defect in the inferior vermis is congruent with a ventriculocele of the enlarged fourth ventricle. The Chiari malformations are generally associated with hydrocephalus. The most comprehensive and coherent theory of the origin of these malformations is that abnormal hydrostatic forces, acting principally during the second and early third trimesters of gestation, provide the mechanism of posterior fossa deformity. Morphological evidence indicates that posterior fossa structures in Types I to III are "pushed down" from above. Radio-isotope dilution studies suggest that the mechanism of hydrocephalus in Types I to III is overproduction of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF); initially there may be no obstructive component. In those cases without spina bifida, ventricular enlargement should occur early and be greatest in the forebrain, driving the tentorium and posterior fossa structures downward. Where there is a fistulous communication between the ventricular system and the amniotic cavity via a spina-bifida defect, a pressure gradient between intracranial and spinal compartments may be sufficient to account for downward displacement of posterior fossa structures. In this instance ventricular enlargement may occur only after cerebellar impaction causes frank obstruction to the flow of cerebrospinal fluid. In the Dandy-Walker malformation, the mechanism of hydrocephalus is probably obstruction to flow of cerebrospinal fluid through the roof of the fourth ventricle. Enlargement of the fourth ventricle is sufficient not only to compress the cerebellum and give rise to the inferior vermal defect, but also to offset forces above the tentorium and prevent its caudal displacement from the parietal region.
Sovereign Silences and the Voice of War in the American Conflict over Slavery

Various students of constitutional law have proposed a negative relation ship between the possibility of formal amendment and recourse to infor mal construction. They suggest that if formal amendatory appeal to the sovereign People seems excessively difficult, a constitutional culture will more readily tolerate expansive interpretations or simple political action as mechanisms of change and clarification. Conversely, if the processes of amendment sufficiently allow the People to clarify or alter their own original charter, a constitutional culture will manifest less willingness to let judges and politicians put words in their mouths. The basic thrust of such constitutional logic is that, where reasonably possible, sovereigns will speak for themselves.1
An improved finite-difference analysis of bending of thin rectangular elastic plates

Abstract A finite-difference formulation that gives accurate bending moments for thin elastic plates is presented. The biharmonic equation is replaced with two deflection-normal bending moment relations and the equilibrium equation in terms of the moments. Isotropic as well as orthotropic rectangular plates under various loadings and edge conditions are analyzed to demonstrate the accuracy of the present formulation.
Synthesis of a new series of potent inhibitors of thromboxane A2 biosynthesis

Abstract The pyridino prostanoids 9 , 12 and 14 have been synthesized (in racemic form) and have been found to be effective inhibitors of the biosynthesis of thromboxane A 2 in human platelets (IC 50 1–3 μM).
Non-contrast thin-section helical CT of urinary tract calculi in children

Background: Non-contrast thin-section helical CT has gained acceptance for the diagnosis of urinary tract calculi in adults, but experience with the technique in children is limited. Purpose: To evaluate the utility of non-contrast thin section helical CT for the diagnosis of urinary tract calculi in children. Materials and methods: Radiology databases at three pediatric institutions were searched to identify all pediatric patients evaluated by "renal stone" protocol CT scans (no oral or intravenous contrast, scans covering the entire urinary tract obtained in helical mode with narrow collimation (< 5 mm)). CT scans were reviewed for the primary finding of urinary tract calculi, for secondary signs of acute urinary tract obstruction and for evidence of alternative diagnoses. Medical records were reviewed to determine clinical presentation and to confirm the eventual diagnosis. Results: One hundred thirty-seven scans of 113 children (mean age: 11.2 years) were studied. Thirty-eight of 94 examinations (40%) performed on 82 children for acute pain and/or hematuria showed ureteral calculi. Alternative diagnoses were suggested by CT on 16 scans (17%). Twenty-eight scans were performed on 10 asymptomatic children with known calculus disease confirming renal stone burden on 21 scans (75%) and persistent ureteral calculi on 6 scans (21%). Upper tract calculi were demonstrated on 10 of 15 scans (67%) performed to evaluate for calculi in patients with known non-calculus genitourinary tract abnormalities. Conclusions: Non-contrast thin section helical CT is a useful method to diagnose urinary tract calculi in children. Radiation dose in this retrospective study may exceed the lowest possible radiation dose for diagnostic accuracy. Further research is needed to optimize CT imaging parameters, while maintaining diagnostic accuracy and minimizing radiation dose.
Optimal distributed estimation fusion with compressed data

Considering communication constraints and affordable computational resources at the fusion center (e.g., in sensor networks), it is more beneficial for local sensors to send in compressed data. In this paper, a linear local compression rule is first constructed based on the full rank decomposition of the measurement matrix at each local sensor. Then an optimal distributed estimation fusion algorithm with the compressed data is proposed. It has three nice properties. Compression along time in the case of reduced-rate communication for some simpler cases and an extension to the singular measurement noise case are also discussed. Several counterexamples are provided to answer some potential questions.
Routing in multimetric networks using a fuzzy link cost

In B-ISDN links have to be described in terms of multiple metrics, thus making routing with multiple requirements an extremely difficult problem to tackle. A fuzzy logic approach is proposed to define a fuzzy cost to reflect the crisp values of the different metrics possibly used in the network links. The fuzzy system is then integrated into a complete routing system. Simulation results demonstrate the capability of this approach to increase the utilization and throughput of the communication network, and provide a fair distribution of calls, while offering a small delay.
Capture and polarization of positrons in a proposed NLC polarized positron source

A proposed NLC polarized positron source utilizes a 150 GeV electron beam passing through a helical undulator. The resulting flux of polarized photons is converted in a thin positron production target. Spin polarized positrons are captured using a high field flux concentrator followed by an accelerator section immersed in a solenoidal field. Positron tracking through the accelerating and focusing systems is done together with integration of spin precession. Optimization of the collection system is performed to insure high positron yield into the 6-dimensional acceptance of the subsequent predamping ring while keeping the high value of positron beam polarization.
Matching Youth and Jobs? Gender Dynamics in New Deal Job Training Programs

State theorists have examined the gender implications of various New Deal social policies, but few researchers have analyzed federal job training programs, which formed a key component of New Deal policies. Drawing on different theories of the state I analyze whether federal policy goals matched local policy outcomes (n =337 counties) in three southern states. Federal vocational policy expanded educational opportunities during the New Deal, but it did so in a gender-specific manner fundamentally shaped by structural changes in the region's economy. Thus, results are mixed. Policy outcomes matched goals in the sense that women's access to vocational training remained narrowly constrained, despite increased funding for women's programs. Additional funds mostly benefitted men's programs. But contrary to congressional intent, access to programs remained disconnected from local labor markets. Instead, employment opportunities in the domestic sector had a profound impact on enrollment dynamics, while changes in the organization of production via mechanization and industrialization made vocational programs more male dominated than ever.
Cellobiose uptake and metabolism by Ruminococcus flavefaciens

The cellulolytic ruminal bacterium Ruminococcus flavefaciens FD-1 utilizes cellobiose but not glucose as a substrate for growth. Cellobiose uptake by R. flavefaciens FD-1 was measured under anaerobic conditions (N2), using [G-3H]cellobiose. The rate of cellobiose uptake for early- or late-log-phase cellobiose-grown cells was 9 nmol/min per mg of whole-cell protein. Cellobiose uptake was inhibited by electron transport inhibitors, iron-reactive compounds, proton ionophores, sulfhydryl inhibitors, N,N-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide, and NaF, as well as lasalocid and monensin. The results support the existence of an active transport system for cellobiose. Transport of [U-14C]glucose was not detected with this system. Phosphorylation of cellobiose was not by a phosphoenolpyruvate-dependent system. Cellobiose phosphorylase activity was detected by both a coupled spectrophotometric assay and a discontinuous assay. The enzyme was produced constitutively in cellobiose-grown cells at a specific activity of 329 nmol/min per mg of cell-free extract protein.
“Sisters in the Collective Struggle” Sounds of Silence and Reflections on the Unspoken Assault on Black Females in Modern America

As the conversation on the state of modern Black America deepens in the wake of the Trayvon Martin tragedy and increased violence affecting young Black males, acknowledging historical and present s...
Effects of creep damage, shot peening, and case hardening on magnetic Barkhausen noise analysis

The micromagnetic emissions, commonly known as Barkhausen noise, are very sensitive to variations in the microstructure and sub-surface stress states of magnetic materials. Steel pipelines at power plants often have creep damage due to microstructural changes in their service life. Early detection of this damage will prevent costly failures. There is also an increasing demand to characterize the sub-surface stress states in structural materials such as high strength materials used in landing gear components in the aerospace industry. Shot peening is used to improve the fatigue strength of these components by the introduction of residual compressive stresses to the surface. Because the magnitude of Barkhausen noise varies with the magnitude of compressive stress, these noise measurements can be used for in-situ evaluation of the effectiveness of the shot peening process. Furthermore, surface modification such as case hardened magnetic samples can be easily observed using micromagnetic Barkhausen noise (MBE) to determine further modification needs. >
Nutrition-related claims on children's cereals: what do they mean to parents and do they influence willingness to buy?

Objective: To examine parents’ beliefs about the meaning of common front-ofpackage nutrition-related claims on children’s cereals and determine whether the claims would make them more willing to buy the cereals. Design: Parents viewed images of box fronts for children’s cereals of belowaverage nutritional quality, as assessed by a validated nutrient profiling model. These boxes featured various nutrition-related claims including ‘supports your child’s immunity’, ‘whole grain’, ‘fibre’, ‘calcium and vitamin D’ and ‘organic’. Participants were provided possible meanings for these claims and asked to select any that applied with the option to write in additional meanings. They also indicated how the claim would affect their willingness to buy the product. Setting: Online survey. Subjects: Parents with children between the ages of 2 and 11 years (n 306) recruited through an online panel. Results: The majority of parents misinterpreted the meaning of claims commonly used on children’s cereals. They inferred that cereals with claims were more nutritious overall and might provide specific health-related benefits for their children; and these beliefs predicted greater willingness to buy the cereals. Conclusions: These findings indicate that common front-of-package nutritionrelated claims are potentially misleading, especially when placed on products with high levels of nutrients to limit (e.g. sugar, sodium) and low levels of other nutrients to encourage (e.g. fibre, protein). Additional regulation is needed to protect consumers in the USA.
CENTRIFUGAL OPTIC NERVE RESPONSES EVOKED BY AUDITORY AND SOMATIC STIMULATION.

Abstract The evidence for the efferent control of receptor events has recently been repeatedly challenged. The present experiments were undertaken to provide a simple demonstration of the existence of such a mechanism. Clicks were presented to unanesthetized cats and bipolar recordings made of potential changes evoked in the optic nerve and tract with implants of small (300 μ spaced about 0.2 mm) electrode wires. Click initiated optic nerve responses of 10–60 μv amplitude were obtained in fourteen cats at a latency of 20 msec. These responses were unaffected by atropinization or by curarization; they showed amplitude decrement upon repeated presentations and were unobtainable when the animal was restless. They were abolished by bilateral section of the optic tracts central to the implant sites. Similar optic nerve responses could be initiated by tactile stimulation. Also, silent flash produced recordable responses in the eighth cranial nerve. Finally, parametric click-flash interaction effects were observed to differentially affect different fibers in the optic nerve and to alter the B wave of the ERG.
The Feasibility of One-Officer Patrol in New York City

How many patrol cars staffed with a single police officer are needed to provide equivalent police service to an existing system with n two-officer patrol cars? This question is explored for New York City using a multiple patrol car per call priority queueing model. It is shown that a one-officer patrol program is feasible, yet pitfalls exist which could adversely affect its performance. The paper details the process of data analysis and model building and emphasizes the subjective elements that remain in a highly technical OR study. Speed of response to emergency calls from the public was the key performance characteristic considered. The analysis also raised issues related to the safety of police officers in one-officer cars.
Dynamic Modeling of Morphing Tensegrity Structures

Tensegrity based structures represent a paradigm shift in the field of adaptive structures and are a technology enabler of growing importance. This control of tensegrity is a new field and the purpose of this effort is to develop the mathematical foundations of the non-linear dynamics and controls and demonstrate the validity on a proof-of-concept model. The modeling of Tensegrity structures is cumbersome due to the nonlinearities and the curse of dimensionality as the number of cells increase. Furthermore for active control purposes, it is imperative to obtain suitable models for controller design, analysis and validation. In this effort, we examine effectiveness of the MATLAB® toolbox called SIM Mechanics® for modeling of Tensegrity structures. A single degree-of-freedom (DOF) tensegrity structure is modeled in SIM Mechanics and results demonstrate the effectiveness of this modeling approach. Finally, this approach is applied to a Tensegrity structure with 5 degrees of freedom yielding desired results.
Influence of Physical and Environmental Factors on Ion Channels in Arterial Muscle

Despite the existence of pharmacomechanical coupling in arterial muscle, it is now clear that electrophysiological events occurring at the plasma membrane, which regulate the resting membrane potential, largely influence the reactivity of intact arterial muscle cells. Factors which hyperpolarize arterial muscle inhibit voltage-operated Ca2+ channels reducing their ability to respond to stimuli. Similarly, factors which depolarize arterial muscle activate voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels leading to activation. During the last ten years it has become apparent that one of the mechanisms responsible for the transduction of physical and environmental influences with respect to vascular reactivity is activation or inhibition of ion conductance systems setting a level of membrane potential around which vascular tone is enhanced or reduced.
Radiation Safety During Ureteroscopy

Medical imaging is essential for state-of-the-art diagnosis, surgical treatment and follow-up in individuals undergoing ureteroscopy. The imaging utilized has evolved from the use of plain films and intravenous pyelograms (IVP) with long acquisition times to spiral CT imaging with rapid image acquisition, high sensitivity and specificity. Although these advances in imaging have improved patient care, they have produced a moderate to significant increase in radiation exposure. Since the effects of radiation are not immediately perceived by the patient or the physician, their inherent risks may be easily overlooked. It is important that the urologic surgeon consider the potential risks and benefits of all imaging modalities prior to employing them.
Comparison of antibiotic susceptibility of Escherichia coli in urinary isolates from an emergency department with other institutional susceptibility data.

Purpose The antibiotic susceptibility of Escherichia coli in isolates from patients with uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI) in an emergency department (ED) was compared with susceptibility data from the associated hospital. Methods Patients eligible for study participation included women age 18–65 years with one or more symptoms consistent with a UTI for whom a urine dipstick, urinalysis, or urine culture was ordered. Clinical decision-making, including the decision to order a urine culture, was at the discretion of the individual healthcare provider; however, a deidentified urine culture and antimicrobial susceptibility testing were performed for those study participants for whom a urine culture was not ordered. We compared the E. coli -specific antibiogram for uncomplicated UTI to the antibiogram based on all urine cultures in the ED regardless of patient disposition, non-intensive care unit (ICU) hospital inpatients, and the hospitalwide antibiogram. Results Of the 578 ED patients screened for study eligibility, 119 met the inclusion criteria. E. coli , detected in 53 (74%) of the 72 pathogen-positive cultures, was the most common pathogen isolated. For E. coli , ciprofloxacin nonsusceptibility was significantly less common in isolates from ED patients with uncomplicated cystitis and pyelonephritis than in isolates from non-ICU inpatients or from the hospitalwide population. E. coli nonsusceptibility to ciprofloxacin was significantly less common in ED isolates from patients with uncomplicated UTI than in isolates from all ED patients with clinician-ordered urine cultures. Conclusion Antibiotic susceptibility of E. coli in an ED and its associated hospital depended on factors such as whether patients were hospitalized and whether ED isolates were from patients with uncomplicated UTI.
Design, Analysis, and Subs cale Testing of a Long -Range Supersonic Aircraft

Good l ow -speed handling qualities are essential to high -performance aircraft. Since 1995 students and faculty at the United States Air Force Academy have performed design studies and concept development of supersonic aircraft. These studies consistently conclu ded that it is feasible to build a long range supersonic aircraft with characteristics making it suitable as a supercruising business jet or a long range strike aircraft. Such an aircraft would have a takeoff gross weight around 100,000 pounds and carry either a dozen passengers or 4,000 lbs of precision -guided bombs fly supersonically over a range of 3,500 to 4,500 nautical miles. In each design study students built and flew subscale prototypes in order to verify low -speed handling qualities . The se fli ght tests of unmanned and often quite small radio -controlled aircraft were unique in that they were performed with aircraft configurations optimized for high -speed flight and low radar signatures. Students learned that such configurations often posed uniq ue challenges to achieving good low -speed handling qualities.
Design Scheme of Intelligent Transformer On-line Monitoring

To improve the overall design and implementation deficiency of on-line monitoring system based on IEC61850,this paper introduces a design scheme of intelligent transformer on-line monitoring.With the IEC 61850 digital interface and traditional communication interface,the scheme supports receiving the SMV and GOOSE information and solves the problem of different device interconnection based on the hierarchical design principles.Meanwhile,the system can also achieve the purpose of high acquisition capacity and diagnosis accuracy according to user's requirements on configuration.The field condition indicates that the on-line monitoring system is working well and all the monitoring data of primary equipment are in normal ranges.
Endopyelotomy for Primary Repair of Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction

AbstractA total of 12 patients underwent primary repair of ureteropelvic junction obstruction between November 1, 1985 and December 31, 1986. Ten patients underwent percutaneous incision of the ureteropelvic junction (endopyelotomy) as the initial effort to correct the obstruction. Two patients with ureteropelvic junction obstruction associated with an aberrant lower pole renal artery underwent dismembered pyeloplasty (Anderson-Hynes) via a flank incision.Of the 10 patients who underwent endopyelotomy 8 (80 per cent) have shown radiographic improvement. Radiographic stability of the obstructed ureteropelvic junction was demonstrated in the remaining 2 patients. No patient exhibited evidence of increased obstruction or decreased renal function. No patient required prolonged or rehospitalization for complications, and none required additional endoscopic or surgical procedures. All patients have remained clinically well after the initial release from the hospital.
A generalized method for characterization of 235U and 239Pu content using short-lived fission product gamma spectroscopy ☆

Abstract Rapid nondestructive assay methods for trace fissile material analysis are needed in both nuclear forensics and safeguards communities. To address these needs, research at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory High Flux Isotope Reactor Neutron Activation Analysis facility has developed a generalized nondestructive assay method to characterize materials containing fissile isotopes. This method relies on gamma-ray emissions from short-lived fission products and makes use of differences in fission product yields to identify fissile compositions of trace material samples. Although prior work has explored the use of short-lived fission product gamma-ray measurements, the proposed method is the first to provide a complete characterization of isotopic identification, mass ratios, and absolute mass determination. Successful single fissile isotope mass recoveries of less than 6% recovery bias have been conducted on standards of 235 U and 239 Pu as low as 12 ng in less than 10 minutes. Additionally, mixtures of fissile isotope standards containing 235 U and 239 Pu have been characterized as low as 198 ng of fissile mass with less than 7% recovery bias. The generalizability of this method is illustrated by evaluating different fissile isotopes, mixtures of fissile isotopes, and two different irradiation positions in the reactor. It is anticipated that this method will be expanded to characterize additional fissile nuclides, utilize various irradiation facilities, and account for increasingly complex sample matrices.
Biomechanical Comparison of Single- and Double-Leg Jump Landings in the Sagittal and Frontal Plane

Background:Double-leg forward or drop-jump landing activities are typically used to screen for high-risk movement strategies and to determine the success of neuromuscular injury prevention programs...
Diagnostic Testing: General Principles

Due to the use of immunosuppression to induce immune tolerance, infectious complications are an unfortunate consequence of solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Careful clinical and diagnostic assessment before, during, and after transplantation is necessary to prevent significant morbidity and mortality. A central part of this assessment is the use of diagnostic testing which enhances a physician’s ability to efficiently and effectively identify these infectious complications. Having an understanding of the diagnostic testing used in the diagnosis of transplant-related infectious diseases, including the strengths and limitations of each test, is fundamental to the care of the transplant recipient. This chapter provides an overview of the use of diagnostic testing in this population with a specific discussion on testing strategies both before and after transplantation. Particular focus on the appropriate use of diagnostic testing for risk stratification and clinical decision-making is presented.
Factors Associated With Underestimation of Invasive Cancer in Patients With Ductal Carcinoma In Situ: Precautions for Active Surveillance.

Importance Recent recognition of the overdiagnosis and overtreatment of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) detected by mammography has led to the development of clinical trials randomizing women with non–high-grade DCIS to active surveillance, defined as imaging surveillance with or without endocrine therapy, vs standard surgical care. Objective To determine the factors associated with underestimation of invasive cancer in patients with a clinical diagnosis of non–high-grade DCIS that would preclude active surveillance. Design, Setting, and Participants A retrospective cohort study was conducted using records from the National Cancer Database from January 1, 1998, to December 31, 2012, of female patients 40 to 99 years of age with a clinical diagnosis of non–high-grade DCIS who underwent definitive surgical treatment. Data analysis was conducted from November 1, 2015, to February 4, 2017. Exposures Patients with an upgraded diagnosis of invasive carcinoma vs those with a diagnosis of DCIS based on final surgical pathologic findings. Main Outcomes and Measures The proportions of cases with an upgraded diagnosis of invasive carcinoma from final surgical pathologic findings were compared by tumor, host, and system characteristics. Results Of 37 544 women (mean [SD] age, 59.3 [12.4] years) presenting with a clinical diagnosis of non–high-grade DCIS, 8320 (22.2%) had invasive carcinoma based on final pathologic findings. Invasive carcinomas were more likely to be smaller (>0.5 to ≤1.0 cm vs ≤0.5 cm: odds ratio [OR], 0.73; 95% CI, 0.67-0.79; >1.0 to ≤2.0 cm vs ≤0.5 cm: OR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.39-0.46; >2.0 to ≤5.0 cm vs ≤0.5 cm: OR, 0.19; 95% CI, 0.17-0.22; and >5.0 cm vs ≤0.5 cm: OR, 0.11; 95% CI, 0.08-0.15) and lower grade (intermediate vs low: OR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.69-0.80). Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that younger age (60-79 vs 40-49 years: OR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.77-0.92; and ≥80 vs 40 to 49 years: OR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.64-0.91), negative estrogen receptor status (positive vs negative: OR, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.34-0.43), treatment at an academic facility (academic vs community: OR, 2.08; 95% CI, 1.82-2.38), and higher annual income (>$63 000 vs Conclusions and Relevance When selecting patients for active surveillance of DCIS, factors other than tumor biology associated with invasive carcinoma based on final pathologic findings may need to be considered. At the time of randomization to active surveillance, a significant proportion of patients with non–high-grade DCIS will harbor invasive carcinoma.
Early evidence of unprofessional behavior found in medical student records.

A review of research that found that physicians disciplined by state medical boards were as much as three times more likely than controls to have had a record of unprofessional behavior in medical school. Virtual Mentor is a monthly bioethics journal published by the American Medical Association.
Characterisation of meta-analytical functional connectivity in progressive supranuclear palsy

Aim To characterise the meta-analytical functional connectivity patterns in progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and compare them to idiopathic Parkinson's disease (IPD). Materials and methods It was previously reported that PSP and IPD showed distinct regions of brain atrophy based on voxel-based morphometry (VBM) meta-analysis. Using these regions as seeds, healthy control data were referenced to create and statistically compare meta-analytical functional connectivity maps of PSP and IPD. Results Some overlap was noted between the two diseases, including within the thalamus, striatum, and prefrontal cortex; however, the PSP seeds demonstrated more extensive functional co-activity throughout the brain, particularly within the midbrain, precentral gyrus, parietal cortex, basal ganglia, and cerebellum. Conclusion These findings may help guide future longitudinal studies in the development of new functional imaging biomarkers for diagnosis and assessing treatment response.
An Innovative Spreadsheet Application to Teach Management Science Decision Criteria

This article describes a Microsoft Excel-based application that uses humorous voice synthesis and timed competition to make it more fun and engaging to learn management science decision criteria. I...