cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Seizure Recurrence and Developmental Disabilities After Neonatal Seizures: Outcomes Are Unrelated to Use of Phenobarbital Prophylaxis

This study investigated treatment patterns at discharge in infants with neonatal seizures and evaluated the impact of outpatient phenobarbital prophylaxis on the frequency of seizure recurrence and the long-term neurodevelopmental outcome at 1 to 11 years. Infants with neonatal seizures during a 12-year period were identified retrospectively (n = 146), and data were obtained by medical chart review. Outcomes were ascertained by standardized telephone survey. Thirty-three infants (23%) were taking phenobarbital, and 99 infants (68%) were taking no anticonvulsants at discharge. Comparisons were made between these 2 groups. Phenobarbital prophylaxis did not improve neurologic outcomes, either with respect to seizure recurrence or neurologic development. These data have important implications at a time when many are questioning the practice of prophylaxis after neonatal seizures and when newer anticonvulsants are being recommended for treatment of acute neonatal seizures.
Intermodal perception of emotional expressions by children with autism

Twenty-six children and adolescents with autism and six normally developing peers participated in an intermodal preference study examining their perception of emotional expressions. Children were presented pairs of videotaped facial expressions accompanied by a single soundtrack affectively matching one of the two facial expressions. Overall, the children with autism looked less at these emotional expressions than did the normally developing children. Both groups of children looked preferentially to fearful facial expressions, irrespective of the accompanying vocal expression. The sound manipulation influenced the children's looking time to the sad and happy facial expressions. These patterns of looking were correlated with chronological age and PPVT scores for the children with autism.
Two hundred twenty-two consecutive pharyngeal flaps: an analysis of postoperative complications.

Purpose The most frequent surgical technique used to treat velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI), the pharyngeal flap is also one of the more dangerous pediatric procedures due to the potential for airway obstruction and patient death. Prompted by recent concerns over high complication rates associated with this procedure, we completed a retrospective cohort study to evaluate the incidence and character of postoperative complications after 222 consecutive pharyngeal flap surgeries. Materials and Methods A database review was undertaken of all pharyngeal flap surgeries completed from January 2000 to April 2006 at a tertiary pediatric craniofacial center. Main outcome measures included postoperative complications, such as airway compromise manifested as oxygen desaturation, hemorrhage requiring reoperation, wound infection, pharyngeal flap breakdown, and development of obstructive sleep apnea. Results In 222 consecutive pharyngeal flap patients, the mean age at surgery was 6.4 years (range, 3.1 to 17 years). Postoperative complications were rare in this cohort. Twelve patients (8.0%) required supplemental oxygenation for limited desaturation, and 3 patients (1.35%) demonstrated significant postoperative bleeding. Five patients (3.33%) demonstrated positive findings of OSA at 6 months or longer after postpharyngeal flap surgery. Conclusion When coupled with a thorough preoperative evaluation by specialized personnel, pharyngeal flap surgery is a safe and reliable option for the surgical management of VPI.
THE ORBITS OF THE INNER NEPTUNIAN SATELLITES FROM VOYAGER, EARTH-BASED, AND HUBBLE SPACE TELESCOPE OBSERVATIONS

We present revised orbital elements for the six small Neptunian satellites discovered by Voyager 2. The elements have been determined from a fit to imaging data acquired by the Voyager 2 spacecraft and astrometric observations made at Earth-based observatories and by the Hubble Space Telescope. An assessment of the accuracy of the elements is provided, as are comparisons with orbits found by previous investigators.
The role of boundary and initial conditions for dynamical seasonal predictability

Abstract. The importance of initial state and boundary forcing for atmospheric predictability is explored on global to regional spatial scales and on daily to seasonal time scales. A general circulation model is used to conduct predictability experiments with different combinations of initial and boundary conditions. The experiments are verified under perfect model assumptions as well as against observational data. From initial conditions alone, there is significant instantaneous forecast skill out to 2 months. Different initial conditions show different predictability using the same kind of boundary forcing. Even on seasonal time scales, using observed atmospheric initial conditions leads to a substantial increase in overall skill, especially during periods with weak tropical forcing. The impact of boundary forcing on predictability is detectable after 10 days and leads to measurable instantaneous forecast skill at very long lead times. Over the Northern Hemisphere, it takes roughly 4 weeks for boundary conditions to reach the same effect on predictability as initial conditions. During events with strong tropical forcing, these time scales are somewhat shorter. Over the Southern Hemisphere, there is a strongly enhanced influence of initial conditions during summer. We conclude that the long term memory of initial conditions is important for seasonal forecasting.
Arthroscopic Transfer of the Long Head Biceps to the Conjoint Tendon

Pathology of the biceps tendon is often a factor in the etiology of shoulder pain. However, diagnosis and treatment of such pathology remains controversial. When conservative management fails to relieve symptoms, surgical options include tenotomy or tenodesis. Tenotomy has provided excellent results with regard to local pain relief, but a potential cosmetic deformity and occasional painful cramping are common in younger patients. Tenodesis has also had high failure rates resulting from persistent local pain. We have used an all-arthroscopic technique for transfer of the long-head biceps to the conjoint tendon instead of traditional tenodesis. We believe that this transfer more closely recreates the normal axis of the biceps muscle and may offer improved results over conventional tenodesis.
Hydrated electron extinction coefficient revisited.

The extinction coefficient of the hydrated electron (e−)aq generated by pulse radiolysis is evaluated relative to the methyl viologen radical cation •MV+, whose extinction coefficient at 605 nm has been carefully measured in the past. We find that the room temperature (e−)aq extinction coefficients reported in the literature are underestimated by 10−20%. We obtain ϵ = 22 700 M−1 cm−1 for the 20 °C hydrated electron at 720 nm, assuming the •MV+ extinction is 13 700 M−1 cm−1 at 605 nm. This has implications both for second-order reaction rate measurements of (e−)aq and for the estimate of its integrated oscillator strength.
Estimations réalistes des conséquences des accidents nucléaires

Les auteurs estiment, d'une maniere generale, que les hypotheses concernant les rejets radioactifs en cas d'accident nucleaire conduisent a une surevaluation des risques. Ils jugent par contre que les processus physiques et les dispositions prises pour limiter les rejets de radioactivite ne sont pas suffisamment pris en compte dans l'evaluation des consequences de l'accident. Une meilleure quantification de tous ces phenomenes doit conduire a une plus juste appreciation des risques encourus.
540: Early experience with off pump placement of implantable mechanical circulatory support devices (MCSD)

Purpose: Implantation of long term implantable MCSD is typically performed with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Though off pump coronary revascularization is now performed safely and frequently, implantation of MCSD without CPB is rarely performed. We have developed a technique to perform this procedure safely and reliably without CPB. Methods and Materials: Over the past two years 36 implantable ventricular assist devices (VADs) were performed at the Ohio State University Medical Center. The decision to attempt off pump placement is made in the operating room where transesophageal echo confirms no additional pathology requiring intervention (i.e. patent foramen ovale, apical thrombus, etc.). There were nineteen patients where off pump VAD placement was attempted and seventeen that were successful, six of whom were reoperations. Four patients were treated as bridge to transplantation and thirteen patients treated as destination therapy. The mean left ventricular end diastolic diameter was 6.9 cm. and the mean ejection fraction was 15 %. The two failed attempts were in reoperations; one, we entered the right atrium during resternotomy, the second; a congenital patient with a previous Mustard operation did not tolerate partial occlusion of the pulmonary artery. Both patients had successful implants with CPB. Results: Of the seventeen patients, only one patient required reexploration for bleeding. There were two deaths (11%) within 30 days. One death was from a pump thrombus on postoperative day 30 (patient was ready for discharge), a second death was related to a cerebral vascular accident that had occurred preoperatively. No patients required unplanned right ventricular assist device placement.
Across-phone variability and diagonal term in joint factor analysis for speaker recognition

We investigate usefulness of across-phone variability for speaker recognition in a joint factor analysis (JFA) framework. We estimate the variability as across-phone covariance within a conversation side averaged over all conversations. Note that it is a part of channel variability in the current JFA framework. We independently estimate feature subspaces representing across-phone, speaker and channel variability and perform speaker recognition experiments by either keeping them or removing them. The results show that the across-phone subspace is more correlated with the speaker subspace. We also perform speaker recognition experiments when combining the subspaces. Results show an improvement when phone and speaker subspaces are combined. This shows that across-phone variability is useful for speaker recognition. Further experiments show that the results are affected by a diagonal term from JFA. In particular, the improvement when combining the speaker and phone subspaces is reduced when the diagonal term is estimated from a universal background model (UBM). This implies that there is an interaction between the variability represented by the diagonal term and the across-phone variability. Overall, the work shows the importance of understanding the diagonal term (with speaker and channel subspaces) for incorporating additional variability into JFA beyond speaker and channel.
CCD Architectures For Focal-Plane Image Processing

Architectures for focal-plane image processing using CCD circuits are discussed. The choice of architecture depends on imager density and required throughput. High-density imagers require the reconstruction of local neighborhoods prior to image processing. Lower density imagers can utilize spatial parallelism to improve throughput. The use of three-dimensional structures can provide additional real-estate for processing circuitry.
Framework for Measuring the Rationale Clarity of AEC Design Decisions

Current architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) design processes often rely on precedent to resolve complex decisions. However, changes to stakeholder concerns, design methods, and buildi...
Hyperspectral imaging in the infrared using LIFTIRS

In this article, recent characterization measurements made with LIFTIRS, the Livermore Imaging Fourier Transform InfraRed Spectrometer, are presented. A discussion is also presented of the relative merits of the various alternative designs for imaging spectrometers.
New aqueous base-developable negative-tone photoresist based on furans

A new versatile negative-tone resist consisting of poly [4- hydroxystyrene-co-4-(3-furyl-3-hydroxypropyl)styrene], and a photoacid generator is described. This chemically amplified resist which shows high sensitivity in the deep-UV (2.3 mJ/cm2) and E-Beam (3.4 (mu) C/cm2) modes, operates on the basis of radiation induced crosslinking via acid-catalyzed electrophilic aromatic substitution. Due to the incorporation of phenolic substituents in the resist design aqueous development without swelling is possible.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Compactness of Floquet isospectral sets for the matrix Hill's equation

Let M(Q) denote the set of self adjoint K × K potentials for the matrix Hill’s equation having the same Floquet multipliers as −D2 + Q. Elementary methods are used to show that M(Q) has compact closure in the space of continuous matrix valued functions.
Evaluation of heart rate as a method for assessing moderate intensity physical activity

STRATH, S. J, A. M. SWARTZ, D. R. BASSETT, JR., W. L. O’BRIEN, G. A. KING, and B. E. AINSWORTH. Evaluation of heart rate as a method for assessing moderate intensity physical activity. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc., Vol. 32, No. 9, Suppl., pp. S465–S470, 2000. To further develop our understanding of the r
Optoacoustic detection and monitoring of blast-induced intracranial hematomas in rats

Patients with acute intracranial hematomas often require surgical drainage within the first four hours after traumatic brain injury (TBI) to avoid death or severe neurologic disability. CT and MRI permit rapid, noninvasive diagnosis of hematomas, but can be used only at a major health-care facility. At present, there is no device for noninvasive detection and characterization of hematomas in pre-hospital settings. We proposed to use an optoacoustic technique for rapid, noninvasive diagnosis and monitoring of hematomas, including intracranial hematomas. Unlike bulky CT and MR equipment, an optoacoustic system can be small and easily transported in an emergency vehicle. In this study we used a specially-designed blast device to inflict TBI in rats. A near-infrared OPO-based optoacoustic system developed for hematoma diagnosis and for blood oxygenation monitoring in the superior sagittal sinus (SSS) in small animals was used in the study. Optoacoustic signals recorded simultaneously from the SSS and hematomas allowed for measurements of their oxygenations. The presence of hematomas was confirmed after the experiment in gross pictures of the exposed brains. After blast the hematoma signal and oxygenation increased, while SSS oxygenation decreased due to the blastinduced TBI. The increase of the oxygenation in fresh hematomas may be explained by the leakage of blood from arteries which have higher blood pressure compared to that of veins. These results indicate that the optoacoustic technique can be used for early diagnosis of hematomas and may provide important information for improving outcomes in patients with TBI or stroke (both hemorrhagic and ischemic).
Measuring Cognitive Engagement With Self-Report Scales: Reflections From Over 20 Years of Research

Research spanning 20 years is reviewed as it relates to the measurement of cognitive engagement using self-report scales. The author's research program is at the forefront of the review, although the review is couched within the broader context of the research on motivation and cognitive engagement that began in the early 1990s. The theoretical origins of self-report instruments are examined, along with the early measurement findings and struggles. Research in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics contexts are highlighted. The author concludes that self-report data have made significant and important contributions to the understanding of motivation and cognitive engagement. However, the evidence also suggests a need to develop and use multiple approaches to measuring engagement in academic work rather than rely only on self-report instruments. Some alternatives to self-report measures are suggested here and throughout this issue.
A model to predict deposition of man-made vitreous fibres in the human tracheobronchial region

Biologically-based indices of fibre exposure In previous work, we proposed an approach to construct indices of fibre exposure (Quinn, 1992; Quinn et al., 1996) for a study of lung cancer based on three basic conditions for biologic activity: (1) the fibres must be able to cause the cellular changes associated with tumour formation; (2) the fibres must be expected to deposit in the target tissues; and (3) the fibres must persist at the target tissue long enough to cause carcinogenic cellular changes. Specific hypotheses regarding these three conditions relative to fibre length and diameter are represented in a series of matrices. The matrices are multiplied to produce a single value that is an index of the fibre exposure hypothesised to be related to lung cancer risk. The work presented here was developed for the matrix which represents the second biologic condition: fibre deposition at the target tissue as a function of the fibre lengths and diameters measured from a particular air sample.
Pleasure in Practical Reasoning

The A. argues that practical reasoning is no worse off than theoretical reasoning, as far as the arbitrariness of its premises goes. Philosophers, unless they are skeptics, are generally not worried about theoretical reasoning being ungrounded. The A. will argue that practical reasoning can avail itself of an analog of belief formation underwritten by observational circumstances, so that practical reasoning has no more cause for embarrassment than theoretical reasoning
Accumulation of 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+) into bovine chromaffin granules results in a large restriction of its molecular motion: a 13C and 31P NMR study

Summary 13 C labelled 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ([ 13 C-methyl]MPP + ) is taken up by chromaffin granules and a signal from the methyl group within the granular matrix appears at 49.8 ppm. No shift of the [ 13 C-Me]signal is observed upon incorporation into the granules. However the linewidth of the signal is significantly increased suggesting a restriction in the molecular motion of MPP + . Confirmation of the above derives from the determination of the T 1 relaxation time of the [ 13 C-Me]carbon of MPP + which shows a four fold decrease upon incorporation of MPP + into the granule. 31 P NMR spectra of ATP in the presence of MPP + reveals that the toxicant has low affinity for the nucleotide, suggesting that it is the viscosity of the granular matrix that restricts MPP + mobility rather than a specific interaction with intragranular ATP.
A prototype small swine waste treatment system for land limited and tropical application

A prototype of a 300-pig waste treatment system was constructed at the animal research farm of the University of Hawaii. The system includes a solid/liquid separation (12 m 3 ), two anaerobic reactors (10 m 3 each), one aeration unit (20 m 3 ) and one combined rock bed filter with the aquatic plant reactor (20 m 3 ). Based on the current results of a 240-pig operation, the methane gas production and TS reduction are 0.75 m 3 /m 3 /day and 72.7%, respectively, at the loading rate of 3.09 kg TS/m 3 /day. The aeration unit provides a TCOD and NH 3 -N reduction of 94% and 91%, respectively. The rock filter achieves a TCOD, NH 3 -N and NO 3 -N reduction of 32.8%, 26.8% and 68.4%, respectively. The annual cost for each of the treatment component is presented. It is very useful for the application of each treatment unit for the various needs of each pig farm.
Mediation of youth conflict: A multi-system perspective

The use of mediation and conflict resolution skills for youth in a variety of settings has grown extensively during the past decade. Rather than remain in a largely passive role as adults attempt to solve their problems, youth mediation programs can empower young people to be actively involved in resolving conflicts they are faced with. This article examines the application of mediation techniques in a variety of systems, including: the family; the school; the neighborhood; and the juvenile justice system. A basic definition of mediation, along with its strengths and limitations is presented. Key characteristics of youth mediation programs from a number of different states are identified. Finally, several critical issues facing the field of youth development and mediation are identified and discussed. These issues include: imbalance of power and negotiating skills; coercive versus voluntary participation; and, net-widening/labelling.
Deep water renewals and oxygen consumption in an Alaskan fjord

The deep and bottom waters of Resurrection Bay, a single-silled fjord on the south-central Alaskan coastline, are renewed annually by inflows of dense water (σt>26·0), during summer and fall months. Renewals are related to seasonal variations in the density of continental shelf source water: density maxima in summer result from a relaxation of a winter coastal downwelling condition. Deep water renewals may begin as early as April–May and are complete by September–October. During 1973 renewals were sufficient to replace the topographic basin volume 3–4 times over, but were less by half during the same period in 1974. Oxygen consumption rates in the bottom 100 m of the water column were highest (214±98 μ mol l− year−1) during fall and early winter months following summer phytoplankton production and were less (107±62 μ mol l−1) during late winter and spring. Consuption rates 10 m above the sediments were about double the deep (100 m) basin estimates, and approximately 30% of the in situ annual primary production was oxidized in the fjord bottom waters (20 m) and underlying surface sediments.
Integral evaluation in the case of a helium atom positioned off-center in a spherical box

A variational approach to the problem of multielectron atoms placed off-center in a spherical box leads to the difficult evaluation of electron repulsion integrals in an environment where spherical symmetry is no longer present. A technique for the evaluation of the electron repulsion integrals generated by this situation is developed and tested for the case of a helium atom placed off-center in a spherical box. ©1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Quant Chem 73: 459–467, 1999
Nutrition and wound healing

Continued research and development in the field of wound healing holds the potential to affect both quality of life and incidence of mortality. For the health care provider to promote successful wound healing, an understanding of the function of nutrients in inflammation and tissue growth is helpful. The intent of this paper is to discuss the metabolic and cellular pathways crucial to wound healing and identify appropriate nutritional interventions and clinical applications.
Women's Health Initiative Diet Intervention Did Not Increase Macular Pigment Optical Density in an Ancillary Study of a Subsample of the Women's Health Initiative

In this study, we examined the impact of long-term (>8 y), low-fat, high-fruit and -vegetable diets on levels of lutein and zeaxanthin in the macula of the retina, as indicated by the OD of macular pigment. Macular pigment OD, measured by heterochromatic flicker photometry, was compared in women aged 60–87 y, who, 7–18 mo earlier (median 12 mo), had been in the dietary modification intervention (n = 158) or comparison (n = 236) groups of the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) at the Madison, WI site for a mean of 8.5 y. Women in the intervention group ate more fruits and vegetables (mean ± SEM) (6.1 ± 0.2 vs. 4.6 ± 0.2 servings/d; P < 0.0001) and had higher intakes of lutein and zeaxanthin from foods and supplements (2.7 ± 0.2 vs. 2.1 ± 0.1 mg/d; P = 0.0003) than the comparison group. However, macular pigment density did not differ between the intervention (0.36 ± 0.02 OD units) and comparison (0.35 ± 0.01 OD units) groups. It tended to be higher (11%; P = 0.11) in women consuming lutein and zeaxanthin in the highest compared with the lowest quintile (median 6.4 vs. 1.1 mg/d). The increase in fruit and vegetable intake among dietary modification participants of this WHI subsample was not of sufficient magnitude to alter the mean density of retinal carotenoids, given other existing dietary conditions in this sample.
An effective use of spectrum usage estimation for IEEE 802.22 networks

IEEE 802.22 networks consist of base stations and consumer premise equipments (CPEs) where the base station in each cell opportunistically accesses and allocates (uplink and downlink) channels to all the CPEs in its cell. Information on white space (unused primary channels) availability is reported by the CPEs to the base stations. Thus, a base station's effectiveness to allocate channels are based on its ability to gauge the spectrum usage at various locations. In this paper, we propose a channel usage estimation framework where a base station uses the spectrum reports from other neighboring base stations to estimate the spectrum usage scenario at any arbitrary location within its cell. Our estimation framework is based on Shepard's interpolation technique for irregular points. We propose a channel allocation scheme that minimizes interference among CPEs and maximizes white space utilization. Through simulation experiments, we demonstrate the accuracy of the estimation technique, utilization of the available spectrum, and efficiency of allocation scheme. We also show that our scheme achieves very low false positives and no false negatives. Finally, we show that the optimal number of base stations that need to be consulted is in accordance with Shepard's bounds1.
Vacuum Rabi splitting for multilevel electromagnetically induced transparency system

We discuss the vacuum Rabi splitting (VRS) from multilevel atoms under electromagnetically induced transparency condition within the framework of linear absorption-dispersion theory. Sharp resonance features superimposed on usually occurring VRS doublet to three-peaked structure spectra are obtained here which can be engineered to have absorptive, dispersive, or dip like profiles according to the choice of system parameters such as radiative damping constants, atomic detunings and driving field strengths etc.
Radio frequency characteristics of HVDC convertor station components

The use of HVDC convertor stations in electric power transmission systems is increasing. The fast switching occurring in these stations is a potential source of considerable wide-band RF energy which could interfere with power-line carrier, computer and communications systems, related or unrelated to the operation of the station. Understanding and controlling this operational condition requires a knowledge of the RF properties of power frequency components. Methods of measuring these properties are described and some typical results presented, together with a brief discussion on how these characteristics may combine to reduce or aggravate the problem
Adopting self‐directed learning in continuing professional education: Physicians and architects

Various aspects of self-directed learning have been accepted as a continuing professional education alternative for practitioners of medicine in Canada and of architecture in the United States.
Mycobacterium smegmatis RoxY Is a Repressor of oxyS and Contributes to Resistance to Oxidative Stress and Bactericidal Ubiquitin-Derived Peptides

The mycobactericidal properties of macrophages include the generation of reactive oxygen intermediates and the delivery of bacteria to a hydrolytic lysosome enriched in bactericidal ubiquitin-derived peptides (Ub-peptides). To better understand the interactions of ubiquitin-derived peptides with mycobacteria and identify putative mycobacterial intrinsic resistance mechanisms, we screened for transposon mutants with increased susceptibility to the bactericidal Ub-peptide Ub2. We isolated 27 Mycobacterium smegmatis mutants that were hypersusceptible to Ub2. Two mutants were isolated that possessed mutations in the msmeg_0166 gene, which encodes a transcriptional regulator. The msmeg_0166 mutants were also hypersusceptible to other host antimicrobial peptides and oxidative stress. In characterizing msmeg_0166, we found that it encodes a repressor of oxyS, and therefore we have renamed the gene roxY. We demonstrate that RoxY and OxyS contribute to M. smegmatis resistance to oxidative stress. An ahpD transposon mutant was also isolated in our screen for Ub-peptide hypersusceptibility. Overexpression of oxyS in M. smegmatis reduced transcription of the ahpCD genes, which encode a peroxide detoxification system. Our data indicate that RoxY, OxyS, and AhpD play a role in the mycobacterial oxidative stress response and are important for resistance to host antimicrobial peptides.
Structural mechanism for statin inhibition of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase ☆ ☆☆

3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase (HMGR) catalyzes the committed step in cholesterol biosynthesis. HMGR is the target of compounds (HMGR inhibitors, commonly referred to as statins) that are very effective in lowering serum cholesterol levels. These inhibitors have K(i) values in the nanomolar range and are widely prescribed in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia. We have determined structures of this enzyme in complexes with 6 different statins (compactin, simvastatin, fluvastatin, cerivastatin, atorvastatin, and rosuvastatin). The statins occupy a portion of the binding site of HMG-CoA, thus blocking access of this substrate to the active site. The nicotinamide binding pocket of NADP(H) (the second substrate of the enzyme) is unoccupied by the inhibitor molecules. Near the C-terminus of HMGR, several catalytically relevant residues are disordered in the enzyme-statin complexes. The flexibility of these residues is critical for binding with statins; if ordered, they would sterically hinder such binding.
Very Low-Cost Nutritious Diet Plans Designed by Linear Programming.

Abstract The USDA Thrifty Food Plan provides for low-cost nutritious diets within the constraint that the assortment of foods represents little change from average food consumption patterns of households with low incomes. However, the cost of the plan may be greater than some households are willing or able to allocate to food. Linear programming is used to devise a food plan that is as nutritious as the Thrifty Food Plan, but substantially lower in cost. In order to reduce cost without sacrificing nutritional value, the program does not restrict the solution to close agreement with usual eating patterns. The result appears as a monthly food plan for a household similar to the \ld4-person household\rd in the USDA food plans. The food plan provides powdered milk as the only dairy product; relies heavily on dried beans and peas, cereals, bread, and potatoes; virtually excludes meat other than chicken, hamburger, and beef chuck; and in general offers only limited variety and very few convenience items. However, the plan meets the same nutrient standards as does the Thrifty Food Plan at 60% of the cost. Thus, this procedure devises a dietary guide for consumers willing to change eating patterns in order to minimize food costs without sacrificing nutritional quality.
Regional growth transition clubs in the United States

. This article develops a growth-based regionalisation of the United States using both principal components and cluster analyses to endogenously sort states into regional transition clubs with somewhat uniform annual rates of per capita real GSP growth in the period 1977–2004. I correlate the principal components with annual growth in per capita real GDP and assess spatial dependencies in the identified transition clubs. Growth variability in the transition clubs is compared with growth variability in BEA and Census regions. Results show a large Coastal transition club that contains most of the New England, Middle Atlantic, and South Atlantic census regions. California, Minnesota, and Arizona belong to this grouping. A second growth transition club titled Eastern Interior groups most of the states in the East North Central and the East South Central census regions. A Western Interior region groups states in the southern Great Plains. Coefficients of variation show that these three large interstate groupings grow more uniformly compared with associated census and BEA regions. Growth in western states is idiosyncratic. Most western states group with one or two related states, California and Arizona associate with the Coastal club, Nevada does not pigeonhole well with other states, and Alaska's annual growth trajectory is unique. Abstract. Este articulo desarrolla una regionalizacion de los Estados Unidos basada en crecimiento usando componentes principales y analisis de cluster para agrupar los estados en grupos de transicion regional segun tasas anuales de crecimiento mas o menos uniformes en el producto estatal bruto (GSP) real per capita en el periodo 1977–2004. Correlaciono los componentes principales con el crecimiento anual en el producto interior bruto (GDP) real per capita y evaluo dependencias espaciales en los grupos de transicion identificados. La variabilidad de crecimiento en los grupos de transicion se compara con la variabilidad de crecimiento en regiones BEA (Bureau of Economic Analysis) y Censuales. Los resultados muestran un grupo de transicion grande en la Costa que contiene la mayoria de regiones censuales de New England, Atlantico Medio, y Atlantico Sur. California, Minnesota, y Arizona pertenecen a este grupo. Un Segundo grupo de transicion de crecimiento llamado Interior Este aglutina la mayoria de estados de las regiones censuales Central Norte Oriental y Central Sur Oriental. Una region Interior Occidental agrupa los estados de las Grandes Llanuras del Sur. Los coeficientes de variacion muestran que estos tres grandes grupos interestatales crecen mas uniformemente en comparacion con las regiones censuales y BEA asociadas. El crecimiento en los estados occidentales es idiosincrasico. La mayoria de los estados occidentales se agrupan con uno o dos estados relacionados, California y Arizona se asocian con el grupo de la Costa, Nevada no se clasifica bien con ningun otro estado, y la trayectoria de crecimiento anual de Alaska es unica.
Analysis of the intergenic sequences provided by Feria-Arroyo et al. does not support the claim of high Borrelia burgdorferi tick infection rates in Texas and northeastern Mexico.

Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is one of the neglected tropical diseases targeted for global elimination by 2020 and to guide elimination efforts countries have, in recent years, conducted extensive mapping surveys. Documenting the past and present distribution of LF and its environmental limits is important for a number of reasons. Here, we present an initiative to develop a global atlas of LF and present a new global map of the limits of LF transmission.
Students' Perceptions of Social Work: Implications for Strengthening the Image of Social Work among College Students

This study, inspired by the efforts of NASW to improve the public perception and understanding of social work, focused on the perceptions and attitudes of college students regarding the profession of social work. The sample included 678 undergraduates at a state university who represented a wide variety of majors. Findings indicate that students' affiliation with a social worker, whether a family member, friend, or work or volunteer experience, positively influenced both their perception and understanding of the profession. Furthermore, regardless of demographics, respondents generally had a negative perception of the salary range of social workers, implying that this aspect of the profession could limit or deter students from choosing social work as a profession. Implications for improving the image of social work among college students are delineated along with issues that require further study.
Parental alcohol dependence and the transmission of adolescent behavioral disinhibition: a study of adoptive and non-adoptive families.

Aim To examine the genetic and environmental influences of parental alcoholism on offspring disinhibited behavior. Design We compared the effect of parental alcoholism history on offspring in adoptive and non-adoptive families. In families with a history of parental alcohol dependence, we examined the effect of exposure to parental alcoholism symptoms during the life-time of the adolescent. Setting Assessments occurred at the University of Minnesota from 1998 to 2004. Participants Adolescents adopted in infancy were ascertained systematically from records of three private Minnesota adoption agencies; non-adopted adolescents were ascertained from Minnesota birth records. Adolescents and their rearing parents participated in in-person assessments. Measurements For adolescents, measures included self- reports of delinquency, deviant peers, substance use, antisocial attitudes and personality. For parents, we conducted DSM-IV clinical assessments of alcohol abuse and dependence. Findings A history of parental alcohol dependence was associated with higher levels of disinhibition only when adolescents were related biologically to their rearing parents. Within families with a history of parental alcoholism, exposure to parental alcohol misuse during the life-time of the adolescent was associated with increased odds of using alcohol in adopted adolescents only. Conclusions These findings suggest that the association between a history of parental alcohol dependence and adolescent offspring behavioral disinhibition is attributable largely to genetic rather than environmental transmission. We also obtained some evidence for parental alcohol misuse as a shared environmental risk factor in adoptive families.
Improved Remotely-Sensed Estimates of Crop Residue Cover by Incorporating Soils Information

Remote sensing allows for the rapid determination of crop residue cover. The Cellulose Absorption Index (CAI) has been shown to more accurately estimate residue cover and non-photosynthetic vegetation than other indices. CAI is useful as values are linear areal mixtures of soil and residue spectral properties. Our research shows that spatial soil property data can be used for calibration to improve residue cover estimates. Furthermore, residue cover estimations are affected by rainfall and live green vegetation, and these need to be accounted for in analyses. This work supports the concept that future remote sensing platforms should include CAI bands to allow for better estimation of residue cover.
Digital Video in the Classroom: Integrating Theory and Practice

This article is intended to help teacher educators, classroom teachers, and administrators interested in educational technology acquire a firm theoretical as well as practical foundation upon which to introduce nonlinear digital video into their undergraduate or graduate instruction; discover a time-tested, step-by-step process for introducing creative hands-on videography projects into their respective teacher preparation programs or classrooms; and recognize why it is critically important for preservice and in-service teachers to establish a personal underlying pedagogical philosophy for infusing video technology into classroom instruction.
Plasma Bicarbonate and Odds of Incident Hypertension

Background Several biomarkers of metabolic acidosis, including lower plasma bicarbonate, have been associated with prevalent hypertension in cross-sectional studies. We sought to examine prospectively whether lower plasma bicarbonate is associated with incident hypertension. Methods We conducted a prospective case-control study nested within the Nurses' Health Study II. Plasma bicarbonate was measured in 695 nonobese women without hypertension at time of blood draw who subsequently developed hypertension during 6 years of follow-up. Control subjects were matched to case subjects according to age, race, time and day of blood draw, and day of menstrual cycle. We used unconditional logistic regression to generate odds ratios (ORs) for development of hypertension by quintile of baseline plasma bicarbonate. Results After adjusting for matching factors, body mass index, family history of hypertension, plasma creatinine, and dietary and lifestyle factors, higher plasma bicarbonate was associated with lower odds of developing hypertension across quintiles (P for linear trend = 0.04). Those in the highest compared with the lowest quintile of plasma bicarbonate had 31% lower odds of developing hypertension (OR = 0.69; 95% confidence interval = 0.48-0.99). Further adjustment for diet-estimated net endogenous acid production, plasma insulin, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, and uric acid did not alter these findings. Conclusions Our case-control study is consistent with a modest association between higher plasma bicarbonate and reduced odds of developing hypertension among nonobese women, although our findings are of borderline statistical significance. Further research is required to confirm this finding as part of a larger prospective cohort study and to elucidate the mechanism for this relation.
LATITUDINAL VARIATION IN PALATABILITY OF SALT-MARSH PLANTS: ARE DIFFERENCES CONSTITUTIVE?

Biogeographic theory argues that consumer–prey interactions are more intense, and prey defenses better developed, at lower latitudes. Along the Atlantic Coast of the United States, low-latitude salt marsh plants are less palatable than high-latitude conspecifics. To test the hypothesis that latitudinal variation in palatability would occur in the absence of geographically different environmental cues (i.e., that differences in palatability are constitutive rather than induced by climate or herbivore damage), we grew high- and low-latitude individuals of three species of salt marsh plants from seeds (Solidago sempervirens) or rhizome cuttings (Distichlis spicata and Spartina alterniflora) in a common-garden greenhouse environment, and compared their palatability to herbivores over time. We also quantified leaf toughness and nitrogen content over time in order to help explain results of feeding assays. High-latitude plants were always more palatable to herbivores than low-latitude conspecifics. Latitudinal ...
NEST SURVIVAL OF SCAUP AND OTHER DUCKS IN THE BOREAL FOREST OF ALASKA

Abstract We estimated variation in nest survival of lesser scaup (Aythya affinis), greater scaup (A. marila), and other common duck species at Minto Flats, Alaska, USA, during 1989–1993 and 2002–2003. Daily survival probability of scaup nests, as well as nests of all other duck species, varied with year, date, and nest habitat. Daily survival probability was unrelated to nest age and distance from the nest to water. Average, year-specific nest survival of all ducks at Minto Flats was 0.11 (95% CI: 0.05 to 0.22), comparable to nest survival of ducks breeding in mid-continent regions (i.e., the prairie pothole region and the Canadian prairie-parklands). Nest survival of scaup was variable among years, ranging from 0.01 (95% CI: 0.00 to 0.06) in 1992 to 0.61 (95% CI: 0.50 to 0.74) in 1993 and was probably related to variation in predation risk and water levels. Scaup production could have been limited by low nest survival during most years of this study; nest survival exceeded 20% only in 1993 and 2002. Beca...
Religious Discrimination Based on Employer Misperception

This Article addresses the circuit split over whether Title VII prohibits discrimination based on an employer’s misperception of an employee’s religion. This is an especially critical issue because misperception-based religious discrimination is likely to increase as the United States experiences unprecedented religious diversification. Some courts read Title VII narrowly to preclude such claims, reasoning that the statutory text only prohibits discrimination based on an individual’s actual religion. Other courts interpret the statute more expansively in concluding such claims are cognizable because the employer’s intent is equally malicious in misperception and conventional discrimination cases. I argue that the statutory text is ambiguous, but the legislative history, EEOC guidance, and broader consideration of the federal antidiscrimination regime all support recognition of misperception-based religious discrimination claims under Title VII. The Supreme Court’s recent decision in EEOC v. Abercrombie & Fitch Stores, Inc. further confirms the validity of such claims, as the Court held that Title VII liability is premised on an employer’s discriminatory motive, not its actual knowledge of an individual’s religious practices. Thus, if an employer’s motive is the touchstone for liability, it matters not whether an employer accurately perceives an employee’s religion, so long as religion motivates the adverse employment decision.
Fracturing and foreclosure: A study of shale gas development and foreclosure levels in Pennsylvania

Despite the considerable attention hydraulic fracturing of shale has generated around the world, few academic studies to date have examined the potential impacts shale development has had on local housing markets. This study aims to partially fill this void by examining the temporal relationship between shale development and foreclosure levels in Pennsylvania zip codes. The empirical models measure how foreclosure levels change in relation to the number of unconventional gas well permits, drill starts, and well completions for all Pennsylvania zip codes from January 2007 to June 2012. Zip code and quarterly fixed effects are included. The results suggest that past shale development was associated with an increase in foreclosure levels in comparison to neighboring and socioeconomically similar zip codes without shale development. The estimates are larger and more consistent after 2009 and in comparison to neighboring zip codes.
Case Study: Fosamprenavir: A Prodrug of Amprenavir

Fosamprenavir (Lexiva®) is a phosphate ester prodrug of the antiretroviral protease inhibitor amprenavir (Agenerase®). Amprenavir is a white-to-cream-colored solid with a solubility of approximately 0.04 mg/mL in water at 25°C. It was originally marketed as an oral solution at a concentration of 15 mg/mL that included a variety of excipients, such as acesulfame potassium, artificial grape bubblegum flavor, citric acid, TPGS, menthol, natural peppermint flavor, polyethylene glycol 400, propylene glycol, saccharin sodium, sodium chloride, and sodium citrate (GlaxoSmithKline, 2004). Because the recommended amprenavir regimen is 1200 mg twice daily (equal to 80 mL b.i.d.), the large amount of excipients (propylene glycol in particular) in the oral solution posed potential toxicity problems and prohibited its usage in infants and children under the age of 4 years and in certain other patient populations. Amprenavir is also formulated as capsules in strengths of 50 and 150 mg (GlaxoSmithKline, 2002). The content of vitamin E as TPGS in amprenavir capsules (daily dose of 1744 IU) far exceeds the Reference Daily Intake (adults 30 IU, pediatrics 10 IU). Patients are advised not to take additional vitamin E. To reduce the excipient intake and the burden of 8 capsules twice daily, fosamprenavir was designed as a more watersoluble prodrug (0.31 mg/mL in water at 25°C) of amprenavir (Gatell, 2001), which required only two tablets twice a day.