cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Predictors of successful weight loss in children treated at a community hospital–based tertiary care pediatric weight management program:

Childhood obesity is a major public health concern. However, predictors of successful outcomes for patients treated at multidisciplinary community hospital-based pediatric weight management programs remain poorly understood. We conducted a retrospective analysis to evaluate 633 pediatric patients from ages 2 to 18 at a tertiary pediatric weight management program in 2018. Predictors were evaluated in univariate comparisons, and significant variables were included in a linear regression analysis to identify factors associated with improvements in body mass index relative to the age- and sex-specific 95th percentile body mass index (%BMIp95). We found that male sex and increased number of clinical visits were independently and significantly associated with reductions in %BMIp95. Baseline %BMIp95, age, preferred language, and insurance status were not significant predictors of outcomes. A total of 398 (63%) patients experienced a decrease in %BMIp95 from baseline to follow-up. One quarter (24.8%) of patients experienced a decrease in %BMIp95 of at least 5%, a threshold associated with cardiometabolic improvements. Further, we observed significant improvements in cholesterol, triglycerides, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, HbA1c, and waist circumference. These findings support a potential need for sex- and gender-tailored care as well as the benefits of increased access to pediatric weight management programs.
Meaning Making and Self-Efficacy: Teacher Reflections through COVID-19

Teacher self-efficacy beliefs have been a topic of great interest because of their potential to positively influence teacher actions and student outcomes. This qualitatively-driven mixed methods st...
Pediatric Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: Who Can Be Managed at a Non-pediatric Trauma Center Hospital? A Systematic Review of the Literature.

Background Pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) affects about 475,000 children in the United States annually. Studies from the 1990s showed worse mortality in pediatric TBI patients not transferred to a pediatric trauma center (PTC), but did not examine mild pediatric TBI. Evidence-based guidelines used to identify children with clinically insignificant TBI who do not require head CT were developed by the Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network (PECARN). However, which patients can be safely observed at a non-PTC is not directly addressed. Methods A systematic review of the literature was conducted, focusing on management of pediatric TBI and transfer decisions from 1990 to 2020. Results Pediatric TBI patients make up a great majority of preventable transfers and admissions, and comprise a significant portion of avoidable costs to the health care system. Majority of mild TBI patients admitted to a PTC following transfer do not require ICU care, surgical intervention, or additional imaging. Studies have shown that as high as 83% of mild pediatric TBI patients are discharged within 24 hrs. Conclusions An evidence-based clinical practice algorithm was derived through synthesis of the data reviewed to guide transfer decision. The papers discussed in our systematic review largely concluded that transfer and admission was unnecessary and costly in pediatric patients with mild TBI who met the following criteria: blunt, no concern for NAT, low risk on PECARN assessment, or intermediate risk on PECARN with negative imaging or imaging with either isolated, nondisplaced skull fractures without ICH and/or EDH, or SDH
SHIPPING COST, SPOT RATE AND EBAY AUCTIONS: A STRUCTURED EQUATION MODELING APPROACH

In this paper, the author used a Structured Equation Modeling approach to capture the factors affecting selling prices of gold on eBay. The research showed that almost 99% of the variation in the auction’s selling price can be explained by the item’s calculated price (using the Gold daily spot rate). Auction prices of scrap Gold (per gram) was also found to be higher than that of useable gold. Though, unlike previous researches, shipping cost was not found to have any noticeable effect on the final auction price.
A framework for analyzing and optimizing renewable energy portfolios

With growing penetration of renewable energy sources in power grids, it is increasingly important to reduce the renewable power forecasting error and variability to maintain balance of grid load and supply and participate in wholesale energy markets. Power from weather-dependent renewable sources like wind and solar are particularly subject to variability and forecasting error. In this study we propose an innovative framework for analyzing the renewable generators at a given location and constructing energy portfolios that minimize the variability and forecasting error of the overall power output. The framework's key innovations are (1) its ease of automated implementation and (2) its ability to work even without any geographical diversity. We have implemented this framework for wind turbines and solar photovoltaics, and successfully executed it for a location in eastern USA. The results from this experiment have been quite promising and they demonstrate that both renewable power forecasting error and variability can be reduced by 40% with our framework.
A note on asymptotically flat metrics on ℝ³ which are scalar-flat and admit minimal spheres

We use constructions by Miao and Chrusciel-Delay to produce asymptotically flat metrics on R 3 which have zero scalar curvature and multiple stable minimal spheres. Such metrics are solutions of the time-symmetric vacuum constraint equations of general relativity, and in this context the horizons of black holes are stable minimal spheres. We also note that under point-wise sectional curvature bounds, asymptotically flat metrics of nonnegative scalar curvature and small mass do not admit minimal spheres, and hence are topologically R 3 .
Hangovers and Herring

A MANX STORY? Is there such a thing? Aren't I thinking of a Manx cat, that little quadruped that resembles a cat in every particular, save that it lacks a tail? It is admittedly very difficult not to think of a Manx cat, once you have made the acquaintance of one. You never realize how much you take the tail of a cat for granted until you meet one (a c^t) who lacks one (a tail). As Evelyn Waugh would put it, it is just^too too shame-making, a cat lacking a tail. Be that as it may, the Manx cat survives the trauma of its body to stroll in picturesque state across an island which is already much too pic turesque. Tiny, gaudily colorful, with horse-drawn trams and a miniature electric railroad, elderly retirees and motorcycle races, mountains and palm trees, all superimposed on a brooding Celtic undercurrent ? the Isle of Man defies easy classification. There is the Isle of Man of the Runic inscrip tions and cold grey stone crosses; there is also the Isle of Man of the tea shops and cheap trinkets ? a Manchesterian's paradise. The language of to day is English; there are no known living Manx speakers. But the lan guage of history, the yearned for, embattled language, is Manx. Brutally repressed by the British in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, Manx remains today the road to the Isle of Man's past. And possibly its future. A number of new books, articles, stories and accounts have been written in Manx in recent years by those who have inherited, if not the birthright, then surely an interest in their parents' and grandparents' tongue. In addi tion to their publishing activity, these revivalists have begun campaigns to have street signs written in Manx, and Manx language courses taught. Such activity, though relatively circumscribed, can't fail to have an effect on such a small island. As it is, the Isle of Man maintains its own postal and coinage systems, with brilliant stamps and boldly emblazoned coins. Not to mention the justly famed Manx kippers. The literary output of the Isle of Man is idiosyncratic. Much of it con sists of translations from the Bible, or Manx versions of classics such as Paradise Lost. But there is also quite a bit that departs from the orthodox, that enters the world of the buggane, the Manx fairy-bugbear, known to terrorize farmers living in isolated regions, or drunken men stumbling home after a night's indulgence. The 'little people' are never very far away
Rapid learning with stochastic focus of attention

We present a method to determine when to stop the evaluation of a decision-making process. The method determines to stop the evaluation process when the result of the full evaluation is obvious. This trait is highly desirable for margin-based Machine Learning algorithms where a classifier traditionally evaluates all the features for every example. However, some examples are easier to classify than others, a phenomenon which is characterized by the event when most of the features agree on the class of an example. By stopping the feature evaluation when encountering an easy to classify example, a margin-based Machine Learning algorithm can achieve substantial reduction in running times. To determine when to stop the feature evaluation, we develop a set of novel sequential tests, the Sequential Thresholded Sum Tests (STST). These tests stop the partial evaluation of the sum when the result of the full summation is guaranteed with high probability. By making different assumptions on the data and the features different tests arise. In general we look at the feature evaluation process as a random walk and apply different Brownian motion early stopping inequalities to determine when to stop the walk. From these inequalities we derive a family of stopping thresholds for sequential feature evaluations under different assumptions. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the different STST by speeding up several Online Learning algorithms on synthetic and real data.
Mary Lyon: A Tribute.

Mary Lyon passed away on Christmas Day, 2014, at the age of 89. Best known for the X-chromosome-inactivation hypothesis, Mary Lyon was a pioneering geneticist whose findings and syntheses have left a lasting imprint on our understanding of mammalian development and disease (Figure 1). She was the recipient of the 1986 William Allan Award,1 the most prestigious prize given by the American Society of Human Genetics.
CONE PHOTORECEPTOR REGENERATION IN ADULT FISH RETINA : PHENOTYPIC DETERMINATION AND MOSAIC PATTERN FORMATION

The retina of anamniotes (fish and amphibia), unlike the CNS of most vertebrates, can regenerate neurons following injury. Using the highly ordered mosaic of single and double cones in the retina of the adult green sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus) as our model system, we examined the events that followed the surgical excision of a small patch of central retina. After surgery there was a transient elevation in the number, and a change in the distribution, of proliferative cells within the retina. The wound was filled in two ways: a proliferative regeneration of new retina and a nonproliferative movement of the wound boundaries toward the center of the lesion. The nonproliferative movement stretched the surrounding, intact retina. In stretched retina the basic pattern of the cone mosaic was maintained, but it was augmented by new cones, even though cones are not normally generated in intact central retina. The stretch itself likely triggered the anomalous cone production. The new and preexisting cones in stretched retina had their morphological phenotypes influenced by mutual contact, often resulting in atypical morphologies (triple and quadruple cones). In the center of the lesioned area, the regenerated cone mosaic was disordered, had a higher than normal cone density, and contained atypical morphologies. The presence of outer segments and synaptic pedicles suggested that the new cones in regenerated and stretched retina were functional. We interpret these results to mean (1) a stretch-induced decrease in cell density can trigger a compensatory, adaptive neurogenesis, (2) cone morphological phenotypes in fish retina are plastic throughout life, and are influenced by cone-cone contacts, (3) the mechanisms that spatially regulate cone production during normal growth are disrupted regeneration.
Using community development for prevention in Appalachia

The long-standing commitment of field instructors, and students to adapt West Virginia University's School of the strategy of community develop Social Work to the Appalachian region ment to prevention in this region. The and its problems provides the context authors acknowledge the limitations of for efforts by faculty, agency-based this method as a means of achieving fundamental change in the political Robert A. Porter, Ph.D., is Professor; and economic life of a community.1 John A. Peters, MSW, is Assistant Nevertheless, the strategy of commu Professor; and Hilda R. Heady, MSW, nity development provides a viable is Instructor, School of Social Work, framework for achieving major goals in West Virginia University, Morgana community's level of health. Current town, West Virginia. The authors wish theory and research in community to thank Gary L. Theilen, Associate health emphasize altering lifestyles, Professor, Beatrice Hunter, Robert inducing the management of organi Musick, and Scott Moyer Field Inzations t0 reduce stress in the work. structors; and Douglas Mead and Roger Couglan, graduate students, for place> and clT^ fcial structures as their contributions to this article. A ways of enhancing both physical and version of this article was presented at mental health.2 the Annual Program Meeting of the The experience of the School of So Council on Social Work Education, cial Work indicates that many of the Los Angeles, California, March 1980. limitations of community develop ment—such as its emphasis on con sensus and avoidance of conflict—are not inherent in the method but lie in the constraints that organizational auspices impose on developmental ac tivity. Moderate conflict seems to be a normal dynamic of community life that may serve an integrative function to be nurtured rather than avoided.3 Conflict can be debilitating if ignored or strengthening if used as the focus for problem-solving efforts. Moreover, although many community problems are local extensions of structural de
Algal communities attached to free-drifting, Antarctic icebergs

Abstract Disintegration of the Antarctic Peninsula's eastern ice shelves has increased the population of icebergs traversing the Weddell Sea, but until recently little was known about their ecological impact on the pelagic environment. Here we describe a class of algal communities that occur on the submerged flanks of large, free-drifting, glacially-derived tabular icebergs. We used remotely operated vehicles to examine these icebergs directly for the first time, to survey the algal communities and collect material for shipboard laboratory studies. The communities, principally diatoms, were associated with a characteristic cupped configuration of the ice surface, and they served as feeding sites for aggregations of Antarctic krill. Production rate measurements indicate that these communities are providing a substantial contribution to regional primary production in summer. As the number of icebergs grows, the number of algae communities may also be increasing, along with their cumulative contribution to organic carbon flux.
Bone engineering of the rabbit ulna.

Purpose The purpose of the present preliminary study is to show that a novel 3-dimensional porous silica-calcium phosphate nanocomposite (SCPC) can provide a controlled release of rhBMP-2 and regenerate bone in a load-bearing segmental defect. Materials and Methods A bone replica of the rabbit ulna was created from SCPC powder using rapid prototyping technology. The ceramic bone replica was coated with rhBMP-2 and then implanted into a 10-mm segmental defect created in a rabbit ulna and fixated with a 1-mm titanium adaptation plate. Bone healing was evaluated using computed tomography (CT) scan, histomorphometry, and biomechanical techniques. The release kinetics of rhBMP-2 and the dissolution kinetics were also determined in vitro. Statistical analysis was performed to compare the biomechanical strength of the grafted bone with the contralateral unoperated ulna. Results After 4 weeks, CT scans showed that the critical size defect had been replaced by newly formed bone. Torsional testing of the ulna after 12 weeks showed restoration of maximum torque and angle at failure. Histological evaluation showed that the regenerated bone had the morphological characteristics of mature bone. SCPC provided a sustained release profile of an effective dose of rhBMP-2 for 14 days. Conclusions The SCPC-rhBMP-2 hybrid enhanced bone regeneration in a load-bearing segmental defect in a rabbit ulna. The regenerated bone acquired morphology and mechanical strength typical for natural bone. The enhanced bone formation correlates well with the surface bioactivity and effective release profile of rhBMP-2. The present preliminary study shows the proof of principles that porous, resorbable, bioactive SCPC-rhBMP-2 tissue engineering hybrid can serve as a substitute for autologous bone in load-bearing applications.
Synthesis and characterization of methyl 6-O-α- and -β-d-galactopyranosyl-β-d-galactopyranoside

Abstract Sequential tritylation, acetylation and detritylation of methyl β- d -galactopyranoside gave crystalline methyl 2,3,4-tri- O -acetyl-β- d -galactopyranoside ( 4 ) and methyl 2,3,6-tri- O -acetyl-β- d -galactopyranoside, the latter being the minor product resulting from acetyl migration. Reaction of 4 with 2,3,4,6-tetra- O -acetyl-α- d -galactosyl bromide in benzene, in the presence of mercuric cyanide and mercuric bromide, gave the α- and β- d -(1→6)-linked disaccharides ( 7 and 9 , respectively) in high yield, and their structure was confirmed by 1 H- and 13 C-n.m.r. 1d. and 2d. spectroscopy. O -Deacetylation of 7 gave the hitherto unknown, crystalline methyl 6- O -α- d -galactopyranosyl-β- d -galactopyranoside. O -Deacetylation of 9 gave the corresponding, β- d -linked disaccharide methyl glycoside, the physical constants of which are discussed with respect to controversial data in the literature.
Gestión e Interpretación de Datos Obtenidos en Ensayos Clínicos de Manejo del Dolor

Resumen El desarrollo de un ensayo clinico comprende varias etapas de planificacion y ejecucion. Los tres mayores componentes del ensayo clinico son el manejo o gestion de los datos, el control de calidad que asegure la integridad de los datos, y la interpretacion de los datos al finalizar el ensayo. Aunque cada proceso se distingue por diferentes actividades, nivel de esfuerzo y conocimientos necesarios, los tres procesos estan fuertemente vinculados. Metodos de gestion de datos incluyen el proceso de entrada de datos y un planteamiento completo y organizado de control de calidad. En este articulo se elaboran ciertas guias y recomendaciones para encarar el control de calidad y resolver problemas de ocurrencia comun en la gestion de datos clinicos, como son la ausencia de datos, la invalidez de casos, la presencia de “outliers” (sujetos atipicos o inusuales), y el incumplimiento de supuestos distribucionales en los analisis estadisticos. Para facilitar la interpretacion de los datos, se examinan condiciones necesarias para permitir inferencias causales. Se destaca la necesidad de tener en cuenta las caracteristicas basales de la muestra de pacientes, como extension de los principios de validez interna de un estudio. Se examinan las amenazas mas communes a la validez de las conclusiones estadisticas, como la inflacion de errores de Tipo I y el problema de las pruebas sobredominantes. Finalmente se considera el concepto de tamano del efecto, importante complemento al concepto de significancia estadistica, y como se pueden interpretar los distintos metodos de medicion de tamano del efecto en el marco de un ensayo clinico.
Interaction of dye-enhanced photothermotherapy and chemotherapy in the treatment of cancer: an in vitro study

Doxorubicin (DOX), widely used in cancer chemotherapy, is limited by drug resistance and cardiac toxicity. Hyperthermia can aid the functionality of DOX, but current external heat delivery methods are hard to apply selectively and locally. Indocyanine green (ICG) absorbs near infrared light at 808nm (ideal for tissue penetration) and emits the energy as heat. These properties make it an ideal agent for rapid and localized hyperthermia. The purpose of this study was to investigate the in vitro cytotoxic effect of combined chemotherapy and hyperthermia to a DOX resistant ovarian cancer cell line (SKOV-3). The effects of laser-ICG photothermotherapy, which induces localized rapid heating, and an incubator, which induces a slow rate of heating, were compared. Cells were subjected to different concentrations of DOX and either 60 minutes in a 43°C incubator or to one minute at 43°C using 5μM of ICG and 808nm laser. SRB assay was used to measure cell growth. ICG itself without laser irradiation was not toxic to the cells. DOX by itself was cytotoxic with an IC 50 about 5μM. Both incubator and laser-ICG Hyperthermia in combination with DOX achieved significantly greater growth inhibition at all DOX concentrations compared to DOX alone. DOX combined with 60 minutes 43°C incubation lowered DOX IC 50 to about 1μM. The DOX IC 50 value with one minute laser-ICG was even lower (0.1μM) suggesting a synergistic effect between DOX and laser-ICG photothermotherapy. In conclusion, the combination of localized heating and chemotherapy may provide a valuable tool for cancer treatment with minimized toxic effect.
In-situ forces in the human posterior cruciate ligament in response to posterior tibial loading

Although some investigators have referred to the human posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) as the center of the knee, it has received less attention than the more frequently injured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and medial collateral ligament (MCL). Therefore, our understanding of the function of the PCL is limited. Our laboratory has developed a method of measuring thein-situ forces in a ligament without contacting that ligament by using a universal force-moment sensor (UFS). In this study, we attached a USF to the tibia and measuredin-situ forces of the human PCL as a function of knee flexion in response to tibial loading. At a 50-N posterior tibial load, the force in the PCL increased from 25±11 N (mean±SD) at 30° of knee flexion to 48±12 N at 90° of knee flexion. At 100 N, the corresponding increases were to 50±17 N and 95±17 N, respectively. Of note, at 30° knee flexion, approximately 45% of the resistance to posterior tibial loading was caused by contact between the tibia and the femoral condyles, whereas, at 90° of knee flexion, no resistance was caused by such contact. For direction of thein-situ force, the elevation angle from the tibial plateau was greater at 30° of knee flexion than at 90° of knee flexion. The data gathered on the magnitude and direction of thein-situ force of the PCL should help in our understanding of the dependence of knee flexion angle of the forces within the PCL.
The possible role of phospholipase A2 in hepatic microsomal lipid peroxidation induced by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin in rats

The induction of lipid peroxidation in hepatic microsomes of rodents treated with 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) is well documented. The potential mechanisms involved in TCDD-induced microsomal lipid peroxidation were investigated, using selected inhibitors and free radical scavengersin vitro. Rats were treated with 40 μg TCDD/kg orally as a single dose. Inhibitors of phospholipase A2, including a variety of phenothiazines, dibucaine, imipramine, and verapamil, inhibitedin vitro microsomal lipid peroxidation in response to TCDD administration. In addition, the lipoxygenase inhibitor quercetin, and the hydrogen peroxide scavenger aminopyrine inhibited lipid peroxidation with microsomes from TCDD-treated rats. The singlet oxygen scavenger β-carotene, the cytochrome P-450 substrate benzphetamine, and the cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin produced moderate enhancement of hepatic microsomal lipid peroxidation. The results suggest that activation of phospholipase A2 may play a critical role in the metabolic events associated with hepatotoxicity and ultimate cell death produced by TCDD. The results also support the involvement of hydrogen peroxide in TCDD-induced microsomal lipid peroxidation.
The nutritional value of Palmaria mollis cultured under different light intensities and water exchange rates for juvenile red abalone Haliotis rufescens

Abstract A growth experiment with juvenile red abalone was conducted to determine whether the nutritional quality of red macroalga dulse ( Palmaria mollis ) was dependent on dulse culture conditions. Dulse culture conditions differed by seawater volume exchange rate (1, 6, or 35 d −1 ) and supplemental illumination (0 or 24 h d −1 ), creating a variety of dulse morphologies, biochemical compositions, and palatabilities for red abalone. The results of this study agreed with those of previous studies, showing dulse to be of high nutritional quality for abalone, with a relatively high protein content when compared with other macroalgae. Specific growth rates (SGR) of abalone fed on all dulse diets were higher than those of abalone fed on kelp ( Nereocystis luetkeana ). In general, abalone grew faster on dulse cultured with supplemental illumination. Protein content of dulse (10.85–18.22% dry wt.), however, was directly dependent on seawater volume exchange per day, with highest protein levels observed in dulse cultured with 35 volume exchanges d −1 . We suggest that other variables apart from biochemical composition, such as epiphytic diatoms and morphological differences, contributed to the higher growth rates of abalone fed on light-supplemented diets.
Herbs in Pastures. Development Research in Britain, 1850–1984

ABSTRACT Certain herbs, in particular chicory (Cichorum intybus), ribgrass (Plantago lanceolata), salad burnet (Poterium sanguisorba), sheep's parsley (Petroselinum crispum) and yarrow (Achillea millefolium), are regarded by farmers as being mineral-rich and deep-rooting, thereby adding essential variety to animal diet and improving soil structure and composition. This historical review of research into and attitudes towards the inclusion of herbs in leys in Britain covers the period from 1850 to the present. Although considerable interest in pasture composition was shown in the late 19th. and early 20th. century, the most notable proponent of the use of herbs in this period being Robert Elliot, serious research into grassland improvement did not get underway until the formation of the Welsh Plant Breeding Institute in 1919 with George Stapledon as Director. In the interwar period workers there found that some herbs were mineral-rich, however, after field trials their direct inclusion in leys was not reco...
Enzyme regulation by reversible zinc inhibition: glycerol phosphate dehydrogenase as an example.

Since cellular zinc is not freely available as the inorganic ion, zinc proteins must acquire their metal from some other source. But how, when, and where they acquire it is unknown. Metallothionein can participate in the controlled delivery of zinc by binding it with high stability and by mobilizing it through a novel biochemical mechanism that critically depends on the redox activity of the zinc-sulfur bond. Thus, metallothionein activates zinc-depleted alcohol (sorbitol) dehydrogenases by glutathione-modulated zinc transfer. In addition to its catalytic, co-catalytic, and/or structural roles in a myriad of enzymes, zinc also inhibits some enzymes that are not necessarily zinc enzymes, e.g. glyceraldehyde and glycerol phosphate dehydrogenases, and aldehyde dehydrogenase. Zinc inhibits glycerol phosphate dehydrogenase with an IC(50) value of 100 nM. Zinc binding is slow at low pH, but instantaneous at high pH. Thionein, the apoprotein of metallothionein, re-activates the zinc-inhibited enzyme. Tight inhibition by zinc and activation of glycerol phosphate dehydrogenase by thionein, a biological chelating agent, provide further support that modulation of zinc binding by metallothionein and thionein is a physiological mechanism of enzyme regulation. Since glycerol phosphate dehydrogenase is a key enzyme in energy metabolism, the effect of zinc is expected to elicit significant physiological responses.
Formulation and application of a three-dimensional structural model for upper internal structures

Abstract A finite element structural model is developed for the upper internals which is capable of treating material nonlinearities and geometric nonlinearities arising from large displacements when subjected to dynamic loads. This structural model can be used either by itself or in an interactive mode with a hydrodynamics code. The upper internal structures which are located above the core and below the head cover may play a significant role in the hydrodynamics of an energy excursion by mitigating its response. The upper internal structure (UIS) is essentially a massive, perforated rigid body which is connected to the reactor head by support columns with a cylindrical cross section. The major response of interest is the buckling of these support columns which results from the compressive forces they sustain when the upper internals are loaded vertically upward by dynamic loads. In addition to buckling, these columns sustain plastic deformations and changes in cross section making geometric and material nonlinearities accountable. For the case of substantial change in the shape of the column cross section, it will be more convenient to treat the behaviour of the elements stiffness in terms of moment-curvature relations which account for the changes in flexural rigidity with change in cross section. Two factors considered of importance in developing the model are: (1) whether an imperfection is necessary in the initial mesh of the columns to trigger buckling and to what extent does the magnitude of the imperfection effect the results; (2) whether the buckling pattern is symmetric or asymmetric. It was established by these studies that elastic buckling is not affected by the magnitude of the imperfection; for plastic buckling, the results are more sensitive to the magnitude. The studies also showed that the UIS mass is sufficiently large so that it cannot be laterally displaced. By checking the deformed shape, it was observed that the column always attempts to reach the symmetric buckling mode. Even if the asymmetric shape is triggered, it is always at a load higher than that required to trigger a symmetric response. The behavior of the model has also been compared with the SRI tests simulating highly energetic CDAs. The model predicts the magnitude of the axial deflection quite well.
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Biodegradation as a Function of Oxygen Tension in Contaminated Soil

Abstract Laboratory tests were conducted to determine the effect of soil gas oxygen concentration on the degradation and mineralization of spiked 14C-pyrene and nonspiked 16 priority pollutant polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) present in the soil. The soil used for the evaluation was taken from a prepared-bed land treatment unit at the Champion International Superfund Site in Libby, Montana. This soil was contaminated with wood preserving wastes including creosote (composed primarily of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and pentachlorophenol). Degradation rates of 14C-pyrene and PAH compounds were found to be enhanced under soil gas oxygen concentrations between 2% and 21% in the contaminated soil. Between 45% and 55% of 14C-pyrene spiked onto the soil was mineralized after 70 days at soil gas oxygen levels between 2% and 21%. No statistically significant mineralization was found to occur at 0% oxygen concentrations. Mineralization of 14C-pyrene in contaminated soil poisoned with mercuric chloride was determined to be less than 0.5%. Degradation of indigenous nonradiolabeled PAH in non-poisoned soil was statistically significantly greater than in poisoned soil. These results indicated that the degradation of 14C-pyrene and PAH compounds was biological and would occur under low oxygen concentrations. For example, the use of soil aeration technology in order to achieve continued treatment for buried lifts of soil while new lifts are added will decrease the total time for soil remediation of the prepared-bed.
Olfactory sensitivity for aliphatic aldehydes in CD-1 mice

Using a conditioning paradigm, the olfactory sensitivity of CD-1 mice for a homologous series of aliphatic aldehydes (n-butanal to n-nonanal) was investigated. With all six odorants, the animals significantly discriminated concentrations below 4 ppb (parts per billion) from the odorless solvent, and with n-butanal, n-heptanal, and n-nonanal the best-scoring animals were even able to detect concentrations below 40 ppt (parts per trillion). The results showed (a) CD-1 mice to have a well-developed olfactory sensitivity for aliphatic aldehydes which for the majority of substances is higher than that of other mammalian species, (b) a limited concentration range of about 1 log unit from threshold to near saturation which is similar to that shown at the single receptor cell level, (c) no significant correlation between perceptibility in terms of olfactory detection thresholds and carbon chain length of the aldehydes tested, and (d) no systematic effect of preexposure to an aldehyde on sensitivity. These findings suggest that CD-1 mice are highly sensitive to non-pheromonal odorants that are abundant in plant odors. Further, the results demonstrate that sensitivity for members of a homologous series of substances is not a simple function of vapor pressure as threshold values did not correlate with molecular weight. These threshold data may provide useful information for the choice of adequate stimulus concentrations in electrophysiological or imaging studies of the olfactory system or investigations of the discriminative abilities of the mouse.
Genetic and biochemical characterization of distinct transport systems for uracil, uridine and cytidine in Salmonella typhimurium.

1. Uridine transport has been examined in wild type and mutant strains of Salmonella typhimurium. The nucleoside-specific system requires a functional uridine kinase (udk+) as well as a periplasmic binding protein. This transport system is specific for uridine and cytidine and does not appear to contribute significantly to the uptake of deoxythymidine nor the purine nucleosides. The transport of uridine is characterized by hyperbolic kinetics with an apparent Km for uridine of 4.3±0.4 μM. 2. Uracil is transported by a completely different system which requires a functional uracil phosphoribosyl transferase (upp+) and possesses a periplasmic binding protein. 3. Bacterial strains lacking uridine kinase (udk-) do not transport uridine, but do transport uracil. Conversely, strains lacking uracil phosphoribosyl transferase (upp-), transport uridine, but do not transport uracil. Thus, uridine is transported intact rather than cleaved to uracil plus the ribose moiety and subsequently transported. Furthermore, very little uridine phosphorylase (uridine+Pi→uracil+ribose-1-phosphate) is recovered in periplasmic shock fluids of S. typhimurium. 4. Periplasmic binding proteins were indentified for both uridine and uracil. Furthermore, the uridine binding protein is separate from uridine kinase. Thus, transport of uridine and uracil require the participation of a periplasmic binding protein and the appropriate “salvage” enzyme.
Probable NAFLD, by ALT levels, and diabetes among Filipino-American women.

Abstract Background Studies have shown alanine aminotransferase (ALT), a marker for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), predicts type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Objective To examine the association between probable NAFLD and T2DM in non-obese, non-alcoholic consuming Filipino-American women aged 48–73 years. Research design and methods The UCSD Filipino Women's Health Study measured glucose, hepatic enzymes, adiponectin and visceral fat (VAT) during clinical visits (1995–2002). We defined T2DM by 1999 WHO criteria and probable NAFLD as ALT >31 U/L. Results Prevalence of T2DM was 34.4% and probable NAFLD was 17.2%. Women with T2DM (n = 56) had higher VAT, total:HDL cholesterol, SBP, fasting glucose and insulin, postchallenge glucose, ALT (28.7 U/L versus 19.1 U/L, p Conclusion Probable NAFLD was elevated and associated with T2DM, independent of VAT, adiponectin and other risk factors. ALT may serve as a useful marker for NAFLD or diabetes risk in Filipino women.
C-reactive protein induced rearrangement of phosphatidylcholine on nanoparticle mimics of lipoprotein particles.

Lipid-coated metal nanoparticles are developed here as a mimic of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particles and used to study C-reactive protein (CRP) binding to highly curved lipid membranes. A 12 nm shift in the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) was observed when CRP was added to the lipid-coated gold nanoparticles. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that CRP induced a structural change to the lipids, resulting in clusters of nanoparticles. This clustering provides a visualization of how CRP could cause the aggregation of LDL particles, which is a key step in atherosclerosis. The cluster formation and resultant LSPR shift requires the presence of both CRP and calcium. Fluorescence anisotropy, using a CRP-specific, fluorophore-labeled aptamer confirmed that CRP was bound to the lipid-coated nanoparticles. An increase in the fluorescence anisotropy (Δr = +0.261 ± 0.004) of the aptamer probe occurs in the presence of CRP, PC-coated nanoparticles, and calcium. Subsequent sequestration of...
Using monte carlo simulation to choose among alternative statistical definitions

We frequently need to come to agreement with our customers about the formulas that will be used to calculate various statistics relating to the measurement of contractual terms and conditions. In many cases there is only one generally accepted operational definition, but in other cases, such as computing percentiles, there are multiple definitions that can be considered. This presentation looks at work I have done using Monte Carlo simulation to compare two different formulas for estimating a population percentile from small samples; the application is the analysis of benchmarking data. This work compares two different percentile calculations by comparing the performance of both approaches under multiple probability models with respect to estimation of the 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, and 90th percentiles. In addition, a non-parametric confidence interval generation method for each of these percentiles was also examined to determine how well it performed relative to its stated 95% confidence level.
Echocardiographic assessment by computer-assisted analysis of diastolic left ventricular function and hypertrophy in borderline or mild systemic hypertension

Systemic hypertension is a common cause of congestive heart failure. However, left ventricular (LV) systolic function remains normal for many years in patients with mild or moderate hypertension. In this study, high-quality M-mode echocardiograms were recorded in 7 patients with borderline hypertension, 14 patients with mild hypertension and 15 normal persons. Measures of systolic and diastolic LV function and the degree of LV hypertrophy were studied with the assistance of a tablet digitizer and dedicated microcomputer. Average blood pressure was 125 +/- 10/77 +/- 7 mm Hg in normal subjects, 146 +/- 18/92 +/- 2 mm Hg in patients with borderline hypertension and 150 +/- 11/102 +/- 4 in patients with mild hypertension. Indexes of systolic LV function were similar in all 3 groups. The peak rate of early relaxation of the LV posterior wall was significantly decreased in the group of patients with mild hypertension (4.7 vs 6.6 sec-1, p less than 0.01). The mitral valve closure rate was 150 +/- 32 mm/s in normal subjects, 119 +/- 35 mm/s in patients with borderline hypertension and 106 +/- 26 mm/s (p less than 0.001) in patients with mild hypertension. Mild LV hypertrophy was present in 6 of 7 patients with borderline and 13 of 14 patients with mild hypertension. The degree of hypertrophy and the level of blood pressure correlated poorly.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Interferometric study of natural convection heat transfer in a horizontal annulus with irregular boundaries

Abstract The natural convective heat transfer across an annulus with irregular boundaries was studied using a Mach-Zehnder interferometer. The annulus was formed by an inner hexagonal cylinder and an outer concentric circular cylinder. This configuration models, in two dimensions, a liquid metal fast breeder reactor spent fuel subassembly inside a shipping container. During the test, the annulus was filled with a single gas, either neon, air, argon, krypton, or xenon, at a pressure of about 0.5 MPa. From temperature measurements, both local and mean Nusselt numbers (NuΔ) at the surface of the inner cylinder were evaluated as a function of the Rayleigh number (RaR) and angular location (Δ is the maximum gap width). The data correlation for the mean Nusselt and Rayleigh numbers is given by Nu Δ = 0.794 Ra R 0.25 . The local heat transfer changes nonmonotonically from the bottom to the top of the hexagonal cylinder. For RaR ≥ 8.15 × 102 the flow in the upper half of the annulus was always unsteady while that in the lower half was steady.
Bridging for Success in Autism: Training and Collaboration Across Medical, Educational, and Community Systems

The basis for the need for improved training and collaboration models in the field of autism is supported through historical background and literature in related fields. Ultimately, training specific to autism spectrum disorders and related evidence-based practices is proposed as necessary for all care providers having influence on programming related to this special population. It is also posited that the most effective avenue for training is through models incorporating more intensive and interactive training processes such as hands-on learning activities with opportunities for coaching, modeling, practice and feedback. Effective collaboration across systems (including home, medical, educational, and community settings) is emphasized to facilitate consistency in implementation of strategies for ultimate program success.
No one likes a copycat: A cross-cultural investigation of children’s response to plagiarism

Abstract Copying other people’s ideas is evaluated negatively by American children and adults. The current study investigated the influence of culture on children’s evaluations of plagiarism by comparing children from three countries—the United States, Mexico, and China—that differ in terms of their emphasis on the protection of intellectual property and ideas. Children (3- to 6-year-olds) were presented with videos involving two characters drawing pictures and were asked to evaluate the character who drew unique work or the character who copied someone else’s drawing. The study showed that 5- and 6-year-olds from all three cultures evaluated copiers negatively compared with unique drawers. These results suggest that children from cultures that place different values on the protection of ideas nevertheless develop similar concerns with plagiarism by 5-year-olds.
Development of an Arbitrary Waveform Membrane Stretcher for Dynamic Cell Culture

In this paper, a novel cell stretcher design that mimics the real-time stretch of the heart wall is introduced. By culturing cells under stretched conditions that mimics the mechanical aspects of the native cardiac environment, better understanding on the role of biomechanical signaling on cell development can be achieved. The device utilizes a moving magnet linear actuator controlled through pulse-width modulated power combined with an automated closed loop feedback system for accurate generation of a designated mechanical stretch profile. The system’s capability to stretch a cell culture membrane and accuracy of the designated frequency and waveform production for cyclic stretching were evaluated. Temperature and degradation assessments as well as a scalable design demonstrated the system’s cell culture application for long term, in vitro studies.
EFFECT OF PH AND TEMPERATURE ON STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF AN L FORM OF STREPTOCOCCUS PYOGENES.

L FORMS obtained from group A Streptococci are osmotically fragile. Suspensions of the L form, which lacks the rigid bacterial cell wall, in osmotically unprotective environments results in structural disintegration and loss of viability1. A paucity prevails in the literature, however, concerning the effect of temperature and pH on the integrity of the L form in its protective growth medium. This communication deals with a comparison of the effect of such alterations of the growth environment on the structural stability of a group A β-haemolytic Streptococcus and a derived stable L form obtained from it with the aid of penicillin.
Current follow-up strategies after resection of colon cancer. Results of a survey of members of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons.

The follow-up of patients after potentially curative resection of colon cancer has important clinical and financial implications for patients and society, yet the ideal surveillance strategy is unknown. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the current follow-up practice pattern of a large, diverse group of experts. METHODS: The 1,663 members of The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons were asked, via a detailed questionnaire, how often they request nine discrete follow-up evaluations in their patients treated for cure with TNM Stage I, II, or III colon cancer over the first five post-treatment years. These evaluations were clinic visit, complete blood count, liver function tests, serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level, chest x-ray, bone scan, computerized tomographic scan, colonoscopy, and sigmoidoscopy. RESULTS: Forty-six percent (757/1663) completed the survey and 39 percent (646/1663) provided evaluable data. The results indicate that members of The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons generally conduct follow-up on their patients personally after performing colon cancer surgery (rather than sending them back to their referral source). Routine clinic visits and CEA levels are the most frequently performed items for each of the five years. The large majority (>75 percent) of surgeons see their patients every 3 to 6 months for years 1 and 2, then every 6 to 12 months for years 3, 4, and 5. Approximately 80 percent of respondents obtain CEA levels every 3 to 6 months for years 1,2, and 3, and every 6 to 12 months for years 4 and 5. Colonoscopy is performed annually by 46 to 70 percent of respondents, depending on year. A chest x-ray is obtained yearly by 46 to 56 percent, depending on year. The majority of the members of The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons do not routinely request computerized tomographic scan or bone scan at any time. There is great variation in the pattern of use of complete blood count and liver function tests. Members of The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons from the United States tend to follow their patients more closely than do those living in other countries. The intensity of follow-up does not markedly vary across TNM Stages I to III. CONCLUSION: The surveillance strategies reported here rely most heavily on clinic visits and CEA level determinations, generally reflecting guidelines previously proposed in the current literature.