cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Traumatic brain injury: Perspectives from educational professionals

This article reports the outcomes from 2 focus groups conducted to ascertain professional educators' perceptions regarding their (a) level of preparedness for working with students with traumatic brain injury (TBI), (b) ideas regarding ways to improve support to students and families, and (c) concerns about meeting the diverse needs of children with TBI.
A Simple Digestion Procedure for the Determination of Cadmium, Copper, Molybdenium and Vanadium in Plants by Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometry and Mass Inductively Coupled Plasma Spectrometry.

Abstract A simple digestion procedure for the determination of Cd, Cu, Mo and V in plant leaves by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry and mass inductively coupled plasma was developed. Approximately to 100 mg of the previously dried plant material (200 mg of fresh material) were weighed into a 50mL plastic conical ended vial and 2mL of subboiled 65% HNO3 was added. The vial was then tightly closed and digestion performed at 80°C in an oven overnight; thereafter, 2mL of 30% H2O2 were added and a light yellow solution was obtained. The volume was made up to 50mL in the vial itself and the solution was ready for analysis. Although the time required for the digestion is long, large batches are possible, and make the procedure useful for high sample throughput. As only one vessel is used for the whole procedure, contamination risks are minimized. The reagents employed are possible to be obtained with high purity, permitting low blank values and detection limits. The accuracy of the procedure was t...
Persistent alterations in biological profiles in women with abuse histories: influence of premenstrual dysphoric disorder.

OBJECTIVE: To examine dysregulation in biological measures associated with histories of abuse in women and whether women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) differ in their dysregulation. DESIGN: Twenty-five women meeting prospective criteria for PMDD and 42 non-PMDD controls underwent structured interview to determine abuse histories and lifetime Axis I diagnoses, excluding those with current Axis I disorders or using medications. MAJOR OUTCOME MEASURES: Plasma cortisol and norepinephrine (NE), heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), and vascular resistance index (VRI) were assessed at rest and in response to mental stress. RESULTS: A greater proportion of PMDD women had prior abuse compared with non-PMDD women. Regardless of PMDD status, all abused women had lower plasma NE and higher HRs and tended to have lower plasma cortisol at rest and during stress. Abused women also reported more severe daily emotional and physical symptoms. Greater VRI and BP at rest and during stress were seen only in PMDD women with abuse. CONCLUSION: There is persistent dysregulation in stress-responsive systems in all abused women that cannot be accounted for by current psychiatric illness or medications, and PMDD women may be differentially more vulnerable to the impact of abuse on measures reflecting alpha-adrenergic receptor function. Language: en
Effect of actinomycin D on replication of satellite tobacco ringspot virus RNA in plant protoplasts

We have developed a three-component system of host, tobacco ringspot virus (TobRV), and satellite tobacco ringspot virus RNA (sTobRV RNA) for investigating the specific contributions of host components or TobRV gene products to the propagative cycle of satellite RNA. Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) protoplasts were inoculated with sTobRV and TobRV genomic RNAs by electroporation. An increase in sTobRV RNA was detected both by blot hybridization and by incorporation of [14C]uridine into material with the electrophoretic mobility of sTobRV RNA. DNA-dependent RNA synthesis in uninoculated protoplasts was effectively inhibited by 50 micrograms/ml actinomycin D (Act D) in the medium. Addition of Act D to protoplasts 24 or 48 hr after coinoculation with sTobRV RNA and TobRV genomic RNAs had little effect on accumulation of sTobRV RNA, whereas addition at 24 hr prior to coinoculation prevented any detected accumulation of sTobRV RNA of either polarity. Our results and previous findings of RNA complementary to encapsidated satellite RNA in extracts of infected tissue suggest that an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase is responsible for the synthesis of sTobRV RNA. The strongly inhibitory effect of Act D when added early implies a role for a host factor in the early phase of sTobRV RNA replication.
SEROLOGICAL STUDIES ON THE BLOOD OF THE PRIMATES : III. DISTRIBUTION OF SEROLOGICAL FACTORS RELATED TO HUMAN ISOAGGLUTINOGENS IN THE BLOOD OF LOWER MONKEYS.

Serological studies on the bloods of thirty-six species of lower monkeys have shown that there exists a correspondence between the distribution of a certain hemagglutinogen and the place of the species in the zoological system. In twelve species of seven genera of Platyrrhina (New World monkeys) and six species of the genus Lemur a factor similar to the human isoagglutinogen B was present; in eighteen species of four genera of Cercopithecidae (Old World monkeys) it was absent, although the latter are more closely related to man than the former. It would seem from our findings that a genus, perhaps even a family, of animals may be characterized by a special serological factor. The factor found in the lower monkeys is not identical with the one existing in the erythrocytes of the anthropoid apes and man.
Meal triacylglycerol profile modulates postprandial absorption of carotenoids in humans.

cope Dietary lipids are considered to be primary potentiators of carotenoid absorption, yet the amount and source required to optimize bioavailability has not been systematically evaluated. The objective of this study was to examine the impact of both amount and source of triacylglycerols on postprandial absorption of carotenoids from vegetable salads. Methods and results Healthy subjects (n = 29) were randomized using a Latin square design (3×3) and consumed three identical salads with 3, 8, or 20 g of canola oil, soybean oil, or butter. Blood was collected from 0–10 h and triacylglycerol-rich fractions (TRLs) were isolated by ultracentrifugation. Carotenoid contents of TRL fractions were analyzed by HPLC-DAD. Considering all lipid sources, 20 g of lipid promoted higher absorption compared to 3 and 8 g for all carotenoid species (p < 0.05), except for α-carotene (p = 0.07). The source of lipid had less impact on the absorption of carotenoids than amount of lipid. Pooling results from all lipid amounts, monounsaturated fatty acid rich canola oil trended toward enhancing absorption of lutein and α-carotene compared to saturated fatty acid rich butter (p = 0.06 and p = 0.08, respectively). Conclusion While both amount and source of co-consumed lipid affect carotenoid bioavailability from vegetables, amount appears to exert a stronger effect.
Life-extending ovariectomy in grasshoppers increases somatic storage, but dietary restriction with an equivalent feeding rate does not

Abstract Reduced diet or reduced reproduction each extends lifespan in many animals. It is often thought that reduced reproduction and reduced diet may act through the same mechanisms. In grasshoppers, ovariectomy extends lifespan and reduces feeding to a level similar to that used for life extension by dietary restriction, further suggesting mechanistic overlap. Here, we measure the feeding rate of ovariectomized grasshoppers and, by manipulating feeding levels, create a sham-operated & dietary restricted group with matched daily feeding. Both groups show ~ 25% increased survivorship near the median age of mortality for fully fed and reproductive controls. Ovariectomy results in a doubling of fat body mass and hemolymph volume in comparison to both a feeding-matched dietary restriction group and a sham-operated & fully fed control, which do not differ from each other. Total anti-oxidant activity in the hemolymph and the skeletal muscle was unchanged upon ovariectomy or dietary restriction, so it does not appear to be a major factor in lifespan extension. Next, we measured mitochondrial counts using qPCR to determine mitochondrial cytochrome-b concentrations relative to nuclear (genomic) beta-actin. Mitochondrial counts in the ovariectomized group were lower than sham-operated and fully fed controls but not than the dietary restriction group. Last, in the fat body, transcript levels of hexamerin-90 (a hemolymph storage protein) were affected by neither ovariectomy nor dietary restriction. Hence, ovariectomy resulted in large magnitude increases in organismal storage. The matched-fed dietary restricted group differed from the ovariectomized group only in organismal storage, and not in any of the cellular parameters measured here. This study suggests that longevity via ovariectomy has distinct physiological mechanisms from longevity via dietary restriction in grasshoppers that are independent of daily feeding rate, particularly for protein and fat storage.
Evaluation of Jansson's method for resolving overlapped gas chromatographic peaks

In a previous paper,1 Jansson's method was used to deconvolve overlapped gas chromatographic peaks. It was found that this method gave improved performance over conventional techniques such as perpendicular drop and shoulder quantitation.2,3 This paper will present the results of a comprehensive test of Jansson's method using several sample mixtures. These results will be compared to what can be obtained by using shoulder quantitation, perpendicular drop or an instrument with a longer column. A relatively large number of tests will be performed for each of the four mentioned methods of peak resolution, so there will be a reasonable statistical basis for the goodness of Jansson's method to resolve fused gas chromatographic peaks for a given set of instrument conditions. A brief review of Jansson's method and the modeling of a gas chromatographic process will also be presented.
Craniofacial anthropometry: Practical measurements of the head and face for clinical, surgical and research use.

By J.C. Kolar and E.M. Salter. Springfield, IL: Charles C. Thomas. 1996. xxiii + 334 pp. ISBN 0-398-06616-7. $69.95 (cloth).
Spectrophotometric determination of chlorate ion

Abstract A simple, direct, sensitive spectrophotometric method for the determination of chlorate ion is described. The method is based upon the interference of chlorate ion on the formation of a rhenium-/ga-furildioxime complex, whose absorbance maximum is at 532 nm. The effect of several variables is described. The range for the method is 0–5.0 p.p.m. of chlorate ion.
A polyhedral study of nonconvex quadratic programs with box constraints

By reformulating quadratic programs using necessary optimality conditions, we obtain a linear program with complementarity constraints. For the case where the only constraints are bounds on the variables, we study a relaxation based on a subset of the optimality conditions. By characterizing its convex hull, we obtain a large class of valid inequalities. These inequalities are used in a branch-and-cut scheme, see [13].
Time limits for submersion of canine left ventricular biopsies in cold isopentane.

Abstract Creatine phosphate (CP) and ATP concentrations of left ventricular biopsies are being frequently used to determine the energy balance of the heart. The validity of these measurements depends upon preventing significant loss of ATP and CP prior to freezing the specimen. We have designed this study to determine if the time interval between cutting the biopsy and submerging it in cold isopentane has a significant effect upon the resulting concentrations of ATP and CP. These biopsies were taken on dogs on cardiopulmonary bypass. We used a biopsy drill which was modified to allow us to vary and time the interval between cutting and submersion of the biopsy in isopentane. We found that the concentration of creatine phosphate in the myocardium at completion of the cut was 12.7 μmole/g wet weight and that the loss of creatine phosphate was 5.5% per second before cooling. The corresponding concentration of ATP was 6.8 μmole/g wet weight and the loss was 2% per second. The correlation coefficient for the semilog regression analysis for CP was 0.72 ( F = 95.3; P = 0.0001) and for ATP was 0.47 ( F = 24.6; P = 0.0001). The loss of high-energy phosphates is significant when there is a delay between cutting and freezing of the specimen. We recommend that myocardial biopsies be frozen as quickly as possible and are developing a drill to accomplish this.
Modification of AOCS chromatographic procedure for neutral oil determination

The AOCS chromatographic procedure for neutral oil determination, Ca 9f-57, has been modified through use of a newly designed flask. This modified procedure increases the efficiency and standardization of neutral oil determination by: permitting automatic transfer of weighed crude oil samples onto alumina columns; converting column operation to a semiautomatic level thus reducing cost of operation; and allowing the chromatographic procedure to be performed in laboratories which are not air-conditioned. As a result of collaborative studies the AOCS Fats and Oils Subcommittee for neutral oil investigation has recommended that this procedure be adopted officially by the Uniform Methods Committee.
A mathematical programming system for preference and compatibility maximized menu planning and scheduling

In this paper, the analytical representation of food preference is used in a separable non-linear program to yield the serving frequencies of menu items for a finite time horizon. The frequencies obtained in this way insure cost and nutritional control. Subsequently, the scheduling problem dealing with item assignments to meals and days is formulated as an integer program consisting of several transportation problems linked by weekly nutritional constraints. This problem is solved using a branch and bound algorithm which employs Lagrangian relaxation to obtain bounds and to decide on branching strategy.
Penicillin-induced epileptiform activity in the hippocampal slice: A model of synchronization of CA3 pyramidal cell bursting

Abstract One of the most interesting aspects of penicillin-induced epileptiform activity in the hippocampal slice preparation is that CA 3 pyramidal cells periodically burst in synchrony. Penicillin is now known to block inhibitory postsynaptic potentials and permit excitatory postsynaptic potentials to trigger bursting in single neurons. The phenomenon of synchronous bursting is readily simulated with a simple but realistic quantitative model, assuming that CA 3 pyramidal cells are mutually excitatory. The degree of coherence in the population burst depends on the connectivity of the cells with each other and on the amount of coupling between them. If coherence is extremely high, then a given cell must be able to excite a number of other cells in its neighborhood, and conversely, any one cell can be triggered to burst by bursting in only one of its neighbors. Such predictions are in principle experimentally testable. This model does not predict the experimentally observed relation between the periods of spontaneous single cell bursting and synchronous bursting of the population (single cells burst more rapidly in the resting slice than does the population in the penicillin-treated slice). We offer plausible testable explanations for this discrepancy.
Electrical conduits within the inferior atrial region exhibit preferential roles in interatrial activation.

Abstract Differences between conduction properties of interatrial conduits and their roles in initiation and maintenance of supraventricular arrhythmias remain unclear. Our objective was to determine details of interatrial activation in inferior atrial region and to correlate intra-atrial and interatrial activation patterns with the site of origin of atrial ectopic activation. In 9 dogs, basket-catheters carrying 64 electrodes were deployed into both the right atrium (RA) and left atrium (LA). A 10-electrode catheter was inserted into the coronary sinus (CS). Activation patterns of the RA, LA, and CS were compared during pacing in the CS, in RA inferoparaseptum posterior to Eustachian ridge-tendon of Todaro (TT), and in inferior RA near the CS ostium (anterior to TT). We found that pacing in proximal and middle CS resulted in a RA breakthrough invariably at the CS ostium, consistent with conduction through a CS-RA connection. Meanwhile, LA breakthrough emerged in inferoposterior region (inferior to mitral annulus), suggesting conduction through a CS-LA connection. While pacing in distal CS, LA breakthrough shifted to middle posterolateral wall. Whereas, the RA was activated by the LA directly through the septum. During pacing in RA inferoparaseptum posterior to TT, the LA was activated directly through the septum at 22 ± 4 ms. Whereas, during pacing anterior to TT, the LA was activated through both the CS and the septum while earliest activation was delayed by 38 ± 5 ms. In conclusion, both the interatrial septum and CS musculature form electrical conduits in inferior atrial region in canine. Differences in activation properties between the conduits in inferior interatrial region result in selective interatrial activation patterns during ectopic activation.
Detection of phosphopeptides by fluorescence polarization in the presence of cationic polyamino acids: application to kinase assays.

We have studied the interaction of several phosphopeptides with cationic polyamino acids such as polyarginine and polylysine by fluorescence polarization. The phosphopeptides used were labeled with fluorescein, and their net charges at the experimental pH of 7. 5 were 0, -1, -2, and -3. These phosphopeptides represent the products of enzymatic phosphorylation reactions of the corresponding nonphosphorylated precursors by the protein kinase A, Akt1 (protein kinase Balpha), and protein kinase C. We found that these phosphopeptides bind more strongly to the cationic polyamino acids studied than their nonphosphorylated analogs. This preferential binding of the phosphorylated peptides could be conveniently detected by an increase in the fluorescence polarization signal of the attached fluorescein residue. We have exploited this observation to develop a new approach for the detection of kinase activity that does not require radioactivity or separation of substrate from product. We have successfully used this method to perform K(m) determinations of the kinase enzymes for their substrates and K(i) determinations of one of their inhibitors. This method for measuring kinase activity might be particularly useful for high-throughput screening applications.
Distribution of rotifers in a Floridian saltwater beach, with a note on rotifer dispersal

Eighteen different rotifers were found at varying densities, depths and locations in the interstitial sand of a small, brackish-water Floridian beach. Most of the rotifers encountered were found in greatest numbers two meters from the waters edge, corresponding to the high-tide mark of the sampled beach. A single, dead Notholca (Pseudonotholca) japonnica kisselevi Kutikova (1970), previously known only from its original description locality in the south Kuril islands, Sea of Okhotsk, was found in the 6 cm depth core at mid-tide level.
Walsh and Haar functions in genetic algorithms

Theoretical analysis of fitness functions in genetic algorithms has included the use of Walsh functions [14]. They form a convenient basis for the expansion of fitness functions [3]. These orthogonal, rectangular functions have also been used to compute the average fitness values of schemata [5]. This work explores the use of Haar functions [7] for the same purposes. While 2` non-zero terms are required for the expansion of a given function as a linear combination of Walsh functions, at most `+ 1 non-zero terms are required with the Haar expansion, where ` is the size of each binary string in the solution space. Similarly, Haar coefficients require less computation than their Walsh counterparts. The total number of terms required for the expansion of the fitness function at a given point using Haar is of order 2`, substantially less than Walsh’s 22`. A comparison of Haar functions and Walsh functions with respect to fitness averages shows that the use of Haar functions will reduce computation time. Furthermore, the advantage of Haar over Walsh functions remains large (of order ` 2`) when fast transforms are used.
Functional wrist motion: a biomechanical study.

A triaxial electrogoniometer was used to measure functional wrist motion. Wrist motion was evaluated in 10 normal subjects who performed 52 standardized tasks. The wrist joint was found to have three degrees of freedom (flexion-extension, radioulnar deviation, and rotation). The normal functional range of wrist motion is 5° of flexion, 30° of extension, 10° of radial deviation, and 15° of ulnar deviation.
Peripheral nerve fiber and spinal cord pathway contributions to the somatosensory evoked potential.

Abstract In monkeys anesthetized with 70% N2O-30% O2, alterations in the configuration of the somatosensory evoked potential (SEP) were observed to follow specific spinal cord lesions. The SEPs were recorded in response to stimulation of the exposed superficial peroneal nerve after bilateral dorsal or anterolateral column transection, right or left hemisection, or central cord lesions. Stimulus intensities were sufficient to stimulate large nerve fibers or all nerve fibers. Small nerve fibers were selectively stimulated by blocking large fibers, using a combination of cooling and electrical polarization, while applying maximal stimulus intensities. The results indicate that large-diameter peripheral nerve fibers and the dorsal columns contribute primarily to early wave components (less than 40 ms). Small-diameter peripheral nerve fibers and the anterolateral columns appear to contribute primarily to later wave components (greater than 70 ms). Both large- and small-diameter peripheral nerve fibers and both dorsal and anterolateral columns appear to contribute to components with latencies between 35 and 70 ms.
Increased Aflatoxin Production by Aspergillus flavus Via Cobalt Irradiation

Abstract Exposure of toxinogenic A. flavus spores to specific gamma radiation levels induces higher yields of aflatoxin per unit of time, while non-toxinogenic aspergilli remain unaltered with respect to aflatoxin production.
Effects of micronutrient fortified milk and cereal food for infants and children: a systematic review

Micronutrient deficiency is a common public health problem in developing countries, especially for infants and children in the first two years of life. As this is an important time window for child development, micronutrient fortified complementary feeding after 6 months of age, for example with milk or cereals products, in combination with continued breastfeeding, is recommended. The overall effect of this approach is unclear. We performed a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis to assess the impact of micronutrient fortified milk and cereal food on the health of infants and little children (aged 6 months to 5 years) compared to non-fortified food. We reviewed randomized controlled trials using electronic databases (MEDLINE and Cochrane library searches through FEB 2011), reference list screening and hand searches. Three reviewers assessed 1153 studies for eligibility and extracted data. One reviewer assessed risk of bias using predefined forms. We included 18 trials in our analysis (n = 5’468 children; range of mean hemoglobin values: 9.0 to 12.6 g/dl). Iron plus multi micronutrient fortification is more effective than single iron fortification for hematologic outcomes. Compared to non-fortified food, iron multi micronutrient fortification increases hemoglobin levels by 0.87 g/dl (95%-CI: 0.57 to 1.16; 8 studies) and reduces risk of anemia by 57% (relative risk 0.43; 95%-CI 0.26 to 0.71; absolute risk reduction 22%; number needed to treat 5 [95%-CI: 4 to 6]; 6 Studies). Compared to non-fortified food, fortification increases serum levels of vitamin A but not of zinc. Information about functional health outcomes (e.g. weight gain) and morbidity was scarce and evidence is inconclusive. Risk of bias is unclear due to underreporting, but high quality studies lead to similar results in a sensitivity analysis. Multi micronutrient fortified milk and cereal products can be an effective option to reduce anemia of children up to three years of age in developing countries. On the basis of our data the evidence for functional health outcomes is still inconclusive.
Secondary science and mathematics teachers and gender equity: Attitudes and attempted interventions

Although the literature documents the potential impact of teachers on the achievement of young women in science and math, few studies investigate teacher attitudes and the use of teacher interventions. A survey containing both fixed-response and open-ended questions was administered to 56 teachers from eight high schools. Open-ended questions were content analyzed, and log-linear modeling and chi-square tests of independence were used to analyze relationships between categorical variables representing demographic characteristics, teacher attitudes, and teacher use of interventions. Results provide evidence that teachers, regardless of demographic characteristics, are concerned about gender inequity in their classrooms, although they are generally not familiar with the wide range of possible causes (including their own actions). Reported interventions are consistent with those recommended in the literature, although teachers are not familiar with the effectiveness of their interventions, and numerous teachers feel that attempting interventions is a form of reverse discrimination. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Significance and management of thyroid lesions in lymph nodes as an incidental finding during neck dissection

Background The incidental discovery of thyroid lesions in lymph nodes during a lymph node dissection performed for a separate primary head and neck tumor is an unusual clinical entity. Its discovery has led to controversy regarding its significance and management. Methods We identified five patients over the years 1991–1999 with this finding. All five patients were subsequently treated with a total thyroidectomy and a level VI lymph node dissection. Results Pathological examination revealed three papillary carcinomas and level VI lymph node metastases in the two patients who had carcinoma in their thyroid glands. All five patients are presently free of their primary and thyroid disease on follow-up examinations. Conclusions These patients should be addressed with additional work-up and surgery if metastatic thyroid cancer is documented in the lymph node. We offer a diagnostic algorithm that may aid in further work-up and treatment in these unusual cases. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Head Neck 23: 885–891, 2001.
Properties of photogenerated tryptophan and tyrosyl radicals in structurally characterized proteins containing rhenium(I) tricarbonyl diimines.

Aromatic amino acid radicals are key intermediates in nucleic acid biosynthesis, DNA repair, dioxygen reduction by cytochrome oxidase, water oxidation by PSII, as well as other biological procesess. In our work on electron tunneling in proteins, we have developed laser flash/quench methods that potentially could facilitate the study of such highly reactive radicals. To test our methods, we are investigating two structurally characterized proteins, [Re(CO)_3(L)(H83)]^+AzM^(2+) and [Re(CO)_3(L)(H107)]^+AzM^(2+) (L ) 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) or 4,7-Me_2phen; Az ) Pseudomonas aeruginosa azurin; M ) Cu or Zn). Of special interest is that calculations and experiments on the H107 protein show that Cu^+ oxidation via electron transfer (ET) through an intervening tyrosine (Cu^+ → Y108^(./) → Re(2+)) is over 2 orders of magnitude faster than optimized (Cu^+ → Re^(2+)) electron tunneling.
Identifying Biologically Active Compound Classes Using Phenotypic Screening Data and Sampling Statistics

Scoring the activity of compounds in phenotypic high-throughput assays presents a unique challenge because of the limited resolution and inherent measurement error of these assays. Techniques that leverage the structural similarity of compounds within an assay can be used to improve the hit-recovery rate from screening data. A technique is presented that uses clustering and sampling statistics to predict likely compound activity by scoring entire structural classes. A set of phenotypic assays performed against a commercially available compound library was used as a test set. Using the class-scoring technique, the resultant activity prediction scores were more reproducible than individual assay measurements, and class scoring recovered known active compounds more efficiently than individual assay measurements because class scoring had fewer false positives. Known biologically active compounds were recovered 87% of the time using class scores, suggesting a low false-negative rate that compared well to individual assay measurements. In addition, many weak and potentially novel classes of active compounds, overlooked by individual assay measurements, were suggested.
Permanent Neonatal Diabetes in a Patient with a KCNJ11/Q52R Mutation Accompanied by Intermittent Hypoglycemia and Liver Failure

The most common monogenic cause of neonatal diabetes is mutation in KCNJ11, which encodes a potassium channel in pancreatic beta cells. Some mutations in this gene, including Q52R, have been described in association with neurological deficits, but never with hepatic involvement. We report the second case of neonatal diabetes in a patient with a KCNJ11 Q52R mutation. This patient's clinical course did not include obvious neurological deficits despite the presence of prematurity, but did include transient hyperbilirubinemia, and recurrent hypoglycemia. The phenotypic spectrum of KCNJ11 mutations is variable and is likely influenced by additional genetic and environmental factors.
Arid geomorphology 1994

The past year has been a landmark year for arid lands geomorphology with the publication of two major texts on desert geomorphology, as well as two edited volumes of articles on aeolian processes, ...
The meanings of resident empowerment: Why just about everybody thinks it's a good idea and what it has to do with resident management

Abstract It is generally believed that public housing resident management results in improved social, economic, and physical conditions at development sites and in an empowered community of tenants. While there is some documentation of improvements, there is little documentation regarding empowerment. Further, it is not always clear what proponents of resident management mean by empowerment or how it grows out of the resident management process. This article explores the relationship between community empowerment and resident management of public housing. Following a review of the history of resident management in the United States, three different meanings of empowerment relevant to resident management (conservative, liberal, and progressive) are presented, and their relationship to resident management is introduced and discussed. It is argued that none of the versions of resident management associated with these meanings produces an empowered community. The article concludes with a discussion of the use...
Keyboarding Instruction: A Comparison of Five Approaches:

This experimental study investigated whether third- and fourth-grade students participating in five representative approaches to learning keyboarding would differ in keyboarding competency. Three computer tutorials, a video-word processor combination, and a book-word processor combination constituted the five treatments. Significant F values were detected for the covariate set and the experimental treatment in the multiple regression analyses. The dexterity measure was the most powerful predictor for keyboarding competency. The textbook word processing group scored significantly higher than two of the computer tutorials. No other significant differences were detected among treatment conditions. No significant effects for age or sex were detected. An attitude measure revealed generally positive reactions but pinpointed dislike for pacing in the video treatment and mandatory accuracy levels in computer tutorials. Results of this study suggest several options available to educators.
Characterization of Racemic Species of Chiral Drugs Using Thermal Analysis, Thermodynamic Calculation, and Structural Studies

The identification of the racemic species, as a racemic compound, a racemic conglomerate, or a racemic solid solution (pseudoracemate), is crucial for rationalizing the potential for resolution of racemates by crystallization. The melting points and enthalpies of fusion of a number of chiral drugs and their salts were measured by differential scanning calorimetry. Based on a thermodynamic cycle involving the solid and liquid phases of the enantiomers and racemic species, the enthalpy, entropy and Gibbs free energy of the racemic species were derived from the thermal data. The Gibbs free energy of formation, ΔGTf°, is always negative for a racemic compound, if it can exist, and the contribution from the entropy of mixing in the liquid state to the free energy of formation is the driving force for the process. For a racemic conglomerate, the entropy of mixing in the liquid state is close to the ideal value of R ln 2 (1.38 cal·mol−1·K−1). Pseudoracemates behave differently from the other two types of racemic species. When the melting points of the racemic species is about 30 K below that of the homochiral species, ΔGTf° is approximately zero, indicating that the racemic compound and racemic conglomerate possess similar relative stabilities. The powder X-ray diffraction patterns and 13C solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectra are valuable for revealing structural differences between a racemic compound and a racemic conglomerate. Thermodynamic prediction, thermal analysis, and structural study are in excellent agreement for identifying the nature of the racemic species.
Towards a rich sensing stack for IoT devices

The broad spectrum of interconnected sensors and actuators, available on various mobile devices and smartphones and collectively defined as the Internet of Things (IoT), have evolved into platforms with ability to both collect personal sensory data and also change the users' immediate environment. The continuous streams of richly annotated sensory data on these IoT devices have also enabled the emergence of a new class of context-aware apps that use the data to infer user context and accordingly customize their responses in real-time. However, this growth in the number of apps has not been complemented with adequate system support on the IoT devices resulting in monolithic apps that each implement and execute their own customized sensing pipelines. In this paper, we outline our vision of a sensing stack, akin to a networking stack, that can facilitate the development and execution of context-aware apps on IoT devices. There are several advantages to building a rich sensing stack. First, it allows apps to reuse stages of the sensing pipeline easing their development. Second, the layers of the stack allow for both in- and cross-layer resource optimization. Finally, it allows better control over the shared data as instead of raw-sensor data, higher-level semantic abstractions, such as inferences can now be shared with apps. We describe our initial efforts towards creating the different building blocks of such a sensing stack.
Chlamydia pneumonae: A Treatable Cause of Atherosclerosis?

Summary Investigations into the mechanisms of atherosclerosis have traditionally centered around endothelial cell function, lipid metabolism, and more recently oxidative stress. The research described here provides a unique approach to our understanding of atherogenesis and complements our current understanding that endothelial cell dysfunction is an early event essential to the onset of the inflammatory response that leads to plaque formation. A combined basic and clinical research approach would provide insight into the mechanism by which C. pneumoniae is involved in atherogenesis and potentially provide important novel therapeutic approaches to the prevention of atherosclerosis.
Left ventricular dilatation and multivessel coronary artery disease on thallium-201 spect are important prognostic indicators in patients with large defects in the left anterior descending distribution

Abstract This study examines the importance of left ventricular (LV) dilatation, and evidence of multivessel coronary artery disease identified on thallium-201 (TI-201) single-photon emission computed tomographic (SPECT) scintigrams, for predicting long-term outcome in patients with an extensive left anterior descending (LAD) perfusion deficit. Impaired contractility of the left ventricle determined by low ejection fraction, elevated LV endsystolic volume, and dilatation of the left ventricle are known as major predictors of mortality after myocardial infarction. TI-201 single-photon emission computed tomography primarily reveals status of perfusion/redistribution, but also contains indirect information on LV function. To date, there are no Tl-201 SPECT data on impaired function of the left ventricle (LV dilatation) and extent of perfusion deficits, discussed together as correlates of survival. Patient data were prospectively collected in the computer data base at Emory University. A large perfusion defect involving more than one third of the LAD territory was identified in 291 of 2,652 consecutive patients examined with Tl-201 SPECT initial and 3-hour redistribution studies. Follow-up data were obtained for 284 patients (98%) at 38 ± 14 months. Of the 291 patients, 58 died. The most powerful multivariate correlates of death were LV dilatation, multivessel disease, and the ratio of the LAD severity stress score to total severity of SDs stress score. Cox model analysis was used to determine correlates of survival. Threeyear survival for patients with LV dilatation was 73% versus 89% without LV dilatation (p
Swelling and elasticity of irradiated polydimethylsiloxanes

The G value for crosslinking of polydimethylsiloxanes ((((((Abstract unscannable)))))) James. (auth)
GEOGRAPHIES OF STRUGGLE IN THE SAN LUIS VALLEY

(2012). Geographies of Struggle in the San Luis Valley* Geographical Review: Vol. 102, No. 3, pp. 372-381.
Re-Conceptualizing Booker

Sixth Amendment sentencing jurisprudence has followed a crooked path. This Article offers a critique, a solution, and a suggested way forward. As currently explained by the Supreme Court, the Booker line of cases lacks a secure foothold in the Sixth Amendment's right to jury trial, fails to allay concerns that post-Booker appellate sentencing review might itself lead to Booker violations, and cannot explain how the Sixth Amendment underlies the Court's post-Booker decisions regarding federal sentencing. Moreover, this apparently unprincipled constitutional doctrine is pushing courts toward the conclusion that federal district court sentencing decisions are effectively unreviewable - a result that would invite inequitable sentencing disparities. The key to solving these dilemmas is to justify Booker's constitutional rule on the grounds that it discourages legislatures from deliberately shifting fact-finding responsibilities away from juries and toward judges. This "jury circumvention" approach highlights the possibility that, despite the Booker rule, courts might bow to congressional efforts to empower judges at juries' expense. Gall and Kimbrough are best understood as an effort to address this issue by insisting that federal courts both issue and review sentences based on their own independent judgment, without deferring either to Congress or to the US Sentencing Commission. On this approach, the Supreme Court's Sixth Amendment jurisprudence is fully compatible with robust substantive appellate review of federal district court sentencing decisions.
Techlens: a researcher's desktop

Rapid and continuous growth of digital libraries, coupled with brisk advancements in technology, has driven users to seek tools and services that are not only customized to their specific needs, but are also helpful in keeping them stay abreast with the latest developments in their field. TechLens is a recommender system that learns about its users through implicit feedback, builds correlations among them, and uses that information to generate recommendations that match the user's profile. It gives users control over which parts of their profile of known citations are used in forming recommendations for new articles. This demonstration is a prototype that showcases some of the tools and services that TechLens offers to the users of digital libraries.
Video surveillance for hazardous conditions using sensor networks

One major duty for fire or law enforcement agencies is to respond rapidly to emergency services, crime scenes, and disasters. In many cases, they have to face life-threatening conditions for locating evidence, conducting investigation, or rescuing innocent civilians in an unfamiliar, unstable, and dangerous environment. We propose to develop a system based on the following considerations. 1) Sensors such as tracker and cameras are scattered along the area for capturing subjects' location and monitoring events. Those sensors being coordinated via wireless communication can make an intimate connection to the immediate environment and react to events in a remote area instantly. 2) Network and sensors act in a cooperative and adaptive manner to acquire information and send it back to centralized control center for data fusion and decision-making. Therefore, the sensor control can be updated and field of view (FOV) from each camera can be optimized. 3) Central control embedded with automated scene analysis and subject behavior detection interprets video camera signals constantly and informs agencies when certain events are detected.
Costimulation through NKG2D enhances murine CD8+ CTL function: similarities and differences between NKG2D and CD28 costimulation.

Multiple studies have demonstrated that the NK cell activating receptor NKG2D can function as a costimulatory receptor for both mouse and human CD8+ T cells. However, it has recently been suggested that stimulation through NKG2D is insufficient for costimulation of CD8+ T cells. To aid in the delineation of NKG2D function in CTL responses, we investigated whether stimulation of NKG2D by the natural ligand RAE1e was able to costimulate effector functions of a murine CTL line generated from DUC18 TCR transgenic mice. We found that NKG2D was able to costimulate DUC CTL responses and did so in a manner similar to CD28 costimulation. The T cells exhibited increased proliferation, IFN-γ release, and cytotoxicity when presented antigenic peptide by P815 cells expressing RAE1e or B7-1 compared with untransfected P815. In addition, both RAE1e and B7-1 enhanced Ag-independent IFN-γ secretion in response to IL-12 and IL-18 by DUC CTL. However, only costimulation through CD28 allowed for DUC CTL survival upon secondary stimulation, whereas ligation of NKG2D, but not CD28, induced DUC CTL to form an immune synapse with target cells in the absence of TCR stimulation. Understanding the outcomes of these differences may allow for a better understanding of T cell costimulation in general.
Acoustic interference in paired-associate learning as a function of hearing ability

Qualitative differences in coding verbal materials were postulated between normal- and impaired-hearing children. Acoustic similarity was used in two paired-associate lists differing in manner of pairings. The regression of performance upon hearing loss was significant for consistent pairings but not for inconsistent pairings. The results supported the hypothesized qualitative differences.
Outcomes after carotid endarterectomy: is there a high-risk population? A National Surgical Quality Improvement Program report.

Objective Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is the standard treatment of carotid stenosis for symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. Carotid angioplasty and stenting (CAS), however, has been proposed as alternative therapy for patients deemed at high-risk for CEA. This study examined 30-day adjudicated outcomes in a contemporary series of CEAs and assessed the validity of criteria used to define a potential high-risk patient population for CEA. Methods Patients undergoing isolated CEA in private sector hospitals between Jan 1, 2005, and Dec 31, 2006, were identified using the prospectively gathered National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. The primary study end points were 30-day stroke and death rates. Demographic, preoperative, and intraoperative variables were examined using multivariate models to identify variables associated with the study end points. Variables used to define systemic "high-risk" patients in the Stenting and Angioplasty with Protection in Patients at High Risk for Endarterectomy (SAPPHIRE) study (active cardiac disease, severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and octogenarian status) were examined individually and in composite fashion for association with study endpoints. Results Of the 3949 CEAs performed, 59% were in men, 30% were "high-risk" (19% age >80), and 43% had a previous neurologic event. The 30-day stroke rate was 1.6%, the death rate was 0.7%, and combined stroke/death rate was 2.2%. Multivariate analysis showed that intraoperative transfusion (odds ratio [OR], 5.95; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.71-20.66; P = .005), prior major stroke (OR, 5.34; 95% CI, 2.96-9.64; P P = .010), and increased anesthesia time (OR, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.00-1.03; P = .008) were predictive of stroke. Critical limb ischemia (OR, 12.72; 95% CI, 3.49-46.40; P P Conclusion CEA is associated with favorable 30-day outcomes across a spectrum of patient comorbidity features including octogenarian status. Anatomic and technical features are the important predictors of perioperative stroke, whereas critical limb ischemia and poor functional status are important predictors of death for patients undergoing CEA. These data refute the concept that CAS is preferred for patients deemed high-risk by virtue of systemic comorbidities.
Integrating Learning Communities and Distance Education: Possibility or Pipedream?

As demands for accountability continue and increase, higher education administrators require tools for evaluating campus programs. Learning communities, as a course design strategy, have proven successful in confronting challenges associated with attrition and retention. Because high attrition is associated with online distance education, learning community principles might be applicable to online courses. The authors surveyed attendees at a learning communities conference to determine the applicability of learning community principles to Internet learning and assessment. On the basis of their findings, they developed a rudimentary diagnostic tool for ascertaining whether online course design takes learning community principles into account.
Large-scale numerical problems in biomedical studies

A review of on-going projects employing an interdisciplinary approach is presented. This approach is the applicability of computer graphics, fluid dynamics and numerical analysis techniques to hemodynamic problems in medicine. It has been shown to be feasible. The hemodynamic studies are the analysis of blood movement in prosthetic heart valves and the attempt to understand initiation and formation of atherosclerotic lesions. It is demonstrated that the Navier-Stokes equations of flow are amenable to descriptive solution by computer graphics and resulting examples of particular surface and perspective displays are presented. Comparison of computer graphics experiments with clinical findings are discussed.