cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Instantaneous global plate motion model from 12 years of continuous GPS observations

[1] We estimate a global plate motion model for 17 major and minor tectonic plates solely on the basis of analysis of data from 106 globally distributed continuous GPS stations, spanning the period from January 1991 to July 2003. Site positions estimated from 24-hour segments of data are aligned day-by-day to the International GPS Service (IGS) realization of the ITRF2000 reference frame using a similarity transformation, thereby ensuring that the ITRF2000 no-net-rotation condition is preserved. Linear velocities of a carefully selected set of stations are estimated from the position time series, along with annual and semiannual fluctuations and position offsets due to GPS instrument changes. A white noise plus flicker noise model is applied to estimate realistic uncertainties for the site velocities, which are then propagated into the derived plate motion model parameters. We also examine the vertical velocities in the site selection process. At the Scripps Orbit and Permanent Array Center we have implemented a procedure whereby the plate motion model is updated on a regular (monthly) basis to improve its precision and reliability as new data become available and as a baseline against which anomalous motions can be detected.
Validating transcripts with probes and imaging technology

High-throughput gene expression screens provide a quantitative picture of the average expression signature of biological samples. However, the analysis of spatial gene expression patterns with single-cell resolution requires quantitative in situ measurement techniques. Here we describe recent technological advances in RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) techniques that facilitate detection of individual fluorescently labeled mRNA molecules of practically any endogenous gene. These methods, which are based on advances in probe design, imaging technology and image processing, enable the absolute measurement of transcript abundance in individual cells with single-molecule resolution.
Epidemiology of Wilms tumor

Wilms tumor affects approximately one child per 10,000 worldwide before the age of 15 years. Incidence rates appear to be slightly elevated for U.S. and African Blacks in comparison to Whites, but are only half as great among Asians. Several case-control studies have suggested that paternal occupational or maternal hormonal exposures during pregnancy may increase the risk of Wilms tumor, but small numbers of subjects and inconsistencies in the patterns of exposures do not permit firm conclusions to be drawn. It is unlikely that such environmental exposures play a major role in the etiology of Wilms tumor. The median age-at-onset of Wilms tumor is 38 months in the U.S. National Wilms Tumor Study series, with cases in girls occurring on average 6 months later than in boys. Patients with bilateral tumors, aniridia, cryptorchism/hypospadias, Beck-with-Wiedemann syndrome, or intralobar nephrogenic rests tend to be diagnosed much younger than average (median 17-27 months). Those with familial disease or multicentric tumors have intermediate age-at-onset distributions, while those with perilobar nephrogenic rests are diagnosed at older ages. The epidemiologic features suggest that somatic mosaicism, rather than a germline mutation, may be responsible for some of the bilateral and multicentric cases.
Beyond the Epistemological Dilemma: General Theory in a Postpositivist Mode

Socially grounded and personally rooted knowledge can be based, not in particularistic and local frames, but in the most generalized and critically reviewed experiences of the most inclusive social institutions and groups. From the continuous debate that accompanies the search for such knowledge, standards of evidence and reasoning develop that press toward rational, impersonal criteria of validity. In the course of this search it has proved crucial and practical for knowing actors to decenter themselves from the objects of their regard, thus separating the knower from the known. The objective world thus studied depends for its perception upon the construction of a worldview. Human beings create the view, but not the world that is viewed. Our theories do not simply and directly reflect the world “out there,” but they do allow for the relatively consensual comprehension of powerful regularities in society. Standards of validity are thus immanent in the very practice of social science, hence this postpositivist case is of critical importance for general theory, which aims for provisional acceptance on the basis of universal argument.
Application of Waste Dumping Technology in Foundation Construction at Home and Abroad

This thesis analyzed the technical characteristics and equipment selection of several methods in realizing the mechanization of waste dumping of deep well foundation, and proposed the development direction of waste dumping machines in our country.
The crack problem for a half plane stiffened by elastic cover plates

An elastic half plane containing a crack and stiffened by a cover plate is discussed. The asymptotic nature of the stress state in the half plane around an end point of the stiffener to determine the likely orientation of a possible fracture initiation and growth was studied. The problem is formulated for an arbitrary oriented radial crack in a system of singular integral equations. For an internal crack and for an edge crack, the problem is solved and the stress intensity factors at the crack tips and the interface stress are calculated. A cracked half plane with two symmetrically located cover plates is also considered. It is concluded that the case of two stiffeners appears to be more severe than that of a single stiffener.
Impact of IQ Discrepancy on Executive Function in High-Functioning Autism: Insight into Twice Exceptionality

We examined the impact of IQ discrepancy (IQD) within (1) and above (1+) one standard deviation on executive function in HFA using the BRIEF. We hypothesized that IQD would benefit executive function. IQD 1 is hallmarked by deficits in BRIEF indices and subscales inhibit, shift, initiate, working memory, planning and organization, and monitor (MANCOVA, p < .003, corrected). As IQD increases to 1+, deficits are fewer, corresponding to subscales inhibit, shift, and initiate. Pearson correlations (p < .004, corrected) identify significant relationships for FSIQ and BRIEF Global Composite (r = −.66, p = .002) and Metacognition subscales plan/organize (r = −.64, p = .003) and monitor (r = −.63, p = .004). Results suggest IQD 1+ favoring verbal IQ may support these aspects of executive function in HFA.
Variability in river temperature, discharge, and energy flux from the Russian pan‐Arctic landmass

[1] We introduce a new Arctic river temperature data set covering 20 gauges in 17 unique Arctic Ocean drainage basins in the Russian pan-Arctic (ART-Russia). Warm season 10-day time step data (decades) were collected from Russian archival sources covering a period from 1929 to 2003 with most data falling in the range from the mid-1930s to the early 1990s. The water temperature data were combined with river discharge data to estimate energy flux for all basins and over the Russian pan-Arctic as a whole. Tests for trend were carried out for water temperature, river discharge, and energy flux. Spatially coherent significant increases in the maximum decadal river temperature were found in the European part of the Russian pan-Arctic. Several other drainage basins showed significant changes, but there was no strong pattern either in the connections between variables or spatially. The trend in area averaged energy flux for the three largest drainage basins (Ob, Yenisey, Lena) combined was found to be significantly decreasing. We speculate that in the Yenisey basin, this decrease was due to large impoundments of river water. The lack of consistency between temperature and energy flux trends was due to the difference in timing between peaks in river temperature and river discharge. The mean area averaged energy flux from the Russian basins was 0.2 W m−2. Using this mean we estimated the total energy flux from the entire Russian pan-Arctic, both gauged and ungauged, to be 82 EJ a−1.
Smart defect classification for better analysis using tagging mechanisms

Summary form only given. Defect classification plays a major role in categorizing the defects based on components, sub components, different product areas etc. A well defined defects classification mechanism is a base for any type of defect analysis. Defects can be classified based on tags. These tags can be user-defined, shared or personal tags related to any area in a product. Tags can be used for searching the work items and viewing the tagged artifacts. Tags are very easy to create but yet very helpful in categorizing the defects for analysis. Tags are generally used for very specific, detailed defect analysis. During the product implementation, we have used this tagging mechanism extensively which helped us analyzing the defects for better product stability, better performance, focusing on specific areas that needs improvement in the product. We created filter for the tags and saved that view in the project dashboard for quick analysis. We also used the defect view to create a tag cloud which displays the number of work items by tag attribute. In this article, we would show how to use tags effectively and write query with tag attribute for filtering of defects in specific areas in a product. Upon analyzing these tags we found some interesting issues in the product. In this paper, we will show defect categorization using tag cloud in a dynamic way. We will also present how tag cloud provides details of the defect based on importance and number of occurrences. The defect analysis also highlighted some components which needed more attention.
Blastomycosis in Transplant Recipients: Report of a Case and Review

Fungi cause serious, often fatal infections in immunocompromised hosts. Recipients of solid organ and bone marrow transplants are predisposed to invasive fungal infections with Candida species, Aspergillus species, and Cryptococcus neoformans. In contrast, infections with Blastomyces dermatitidis have rarely been diagnosed in transplant recipients. We describe a patient who received an orthotopic heart transplant and developed recurrent disseminated blastomycosis. Other reported cases of blastomycosis in transplant recipients are summarized. Clinical presentation, treatment options, and morbidity associated with infections with B. dermatitidis in transplant patients are reviewed.
Race and the Same-Sex Marriage Divide

When it comes to same-sex marriage, one might expect black Americans to be on board–if it’s a civil rights question, why shouldn’t they be? Marcus Anthony Hunter looks at some of the tangled past b...
Multisensor target detection using adaptive feature-based fusion

Target detection techniques play an important role in automatic target recognition (ATR) systems because overall ATR performance depends closely on detection results. A number of detection techniques based on infrared (IR) images have been developed using a variety of pattern recognition approaches. However, target detection based on a single IR sensor is often hampered by adverse weather conditions or countermeasures, resulting in unacceptably high false alarm rates. Multiple imaging sensors in different spectral ranges, such as visible and infrared bands, are used here to reduce such adverse effects. The imaging data from the different sensors are jointly processed to exploit the spatial characteristics of the objects. Four local features are used to exploit the local characteristics of the images generated from each sensor. A confidence image is created via feature-based fusion that combines the features to obtain potential target locations. Experimental results using two test sequences are provided to demonstrate the viability of the proposed technique.
Loading clamps for DNA replication and repair

Sliding clamps and clamp loaders were initially identified as DNA polymerase processivity factors. Sliding clamps are ring-shaped protein complexes that encircle and slide along duplex DNA, and clamp loaders are enzymes that load these clamps onto DNA. When bound to a sliding clamp, DNA polymerases remain tightly associated with the template being copied, but are able to translocate along DNA at rates limited by rates of nucleotide incorporation. Many different enzymes required for DNA replication and repair use sliding clamps. Clamps not only increase the processivity of these enzymes, but may also serve as an attachment point to coordinate the activities of enzymes required for a given process. Clamp loaders are members of the AAA+ family of ATPases and use energy from ATP binding and hydrolysis to catalyze the mechanical reaction of loading clamps onto DNA. Many structural and functional features of clamps and clamp loaders are conserved across all domains of life. Here, the mechanism of clamp loading is reviewed by comparing features of prokaryotic and eukaryotic clamps and clamp loaders.
Detection of minute amounts of adrenocorticotropic hormone by the effect on adrenal venous ascorbic acid.

Adrenal venous blood was collected from hypophysectomized plateaued female rats immediately following intravenous injection of ACTH. The ascorbic acid concentration of the adrenal venous blood, of systemic blood, and of the adrenal gland before and after administration of ACTH was estimated. The increase in adrenal venous ascorbic acid concentration during the period of cannulation (on the average, 9.0 min.) was related linearly to the log dose of ACTH over the range, 0.01 to 0.10 mu./lOO gm., with a standard deviation(s) of 2.12, a slope (b) of 20.0, and an index of precision (λ) of 0.106. A biological assay method based on this response was proposed for the assay of ACTH in blood. The absolute increase in adrenal venous ascorbic acid was significantly greater (P <.O5) than the loss in adrenal ascorbic acid during the period of cannulation, suggesting that ACTH had increased the rate of biosynthesis as well as the rate of secretion of adrenal ascorbic acid. A simplified technique for collection of adrena...
STANCE TOWARDS A LITERARY WORK: APPLYING THE TRANSACTIONAL THEORY TO CHILDREN'S RESPONSES

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to examine childrens’ responses to a literary work from a reader response perspective, specifically the concepts of stance and personal meaningfulness drawn from Rosenblatt's (1978) transactional theory. Data were the free, written responses of 38 fifth‐grade children to nine works of realistic literature and film. Classification systems were developed to characterize stance on an efferent to aesthetic continuum, and level of personal understanding reached. Results revealed 1) between‐text differences for stance and understanding, 2) book and film differences for stance, but not for understanding, 3) the majority of responses were written from an aesthetic stance, and also went beyond the simplest literal level of understanding, and 4) the use of an aesthetic stance ‐ when responders focused on the lived‐through experience of the work ‐ was associated with significantly higher levels of understanding, clearly providing empirical support for the theories of Rosenblatt...
GLUT1 Deficiency Links Nutrient Availability and Apoptosis during Embryonic Development

GLUT1 is essential for human brain development and function, as evidenced by the severe epileptic encephalopathy observed in children with GLUT1 deficiency syndrome resulting from inherited loss-of-function mutations in the gene encoding this facilitative glucose transporter. To further elucidate the pathophysiology of this disorder, the zebrafish orthologue of human GLUT1 was identified, and expression of this gene was abrogated during early embryonic development, resulting in a phenotype of aberrant brain organogenesis consistent with the observed expression of Glut1 in the embryonic tectum and specifically rescued by human GLUT1 mRNA. Affected embryos displayed impaired glucose uptake concomitant with increased neural cell apoptosis and subsequent ventricle enlargement, trigeminal ganglion cell loss, and abnormal hindbrain architecture. Strikingly, inhibiting expression of the zebrafish orthologue of the proapoptotic protein Bad resulted in complete rescue of this phenotype, and this occurred even in the absence of restoration of apparent glucose uptake. Taken together, these studies describe a tractable system for elucidating the cellular and molecular mechanisms of Glut1 deficiency and provide compelling in vivo genetic evidence directly linking nutrient availability and activation of mitochondria-dependent apoptotic mechanisms during embryonic brain development.
ELECTRONIC EFFECTS OF CHEMISORPTION ON A POWDERED ZINC OXIDE CATALYST.

Abstract : The report presents a general discussion of electronic surface states and their possible electronic and catalytic effects. It also presents a method by which the temperature-dependence of the catalyst's conductivity can be used to elicit information on the disposition of the surface states relative to the bulk band structure. The catalyst was ZnO in powder form and an impedance technique was used to measure its conductivity under single gas (CO and O2) and differential reaction (2CO + 02 yields 2CO2) ambients. Oxygen acceptor surface states appear to have a dominant influence over the catalyst's conductivity even at O2 pressures as low as 0.00001 torr and in reaction mixture containing greater than 4 parts CO to one part O2. The apparent donor effect of adsorbed CO appears to result from the interaction with adsorbed or lattice oxygen rather than from the formation of a donor-like CO adsorption state. The experimental measurements tend to confirm the energy band structure model of this semiconductor catalyst and reveal certain features of interest for the electronic theory of catalysis. However, it does appear that powder systems may be too complex to deal with quantitatively at the present stage of development of electronic surface state theories. (Author)
Concurrent Intracranial and Spinal Subdural Hematoma in a Teenage Athlete: A Case Report of This Rare Entity

A 15-year-old male high school football player presented with episodes of headache and complete body stiffness, especially in the arms, lower back, and thighs, immediately following a football game. This was accompanied by severe nausea and vomiting for several days. Viral meningitis was suspected by the primary clinician, and treatment with corticosteroids was initiated. Over the next several weeks, there was gradual symptom improvement and the patient returned to his baseline clinical status. The patient experienced a severe recurrence of the previous myriad of symptoms following a subsequent football game, without an obvious isolated traumatic episode. In addition, he experienced a new left sided headache, fatigue, and difficulty ambulating. He was admitted and an extensive workup was performed. CT and MRI of the head revealed concurrent intracranial and spinal subdural hematomas (SDH). Clinical workup did not reveal any evidence of coagulopathy or predisposing vascular lesions. Spinal SDH is an uncommon condition whose concurrence with intracranial SDH is an even greater clinical rarity. We suggest that our case represents an acute on chronic intracranial SDH with rebleeding, membrane rupture, and symptomatic redistribution of hematoma to the spinal subdural space.
Effect of chronic cimetidine ingestion on fundic and antral epithelial proliferation in the rat.

Recent reports of the association of cimetidine treatment with the development of gastric carcinoma stimulated us to study the effect of chronic cimetidine ingestion on epithelial proliferation in the stomach of male Wistar/Lewis rats. One group of rats received cimetidine in the drinking water to deliver 150–200 mg/kg/day. Control rats received plain water. To label proliferating cells, the rats were injected by tail vein with tritiated thymidine 1 hr before sacrifice at 1, 6, and 12 months. Sections of fundus and antrum were processed for light autoradiography. We found no histological evidence for malignant change and no effect on the measurements of epithelial proliferation by cimetidine in either fundus or antrum at any of the times studied, with the possible exception of an upward shift in the distribution of labeled cells within the proliferative zone of the fundus after 6 months. Thus, under the conditions of our experiments we have been unable to identify an effect of cimetidine on epithelial proliferation which would implicate it as a chemical carcinogen.
Brain embolism, revisited

Treatment of brain embolism should depend on the nature of the embolic material, if discoverable or predictable, not on whether the source was cardiac or intra-arterial. The middle cerebral artery territory is the most common recipient site for emboli, but many emboli do go to the carotid arteries and the posterior circulation. Cardiac and intra-arterial embolism probably each account for about one in five posterior circulation infarcts. Paradoxical embolism is much more common than formerly appreciated. The carotid arteries are probably the most common sources of intra-arterial emboli to the brain, but emboli also frequently arise from the aorta and the vertebral arteries. Potential embolic materials probably frequently enter the circulation but rarely cause strokes.
Blocking Wnt/LRP5 signaling by a soluble receptor modulates the epithelial to mesenchymal transition and suppresses met and metalloproteinases in osteosarcoma Saos‐2 cells

We previously reported the Wnt receptor low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 5 (LRP5) was frequently expressed in osteosarcoma (OS) tissue and correlated with metastasis and a lower disease-free survival. Subsequent in vitro analysis revealed that dominant-negative, soluble LRP5 (sLRP5) can reduce in vitro cellular invasion. In the current study, we examined the molecular mechanisms of blocking canonical Wnt signaling by sLRP5 in Saos-2 osteosarcoma cells. Transfection of sLRP5 caused a marked up-regulation of E-cadherin in this cell line. This increase in E-cadherin, seen primarily at the cell-cell contact borders, was associated with down-regulation of Slug and Twist, transcriptional repressors which mediate cancer invasion and metastasis. In contrast, N-cadherin, a mesenchymal marker, was reduced by sLRP5. In addition, blocking Wnt signaling by sLRP5 modulated other epithelial and mesenchymal markers (keratin 8 and 18, fibronectin), suggesting a reversal of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) seen during cancer progression. SLRP5 also reduced the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 2 and 14, consistent with a decrease in invasive capacity. SLRP5 transfection decreased both Met expression and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)-induced cell motility. Taken together, these results support a role for Wnt/LRP5 signaling in invasiveness of a subset of OS cells.
Non-random incorporation of 5-bromodeoxyuridine in rat cell DNA

Secondary cultures of rat embryo cells were exposed for 24 hrs. to 10-7M [3H] thymidine (TdR) or 10−7M [3H]5-bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) in order to localize and compare the distribution of the isotopes in DNA. DNA was extracted, sheared, and centrifuged to equilibrium through neutral and alkaline CsCl density gradients. The DNA band from each gradient type was separated into a “heavy” and “light” fraction, and DNA-DNA reassociation hybridizations were performed on each sample. Renaturation profiles revealed that each fractionated DNA sample was representative of the complete rat cell genome, except for the “light” [3H]BrdU-DNA prepared by centrifugation through alkaline CsCl gradients. This fraction was predominantly depleted of labeled late repetitive and intermediate sequences. Uncentrifuged rat DNA was sequentially fractionated during reassociation into rapidly, intermediate, and slowly reassociating sequences by hydroxyapatite chromatography. Relative specific activities of each component revealed a non-uniform distribution of [3H]BrdU moieties as compared to [3H]TdR. These results suggest a nonrandom incorporation of 10−7M BrdU into rat cell DNA sequences.
A Latino Scorecard for Higher Education A Focus on Texas Universities

A Latino scorecard is presented for higher education institutions using an index of eight measures for resources, effectiveness, diversity, equity, affordability, and access. It is applied to publi...
Lineage choices in the developing thymus: choosing the T and NKT pathways.

Abstract Thymic development proceeds through several defined stages that generate not only αβ and γδ T cells but can produce dendritic cells and B cells. The earliest thymocytes exist in the CD4−CD8− double negative compartment within a heterogeneous fraction termed DN1. Recent progress has identified several candidate populations that may be the bone fide T-cell progenitor population. The potential roles of these populations, which include hematopoietic stem cells, early lymphocyte precursors, common lymphoid progenitors, and early T lineage progenitors are being elucidated. The αβ T-cell lineage consists of distinct subsets, one of which is NKT cells. The developmental relationship of NKT cells to conventional T cells has been controversial. Recent work has shown that these cells are probably derived from CD4+CD8+ thymocytes. The discovery and application of CD1d tetramers has made it possible to more fully describe NKT-cell development.
The structure at 2.4 Å resolution of the protein from gene locus At3g21360, a putative FeII/2-oxo­glutarate-dependent enzyme from Arabidopsis thaliana

The crystal structure of the gene product of At3g21360 from Arabidopsis thaliana was determined by the single-wavelength anomalous dispersion method and refined to an R factor of 19.3% (Rfree = 24.1%) at 2.4 A resolution. The crystal structure includes two monomers in the asymmetric unit that differ in the conformation of a flexible domain that spans residues 178–230. The crystal structure confirmed that At3g21360 encodes a protein belonging to the clavaminate synthase-like superfamily of iron(II) and 2-oxoglutarate-dependent enzymes. The metal-binding site was defined and is similar to the iron(II) binding sites found in other members of the superfamily.
Effects of progesterone or estradiol on uterine tubal transport of ova in the cow.

Abstract An experiment was designed to determine the effect of progesterone (P) or estradiol benzoate (EB) on uterine tubal transport of ova in the cow. Intramuscular injections of P, EB, or corn oil (C) were administered to heifers 24 hours after the end of estrus. The heifers were euthanatized 60 hours after the end of estrus and the location of the ovum or zygote was determined. Venous serum levels of progesterone and estradiol-17β were measured by radioimmunoassay. The mean uterine tube (UT) length was 23.9 cm. An ovum or zygote was recovered from 11 of 14 heifers. Serum levels of progesterone and estradiol-17β were above normal bovine levels following the P and EB treatments, respectively. The mean UT ovum transport rates were 0.42, 0.21 and 0.23 cm/hour in the P, EB and C treatment groups, respectively. The UT ovum transport rate was increased (P 0.05) when compared with the C treatment.
LONG-TERM ASSESSMENT OF QUALITY OF LIFE IN ADULT PATIENTS WITH REPAIRED CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE. 185

LONG-TERM ASSESSMENT OF QUALITY OF LIFE IN ADULT PATIENTS WITH REPAIRED CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE. 185
Functional Consequences of the Human Cardiac Troponin I Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Mutation R145G in Transgenic Mice

In this study, we addressed the functional consequences of the human cardiac troponin I (hcTnI) hypertrophic cardiomyopathy R145G mutation in transgenic mice. Simultaneous measurements of ATPase activity and force in skinned papillary fibers from hcTnI R145G transgenic mice (Tg-R145G) versus hcTnI wild type transgenic mice (Tg-WT) showed a significant decrease in the maximal Ca(2+)-activated force without changes in the maximal ATPase activity and an increase in the Ca(2+) sensitivity of both ATPase and force development. No difference in the cross-bridge turnover rate was observed at the same level of cross-bridge attachment (activation state), showing that changes in Ca(2+) sensitivity were not due to changes in cross-bridge kinetics. Energy cost calculations demonstrated higher energy consumption in Tg-R145G fibers compared with Tg-WT fibers. The addition of 3 mm 2,3-butanedione monoxime at pCa 9.0 showed that there was approximately 2-4% of force generating cross-bridges attached in Tg-R145G fibers compared with less than 1.0% in Tg-WT fibers, suggesting that the mutation impairs the ability of the cardiac troponin complex to fully inhibit cross-bridge attachment under relaxing conditions. Prolonged force and intracellular [Ca(2+)] transients in electrically stimulated intact papillary muscles were observed in Tg-R145G compared with Tg-WT. These results suggest that the phenotype of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is most likely caused by the compensatory mechanisms in the cardiovascular system that are activated by 1) higher energy cost in the heart resulting from a significant decrease in average force per cross-bridge, 2) slowed relaxation (diastolic dysfunction) caused by prolonged [Ca(2+)] and force transients, and 3) an inability of the cardiac TnI to completely inhibit activation in the absence of Ca(2+) in Tg-R145G mice.
Comparison of covalently and physically cross-linked polyethylene glycol-based hydrogels for the prevention of postoperative adhesions in a rat model

A covalently and a physicochemically cross-linked hydrogel, both based primarily on polyethylene glycol and both formed in situ, were compared side by side in a rat uterine horn devascularization and serosal injury model for efficacy in adhesion prevention. The primary difference between the two materials was the nature of their cross-linking. The covalently cross-linked hydrogel was a photopolymerized polyethylene glycol-co-lactic acid diacrylate, and the physically cross-linked hydrogel was a polyethylene glycol-co-polypropylene glycol, Poloxamer 407. In the surgical model employed, application of the covalently cross-linked hydrogel reduced the extent of adhesion formation from 75 +/- 10% in the control group to 16 +/- 6% (mean +/- s.d., P < 0.001). Application of the physically cross-linked hydrogel reduced adhesion formation to 38 +/- 19% (P < 0.01). Retention of the two hydrogels upon the site of application was also evaluated. The covalently cross-linked hydrogel formed a continuous barrier upon the uterine horns for more than 4 d, while the physicochemically cross-linked hydrogel was present upon the uterine horns for less than 2 d. This difference in retention was probably the cause of the difference in efficacy and may be attributed to the nature of the cross-linking.
Stochastic Modeling of Load-Induced Settlement in Loose Granular Materials

The response of loose cohesionless granular material to surface applied loads is investigated from the viewpoint of probabilistic mechanics of particulate media. A model is proposed that is based on the combined propagation of intergranular forces and an excess volume of voids. In this regard, it provides a bridge between earlier theories developed independently for the diffusion of stresses and for the propagation of settlements. In its general formulation, the theory can model three-dimensional, transient effects. However, the model is believed to be limited to normally consolidated or noncompacted, fully drained or dry, granular materials that do not exhibit dilatancy effects. The derived numerical modeling of steady state deflection patterns under a rigid footing is found to be in good agreement with x-ray images of laboratory model tests using noncompacted silt. The proposed theory recognizes the discrete and inherently random nature of natural granular materials such as cohesionless soils and builds...
Sparse nanowire arrays for facile transport measurements

Nanowires can be electrodeposited into partially etched porous alumina templates such that only a very small number of nanowires reach the top surface of the template. This allows transport measurements of small clusters or single nanowires in their alumina matrix by connecting leads to the hemispherical domes marking the protrusion of nanowires on the surface. Copper, nickel, and silver nanowires have been synthesized in this manner, and a more general synthesis method is proposed.
Dance your work away: exploring step user interfaces

While applications are typically optimized for traditional desktop interfaces using a keyboard and mouse, there are a variety of compelling reasons to consider alternative input mechanisms that require more physical exertion, including promoting fitness, preventing Repetitive Strain Injuries, and encouraging fun. We chose to explore physical interfaces based on foot motion and have built two applications with Step User Interfaces: StepMail and StepPhoto. Both support working with email and photos using the dance pad made popular by the Dance Dance Revolution (DDR) game. Results of a formative evaluation with ten participants suggest that the interactions are intuitive to learn, somewhat enjoyable, and cause participants to increase their level of exertion over sitting at a desk. Our evaluation also revealed design considerations for Step User Interfaces, including balancing effort across the body, avoiding needless exertion, and choosing target applications with care.
Calcification of intervertebral discs in childhood.

Over 75 cases of intervertebral disc calcification in childhood have been reported, but the illness is seldom considered in the differential diagnosis of back pain in children. This paper reports two children who required surgery for intervertebral disc calcification. The histologic changes, which have not been described previously, include an amorphous calcification within the nucleus pulposus without any inflammatory reaction. The etiology of disc calcification remains unknown, but it can be differentiated both clinically and pathologically from other causes of calcified intervertebral discs and from spondylarthritis.
African Americans show increased risk for pressure ulcers: A retrospective analysis of acute care hospitals in America

In an earlier study, we reported a significantly increased risk of pressure ulcer hospital discharge diagnoses in African Americans, higher age groups, and those with certain medical conditions. The objectives of the present study were to: (a) investigate the demographics associated with a higher odds ratio (OR) in African Americans and (b) determine whether African Americans have different rates of medical risk factors. The 2003 Nationwide Inpatient Sample database was queried. Patients with pressure ulcers were identified by discharge diagnoses using ICD-9 codes 707.0-707.09. Discharge diagnosis was examined using the agency for healthcare research and quality clinical classifications software (CCS). The present study used identified CCS discharge diagnoses present in at least 5% of all patients, with an OR>2. African Americans exhibited a higher incidence of an OR>2 for 28 identified CCS risk factors for pressure ulcers. The pressure ulcer diagnoses tended to occur at younger ages in African Americans. No significant differences were noted in African Americans with pressure ulcers when a subanalysis was conducted by zip code income quartile, region of the country, or teaching status of the hospital. Hospitalized African Americans exhibit an age-dependent, higher prevalence of pressure ulcers compared with Caucasians. Socioeconomic factors tracked within the Nationwide Inpatient Sample do not provide an explanation for this phenomenon.
Connectionist Approach to Improving Highway Vehicle Classification Schemes: The Florida Case

The mechanistic-empirical pavement design methodology being developed under NCHRP Project 1-37A will require accurate classification of vehicles to develop axle load spectra information needed as the design input. Scheme F, used by most states to classify vehicles, can be used to develop the required load spectra. Unfortunately, the scheme is difficult to automate and is prone to errors resulting from imprecise demarcation of class thresholds. In this paper, the classification problem is viewed as a pattern recognition problem in which connectionist techniques such as probabilistic neural networks (PNN) can be used to assign vehicles to their correct classes and hence to establish optimum axle spacing thresholds. The PNN was developed, trained, and applied to field data composed of individual vehicles' axle spacing, number of axles per vehicle, and overall vehicle weight. The PNN reduced the error rate from 9.5% to 6.2% compared with an existing classification algorithm used by the Florida Department of T...
North American English Vowels: A Factor-analytic Perspective

Previous studies of American English have identified a number of robust patterns involving the vowel system, such as the Northern Cities Chain Shift and the Southern Vowel Shift. These studies primarily employ methods which treat separately the phonetic properties of specific vowels as produced by individual speakers which are later assembled into complete vowel systems. While this provides a useful picture of production, it is not adequate for comparison with dialect perception studies, where interpretation of the results often requires some understanding of the correlations among linguistic features and between those features and individual talkers. We conducted a factor analysis of the duration and first and second formant frequencies of each of the fourteen vowels produced by forty-eight speakers representing six regional varieties of American English and both genders. The data were submitted to factor analysis using maximum likelihood estimation and Varimax rotation. Results confirmed significant correlations between regional dialect and acoustic-phonetic properties of the vowel systems, although these patterns are complicated by interactions with gender. These results illustrate the utility of factor analytic methods in examining systematic variation across an entire linguistic system such as the vowels.
A basic needs assessment of Kenyan health care practitioners' training and ability in providing resuscitation management for patients in Mbagathi Hospital, Nairobi.

Abstract Study Objective To determine if health care providers at one district hospital in Nairobi, Kenya, possess the training and confidence necessary to attend to basic needs for patient resuscitation. Design Prospective cohort study. Setting Mbagathi District Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya, a 300-bed, government district-level health care facility serving over one million Kenyans. Subjects 21 medical officers, clinical officers, medical officer and clinical officer interns, and nurses. Measurements An investigator-designed survey, the Self Assessment of Clinical Skills, designed to assess training and level of confidence in addressing basic resuscitation, was administered. Main Results 80% of respondents have been taught how to maintain a patent airway, but 22% felt less than confident in their ability. Nearly two thirds (62%) of respondents had not been trained to use a pulse oximeter. 100% of respondents felt they would benefit from additional training in airway and pulse oximetry assessment. While 90% reported that they had been taught to treat hypotension and 76% had experience treating hypotension, only 62% felt confident in their ability to treat hypotension. 95% desired additional training in hypotension management. 85% wanted additional training in measuring blood pressure, and every respondent desired additional training in the other circulatory monitoring skills listed on the survey. Conclusions Providers of the Mbagathi District Hospital, Nairobi, report a lack of confidence in recognizing basic resuscitation needs, and they desire additional training.
A new form of artificial viscosity

Abstract An improved form of artificial viscosity results from the substitution of the second Rankine-Hugoniot equation {Δu = [−ΔpΔ( 1 ϱ )] 1 2 } in the equation for q. Thus q = ϱc2|Δu|2 becomes q = ϱc 2 |Δu [−ΔpΔ( 1 ϱ )] 1 2 . Large velocity gradients (and small pressure gradients) can exist away from shocks, because of geometric effects, and large pressure gradients (and small velocity gradients) can exist in nearly static systems. But if there are both large pressure and velocity gradients, then a shock is present. Thus we see that this form is intrinsically more characteristic of the presence of a shock. Among the several advantages of this form of q, the most important is the improvement in the q heating description as shocks are reflected. Use of the third Rankine-Hugoniot equation in the q is examined, as are some lower-order (linear and 3 2 power) q's.
The Ruv proteins of Thermotoga maritima: branch migration and resolution of Holliday junctions

In homologous recombination in bacteria, the RuvAB Holliday junction-specific helicase catalyzes Holliday junction branch migration, and the RuvC Holliday junction resolvase catalyzes formation of spliced or patched structures. RuvAB and RuvC from the hyperthermophile Thermotoga maritima were expressed in Escherichia coli and purified to homogeneity. An inverted repeat sequence with unique termini was produced by PCR, restriction endonuclease cleavage, and head-to-tail ligation. A second inverted repeat sequence was derived by amplification of a second template containing a three-nucleotide insertion. Reassociation products from a mixture of these two sequences were homoduplex linear molecules and heteroduplex heat-stable Holliday junctions, which acted as substrates for both T. maritima RuvAB and RuvC. The T. maritima RuvAB helicase catalyzed energy-dependent Holliday junction branch migration at 70 degrees C, leading to heteroduplex linear duplex molecules with two three-nucleotide loops. Either ATP or ATP gamma S hydrolysis served as the energy source. T. maritima RuvC resolved Holliday junctions at 70 degrees C. Remarkably, the cleavage site was identical to the preferred cleavage site for E. coli RuvC [(A/T)TT(downward arrow)(G/C)]. The conservation of function and the ease of purification of wild-type and mutant thermophilic proteins argues for the use of T. maritima proteins for additional biochemical and structural studies.
Camera-based pointing interface for mobile devices

As the applications delivered by cellular phones are becoming increasingly sophisticated, the importance of choosing an input strategy is also growing. Touch-screens can simplify navigation by far but the vast majority of phones on the market are not equipped with them. Cameras, on the other hand, are widespread even amongst low-end phones: In this paper we propose a vision-based pointing system that allows the user to control the pointer's position by just waving a hand, with no need for additional hardware.
Diel variation in blue whale calls recorded in the eastern tropical Pacific

Blue whales, Balaenoptera musculus , in northeast Pacific waters often produce a two-part call. The first part, A, is amplitude-modulated, lasting about 17 s, and the second part, B, is frequency-modulated, lasting about 19 s. Type B calls are more easily detected in recordings and are often the signal tracked in long-term monitoring. Automatic detection methods applied to data from a hydrophone moored at 8°N, 95°W in the eastern tropical Pacific (ETP) from 15 May 1996 to 15 May 1997 showed seasonal variability in call detection. Calls were detected most often from February to June. Blue whales are believed to use the ETP region as a wintering ground but probably also feed there. Blue whales forage primarily on krill that undertake diel vertical migrations from several hundred metres depth during the day to near the surface at night. We tested the null hypothesis that blue whale calling behaviour does not show significant diel variation in order to determine whether variability in calling could provide an indication as to the behavioural function of B calls. The hourly rate of B calls showed a strong diel pattern. There were significantly more calls during dark and twilight periods than during light periods ( P
Valuation of Highly Leveraged Firms

The financial policy highly leveraged firms (HLFs) commonly follow implies uncertain leverage. Explicit allowance for this characteristic leads to two complementary pricing models. A recursive formula for the value of HLF follows from applying the adjusted present value (APV) approach to uncertain tax shields. This formula is used to evaluate the robustness of the simple APV rule and other valuation approaches used in practice. The HLF equity is also modeled as a call option with uncertain exercise price, which provides a natural way of dealing with uncertain leverage and complements the APV approach. Both models require inputs that are usually observable. The models developed in this article apply to the valuation of firms undergoing financial restructuring, as well as to leveraged buyouts and project financing. In all these situations, firms deploy all or a significant portion of their free cash flow to debt reduction and their leverage ratio is uncertain.
Estimating Urban-Induced Artificial Recharge: A Case Study for Austin, TX

Urbanization alters the character and state of the land surface. Urban-induced anthropogenic recharge sources that include leaky utility lines, storm sewer systems, and storm-water catchments, as well as over-irrigation of lawns, parks, and golf courses, can be significant. However, data may be sparse and quantification difficult. A case study for Austin, TX, uses commonly available data to estimate recharge from leaky utility lines and irrigation return flows. The estimates indicate that these sources accounted for at least 5 percent of the total recharge between 1999 and 2009 and that on a monthly basis these contributions can vary from <1 percent to nearly 100 percent of the total recharge. Irrigation return flow was the most significant contributor in summer seasons; however, leakage from utility lines provided more total recharge. Urban recharge contributions were comparable to the mid-size watershed contributions over the 10-year period. These estimates are conservative and should be reevaluated as urbanization continues and as new data become available. Outcomes are relevant for habitat conservation, drought response planning, and urban groundwater management. Urban recharge can be important for buffering seasonal fluctuations during periods of low precipitation and springflow.
Distributed data association for Multi-target tracking in sensor networks

In this paper, we explore the problem of tracking multiple targets through a field of sensors. Each sensor node is capable of making noisy measurements of the targets? positions, performing on-board computation, and wirelessly transmitting information to neighboring nodes. The problem of multitarget tracking (MTT) can be decomposed into two main fusion problems: estimation and data association. Using Kalman-consensus filtering (KCF), introduced by Olfati-Saber, the authors have recently addressed distributed estimation in tracking for a single target. Data association techniques for multitarget tracking are categorized by how many time-indexed sets of measurements are made before the associations are considered ?fixed?. Most multitarget tracking algorithms perform the data association at a central processing node through a multiple-scan method such as multiple hypothesis tracking (MHT), or single-scan techniques such as joint probabilistic data association (JPDA), Markov Chain Monte Carlo methods (MCMC), or optimal graph matching. Here, the main contribution is to introduce data association algorithms for ?distributed? multitarget tracking. A formulation of joint probabilistic data association for Kalman-Consensus Filtering is formally derived. Simulations are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of our distributed multitarget tracking algorithm for tracking multiple maneuvering targets in the sensing environment of a sensor network with 25 nodes.