cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Childhood sexual abuse: Long-term effects on psychological and sexual functioning in a nonclinical and nonstudent sample of adult women

The purpose of this study was to explore how the experience of childhood sexual abuse is related to long-term psychological and sexual functioning in a nonclinical and nonstudent community sample of women. Questionnaires were distributed to 1,500 nurses and returned anonymously. Fifty-four women who had been sexually abused as children (age 15 or younger) responded. These subjects were then matched with 54 nonabused control subjects. Although there was no difference on a measure of self-esteem, the abused group reported more symptoms of distress on the Global Severity Index and on seven out of nine subscales of the Derogatis Brief Symptom Inventory. They also reported more disturbance on a scale which examined psychological symptoms that have been commonly reported in the literature to be particularly associated with sexual abuse. These differences between the abused and nonabused groups were evident even after controlling for differences in subjects' perceptions of parental emotional support. Unlike the results for psychological adjustment, however, the abused subjects did not differ from the control subjects on self-reported levels of sexual satisfaction or sexual dysfunction.
Evidence for the Secretion of an Antimineralocorticoid in Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia

Plasma extracts from patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia were found to contain substances that competed with aldosterone for mineralocorticoid receptor-binding sites in a rat kidney cytosol system. In normal subjects and patients with other disorders, the mineralocorticoid receptor-binding activity in such extracts could be entirely accounted for by the sum of the contributions of the steroids known to bind to the mineralocorticoid receptor. The secretion of these binding substances in patients with the C-21 hydroxylation defect was ACTH dependent. While these substances could be either min-eralocorticoid agonists or antagonists, the latter is more likely. Production of mineralocorticoid antagonists would account for the compensatory hyperaldosteronism that occurs in the simple virilizing form, in which there is minimal impairment of aldosterone secretory reserve, and for the tendency to Addisonian crisis in patients with the salt-losing form, who have a more severe defect in aldosterone biosynth...
OCLC‐To‐Go: The Portable OCLC, Crosstalk, and Other Miscellany

Has this happened to you? You're out of your library extolling the virtues of OCLC to your friends or colleagues and you want to give an on‐the‐spot demonstration or send an interlibrary loan request, but alas, you didn't have the muscle to bring your M300 Workstation with you. If you have one of the new lightweight modem‐equipped laptop computers, you no longer need to feel bound to the confines of your library building to use OCLC for inter‐library loan purposes. You can dial in to the OCLC system wherever there's a telephone line. Even if you don't have a laptop computer, you can dial into the OCLC system from any computer that has a modem and a communications program. You can market your library's services to outside individuals or groups without having to stay in your library and, when you talk about OCLC, you can also give a live demonstration of how it works.
Corrigendum to “Muscle extracellular matrix applies a transverse stress on fibers with axial strain” [J. Biomech. 44 (2011) 1618–1620]

Corrigendum to ‘‘Muscle extracellular matrix applies a transverse stress on fibers with axial strain’’ [J. Biomech. 44 (2011) 1618–1620] Lucas R. Smith , Lewis H. Fowler-Gerace , Richard L. Lieber b,n a Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, USA b Department of Orthopaedic Surgery (0863), University of California, UC San Diego and VA Medical Center, 9500 Gilman Drive, Mail Code 0863, La Jolla, CA 92093-0863, USA
User studies and the design of natural language systems

This paper presents a critical discussion of the various approaches that have been used in the evaluation of Natural Language systems. We conclude that previous approaches have neglected to evaluate systems in the context of their use, e.g. solving a task requiring data retrieval. This raises questions about the validity of such approaches. In the second half of the paper, we report a laboratory study using the Wizard of Oz technique to identify NL requirements for carrying out this task. We evaluate the demands that task dialogues collected using this technique, place upon a prototype Natural Language system. We identify three important requirements which arose from the task that we gave our subjects: operators specific to the task of database access, complex contextual reference and reference to the structure of the information source. We discuss how these might be satisfied by future Natural Language systems.
Wireless-and-GPS system for cotton fiber-quality mapping

A system including wireless-communication and GPS technologies was designed, constructed and field tested to enable site-specific crop management in cotton production in the form of fiber-quality mapping. The system is comprised of three functional sub-systems associated with the three machines typically used in cotton harvesting: harvester, boll buggy and module builder. Harvest area for a basket load of cotton is recorded with GPS, and the module into which a basket is dumped is tracked through wireless communication among the sub-systems. In three field tests, the system was easily installed on equipment and performed as designed. Fiber-quality maps were produced by combining the GPS-based module area data collected during harvest with bale-level fiber-quality data measured at a cotton classing office after ginning. Statistical analysis showed significant differences in most cotton fiber properties among mapped modules, and spatial trends were identified. The system provides a useful tool for studying spatial variability in cotton fiber quality.
Antiferroelectric Thin Films for Decoupling Capacitor and Microactuator Applications

Lanthanum-doped or niobium-doped lead zirconate titanate stannate antiferroelectric thin films with the thickness of about 0.4 μm have been prepared from acetic acid-based or 2-methoxyethanol-based sol-gel method. All the films have the maximum polarization larger than 30 μC/cm2 and show zero remanent polarization. By choosing appropriate compositions, we can make the films have “quare” hysteresis loops with very sharp phase transition or “slanted” hysteresis loops with very small hysteresis. The properties that are important for decoupling capacitor and microactuator applications are characterized. For decoupling capacitor applications, films having square hysteresis loops with energy storage density of up to 7 J/cm3 can be made, which release more than half of their stored charge in 10 ns with a maximum current density of more than 9400 A/cm2. For microactuator applications, the films can either have a strain level of 0.32% with very small hysteresis or have a strain level of 0.42% with moderate hysteresis.
Effects of Calcium-Regulating Hormones and Drugs on Human Monocyte Chemiluminescence

Chemiluminescence (CL) associated with phagocytosing monocytes has been used as an index of the oxygen dependent metabolic activity of these cells. Because of the relationships between monocytes and cells involved in bone resorption, we studied the effects on human monocyte CL of hormones and drugs active in mineral metabolism. Two-hour preincubations of monocytes with human PTH-(1-34), bovine PTH, or prostaglandin E2 caused significant decreases in peak CL during phagocytosis stimulated by the addition of latex particles. Similar studies with dichloromethylene diphosphonate, ethane hydroxydiphosphonate, or salmon calcitonin (sCT) caused significant increases in CL, whereas preincubation with human CT at the same molar concentration did not. CL was also decreased after preincubations with methylprednisolone or bacterial endotoxin. The effect of bovine PTH was dose dependent to concentrations as low as 10 ng/ml, was not fully present after a shorter 1-min preincubation with the hormone, and differed in an otherwise identical system using polymorphonuclear leukocytes instead of monocytes. The production of hydrogen peroxide by phagocytosing monocytes was also significantly affected by each of the drugs and hormones. The direction and magnitude of these changes were similar to those in CL experiments, except for the effects of sCT. These studies relate the oxygen-dependent function of phagocytes to mediators of bone resorption and provide a new system for studying the effects of hormones and drugs on the cellular elements of bone and blood.
Improvement of Lactic Acid Production in Ultrafiltered Milk by the Addition of Nutrients

Abstract In 4h at 32°C, mesophilic lactic acid bacteria produced .74% acidity in 3.3:1 retentate of ultrafiltration diluted to 2:1 with permeate. When diluted with distilled water instead of permeate, .56% acidity was produced. In 2.4:1 retentate containing .5% yeast extract, .95% acidity was produced compared with .84% in the control (retentate without yeast extract). The B vitamins, lactose, and minerals (NaCl, MgSO 4 , FeSO 4 , and MnCl 2 ) had little or no effect. With another lactic starter, 22 amino acids together at .04 mg/g each in 2:1 retentate improved acid production (.72% compared with .61% for the control). Nonessential amino acids as a group were more stimulatory than essential amino acids. Cysteine and cystine at .04 mg/g each were as stimulatory as all amino acids together and all amino acids minus cysteine and cystine. Reducing agent dithiothreitol at .05 mg/g was as stimulatory as cysteine and cystine. Sulfur-containing compounds (methionine and Na 2 SO 4 ) had no effect, suggesting that the stimulatory effect of amino acids is via the reducing power of cysteine and cystine as well as nutritive value of other amino acids.
Abstract 3387: Deletion of NR4A orphan nuclear receptors in adult mice leads to development of acute myeloid leukemia due to disrupted HSC homeostasis

The NR4A subfamily of orphan nuclear receptors (NR4A1, NR4A2, and NR4A3) function as nuclear transcription factors that transduce diverse extracellular and stress signals into altered gene transcription to coordinate apoptosis, proliferation, cell cycle arrest and DNA repair. We previously discovered that two of these receptors, NR4A1 and NR4A3, are potent tumor suppressors of acute myeloid leukemia (AML); they are silenced in human AML and abrogation of both genes in mice results in extremely rapid early postnatal development of AML. To address the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which NR4As regulate myeloid homeostasis we have generated tamoxifen regulated conditional knockout mice to interrogate the preleukemic effects of NR4A1/3 deletion in hematopoietic cells. We show that deletion of NR4As in adult mice leads to development of transplantable AML disease with a mean survival latency of 15 weeks. Retroviral rescue of NR4A1 or NR4A3 expression after AML development is sufficient to prevent long-term reconstitution of leukemia initiating cells after transplantation into sub-lethally irradiated NOD-SCIDγ mice. AML development in the conditional knockout mice is associated with loss of hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) homeostasis due to unscheduled HSC proliferation and abnormal skewing of the lineage development program of HSC subpopulations. Skewing of HSC developmental potential leads to a decrease in lymphoid-biased HSCs and relative overproduction of myeloid-biased HSCs, resulting in excessive generation of myeloid progenitor progeny. Our data indicate that NR4As are intrinsic transcriptional regulators of HSC homeostasis that are essential for coordination of lineage development programming of HSCs. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3387. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-3387
Nutrition education for risk factor reduction and patient education: a review

Studies of adult nutrition education and counseling for weight reduction, diabetes, cancer, low-fat diets, sodium-restricted diets, and renal diets are reviewed and synthesized. Nutrition education consists of three phases: assessment or problem diagnosis, intervention, and evaluation and monitoring. This article examines the importance of accurate problem diagnosis, the use of behavioral and biological measures of nutrition education effectiveness, and the types and effects of reported strategies. In addition, the issues of maintaining behavioral changes, nutrition education providers and their training, and settings for nutrition education are discussed. Implications and suggestions for advances in practice, theory, and research in patient nutrition education are presented.
Analysis of three-dimensional unsteady flow around oscillating wings

A method based on the Navier-Stokes equations was developed for determining analytically the three-dimensional unsteady flow patterns around oscillating wings. The Helmholz vorticity transport equations were discretized in three-dimensional finite element form from a variational formulation and integrated numerically. At each time step of the numerical integration the velocity field was calculated from the representation of the three-dimensional wing by a system of optimized distribution of vortices in space. During the numerical integration of the vorticity transport equations the time-dependent boundary conditions on the wing were specified as external constraint conditions. Examples of obtained results describing the three-dimensional unsteady flow around a wing were presented.
Residual stress measurements of thin aluminum metallizations by continuous indentation and x-ray stress measurement techniques

Stress relaxation in aluminum films of several thicknesses was characterized by using both continuous indentation and x-ray diffraction techniques. Results of the indentation and x-ray stress measurements compare closely for films of small thicknesses. Indentation data from thicker films do not compare well to the x-ray data due to the presence of a residual stress distribution.
A Fast and Efficient Processor Management Scheme fork-aryn-cubes

Job scheduling and processor allocation are two key components of processor management technique in a multiprocessor operating system. We propose a fast and efficient processor management technique, called virtual cube (VC), fork-aryn-cubes in this paper. The proposed scheme supports spatial allocation of jobs to the virtual cubes of the system and multiprograms the virtual cubes in a round-robin fashion. The objective here is to reduce job waiting time and fragmentation. The VC scheme uses a fast subcube allocation algorithm called enhancedk-ary buddy. A novel approach, called paging, is proposed for fast submesh allocation. When used with the first fit algorithm, the paging scheme is shown to be extremely fast and efficient compared to other contemporary submesh allocation algorithms fork-aryn-cubes. We also study the impact of page size on performance and illustrate a methodology to compute optimal page size. Simulation results show that the VC scheme with its multiprogramming capability can boost system performance considerably and outperforms all existing policies while incurring minimal run-time overhead.
Evaluation and Planning of Research in the Experiment Station

F research is viewed as a social investment, the criterion for selecting specific research investment is the greatest social return possible for total investment funds available. The criterion is implemented by estimating the expected rate of return for resources to be used in each alternative and selecting enough of those research investment alternatives with the most favorable benefits relative to costs to utilize the available budget. But difficulties are encountered (1) in getting acceptance of the view that research is a social investment, (2) in specifying the substance of social return, (3) in estimating the expected rate of social return, and (4) in implementing the resulting research investment plan.
Pollution abatement costs and productivity: does the type of cost matter?

This paper analyzes the effect of pollution abatement costs on the productivity of manufacturing industries. Two opposing views prevail on the topic: One view criticizes regulations for imposing excessive cost and reducing competitiveness of domestic firms. The second view, on the other hand, argues that regulations might encourage firms to seek for cleaner technologies hence, promote innovation and productivity. Using US industry data from 1988 to 1994, I find productivity is negatively related to pollution abatement costs. However, when analyzed separately, pollution abatement operating costs and pollution abatement capital expenditures produce different results. While the former is always negatively correlated with productivity, the results for the latter are not significant or even positive under some specifications. This reveals that how industries choose to comply with regulations might matter.
A comparison of the reflex organization of thoracic and lumbar segments in the frog spinal cord

Summary Both lumbar dorsal root (DR) primary afferents and descending fibers in the lateral column (LC) make monosynaptic connections with ipsilateral lumbar motoneurons in the frog spinal cord. We have determined that LC fibers also make monosynaptic connections with thoracic motoneurons, while thoracic primary afferents do not. The central reflex time (CRT) for the lumbar DR-VR pathway was2.5 ± 0.3 msec, but the CRT for the thoracic DR-VR pathway was8.5 ± 2.6msec. By using a conditioning-test paradigm we have been able to determine that the earliest sign of segmental synaptic transmission in thoracic motoneurons occurs only after a delay of6.1 ± 0.9 msec. These results correlate very well with the different morphological characteristics of lumbar and thoracic segments. We have also investigated the central organization of lumbar and thoracic segments and found that the segmental polysynaptic input to motoneurons is more diffuse in thoracic than in lumbar segments. The intersegmental reflexes between thoracic and lumbar segments provide additional evidence for a more diffuse organization in thoracic segments.
Restaurant servers’ perceptions of customer tipping intentions

Abstract Customer reactions to service encounters have been studied with surprisingly little emphasis on how servers’ perceive customers. If tips are an incentive to reward service then beliefs about consumers’ tipping habits may impact service delivery. An extensive survey of restaurant servers revealed that regular patrons and males were thought to be the best tippers; teenagers the worst. Females perceived males, African-Americans and foreign customers to be better tippers than did males; self reported tip income for males was greater than for females. Server ethnicity was not a factor. Systematic monitoring of these server perceptions may ensure more homogeneous service delivery.
Entomophthora phytonomi, a Fungal Pathogen of the Alfalfa Weevil in the Mid-Great Plains

The fungus Entomophthora phytonomi Arthur, which is a common pathogen of the clover leaf weevil, Hypera punctata (F.), was reported infecting larvae of the alfalfa weevil, H. postica (Gyllenhal), in Missouri and Nebraska in 1976 and 1977. In 1977, the infection ranged from 27–81% in 2 study fields in central Missouri. We cannot explain the sudden appearance of the fungus as a potentially significant mortality factor in populations of H. postica .
Infantile myofibromatosis: a most unusual cause of gastric outlet obstruction

Non-bilious vomiting in the newborn is common. Etiologies include both surgical and medical conditions. Gastroesophageal reflux, soy or milk protein allergy, and prostaglandin-induced foveolar hyperplasia are among the medical causes. Surgical entities include gastric antral webs, pre-ampullary duodenal and pyloric atresia, and hypertrophic pyloric stenosis. We report the unique case of an 8-day-old girl who presented with gastric outlet obstruction secondary to infantile myofibromatosis.
The distribution of infant attention during object examination

The distribution of attention during toy play was studied in 6-, 9- and 12-month-old infants. Heart rate and behavior measures of attention were collected as the infants interacted with objects. There was a large deceleration of heart rate at the beginning of behaviorally defined focused attention, but little heart rate change for looks that only had behaviorally defined casual attention. Heart-rate-defined sustained attention occurred more frequently at the transition from the first instance of casual attention within a look to focused attention and during the cycling between subsequent epochs of casual and focused attention. These results show that heart rate and behavioral measures of attention are closely related in young infants at the beginning and end of object interaction but are inconsistently related within a single look at an object.
Acquisition, reorganization, and merger of genes: novel management of the β‐ketoadipate pathway in Agrobacterium tumefaciens

Widely distributed among members of the Rhizobiaceae, the protocatechuate branch of the β-ketoadipate pathway is central to the catabolism of 4-hydroxybenzoate and certain other phenolic compounds. Genetic elements underlying 4-hydroxybenzoate dissimilation in Agrobacterium tumefaciens have been characterized. Eleven pob and pca genes are organized in a compact supraoperon. Evolutionary divergence of A. tumefaciens from Pseudomonas putida and Acinetobacter calcoaceticus, members of a different subdivision of proteobacteria, is reflected in the layout of the pob-pca supraoperon as well as in novel regulatory motifs that govern expression of the genes. At least some of these distinctive features are shared with rhizobial relatives of Agrobacterium.
The pathology of the appendix in ulcerative colitis

Sixty-five patients who had the documented histologic diagnosis of chronic ulcerative colitis were selected in order to study appendiceal involvement in this disease.
Three-dimensional investigation of geomorphic environments using ground penetrating radar

Ground penetrating radar datasets were collected from a variety of sites to provide three-dimensional (3D) images of coastal and eolian geomorphic environments. The images will aid in better understanding tectonically active coastlines and the internal geometry of eolian sandstones. An ancient eolian dune complex, consisting of two bedset packages with distinct truncation surfaces, was imaged at Zion National Park, Utah. The 200 MHz 3D dataset shows the internal stratigraphy with southwest dipping reflections ranging from 13 to 20 degrees. A second dataset was collected along the coastline in the southwest portion of Washington State. This 225 MHz dataset reveals the 3D structure of an erosional scarp caused by earthquake activity in the area. Results from the surveys indicate that the imaging in 3D is an effective means of analyzing internal stratigraphy of geomorphic features by allowing the user to more easily interpret spatial relationships within a dataset.© (2000) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Towards the support of integrated views of multiple databases: an aggregate schema facility

Supporting multiple user views of databases is currently an important problem area in database management system development. An interesting facet of this problem arises whenever a user needs an integrated view of several distinct databases. Using traditional database concepts, an aggregate schema facility has been developed to address this problem. The basic functions of an aggregate schema facility are discussed, as well as their implementation in a CODASYL/DBTG-like environment. Interest in an aggregate schema facility grew out of a problem in restructuring large databases. The application of this facility to restructuring is discussed, as well as potential applications to dynamic translation and distributed databases.
High Throughput Screening Informatics

High throughput screening (HTS), an industrial effort to leverage developments in the areas of modern robotics, data analysis and control software, liquid handling devices, and sensitive detectors, has played a pivotal role in the drug discovery process, allowing researchers to efficiently screen millions of compounds to identify tractable small molecule modulators of a given biological process or disease state and advance them into high quality leads. As HTS throughput has significantly increased the volume, complexity, and information content of datasets, lead discovery research demands a clear corporate strategy for scientific computing and subsequent establishment of robust enterprise-wide (usually global) informatics platforms, which enable complicated HTS work flows, facilitate HTS data mining, and drive effective decision-making. The purpose of this review is, from the data analysis and handling perspective, to examine key elements in HTS operations and some essential data-related activities supporting or interfacing the screening process, and outline properties that various enabling software should have. Additionally, some general advice for corporate managers with system procurement responsibilities is offered.
Muscle in Lafora disease.

Ultrastructural studies of muscle from a patient with Lafora disease showed sheets of glycogen particles and fine granular-filamentous material between myofibrils. These structures were frequently intermingled and stained intensely with silver proteinate, a specific stain for polysaccharides. Methods for isolation of glycogen yielded excessive hexose-releasing material. In chromatographic analysis of a hydrolysate of this material, glucose was the only component sugar. Compared with action on normal muscle glycogen, phosphorylase was ineffective, β-amylase 50% less effective, but α-amylase normally effective in degrading the Lafora polyglucosan. Incubation of muscle homogenate or isolated polyglucosan with a mixture of glucosidases capable of completely degrading normal glycogen (Diazyme) resulted in only 30% digestion of the Lafora polyglucosan. The metabolic error causing the accumulation of anomalous polysaccharide in this generalized storage disease remainsobscure.
Multiple nuclear localization signals in XPG nuclease

Abstract We report here evidence for the mechanism of nuclear localization of XPG nuclease in human cells. Several candidate nuclear localization signal (NLS) peptides have been proposed for XPG protein. We have identified XPG peptides containing functional NLS and a potential nuclear retention signal (NRS) using in situ immuno-fluorescence localization of transiently expressed β-galactosidase fusion proteins. Two XPG regions with putative NLS [amino acid (AA) coordinates: NLS-B (AA 1057–1074) and NLS-C (AA 1171–1185)] were each shown to independently localize the β-gal extensively (> 80%) to the nucleus of HeLa cells. The C-terminus peptide containing NLS-C, an NLS conserved evolutionarily between yeasts and humans, also directed sub-localization of β-galactosidase to intranuclear foci reminiscent of native XPG protein, as well as to peri-nucleolar regions. Peptides in the putative XPG ‘NLS domain’ (AA ∼ 1051–1185) apparently function in concert for nuclear localization and also for retention of XPG in nuclear matrix-associated foci. Evidence presented elsewhere (Park et al., 1995) indicates that the peptide containing NLS-C (AA 1146–1185) also regulates the dynamic localization of XPG in the nucleus following UV-irradiation.
Irradiated polyethylene III—Evidence for an ionic mechanism in allyl-free radical formation

Abstract Radiation interacting with polyethylene forms alkyl ions which in turn provide allyl-free radicals. Charge and radical migration mechanisms are considered for the processes whereby reactivity is transferred from the initial alkyl ion to the allyl radical site. The following observations provide evidence for a charge migration mechanism. (1) An ionic mechanism which would involve a charge migration process would be expected to be intramolecular in character whereas a radical mechanism would not be restricted to intramolecular migration. Statistical models are considered for charge and radical migration and compared with experimental results. The comparative results favour a charge migration process. (2) The G values for vinyl decay in polyethylene and for the polymerization of lower molecular weight 1-olefins, which are known to undergo ionic rather than radical reactions, are sufficiently close to suggest that the same mechanisms are operative in both materials. (3) Radiation-induced ionic polymerizations show no dose-rate effect whereas radiation-induced free radical polymerizations are proportional to the square root of the radiation intensity. As allyl radical formation shows no dose-rate effect in this study, it provides additional evidence for an ionic process.
Ascites in the rat produced by pertussis vaccine.

Abstract Pertussis vaccine produced ascites in rats beginning 5 days after intraperitoneal injection. The development of ascites was accelerated and intensified by prior sensitization with the same material. Histologically, severe inflammation of omentum with fibrinopurulent peritoneal exudate was accompanied by widespread sinus thrombosis and granuloma formation in draining lymph nodes. The development of ascites was interpreted as a hypersensitivity phenomenon with an imbalance between rate of inflammatory exudation and rate of lymphatic absorption.
Probability of failure and risk assessment of structure with fatigue cracks

A methodology is proposed for the evaluation of the reliability of a cracked structure with uncertainties in external loadings, material properties and initial crack geometry. The methodology consists of determining the probabilistic crack path and calculating the cumulative probability of failure for mixed-mode (mode I and mode II) crack propagation. The performance of the methodology is demonstrated by mode I and mixed-mode fatigue crack problems. 9 refs.
An adaptive real-time intelligent seam tracking system

Abstract The concept of a real-time seam tracking system for welding automation and the initial design for building a prototype is presented. The Adaptive Real-time Intelligent Seam Tracker (ARTIST) uses a robot held, laser based vision system for automation of arc welding processes, and is currently under development at the Applied Research Laboratory of the Pennsylvania State University. The design of ARTIST builds upon the concept of a zero-pass technique. The 3D information of seam geometry is collected and processed for real-time guidance and control of the welding torch trailing behind the laser based vision sensor. This zero-pass concept eliminates the need for preprogramming of the weld path and thus, potentially enhances the welding cycle time for small batches. The ARTIST is designed to support multipass arc welding and to handle any tack welds which are encountered during the seam welding operation.
Evidence for the Body Appreciation Scale's measurement equivalence/invariance between U.S. college women and men

Considered a measure of positive body image, the Body Appreciation Scale (BAS; Avalos et al., 2005) assesses acceptance of, favorable opinions toward, and respect for the body. Although the BAS was originally developed for and psychometrically examined with women, researchers are administering it to men and making gender comparisons. However, tests of measurement equivalence/invariance are needed to determine whether the BAS operates similarly for women and men. Therefore, in the present study, the BAS's cross-gender configural, factor loading, and intercept invariance was examined among 930 college women and men. The BAS demonstrated measurement equivalence/invariance between women and men, suggesting that gender comparisons can be made with confidence. Additional evidence was accrued for the convergent validity of the male version of the BAS, as it was related to men's dissatisfaction with muscularity, body fat, and height. These findings reinforce the structural and construct integrity of the BAS.
Prognostic implications of complicated ventricular arrhythmias early after hospital discharge in acute myocardial infarction: a serial ambulatory electrocardiography study.

To assess the prevalence and prognostic implications of complicated ventricular ectopic depolarizations (VEDs) after hospital discharge in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), we obtained serial 24-hour Holter recordings in 85 patients during the first 6 weeks after AMI. Recordings were obtained during two coronary care unit time intervals, two hospital ward time intervals, and during four weekly time intervals after discharge. Complicated VEDs were defined as unifocal VEDs ≥ 101000 beats for 24 hours, multiform VEDs, pairs, or ventricular tachycardia. At 1 year follow-up, there were nine cardiac deaths (six sudden deaths and three deaths from recurrent AMI). The mean left ventricular ejection fraction at discharge in the cardiac death patients was 29 ± 12% (sudden death patients 24 ± 11% and AMI death patients 40 ± 6%) compared to 49 ± 13% in the survivors (p < 0.001). Patients with complicated VEDs at discharge (2 weeks after AMI) or during the first 4 weeks after discharge (3 to 6 weeks after AMI) were significantly more likely to have sudden death at follow-up compared to patients without complicated VEDs. Of the six sudden death patients, four (66%) had complicated VEDs at discharge compared to 18 of 68 survivors (26%) (p < 0.05). One of there patients who died of recurrent AMI had complicated VEDs. No Holter data were obtained at hospital discharge in eight of the survivors. Of the six patients with sudden death at follow up, six (100%) had complicated VEDs on three or more 24-hour Holter recordings during the first 4 weeks after discharge compared to 21 of 76 survivors (28%) (p < 0.001). We conclude that AMI patients with complicated VEDs at discharge or during the first 4 weeks after discharge are at increased risk for sudden death at follow-up. Moreover, the persistence or appearance of complicated VEDs early after discharge in AMI patients may be a marker of continued or acquired myocardial electrical instability and for increased risk of sudden death at follow-up.
A simulation-based analysis of parking system performance

The application of a microcomputer-based simulation model for analyzing the operation of a parking system is described as well as the model's results and sensitivity in coping with various uncertainties posed by the project's decision makers. Additional sensitivities were investigated based on an extrapolation of the natural growth of traffic flows and variations in vehicle arrival rates. The simulation model was designed to handle time headway, speed, intersections and stop signs, and peak traffic flows. The operational performance measures used for evaluating the system were the number of cars waiting at certain key intersections and at the entrances and exits of the parking structure, and the average amount of time that these cars spent waiting.
Recent advances in the diagnosis of renal cell carcinoma

Abstract Renal cell carcinoma, a clinicopathologically heterogenous disease, is now defined by specific molecular abnormalities based on improved knowledge of the cytogenetics and molecular alterations underlying renal carcinogenesis. The current World Health Organization classification, based on these cytogenetic changes has corresponding reproducible morphological characteristics. These recent advances are paving the way for developments of prognostic and predictive markers that would enhance early diagnosis, prediction of prognosis and survival. Useful promising molecular signatures that are being proposed include nuclear parameters, proliferation, apoptotic and angiogenic markers, protein and gene expression profiles. Many of these prognostic markers can be performed on routine paraffin embedded tissue thereby enhancing their applicability. This molecular characterization is translating into improved and specifically targeted treatment and hopefully better patient outcome. This article reviews the recent advances in the classification and prognostic markers in common use in the diagnosis of renal cell carcinoma.
Autonomic Indices of Fear: The Collapse of an Idea

The attempts to assess the role of fear in avoidance learning by measuring the rat's skin resistance do not seem to have met with much success. Perhaps the reason is that our conceptions of fear and its role are inadequate.
Leptin secretory burst mass correlates with body mass index and insulin in normal women but not in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Leptin secretion exhibits a pulsatile, circadian pattern and may play a role in reproduction. No previous studies have compared leptin secretory burst characteristics in normal eumenorrheic women and women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) who are appropriately matched for body mass index (BMI). To determine if leptin secretory burst characteristics and/or the relationships of BMI, insulin, or testosterone to these characteristics differ between PCOS and normal women, we studied 9 normal eumenorrheic women and 9 women with PCOS. Each woman underwent blood sampling every 10 minutes for 24 hours to measure leptin and insulin under controlled conditions. Leptin secretory bursts were identified and characterized using multiparameter deconvolution procedures (Deconv), and the 24-hour periodicity of leptin was characterized with cosinor analysis. Relationships between BMI, area under the curve (AUC) insulin, and testosterone and leptin secretory burst characteristics in PCOS and normal women were sought using linear regression. There were no significant differences in mean serum leptin concentrations or in secretory burst characteristics between PCOS and normal women. Although the 24-hour serum leptin concentration correlated with BMI in both normal and PCOS women, leptin secretory burst mass correlated with BMI only in normal women. Similarly, the 24-hour serum leptin concentration correlated with serum insulin AUC in both normal and PCOS women; but insulin AUC correlated with leptin burst mass only in normal women. Although there was a strong trend toward a correlation between both mean 24-hour serum leptin concentration and leptin secretory burst mass with the serum testosterone concentration in normal women, such trends were not seen in PCOS women. Both normal and PCOS women exhibited a diurnal rhythm of leptin secretion with the peak occurring at night. However, neither the peak amplitude nor the timing of the peak amplitude differed between normal and PCOS women. The presence of strong relationships between BMI and insulin with both mean serum leptin and leptin secretory burst mass in normal women as opposed to PCOS women suggests that the mechanisms subserving leptin secretion differ in these 2 groups.
Purported Synthesis of 3,4,7,8-Tetraphenyl-1,2,5,6-tetraazocine from Benzil and Hydrazine: Competing Cyclization and Carbon–Carbon σ-Bond Scission†

The claims that 3,4,7,8-tetraphenyl-1,2,5,6-tetraazocine can be prepared by the thermal condensation of two moles of benzil monohydrazone or of an equimolar mixture of benzil and benzil dihydrazone have been thoroughly reinvestigated. When such thermolyses were conducted in moist air, neither the claimed 3,4,7,8-tetraphenyl-1,2,5,6-tetraazocine nor the precedented isomeric tetraazapentalene derivative was detected. The following products were unambiguously formed from the heating of molten benzil monohydrazone (%): benzil (10), benzaldehyde (10), benzamide (22), benzyl phenyl ketone (19), benzil bis(ketazine) (11), 3,4,5,6-tetraphenylpyridazine (9), benzil benzaldehyde azine (10), and, after column chromatography, 2,4,5-triphenylimidazole (2). This last component had a melting point and the fluorescent properties in UV light attributed by the original investigator to the mistakenly presumed 3,4,7,8-tetraphenyl-1,2,5,6-tetraazocine. Thus, the original claims for the synthesis of such a novel tetraazocine ring or even for the synthesis of the precedented isomeric zwitterionic tetraazapentalene have now been repudiated. The formation of 2,4,5-triphenylimidazole as a side reaction in the thermolysis of benzil monohydrazone can readily be rationalized as arising from benzil, benzaldehyde, and a source of ammonia, namely, benzamide, in the long-known Radziszewski reaction. Corroborating evidence was provided by data from the thermolysis of benzil dihydrazone. In addition, the origin of other side products is explained in terms of other possible condensations. Finally, preliminary experiments on using irreversible dehydrating agents such as titanium(IV) isopropoxide with benzil monohydrazone indicate that 3,4,7,8-tetraphenyl-1,2,5,6-tetraazocine is formed at room temperature as a transitory intermediate, which eliminates dinitrogen to produce 3,4,5,6-tetraphenylpyridazine.(© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Anatomical correlates of normal and impaired language in a set of dizygotic twins

Abstract This report presents findings for a set of dizygotic twins at age 4 years 9 months. The male was diagnosed as specifically language impaired. For both children, the left-right perisylvian configuration was atypical. Only the male's configuration was symmetrical, a finding in line with autopsy data reported for subjects with “developmental dyslexia” who also may have had a form of language impairment. In addition, the male had an atypical (L > R) configuration of the cerebral hemispheres, a finding not seen in his twin, or in a series of volunteers without a history of developmental language impairment. The in utero effects of gonadal hormones that may account for these findings are discussed.
Exxon and the Valdez accident: A failure in crisis communication

The March 24, 1989 grounding of the Exxon Valdez oil tanker on Alaska's Prince William Sound caused severe damage to both the local environment and Exxon's corporate image. This essay examines the ...
The Economics Values Inventory.

Courses in economics not only educate but also alter values and attitudes. This article tests this supposition and offers an instrument for measuring the changes.
Optical synthesis of non-linear non-monotonic functions

Abstract A large class of point non-linear functions can be achieved in parallel in a two-dimensional coherent optical processor. The technique uses preprocessing of inputs with special halftone screens; large dynamic range monotonic and non-monotonic functions are possible. The non-linearities can be smooth, discontinuous or both, and a synthesis procedure is given. Examples and experimental results are presented.
Personality and stereotype in osteogenesis imperfecta: behavioral phenotype or response to life's hard challenges?

Fifty-five adults with osteogenesis imperfecta [OI] types III and IV were interviewed to chronicle their medical, personal, and social experiences in living with OI. Subjects were recruited through the Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation, through physician referrals, and through other persons with OI. One purpose of the research was to examine the stereotypes of high intelligence and euphoric personality often attributed to persons with OI, and to explore whether these characteristics might constitute a behavioral phenotype. Participants were observed by the researcher to be characteristically bright, talkative, articulate, “up” emotionally, and accomplished. In fact, most of the persons illustrated well the characteristics of the stereotype. Participants suggested and described life experiences and difficult medical and social challenges which they felt could contribute to the development of the attributed characteristics. The history of the “euphoric” attribution is traced. Many participants expressed derision concerning this attribution. The commonly understood meaning of this term trivializes the years of painful medical procedures, suffering, and related hardships experienced by subjects in their lives. I suggest that the concept of “resilience” offers a more appropriate context for related future research with this population. The consideration of the exceptional challenges faced by persons with OI and others with such demanding medical conditions throughout their life cycles would add a significant environmental dimension to the study of behavioral phenotypes. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Racism as Disrespect

Racism can be subtle or overt, it can be intentional or unintentional, and it can be conscious or unconscious. Actions can be racist. Policies can be racist. Arguably even whole countries can be racist. And, of course, people can be racist. While there is some excitement over the proposition that only the most powerful members of a society can be racist within it, a consensus seems to be emerging that just about anyone can be racist. Perhaps, then, as racism is capable of worming its way into so many diverse corners of life, it should not come as a surprise that there is considerable disagreement over what is common to racism’s variegated forms. Indeed, some recent writings embrace the prospect that the nature of racism may resist being captured in a single, monistic formula. Here I want to go against that trend and propose a unified account of racism. The essence of my proposal is that racism can be understood in terms of disrespect. A couple of background methodological principles are assumed in making the case for this proposal. As an attempt to capture the content of our current, ordinary concept of racism, the adequacy criterion operative here is that an analysis should accommodate ordinary usage of relevant terms, terms like ‘racism’. I will return to this point at the end of the article, but privileging analyses that accommodate ordinary usage does not entail that we cannot make mistakes in how we deploy the relevant terms—a point that is especially
Trace metals in contemporary and seventeenth-century Galapagos coral: Records of seasonal and annual variations

We report trace element/calcium ratios for modern (CuCa, MnCa, CdCa, and PbCa) and seventeenth-century (CuCa, MnCa, and PbCa) specimens of Pavona clavus collected in the Galapagos Islands. These data include the first reliable measurements of CuCa ratios in coralline aragonite. We estimate that the ratio of CuCa in the lattice to that in seawater (i.e., the effective distribution coefficient) is ~0.3, lower than the value of 1 observed for several other divalent elements; we estimate the effective distribution coefficient for Mn is ~ 1. Distribution coefficients in coral aragonite for 8 divalent metals are near unity despite different ionic radii and chemical speciation in seawater. Investigation of where these substituents are incorporated in the aragonite lattice is clearly warranted. In a modern Hood Island coral, quarter-annually sampled from 1964–73, CuCa ratios decrease twofold from the late 1960s to early 1970s. MnCa and CdCa ratios vary seasonally with upwelling and the generic El Nino. The El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events of 1965, 1969, and 1972 are marked by suppression of CdCa ratios by about 2.5 nmol/mol, while the MnCa ratio is highest during the strong 1972 ENSO. PbCa ratios were relatively constant throughout this period. From the CuCa record of a seventeenth-century Urvina Bay coral annually sampled from 1600–1725 and the estimated Cu distribution coefficient, surface seawater Cu concentrations at Galapagos during the seventeenth century were similar to present day at 0.7–1.4 nmol/kg. Estimated Pb concentrations were lower at 5–20 pmol/kg, and Mn concentrations were slightly higher at 1.6–2.8 nmol/kg.