cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The association of outdoor recreation and environmental concern: reexamining the Dunlap-Heffernan thesis.

Abstract Building upon earlier studies, two hypotheses concerning the association between participation in outdoor recreational activities and pro-environmental behavior are tested using data collected in a general population survey from a random sample of individuals in four communities in Pennsylvania. The first hypothesis, that there is a positive association between outdoor recreational participation and pro-environmental behavior, received substantial support. In contrast to previous research, the results did not support the second hypothesis which stated that there will be differences between/among different types of outdoor activities with respect to their impact on pro-environmental behaviors. Clarifications are made with respect to previous classifications of outdoor recreation activities.
The supply base reduction process: an empirical investigation

Purpose – This research seeks to better understand the supply base reduction approaches and processes utilized by organizations.Design/methodology/approach – In‐depth case studies were conducted with ten organizations that recently reduced their supply bases. These organizations represented a variety of industries, type of product or service being purchased, and number of suppliers reduced from the supply base.Findings – Three different types of supply base reduction approaches are identified (systematic elimination, standardization, and tiering), examples of each are provided, and guidance is provided about situations in which each would be useful. A basic supply base reduction process is developed and outlined based on the similarities observed among these three different approaches.Practical implications – A better understanding of these supply base reduction approaches and processes can help organizations successfully implement such efforts by learning from the experiences of other organizations.Origi...
Brain β-amyloid load approaches a plateau

Objective: To model the temporal trajectory of β-amyloid accumulation using serial amyloid PET imaging. Methods: Participants, aged 70–92 years, were enrolled in either the Mayo Clinic Study of Aging (n = 246) or the Mayo Alzheimer9s Disease Research Center (n = 14). All underwent 2 or more serial amyloid PET examinations. There were 205 participants classified as cognitively normal and 55 as cognitively impaired (47 mild cognitive impairment and 8 Alzheimer dementia). We measured baseline amyloid PET-relative standardized uptake values (SUVR) and, for each participant, estimated a slope representing their annual amyloid accumulation rate. We then fit regression models to predict the rate of amyloid accumulation given baseline amyloid SUVR, and evaluated age, sex, clinical group, and APOE as covariates. Finally, we integrated the amyloid accumulation rate vs baseline amyloid PET SUVR association to an amyloid PET SUVR vs time association. Results: Rates of amyloid accumulation were low at low baseline SUVR. Rates increased to a maximum at baseline SUVR around 2.0, above which rates declined—reaching zero at baseline SUVR above 2.7. The rate of amyloid accumulation as a function of baseline SUVR had an inverted U shape. Integration produced a sigmoid curve relating amyloid PET SUVR to time. The average estimated time required to travel from an SUVR of 1.5–2.5 is approximately 15 years. Conclusion: This roughly 15-year interval where the slope of the amyloid SUVR vs time curve is greatest and roughly linear represents a large therapeutic window for secondary preventive interventions.
Nervous temperament in infant monkeys is associated with reduced sensitivity of leukocytes to cortisol's influence on trafficking

There is growing evidence that temperament/personality factors are associated with immune function and health-related outcomes. Neuroticism, in particular, is a risk-factor for several diseases, many with a strong inflammatory component. We propose that neuroticism (or nervous temperament in monkeys) is related to dysregulation of immune function by glucocorticoids. The present study tested the hypothesis that animals with a nervous temperament would show no relationship between cortisol concentrations and leukocyte numbers in peripheral blood (an easily obtainable measure of glucocorticoid-mediated immune function), while animals low on this factor would show expected relationships. Infant rhesus monkeys (n = 1507) experienced a standardized testing procedure involving blood sampling, behavioral tests, and temperament ratings. Results confirmed the hypothesis: low-nervous animals showed the expected positive relationship between cortisol levels and neutrophil numbers, while high-nervous animals showed no relationship. High-nervous animals also showed elevated cortisol concentrations at most sample points, and responded to a human challenge with more negative emotional behavior. These data suggest that individuals with a nervous temperament show evidence of glucocorticoid desensitization of immune cells. Differences with other studies, including the specific types of leukocytes that are affected, are discussed, and implications for disease processes are suggested.
Breakdown of overlapping-gate GaAs MESFETs

Gate-breakdown mechanisms in GaAs MESFETs have been studied by numerical simulation. The devices simulated include normal passivated and unpassivated MESFETs as well as overlapping-gate MESFETs passivated with low-temperature-grown (LTG) GaAs, normal GaAs, and silicon dioxide. The breakdown voltage is the highest for the overlapping-gate MESFET with LTG GaAs passivation, which agrees with the experimental results reported previously. The high breakdown voltage is the result of an altered electric field near the drain-edge of the Schottky-contact gate. This field modification is achieved most effectively by using an overlapping gate structure. The LTG GaAs is the best passivation layer because of its high resistivity and breakdown-field strength.
Development and measurement properties of the Orthotics and Prosthetics Users’ Survey (OPUS): A comprehensive set of clinical outcome instruments

The need to measure and evaluate orthotics and prosthetics (O&P) practice has received growing recognition in the past several years. Reliable and valid self-report instruments are needed that can help facilities evaluate patient outcomes. The objective of this project was to develop a set of self-report instruments that assess functional status, quality of life, and satisfaction with devices and services that can be used in an orthotics and prosthetics clinic. Selecting items from a variety of existing instruments, the authors developed and revised four instruments that differentiate patients with varying levels of lower limb function, quality of life, and satisfaction with devices and services. Evidence of construct validity is provided by hierarchies of item difficulty that are consistent with clinical experience. For example, with the lower limb function instrument, running one block was much more difficult than walking indoors. The instruments demonstrate adequate internal consistency (0.88 for lower limb function, 0.88 for quality of life, 0.74 for service satisfaction, 0.78 for device satisfaction). The next steps in their research programme are to evaluate sensitivity and construct validity. The Orthotics and Prosthetics Users' Survey (OPUS) is a promising self-report instrument which may, with further development, allow orthotic and prosthetic practitioners to evaluate the quality and effectiveness of their services as required by accreditation standards such as those of the American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics that mandate quality assessment.
An animal model of early-treated PKU

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a genetic disorder in which the hydroxylation of phenylalanine (Phe) to tyrosine is severely disrupted. If PKU is left untreated, severe mental retardation results. The accepted treatment is to restrict dietary intake of Phe. It has generally been thought that cognitive impairments are prevented if levels of Phe in plasma are maintained at or below five times the normal level. However, we recently documented that children treated early and continuously for PKU or children mildly hyperphenylalaninemic, who have levels of Phe in plasma approximately three to five times normal, still have cognitive impairments. These impairments are specific to the functions of frontal cortex (A. Diamond, W. Hurwitz, E. Lee, W. Grover, and C. Minarcik, unpublished observations). To investigate the mechanism underlying these cognitive deficits, an animal model of this condition was developed and characterized. Thirty-six rat pups were divided into three groups. The first group was treated pre- and postnatally with Phe and a-methylphenylalanine (a phenylalanine hydroxylase inhibitor). The second group was injected postnatally with Phe and cY-methylphenylalanine. The third group received postnatal control injections. The mild plasma Phe elevations in the two experimental groups produced significant behavioral and neurochemical effects. Both experimental groups were impaired on a task dependent on frontal cortex, delayed alternation. Levels of dopamine, homovanillic acid (HVA), norepinephrine, and 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid (5-HIAA) were measured in medial prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, striatum, and nucleus accumbens. The largest neurochemical reductions observed were in HVA and were in the two frontal cortical areas (medial prefrontal cortex and anterior cingulate cortex). There were modest reductions in HVA in the nucleus accumbens but no significant changes in HVA, or in any other metabolite or neurotransmitter, in the
Are knowledge representations the answer to requirement analysis

A clear distinction between a requirement and a specification is crucial to an understanding of how and why knowledge representation techniques can be useful for the requirement stage. A useful distinction is to divide the requirement analysis phase into a problem specification and system specification phases. It is argued that it is necessary first to understand what kind of knowledge is in the requirement analysis process before worrying about representational schemes. >
Rapid Early-Phase Virtual Integration

In complex hard real-time systems with tight constraints on system resources, small changes in one component of a system can cause a cascade of adverse effects on other parts of the system. We address the inherent complexity of making architectural decisions by raising the level of abstraction at which the analysis is performed. Our analysis approach gives the system architect a rigorous method for quickly determining which system architectures should be pursued, and it allows the architect to track and manage the cascading effects of subsystem/component changes in a comprehensive, quantitative manner. The end product is a virtual architecture analysis that systematically incorporates the inherent coupling among interacting system components that share limited system resources.
Increased Endothelin-Induced Ca2+ Signaling, Tyrosine Phosphorylation, and Coronary Artery Disease in Diabetic Dyslipidemic Swine Are Prevented by Atorvastatin

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) signaling mechanisms have been implicated in the pathogenesis of excess coronary artery disease in diabetic dyslipidemia. We hypothesized that in diabetic dyslipidemia ET-1-induced coronary smooth muscle calcium (Ca2+m) and tyrosine phosphorylation would be increased, and the lipid lowering agent, atorvastatin, would inhibit these increases. Male Yucatan miniature swine groups were treated for 20 weeks: normal low-fat fed control, high-fat/cholesterol fed (hyperlipidemic), hyperlipidemic made diabetic with alloxan (diabetic dyslipidemic), and diabetic dyslipidemic treated with atorvastatin (atorvastatin-treated). Blood glucose values were 5-fold greater in diabetic dyslipidemic and atorvastatin-treated versus control and hyperlipidemic. Total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) plasma cholesterol in hyperlipidemic, diabetic dyslipidemic, and atorvastatin-treated were approximately 5-fold greater than control. Intravascular ultrasound detectable coronary disease and hypertriglyceridemia were only observed in diabetic dyslipidemic and were abolished by atorvastatin. In freshly isolated cells, the Ca2+m response to ET-1 in diabetic dyslipidemic was greater than in control, hyperlipidemic, and atorvastatin-treated groups. Selective ET-1 receptor antagonists showed in the control group that the ETB subtype inhibits ETA regulation of Ca2+m. There was almost a complete switch of receptor subtype regulation of Ca2+m from largely ETA in control to an increased inhibitory interaction between ETA and ETB in hyperlipidemic and diabetic dyslipidemic groups, such that neither ETA nor ETB antagonist alone could block the ET-1-induced Ca2+m response. The inhibitory interaction was attenuated in the atorvastatin-treated group. In single cells, basal and ET-1-induced tyrosine phosphorylation in diabetic dyslipidemic were more than 3- and 6-fold greater, respectively, than in control, hyperlipidemic, and atorvastatin-treated. Attenuation by atorvastatin of coronary disease and ET-1-induced Ca2+m and tyrosine phosphorylation signaling with no change in cholesterol provides strong evidence for direct actions of atorvastatin and/or triglycerides on the vascular wall.
Corrosion and Mechanical Performance of AZ91 Exposed to Simulated Inflammatory Conditions

Magnesium (Mg) and its alloys, including Mg-9%Al-1%Zn (AZ91), are biodegradable metals with potential use as temporary orthopedic implants. Invasive orthopedic procedures can provoke an inflammatory response that produces hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and an acidic environment near the implant. This study assessed the influence of inflammation on both the corrosion and mechanical properties of AZ91. The AZ91 samples in the inflammatory protocol were immersed for three days in a complex biologically relevant electrolyte (AMEM culture media) that contained serum proteins (FBS), 150 mM of H2O2, and was titrated to a pH of 5. The control protocol immersed AZ91 samples in the same biologically relevant electrolyte (AMEM & FBS) but without H2O2 and the acid titration. After 3 days all samples were switched into fresh AMEM & FBS for an additional 3-day immersion. During the initial immersion, inflammatory protocol samples showed increased corrosion rate determined by mass loss testing, increased Mg and Al ion released to solution, and a completely corroded surface morphology as compared to the control protocol. Although corrosion in both protocols slowed once the test electrolyte solution was replaced at 3 days, the samples originally exposed to the simulated inflammatory conditions continued to display enhanced corrosion rates as compared to the control protocol. These lingering effects may indicate the initial inflammatory corrosion processes modified components of the surface oxide and corrosion film or initiated aggressive localized processes that subsequently left the interface more vulnerable to continued enhanced corrosion. The electrochemical properties of the interfaces were also evaluated by EIS, which found that the corrosion characteristics of the AZ91 samples were potentially influenced by the role of intermediate adsorption layer processes. The increased corrosion observed for the inflammatory protocol did not affect the flexural mechanical properties of the AZ91 at any time point assessed.
Resource kernels: a resource-centric approach to real-time and multimedia systems

We consider the problem of OS resource management for real- time and multimedia systems where multiple activities with different timing constraints must be scheduled concurrently. Time on a particular resource is shared among its users and must be globally managed in real-time and multimedia systems. A resource kernel is meant for use in such systems and is defined to be one which provides timely, guaranteed and protected access to system resources. The resource kernel allows applications to specify only their resource demands leaving the kernel to satisfy those demands using hidden resource management schemes. This separation of resource specification from resource management allows OS-subsystem- specific customization by extending, optimizing or even replacing resource management schemes. As a result, this resource-centric approach can be implemented with any of several different resource management schemes. We identify the specific goals of a resource kernel: applications must be able to explicitly state their timeliness requirements; the kernel must enforce maximum resource usage by applications; the kernel must support high utilization of system resources; and an application must be able to access different system resources simultaneously. Since the same application consumes a different amount of time on different platforms, the resource kernel must allow such resource consumption times to be portable across platforms, and to be automatically calibrated. Our resource management scheme is based on resource reservation and satisfies these goals. The scheme is not only simple but captures a wide range of solutions developed by the real-time systems community over several years. One potentially serious problem that any resource management scheme must address is that of allowing access to multiple resources simultaneously and in timely fashion, a problem which is known to be NP-complete. We show that this problem of simultaneous access to multiple resources can be practically addressed by resource decoupling and resolving critical resource dependencies immediately. Finally, we demonstrate our resource kernel's functionality and flexibility in the context of multimedia applications which need processor cycles and/or disk bandwidth.
Studies on the chromatin of barley leaves during senescence

1. The activity of soluble ribonuclease and deoxyribonuclease first declined during senescence, but later increased during advanced stages of senescence. 2. Young leaves had very low ribonuclease or deoxyribonuclease activity associated with the chromatin, but the activity of these enzymes increased progressively during senescence until the leaves died. 3. No significant changes in the composition of chromatin from first seedling leaves of barley plants during aging (from 7 to 25 days) were noted. 4. The amount of RNA synthesized by chromatin in vitro declined as the leaf aged. However, if the loss of RNA due to chromatin-associated ribonuclease was taken into account, the RNA-synthesizing activity of chromatin from senescing (15–16-day-old) leaves appeared to be somewhat higher than that of chromatin from young (7–8-day-old) leaves. In leaves at the terminal stages of senescence (23 days old) the estimates of RNA synthesis by chromatin could not be made owing to complications created by high nuclease activities. 5. It is suggested that senescence may be triggered by a decline in some hormonal factor in leaves, and that the resulting production of chromatin-associated deoxyribonuclease and ribonuclease in increasing proportions may progressively cause increased degradation of DNA and newly synthesized RNA, so that ultimately the cellular functions are impaired and the cells die.
Supplier adaptation: A qualitative investigation of customer and supplier perspectives

Abstract Differing views and goals in the buyer–supplier dyad can create underlying tension in supply chain relationships. Although research recognizes that adaptation is often expected from both customers and suppliers in exchange relationships, researchers have not adequately explored the long-range relational implications of customer adaptation requests. This research uses data from two qualitative focus groups to examine the interaction of customers and suppliers surrounding adaptation, as prior research has not yet considered how the customer's response to adaptation may change if they are aware of how the supplier actually perceives and evaluates specific adaptation requests. The first focus group included 20 active participants representing both customer and supplier perspectives, while the second focus group included five participants to provide a more in-depth examination of issues that emerged in the first focus group. Results suggest that customers' and suppliers' adaptation expectations differ; each has difficulty recognizing adaptation conflict because of perceived benefits and biases surrounding adaptation. Results suggest several adaptation conflict management behaviors are utilized to minimize its negative impacts on supply chain relationships, including blameshifting, justifying and negotiating techniques. Results suggest that trust can create blind spots in relationships, potentially causing customers and their suppliers to have difficulty recognizing conflict until it deteriorates relationships' foundational trust.
Filler Aggregates and Their Effect on Reinforcement

Abstract The most highly reinforcing fillers, namely carbon blacks and silicas, consist of aggregates of quasi-spherical particles fused together. In the absence of direct experimental studies with...
Analysis of B-G and Immune Response Genes in the Iowa State University S1 Chicken Line by Hybridization of Sperm Deoxyribonucleic Acid with a Major Histocompatibility Complex Class II Probe

Abstract Sperm DNA was isolated from chickens of the Iowa State University S1 line. Birds were from sublines selected for B-G antigen, humoral immune response to glutamic acid-alanine-tyrosine (IrGAT), and response to Rous sarcoma virus-induced (RSV) tumors. The DNA was digested with restriction enzymes and subjected to Southern blot analysis with a DNA probe specific for a class II gene of the chicken major histocompatibility complex (MHC). Restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLP) associated with B-G antigen type were found after digestion of DNA with three enzymes, PvuII, BglII, or Sau3A, out of a total of 15 tested. No RFLP were shown to be associated with IrGAT or RSV type. This study shows that RFLP analysis of DNA may be a useful addition to or alternative to serological evaluation of MHC haplotype in the chicken.
Symmetric Poly(ethylene oxide-b-styrene-b-isoprene) Triblock Copolymers: Synthesis, Characterization, and Self-Assembly in Bulk and Thin Film

The synthesis, characterization, and self-assembly of a series of linear poly(ethylene-b-styrene-b-isoprene) (PEO−PS−PI) triblock copolymers containing nearly equal volume fractions of PEO and PI (fPEO ≈ fPI) and various fractions of the middle PS block (70.8 vol % ≤ fPS ≤ 75.6 vol %) is reported. A range of azide-functionalized poly(ethylene oxide-b-styrene) diblock copolymers were prepared by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of styrene using the same batch of PEO-macroinitiator, followed by azide-functionalization. Monohydroxyl-terminated poly(cis-1,4-isoprene) was first alkyne-functionalized and then sequentially attached to azide-functionalized PEO−PS via copper(I)-catalyzed azide−alkyne cycloaddition reaction, producing PEO−PS−PI triblock copolymers with low dispersity. Bulk samples of each linear triblock copolymer reveal the formation of a binary microdomain structure in which a PS and PI domains mix to form a uniform matrix for spherical PEO microdomains, and the PEO microdomains are ar...
Specificity of the renal transport impairment in chickens having hyperuricemia and articular gout.

SummaryStudies were conducted to assess renal transport functions in chickens which had undergone genetic selection for a high (HUA line) or low (LUA line) incidence of hyperuricemia and articular gout. It was found previously that uric acid secretion was markedly reduced in chickens of the HUA line. In the present studies the rates of glomerular filtration, tubular reabsorption of arginine and glucose, and tubular secretion of tetraethylammonium and creatinine were not significantly different between chickens of the two lines. The rate of secretion of PAH in chickens of the HUA line, however, was approximately 40% of the rate for chickens of the LUA line. These results suggest that renal impairment in hyperuricemic chickens is specific for organic acid transport.
Wear of Ductile-Phase Toughened NiAl

The purpose of this work was to study the effect of ductile phases on the wear of brittle intermetallic compounds. The material system of interest was NiAl with an incorporated ductile Fe phase. Three different compositions were studied: Fe10Ni45Al45, Fe30Ni35Al35, and Fe44Ni28Al28, each after two different heat treatments. Their wear behavior in unlubricated sliding against zirconia was investigated using pin-on-disk tests at room temperature in air. Hardness and fracture toughness tests were run for the same materials to clarify the relationship between wear and deformation. Results for the ductile-phase toughened materials were compared with results of similar tests for unalloyed NiAl.
RNA splicing is a primary link between genetic variation and disease

Noncoding variants play a central role in the genetics of complex traits, but we still lack a full understanding of the molecular pathways through which they act. We quantified the contribution of cis-acting genetic effects at all major stages of gene regulation from chromatin to proteins, in Yoruba lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs). About ~65% of expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) have primary effects on chromatin, whereas the remaining eQTLs are enriched in transcribed regions. Using a novel method, we also detected 2893 splicing QTLs, most of which have little or no effect on gene-level expression. These splicing QTLs are major contributors to complex traits, roughly on a par with variants that affect gene expression levels. Our study provides a comprehensive view of the mechanisms linking genetic variation to variation in human gene regulation.
Research on the Relationship between Fiscal Expenditure on Social Security and Economic Growth——An Empirical Research Derived from Panel Data(2003—2007) of China's Provinces

The financial policy is an important means for the Government's implementation of macroeconomic regulation and control,it is important to ensure market economy and fulfillment of the state function,the relationship between financial expenditure and economic growth has been the focus of domestic and foreign scholars.The paper analyses the relationship between financial expenditure and economic growth through building panel data model,and then draws the conclusion that financial expenditure on social security is positive to economic growth.
Court Decisions Specific to Public School Responses to Student Concussions

This article provides an up-to-date and comprehensive canvassing of the judicial case law concerning the responses to students with concussions in the public school context. The two categories of court decisions are (a) those concerning continued participation in interscholastic athletics, referred to under the rubric of "return to play” and (b) those concerning the legal obligations in facilitating the continued educational progress of the student, referred to under the rubric of "return to school." The case law in the first category primarily addresses state common law claims of negligence and federal constitutional claims under the Fourteenth Amendment due process clause. The court decisions in the second category primarily address the successive issues of child find, eligibility, and "free appropriate public education" (including but not necessarily limited to accommodations) under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The outcomes of the court decisions thus far have been largely in favor of the district defendants, but the case law is far from crystallized and complete.
Unit Load Delivery Strategies for Assembly Lines

An analysis of the basic structure of assembly lines, showed that by the pull nature of material utilization in assembly systems, the consuming nature of the assembly process, and the presence of multiple delivery drop-off points in assembly lines, an integrated material handling/scheduling approach to the design of delivery strategies is needed. The critical factors in the integrated system were identified and a period delivery matrix used in a model for determining delivery strategies.
Career management: understanding the process

This article is the first of a three-part series on career management for hospital pharmacists. Work attitudes, life cycles, needs, and career trends are discussed. Three basic work attitudes exist. Some see work as punishment. Others believe work in itself is good, i.e., they have a strong work ethic. Some view work as a means to satisfy, at least partially, a range of needs. Attitudinal transition points are likely to occur at specific times in the adult life cycle. The stages of the life cycle can be labeled as leaving, reaching out, questioning, midlife crisis, settling down, and mellowing. A progression through each of these stages is required for normal adult psychological development. Every individual exhibits a blend of needs that changes throughout life. Jobs can fulfill existence, relatedness, and growth needs. Relatedness needs include the need for love, affiliation, social esteem, and power, and growth needs include the need for self-esteem, competence, achievement, and autonomy. Three important career trends are the changing opportunities for advancement, women in careers, and dual-career couples. The number of women pharmacists is increasing as is the number of two-career couples. Tips for managing two-career relationships are presented. Pharmacists can manage their careers more effectively by understanding their needs, identifying their basic attitude toward work, and being aware of the trends occurring in pharmacy.
Knee Arthroscopy: Technique and Normal Anatomy

Arthroscopy of the knee is the most common orthopaedic procedure performed in the United States [1–6]. Given the frequency of this procedure, it is hard to fathom that knee arthroscopy did not enter into the mainstream of orthopaedic surgery until the 1970s. In 1969, Masaki Wantanabe and colleagues published the Atlas of Arthroscopy [7]. In their seminal publication, they described the results of their first arthroscopic procedure, the removal of an intraarticular pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS), and provided pictures of their first arthroscopic meniscectomy. Jackson and Abe followed up on the work of their Japanese peers with the publication of their arthroscopic technique and outcomes in 1972 [8]. Arthroscopy of the knee became an accepted practice in the 1970s. Several forward-thinking orthopaedists contributed to the early evolution of knee arthroscopy, developing the techniques and tools that are still used today [9–12]. Over the past 40 years, knee arthroscopy has evolved from a rudimentary diagnostic tool to a state-of-the-art system of fiber optics and precision equipment. Knee arthroscopy has become a standard part of orthopaedics. It is the foundation for procedures ranging from the simple meniscectomy, to the multiligamentous knee injury, to cartilage restoration. First, the techniques of knee arthroscopy and the anatomy of the knee will be examined.
Endocrine Disorders and Delayed Puberty

Abnormal puberty is a common presenting complaint for pediatric endocrinology and gynecology practices. In girls, normal puberty may begin as early as 8 years. Though most Caucasian females develop breast tissue after the age of 8 years, race plays a role in pubertal timing, as it is more common for African American and Mexican-American females to begin puberty at an earlier age. Activation of the hypothalamic pituitary ovarian axis marks the beginning of puberty. Puberty is initiated in the hypothalamus by an increase in GnRH pulsatility and the subsequent development of the neuroendocrine system allows for changes in gonadal hormone stimulatory and inhibitory effects. Gonadotropins secreted by the pituitary in response to GnRH rise gradually. In early puberty, LH increases at night during sleep but it loses its diurnal pattern near menarche. These hormonal changes of the hypothalamus and pituitary influence the ovary, allowing estrogen levels to gradually rise to adult ranges. Rising estrogen levels account for the development of secondary sexual characteristics and ultimately stimulate endometrial growth allowing for menarche to occur.
City size matters: Vietnamese immigrants having depressive symptoms

ABSTRACTThis cross-national study identified predictive factors contributing to depression among 691 Vietnamese migrated to the United States who responded to a community survey in two American cities. Measured by HSCL-25, the overall depression prevalence was 30.5%, higher in a large (32.3%) than mid-size city (19.8%). Logistic regression showed that immigration issues, residing in a large city, being female, having health concerns, and experiencing family concerns are significantly related to Vietnamese immigrants having depressive symptoms. Over half (51.4%) of the respondents sought help, and 46.3% preferred seeing their physicians to address mental health issues. Pre-migration counseling is recommended to prevent depression.
The first super geomagnetic storm of solar cycle 24: “The St. Patrick’s day event (17 March 2015)”

The first super geomagnetic storm (Dst < −200 nT) of solar cycle 24 occurred on “St. Patrick’s day” (17 March 2015). Notably, it was a two-step storm. The source of the storm can be traced back to the solar event on 15 March 2015. At ~2:10 UT on that day, SOHO/LASCO C3 recorded a partial halo coronal mass ejection (CME), which was associated with a C9.1/1F flare (S22W25) and a series of type II/IV radio bursts. The initial propagation speed of this CME is estimated to be ~668 km/s. An interplanetary (IP) shock, likely driven by a magnetic cloud (MC), arrived at the Wind spacecraft at 03:59 UT on 17 March and caused a sudden storm commencement. The storm intensified during the Earth’s crossing of the ICME/shock sheath and then recovered slightly after the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) turned northward. The IMF started turning southward again due to a large MC field itself, which caused the second storm intensification, reaching a minimum value (Dst = −223 nT). It is found that the first step is caused by a southward IMF component in the sheath (between the upstream shock and the front of the MC), whereas the second step is associated with the passage of the MC. The CME that erupted on 15 March is the sole solar source of the MC. We also discuss the CME/storm event with detailed data from observations (Wind and SOHO) and our algorithm for predicting the intensity of a geomagnetic storm (Dstmin) from known IP parameter values. We found that choosing the correct Dstmin estimating formula for predicting the intensity of MC-associated geomagnetic storms is crucial for space weather predictions.
Indications for the Treatment of Myocardial Infarction with Corticosteroids

For over 20 years, only sporadic attention has been given to the use of corticosteroids in the treatment of acute myocardial infarction and its various complications. There is now considerable interest as to whether this agent or any other type of therapeutic intervention can limit the size of an acute myocardial infarction. Laboratory experimentation indicates that this may apply, to humans as well as animals, and if so, it would be reasonable to assume that the use of corticosteroids will become far more widespread.
Symbolic data analysis: what is it?

Classical data values are single points in p-dimensional space; symbolic data values are hypercubes (broadly defined) in p-dimensional space (and/or a cartesian product of p distributions). While some datasets, be they small or large in size, naturally consist of symbolic data, many symbolic datasets result from the aggregation of large or extremely large classical datasets into smaller more managably sized datasets, with the aggregation criteria typically grounded on basic scientific questions of interest. Unlike classical data, symbolic data have internal variation and structure which must be taken into account when analysing the dataset. In this paper, we review briefly types of symbolic data, how they might be analysed and how such analysis differs from a traditional classical analysis.
Testing a model of health-related quality of life in women living with HIV infection

Purpose The purpose of this secondary analysis was to test Ferrans et al.’s (J Nurs Scholarsh 37(4):336–342, 2005) revised model of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) (2005) modified from the Wilson and Cleary (J Am Med Assoc 273(1):59–65, 1995) model on women living with HIV. The primary aim was to test this model, examining the relations among the five central components (biological function, symptoms, functional status, general health perceptions, and HRQoL). The secondary aim was to explore the individual (age, children, race, marital status, education) and environmental (HIV-related stigma, social support) characteristics that may impact the main components of the model.
Bioluminescent Tracking of Human and Mouse Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Reveals Potent Immunogenicity of Luciferase In Some Preclinical Models of Leukemia

Abstract 2140 Xenograft models have quickly become the preferred methodology for the preclinical evaluation of treatments for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The efficient engraftments in immune-deficient mice achieved with both primary ALL samples and cell lines have facilitated identification of the anti-ALL activity of a wide variety of agents. Despite widespread usage, however, little is known about the early ALL localization and engraftment kinetics in this model, limiting experimental read-outs primarily to survival and end-point analysis at high disease burden. In this study, we have developed bioluminescent imaging of ALL cells to provide a noninvasive, longitudinal measure of leukemia burden that will enhance the sensitivity of preclinical models. Three human precursor B cell (BCP) ALL lines (Nalm-6, RS-4-11 and 380) and two murine BCP ALL lines (289 and 309) were stably tranduced with a lentiviral vector conferring expression of both green fluorescent protein (GFP) and firefly luciferase (ffLuc). Non-obese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficient/IL2Rgamma null (NSG) mice were injected intravenously with 1×106 ALL cells via the lateral tail vein and imaged daily for the first 7 days, then twice weekly thereafter. Animals were also monitored weekly for peripheral leukemia burden by flow cytometric detection of GFP positive cells in blood. Each human ALL line was readily detectable by bioluminescence within 48 hours of injection, providing a measure of disease burden at least one week earlier than can be achieved by peripheral disease monitoring. The human ALL lines Nalm-6 and RS-4-11 initially concentrated in the liver and bone marrow of NSG mice, only appearing in the spleen after 1–2 weeks, while 380 first localized to bone marrow only. In contrast, the murine ALL lines were rapidly detectable in spleen and bone marrow but did not accumulate in the liver. For both murine and human ALL, the initial localization was followed by in situ expansion and subsequent seeding of peripheral sites, with disease burden correlating to increasing bioluminescence intensity. This study, therefore, reveals significant cell line- and species-related differences in leukemia migration, especially early in expansion, which may confound observations between various leukemia models. Furthermore, in a pilot study we demonstrate that this in vivo imaging approach is feasible for primary human ALL samples. To evaluate the utility of bioluminescence in an immune competent leukemia model, we compared the engraftment of ffLuc/GFP+ mouse ALL in syngeneic wild-type (wt) and immune-deficient mice. In contrast to the unhindered rapid expansion of disease in NSG and syngeneic (H-2d) gc-/- (lymphocyte deficient) mice (median survival 21 days, p Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Islands of heaters: A novel thermal management framework for photonic NoCs

Silicon photonics has become a promising candidate for future networks-on-chip (NoCs) as it can enable high bandwidth density and lower latency with traversal of data at the speed of light. But the operation of photonic NoCs (PNoCs) is very sensitive to temperature variations that frequently occur on a chip. These variations can create significant reliability issues for PNoCs. For example, microring resonators (MRRs) which are the building blocks of PNoCs, may resonate at another wavelength instead of their designated wavelength due to thermal variations, which can lead to bandwidth wastage and data corruption in PNoCs. This paper proposes a novel run-time framework to overcome temperature-induced issues in PNoCs. The framework consists of (i) a PID controlled heater mechanism to nullify the thermal gradient across PNoCs, (ii) a device-level thermal island framework to distribute MRRs across regions of temperatures; and (iii) a system-level proactive thread migration technique to avoid on-chip thermal threshold violations and to reduce MRR tuning/trimming power by migrating threads between cores. Our experimental results with 64-core Corona and Flexishare PNoCs indicate that the proposed approach reliably satisfies on-chip thermal thresholds and maintains high network bandwidth while reducing total power by up to 64.1%.
Interplay between mutagen sensitivity and epidemiological factors in modulating lung cancer risk

Proc Amer Assoc Cancer Res, Volume 47, 2006 435 Increased genetic instability as unmasked by mutagen sensitivity has been shown as a promising cancer predisposition factor. This study consisted of 977 lung cancer patients and 977 matched controls to corroborate the role of mutagen sensitivity and its interplay with selected epidemiological factors in modulating lung cancer risk. Mutagen sensitivity was quantified by measuring chromatid breaks in in vitro lymphocyte cultures challenged by bleomycin and BPDE. There were significant differences between cases and controls for bleomycin sensitivity (0.76 vs. 0.62, P<0.001) and BDPE sensitivity (0.70 vs. 0.61, P<0.001). Mutagen sensitivity showed an increasing trend with age in controls (P=0.002). Current smokers in controls exhibited the lowest breaks per cell as compared to former and never smokers, suggesting DNA damage caused by tobacco carcinogens may stimulate DNA repair. Interestingly, controls with a history of emphysema showed higher sensitivity than those who had no emphysema history (0.72 vs. 0.61, P=0.02). Likewise, cases with a history of hay fever showed lower sensitivity than those without hay fever history (0.65 vs. 0.72, P=0.003). High mutagen sensitivity was associated with a significant 2.29-fold increased risk (95% CI: 1.72-3.04). In quartile analyses, when compared to the first quartile with lowest sensitivity to mutagen, the ORs for the second, third and fourth quartiles were 1.63(95% CI: 1.03-2.57), 2.73 (95% CI: 1.79-4.16), and 3.25 (95% CI: 2.13-4.95), respectively (P for trend <0.001). We then investigated the interaction between mutagen sensitivity and a panel of epidemiological factors, which had significant distribution differences between cases and controls (all P<0.01). There was a significant interaction between mutagen sensitivity with dietary folate intake (P for interaction=0.02) and wood dust exposure (P for interaction=0.03). We divided subjects into four categories based on mutagen sensitivity, asbestos exposure, history of emphysema, and wood dust exposure. When compared with the reference group without those risk factors, those exposed to one, two and three or more risk factors were at a 1.58-fold (95% CI: 1.08-2.30), 3.60-fold (95% CI: 2.33-5.55) and 13.97-fold (95% CI: 4.85-45.39) increased risk (P for trend <0.001). Finally, the recursive partitioning procedure further identified high and low risk groups. In ever smokers, history of emphysema was the most important predictor, followed by mutagen sensitivity, wood dust exposure, family history of lung cancer, history of hay fever, family history of smoking-related cancer, and history of asbestos exposure. This study strongly supports a substantial interplay between mutagen sensitivity and epidemiological risk factors in lung cancer development. Supported by NCI CA 55769, CA111646, CA 70907, DAMD17-02-1-0706 and Flight Attendant Medical Research Institute.
Evaluating the Ecological Validity of the Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire Among Obese Adults Using Ecological Momentary Assessment

This study evaluated the ecological validity (i.e., accurate measurement of a construct as experienced in naturalistic settings) of the self-report Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire (DEBQ). Obese adults (N = 50) completed the DEBQ, followed by a 2-week ecological momentary assessment protocol that included measures of eating episodes and associated intrapersonal contextual factors. Results revealed that DEBQ Emotional Eating was associated with greater negative affect and less positive affect at both pre- and post-eating episode, as well as post-eating ratings of feeling driven to eat. DEBQ External Eating was positively associated with pre-eating expectations about enjoying the taste of food, but was unrelated to actual enjoyment reported post-eating; External Eating was positively associated with the post-eating ratings of feeling driven to eat. DEBQ Dietary Restraint was positively associated with pre-eating intentions to eat less to lose/avoid gaining weight. Overall, results provide some support for the ecological validity of the DEBQ.
Data and Statistical Methods To Analyze the Human Microbiome.

ABSTRACT The Waldron lab for computational biostatistics bridges the areas of cancer genomics and microbiome studies for public health, developing methods to exploit publicly available data resources and to integrate -omics studies.
Thermodynamics of 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium methylsulfate co-solvent mixtures using molecular dynamics simulation

Abstract In the present work, isothermal-isobaric (NPT) and canonical (NVT) ensemble molecular dynamics (MD) simulations have been used to calculate the binary mixture properties (excess molar heats and volumes) of 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium methyl sulfate [EMIM][MeSO4] with six polar covalent molecules (acetic acid, acetone, chloroform, dimethyl sulfoxide, isopropyl alcohol and methanol) over the entire composition range. Excess partial molar properties as a function of mole fraction of co-solvent were calculated by using a Redlich-Kister expansion equation. The excess molar heats and volumes for [EMIM][MeSO4] with all the six co-solvents were all negative over the entire composition range. The size and structure of these molecules, as well as the nature of interaction between the mixture components seems to play a major role in the observed effects. These results have been interpreted in terms of hydrogen bonding and intermolecular interactions between ionic liquid ions and co-solvent molecules via radial distribution functions. The results showed that hydrogen bond interactions between ionic liquid and co-solvents play a major role in the volumetric and energetic properties of the mixtures. Further, radial distribution functions suggest that ionic liquid ions aggregate at higher concentrations of co-solvents.
Improving relative bioavailability of dicumarol by reducing particle size and adding the adhesive poly(fumaric-co-sebacic) anhydride.

Purpose. This study was carried out to show the effect of particle size reduction and bioadhesion on the dissolution and relative bioavailability of dicumarol.