cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Norovirus Gastroenteritis, Carbohydrate Receptors, and Animal Models

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist. The authors were supported by the NIH (RO1 AI 055649, RO1 AI 037093 and PO1 HD 13021) and the Department of Defense (PR 033018) of the USA. The funders had no role in study design,data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.
Is Color Doppler Ultrasound Useful in Diagnosing Ovarian Cancer

In summary, the emergence of CDUS presented an interesting new technical approach to the study of neovascularization in ovarian cancers. Techniques for CDUS are technically difficult and plagued with artifacts making correct interpretation difficult. Measures of blood flow (such as the resistive index) overlap significantly between ovarian cancers and benign ovarian tumors. Wide differences in estimates of the sensitivity and specificity of CDUS have been published, and fundamental norms such as resistive index also vary greatly among studies. Explanations for these differences are lacking. Most studies were performed in academic centers with referrals of high risk patients. This limits the ability to generalize results to the community. Data are insufficient to include CDUS in diagnostic protocols for ovarian cancer.
IRRADIATION AND CESIUM DEPOLARIZATION OF MUSCLE MEMBRANE

Abstract Cesium ions in the bathing fluid produce a depolarization of frog sartorius muscle fibers independent of the depolarization produced by irradiation. The “fractional depolarization” produced by X-rays is independent of external cesium concentration. However, the “fractional depolarization” is proportional to external sodium concentration and is therefore explained as the result of an increased sodium ion permeability. Cesium depolarization (20 mMCs) in non-irradiated fibers increases with decreasing sodium concentration with osmolarity maintained by choline chloride, indicating a specific sodium-choline-cesium interaction in the membrane. A simple concentration-cell potential explanation for the cesium effects is not yet adequate.
Stoichiometry and structure of the super ionic conductor silver beta-alumina

Abstract Beta-alumina is a crystalline nonstoichiometric compound highly permeable to sodium and silver ions. The mobile ions are statistically distributed among a manifold of nearly equivalent sites in widely separated planes perpendicular to the hexagonal axis and two-dimensional ionic conduction results from the interchange of ions between sites in these planes. Sodium and silver beta-alumina are isomorphous but at room temperature there is a different distribution of potential mobile cations among the conduction sites.
Bis(imino)pyridine Iron Alkyls Containing β-Hydrogens: Synthesis, Evaluation of Kinetic Stability, and Decomposition Pathways Involving Chelate Participation

Bis(imino)pyridine iron alkyl complexes bearing β-hydrogens, (iPrPDI)FeR ((iPrPDI = 2,6-(2,6-iPr2−C6H3N═CMe)2C5H3N; R = Et, nBu, iBu, CH2cycloC5H9; 1-R), were synthesized either by direct alkylation of (iPrPDI)FeCl (1-Cl) with the appropriate Grignard reagent or more typically by oxidative addition of the appropriate alkyl bromide to the iron bis(dinitrogen) complex, (iPrPDI)Fe(N2)2 (1-(N2)2). In the latter method, the formal oxidative addition reaction produced (iPrPDI)FeBr (1-Br), along with the desired iron alkyl, 1-R. Elucidation of the electronic structure of 1-Br and related 1-R derivatives by magnetic measurements, structural studies and NMR spectroscopy established high spin ferrous compounds antiferromagnetically coupled to chelate radical anions. Thus, the formal oxidative process is bis(imino)pyridine ligand-based (one electron is formally removed from each chelate, not the iron) during oxidative addition. The kinetic stability of each 1-R compound was assayed in benzene-d6 solution and found t...
Equilibrium and Kinetics of DNA Overstretching Modeled with a Quartic Energy Landscape

It is well known that the dsDNA molecule undergoes a phase transition from B-DNA into an overstretched state at high forces. For some time, the structure of the overstretched state remained unknown and highly debated, but recent advances in experimental techniques have presented evidence of more than one possible phase (or even a mixed phase) depending on ionic conditions, temperature, and basepair sequence. Here, we present a theoretical model to study the overstretching transition with the possibility that the overstretched state is a mixture of two phases: a structure with portions of inner strand separation (melted or M-DNA), and an extended phase that retains the basepair structure (S-DNA). We model the double-stranded DNA as a chain composed of n segments of length l, where the transition is studied by means of a Landau quartic potential with statistical fluctuations. The length l is a measure of cooperativity of the transition and is key to characterizing the overstretched phase. By analyzing the different values of l corresponding to a wide spectrum of experiments, we find that for a range of temperatures and ionic conditions, the overstretched form is likely to be a mix of M-DNA and S-DNA. For a transition close to a pure S-DNA state, where the change in extension is close to 1.7 times the original B-DNA length, we find l ≈ 25 basepairs regardless of temperature and ionic concentration. Our model is fully analytical, yet it accurately reproduces the force-extension curves, as well as the transient kinetic behavior, seen in DNA overstretching experiments.
The viscosity of highly concentrated underflows and its influence on mixing

The viscosity of a clay suspension is measured for varying degrees of concentration and flocculation and the results interpreted as a possible explanation of the behavior of underflows of water, with high clay concentration, through reservoirs. When we attempt to explain, why, and under what conditions non-mixing underflows are possible, we must remember that an underflow is a problem of hydrodynamics, like any other flow. We must also remember that, from the standpoint of hydrodynamics, laminar flow Is the normal kind of flaw in a liquid and that laminar flow will take place everywhere unless it is disturbed. These disturbances are called turbulence and are created mainly along solid wails or in places with a discontinuity of velocity. Both kinds of sources for the creation of turbulence are found in the case of an underflow, the solid surface at the bottom, and the discontinuity at the interface between lake water and underflow.
New ionic derivatives of betulinic acid as highly potent anti-cancer agents

Betulinic acid is a natural compound with high in vitro cytotoxicity toward many cancer cells. However, the poor water solubility of this compound hampers an effective in vivo cancer study. We prepared new ionic derivatives of betulinic acid with higher water solubilities, without losing the structural integrity and functionality of this compound. As a result, these new ionic derivatives have shown much higher inhibitory effects against different cancer cell lines such as melanoma A375, neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y and breast adenocarcinoma MCF7. For A375 cell lines, the derivative 5 exhibited a low IC(50) value of 36 μM (vs 154 μM for betulinic acid); for MCF7 cell lines, the derivative 5 also exhibited a low IC(50) value of 25 μM (vs 112 μM for betulinic acid). The high cytotoxicity of these new derivatives can be linked to their greatly improved water solubility. Our assay method used little DMSO in aiding the dissolution of these derivatives to demonstrate the advantage of improved water solubility and to mimic the in vivo study conditions. The cell viability studies based on both MTT and LDH assay methods have confirmed the high inhibitory effect of our ionic derivatives of betulinic acid (particularly 4 and 5) against different cancer cells.
The Time Average Magnetic Field at the Nucleus in Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Experiments

For the high precision measurement of a nuclear gyromagnetic ratio by the Purcell or Bloch resonance methods, accurate knowledge of the time average magnetic field ${H}_{\mathrm{Av}}$ at the positions of the nuclei is necessary. The various component fields contributing to ${H}_{\mathrm{Av}}$ are listed. An experimental study is made of two of these fields: the magnetic shielding field in molecules and the magnetization field of paramagnetic ions added to a sample. In an earlier paper accurate computed values were given of the magnetic shielding field for free atoms and monatomic ions. The effect of these fields on the attainable precision in the measurement of nuclear moments is discussed.
Principal minors of complex symmetric and skew matrices

Abstract The singular values of principal submatrices of complex symmetric and skew matrices are examined.
Impact of Primary Graft Failure on Outcomes Following Lung Transplantation

Study objectives Primary graft failure (PGF) is a severe acute lung injury syndrome that occurs following lung transplantation. We compared the clinical outcomes of patients who developed PGF with those who did not. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study including 255 consecutive lung transplant procedures. PGF was defined as (1) diffuse alveolar opacities developing within 72 h of transplantation, (2) an arterial partial pressure of oxygen/fraction of inspired oxygen (Pa o 2 /F io 2 ) ratio of Setting Academic medical center. Results The overall incidence of PGF was 11.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 7.9 to 15.9%). The all-cause mortality rate at 30 days was 63.3% in patients with PGF and 8.8% in patients without PGF (relative risk [RR], 7.15; 95% CI, 4.34 to 11.80%; p Conclusions PGF has a significant impact on mortality, HLOS, and duration of mechanical ventilation following lung transplantation. Survivors of PGF have a protracted recovery with impaired physical function up to 1 year following transplantation.
Debate and speech communication

This article deplores the suggestion that debaters should place less emphasis on logical arguments because judges and audiences in general are presumably incapable of understanding such arguments. It concludes that much contemporary Speech‐Communication research is indifferent to norms, is anti‐intellectual, and is leading the speech profession into areas where it does not belong.
The decline of grip strength in the menopause: Relationship to physical activity, estrogen use and anthropometric factors

The focus of this study was the relationship of grip strength to age, physical activity and anthropometric factors, in a population of 255 post-menopausal women not on estrogen therapy (mean age = 57.6) and 55 women currently on estrogen replacement therapy (mean age = 56.9). Grip strength was measured as an indicator of muscular strength in the upper limbs. The grip strength of the estrogen users was significantly higher than that of the estrogen abstainers. Grip strength was related to age (r = -0.25, p less than 0.01), and the body habitus parameters of height (r = 0.36, p less than 0.01) and weight (r = 0.18, p less than 0.01). Although estrogen use was univariately correlated with strength (r = 0.16, p less than 0.05), multiple regression analyses revealed that only the height, age and physical activity were independent determinants of grip strength. These data suggest: height is the major determinant of upper body strength in older women; the reduction in physical activity with advancing age may contribute to strength decline, and modest increase in physical activity may retard the loss of strength that accompanies aging; the loss of ovarian estrogen in menopause may be related to the loss of strength in postmenopausal women.
Building lane-graphs for autonomous parking

An autonomous robotic vehicle can drive through and park in a lot more reliably if it is guided by a parking lot map. This specialized map creates structure, including the centerlines of drivable regions and intersection locations in an often unstructured and unmarked environment and enables the vehicle to focus its attention on regions that require detailed analysis. Existing methods of building such maps require manu- ally driving vehicles for collecting sensor measurements. Instead of pursuing a labor-intensive approach, we analyze an aerial image of a parking lot to build a topological map. In particular, our algorithm produces a lane-graph of a parking lot's drivable regions by executing several image processing steps. First it estimates drivable regions by superimposing detection of a parking spots onto the parking lot boundary segmentation. Second, a distance transform is applied to drivable regions to reveal its skeleton. Lastly our algorithm searches the distance map to identify a set of the peak points and connects them to generate a lane-graph that concisely represents drivable regions. Experiments show promising results of real-world parking lot aerial-imagery analysis.
Is losartan the true panacea for aneurysm disease? PRO.

Aneurysms of the aorta remain a significant and common medical problem in the twenty-first century. Despite advances in intensive care, aortic aneurysms remain the 13th most common cause of death in the United States, 1 with 150,000 hospital admissions for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) alone. 2 The mean age at onset ranges from 59 to 69 years, with a male to female ratio of between 2:1 and 4:1. 1 Aortic aneurysms are often associated with dissections of the aorta, the rupture of which represents a catastrophic event requiring emergency surgical intervention. There have been numerous recent advances in the treatment of aneurysms, especially with regard to the use of interventional procedures and new stent grafts; however, surgical repair remains the current standard of care. Although most aneurysms occur spontaneously, there are a number of syndromes which predispose patients to aneurysm formation. Marfan syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder of the connective tissue, with an incidence of 2 to 3 per 100,000 individuals. Aortic dilation and dissection is the main cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with Marfan syndrome. The mainstay of long-term management of the patients has focused on blood pressure control and beta blockade. Recent work examining the mechanisms of aneurysm formation has led to increased interest in medical therapy targeting factors involved in aneurysm formation and expansion. In particular, inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEis) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) has recently emerged as a potentially powerful treatment modality for the aortic aneurysms. In the present review, data from animal models, as well as early clinical results, are reviewed with particular attention to how these medications may target the mechanisms underlying aneurysm formation. These new data point to the use of ARBs as one of the new cornerstones in the management of aneurysmal disease.
The international dimension of the failed Algerian transition: democracy betrayed? Perspectives on democratization

The international dimension of the failed Algerian transition: democracy betrayed? Perspectives on democratization, by Cavatorta, Francesco, Manchester, UK, Manchester University Press, 2009, xii +...
Surface segregation in a Ni-1 at% Pd alloy

Abstract The surface composition of a Ni-1 at% Pd alloy has been determined by Auger electron spectroscopy after equilibration of the alloy at several temperatures in the range 550 to 800°C. Moderate segregation of Pd to the surface of the alloy has been observed, with concentrations of up to ~∼30 at% being detected at the surface after equilibration at 550°C. The heat of segregation (or adsorption) of Pd has been found to agree reasonably well with the predictions of a previously developed unified model of surface segregation in alloys. The kinetics of Pd segregation to the surface have also been measured between 500 and 700°C. Analysis of the kinetic data yields apparent diffusivities of Pd through the alloy that are suggestive of a dominant grain boundary transport mechanism.
In situ estimation of roof rock strength using sonic logging

Sonic travel time logging of exploration boreholes is routinely used in Australia to obtain estimates of coal mine roof rock strength. Because sonic velocity logs are relatively inexpensive and easy to obtain during exploration, the technique has provided Australian underground coal mines with an abundance of rock strength data for use in all aspects of ground control design. However, the technique depends upon reliable correlations between the uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) and the sonic velocity. This paper describes research recently conducted by NIOSH aimed at developing a correlation for use by the U.S. mining industry. From two coreholes in Illinois, two from Pennsylvania, and one each from Colorado, western Kentucky and southern West Virginia, sonic velocity logs were compared with UCS values derived from Point Load tests for a broad range of coal measure rock types. For the entire data set, the relationship between UCS and sonic travel time is expressed by an exponential equation relating the UCS in psi to the travel time of the P-wave in μs/ft. The coefficient of determination or R-squared for this equation is 0.72, indicating that a relatively high reliability can be achieved with this technique. The strength estimates obtained from the correlation equation may be used to help design roof support systems. The paper also addresses the steps that are necessary to ensure that high-quality sonic logs are obtained for use in estimating UCS.
Daily energy costs and body weight in nectarivorous birds

Abstract 1. 1. Nectar-feeding birds (New World hummingbirds, African sunbirds, Hawaiian honey-creepers) defending feeding territories have 24 hr energy costs (Kcal/day) described by the regression equation E = 4.56 W 421 2. 2. Their daily energy expenditures conform to size-related constraints, which must be regulated by appropriate balances between behavioral and physiological capacities for energy conservation.
First-round “crowding out” in a generalized IS-LM model

Abstract A standard result of IS-LM analysis is that fiscal policy has no first-round effects on income if the LM curve is vertical. IS-LM models, however, are based on the restrictive assumption of a one commodity production technology. This paper relaxes this assumption and shows that complete, first-round crowding out is consistent with a negative interest elasticity of the demand for money.
Effects of Purkinje cell degeneration on the noradrenergic projection to mouse cerebellar cortex.

Abstract We have examined the effects of a genetically programmed target cell death on the noradrenergic afferent projection to mouse cerebellar cortex. We have observed that the noradrenergic axon terminals originating in locus coeruleus are maintained in the cerebellar cortex of the Purkinje cell degeneration ( pcd ) mutant mouse in spite ofthe absence of Purkinje cells, the targets for the noradrenergic projection. The number of noradrenergic terminals in the atrophic mutant cerebellar cortex is approximately normal as assessed by counts of fibers exhibiting catecholamine fluorescence and by measurement of high affinity uptake of tritium-labeled norepinephrine (NE) by synaptosomes prepared from cerebellar cortex. An increased density of NE fibers is observed which appears to be a consequence of reduced cerebellar mass in the mutant. Although the number of noradrenergic terminals is unaffected, morphological and biochemical alterations are observed in this system. The fibers are more brightly fluorescent in mutant than in normal mice andd their pattern is less orderly. The content of the endogenous transmitter, NE, is increased from 150 to 170% whereas the activity of the rate-limiting enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) is reduced to about 60% of normal values. These changes appear to be permanent as they are still present in 6 month-old mutant animals, the oldest studied. No alterations in either NE content or TH activity are found in pcd/pcd hippocampus, another target for the locus coeruleus axons.
Employee pregnancy: The impact on organizations, pregnant employees and co-workers

Perceptions of current and appropriate practices, and behavioral intentions regarding the treatment of pregnant employees were examined utilizing the “Pregnancy in the Workplace” questionnaire. Subjects believed employing organizations should provide more supportive maternity leave policies and should seek to minimize negative career impacts (e.g., reduced promotional opportunities) on pregnant employees. However, subjects also felt employers were too generous in making workload reductions for pregnant employees. While subjects believed more should be done to assist pregnant employees, they were unwilling to agree to support such actions with their personal behaviors. Opinions varied as a function of sex, age, and nationality of the respondent, as well as supervisory experience with a pregnant employee. Women, younger employees, non-U.S. citizens, and those without experience supervising a pregnant employee were significantly more supportive of pregnant employees, and indicated greater support for legislation to assist pregnant employees.
High-temperature oxidation of Fe-16.7% Mn-2.1% Ni-6.6% Si alloy in SO2

The oxidation of an austenitic Fe-16.7% Mn-2.1% Ni-6.6% Si (by weight) alloy in SO2 in the temperature range 600–900°C is described. The corrosion products formed on this alloy in this environment below 800°C consist only of oxides, rather than a mixture of oxides and sulfides as is observed for unalloyed Fe or Mn. The kinetics of oxidation of the alloy in SO2 in this temperature range are similar to those in O2. It is proposed that these characteristics result from the presence of a thin silicate layer near the scale-metal interface that alters the gradient of oxygen potential within the scale.
Synthesis of alkynyl(tricarbonyl)rhenium complexes containing a lightly coordinated diamine ligand

Abstract Several alkynyl(tricarbonyl)diaminerhenium complexes were prepared from corresponding halo complexes and silver acetylides. With the diamine N,N′-dimethylpiperazine the compounds were found to be sufficiently stable to allow synthetic transformations on the acetylide ligand as well as purification by chromatography and subsequent substitution of the diamine ligand by stronger ligands such as phenanthrolines or isocyanides.
Molecular dynamics: a blueprint for a nanoscale pump.

A computational study shows how a precise arrangement of charges on the surface of a nanotube can push water molecules in single file from one end to the other.
Bundles of Norms About Teen Sex and Pregnancy

Teen pregnancy is a cultural battleground in struggles over morality, education, and family. At its heart are norms about teen sex, contraception, pregnancy, and abortion. Analyzing 57 interviews with college students, we found that "bundles" of related norms shaped the messages teens hear. Teens did not think their communities encouraged teen sex or pregnancy, but normative messages differed greatly, with either moral or practical rationalizations. Teens readily identified multiple norms intended to regulate teen sex, contraception, abortion, childbearing, and the sanctioning of teen parents. Beyond influencing teens' behavior, norms shaped teenagers' public portrayals and post hoc justifications of their behavior. Although norm bundles are complex to measure, participants could summarize them succinctly. These bundles and their conflicting behavioral prescriptions create space for human agency in negotiating normative pressures. The norm bundles concept has implications for teen pregnancy prevention policies and can help revitalize social norms for understanding health behaviors.
Ferrocene‐containing polyesters and polyamides

A series of ferrocene-containing polyesters and polyamides were prepared by refluxing 1,1′-dichlorocarbonylferrocene with various diols and primary diamines in xylene–pyridine solvent. The polyamides were all solids, but some of the polyesters were liquids. Reported are the infrared spectra and solubility characteristics of all the polymers and, where possible, the molecular weight and molecular weight distributions. In general, these polyamides and polyesters were of relatively low molecular weight (below 4000), but the polyesters were readily chain extended and crosslinked by di- and triisocyanates. Elemental analyses are reported for all the polymers prepared.
Subclinical Delusional Thinking Predicts Lateral Temporal Cortex Responses During Social Reflection

Neuroimaging studies have demonstrated associations between delusions in psychotic disorders and abnormalities of brain areas involved in social cognition, including medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC), posterior cingulate cortex, and lateral temporal cortex (LTC). General population studies have linked subclinical delusional thinking to impaired social cognition, raising the question of whether a specific pattern of brain activity during social perception is associated with delusional beliefs. Here, we tested the hypothesis that subclinical delusional thinking is associated with changes in neural function, while subjects made judgments about themselves or others [�social reflection� (SR)]. Neural responses during SR and non-social tasks, as well as resting-state activity, were measured using functional magnetic resonance imaging in 22 healthy subjects. Delusional thinking was measured using the Peters et al. Delusions Inventory. Delusional thinking was negatively correlated with responses of the left LTC during SR (r ¼� 0.61, P ¼ 0.02, Bonferroni corrected), and connectivity between the left LTC and left ventral MPFC, and was positively correlated with connectivity between the left LTC and the right middle frontal and inferior temporal cortices. Thus, delusional thinking in the general population may be associated with reduced activity and aberrant functional connectivity of cortical areas involved in SR.
Evaluation of the Variety of Plasmid Profiles in S epidermidis Isolates from Hospital Patients and Staff

Plasmid profiling was used to determine the variability of normal flora isolates of Staphylococcus epidermidis in order to evaluate the usefulness of plasmid profiling for identifying pathogens. Fifteen hospital staff members and patients repeatedly had cultures taken from the hands and nares, and multiple isolates were examined for plasmid profiles. S epidermidis isolated from the nares of 15 neonates were also examined. The total number of isolates examined for plasmid profiles was 726. Repetition of profiles was common among the different isolates from a single sampling (one swab). The frequency of re-isolating similar profiles on different days varied from 7% to 13%. Simultaneous isolation of similar profiles from nares and hands on the same individual varied from 0% to 11%, the percentage being lower for personnel. Isolation of the same plasmid profile from different individuals occurred only twice and resulted in an assignment probability of Pa = 0.002 for isolates obtained from different individuals. Significantly more isolates from nares contained plasmids (97%) compared with isolates from hands (89%). Patients who had two or more isolates of coagulasenegative staphylococci with similar profiles were judged, clinically, to have infections in 12 of 13 cases. However, the likelihood of re-isolating an S epidermidis strain with a similar plasmid profile twice from the same person at different times was sufficiently high to prevent plasmid profiling from being used as an absolute criterion for infection. [Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 1988; 9(10):441-446.]
Teleautonomous guidance for mobile robots

A novel technique for the remote guidance of fast mobile robots has been developed and implemented. With this method, the mobile robot follows the general direction prescribed by an operator. However, if the robot encounters an obstacle, it autonomously avoids collision with that obstacle while trying to match the prescribed direction as closely as possible. This novel implementation of shared control is completely transparent and transfers control between teleoperation and autonomous obstacle avoidance gradually. The method, called teleautonomous operation, allows the operator to steer vehicles and robots at high speeds and in cluttered environments, even without visual contact. Teleautonomous operation is based on the virtual force field (VFF) method, which was developed for autonomous obstacle avoidance. The VFF method is especially suited to the accommodation of inaccurate sensor data and sensor fusion, and allows the mobile robot to travel quickly without stopping for obstacles. >
Snapshot of Graduate Student Seminar Practices

Civil engineering departments in the United States were surveyed to ascertain the range of practices for conducting seminars for graduate students. Two separate internet-based survey instruments were developed and utilized. One survey targeted department heads to determine if the responding program had a seminar for graduate students and, if so, details about the program. In the instance where a program did not have a graduate student seminar, the survey solicited reasons for the program choosing to cancel or not have one. A second survey was disseminated to graduate students. It was intended to gather opinions of students regarding their experience with the graduate student seminar. Forty eight civil engineering department heads and 231 graduate students responded. The consensus among respondents is that a graduate seminar can be a valuable part of the student experience.
Impact point model predictive control of a spin-stabilized projectile with instability protection

Most smart projectile control systems generate lateral control forces to guide the round to a target. Experience has shown that under the right combination of body orientation, translational velocity, and angular velocity, relatively low lateral control force inputs can induce instability of the round. To solve this problem, an additional control logic layer is appended to a nominal impact point flight control law to protect it from instability in these infrequent, but consequential situations. To highlight the newly developed control logic, a smart 155 mm spin-stabilized projectile equipped with a rotating paddle control mechanism is considered. For this example configuration, cross range maneuvering occasionally induces instability. Simulation results, using both rigid and multi-body nonlinear flight dynamics models, indicate that the addition of the instability protection layer in the control logic prevents projectile instability while not substantially altering target impact statistics. The nature of ...
Investigation of an amyloid precursor protein protective mutation (A673T) in a North American case-control sample of late-onset Alzheimer's disease

A rare amyloid precursor protein gene variant, A673T (rs63750847) was recently reported to protect against Alzheimer's disease and age-related cognitive decline among Icelanders and the same rare variant was observed also in Finnish, Norwegian, and Swedish populations. We investigated this variant in 1674 late-onset Alzheimer's disease cases and 2644 elderly control subjects, all North American Whites (US Whites). We did not observe any example of the A673T variant in our large sample. Our findings suggest that this rare variant could be specific to the individuals of the origin from the Nordic countries.
Clinical and Pathological Findings in a Child with a Developmental Learning Disability

Many professionals have deplored the fact that there have been no published post mortem findings of children with developmental learning disabilities. To our knowledge this is the first case history offered to the literature. It is presented from an inter-disciplinary approach thus involving various professional efforts and evolutionary thoughts. The Journal is very proud to publish this manuscript. Dr. Drake and his evaluation team have performed a great service for the field of learning disabilities.—C.C.E.
The Concept of Boundaries in Counselling and Psychotherapy.

Abstract Boundaries in the mind—the relative ‘thinness’ and ‘thickness’ of many kinds of boundaries—has been studied as a measurable dimension of personality. Persons scoring ‘thin’ overall on the Boundary Questionnaire can be described as open, trusting, vulnerable, and usually having a rich fantasy life; they are people in whom ‘everything gets through’. People who score very ‘thick’ tend to be solid, well-organised, and sometimes rigid. The relationship of boundaries to other measures of personality, to dreams and nightmares, to clients' occupations and interests, and finally to the conduct of psychotherapists and counsellors, including the question of boundary violations, is discussed. Some boundary violators have very thin boundaries and are unable to maintain clear distinctions between the client's needs and their own; others have relatively thick boundaries which make them insensitive to the damage that boundary violations can cause. Awareness of the client's boundaries and one's own can be useful ...
A survey of training and practice patterns of massage therapists in two US states

Despite the growing popularity of therapeutic massage in the US, little is known about the training or practice characteristics of massage therapists. The objective of this study was to describe these characteristics. As part of a study of random samples of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practitioners, we interviewed 226 massage therapists licensed in Connecticut and Washington state by telephone in 1998 and 1999 (85% of those contacted) and then asked a sample of them to record information on 20 consecutive visits to their practices (total of 2005 consecutive visits). Most massage therapists were women (85%), white (95%), and had completed some continuing education training (79% in Connecticut and 52% in Washington). They treated a limited number of conditions, most commonly musculoskeletal (59% and 63%) (especially back, neck, and shoulder problems), wellness care (20% and 19%), and psychological complaints (9% and 6%) (especially anxiety and depression). Practitioners commonly used one or more assessment techniques (67% and 74%) and gave a massage emphasizing Swedish (81% and 77%), deep tissue (63% and 65%), and trigger/pressure point techniques (52% and 46%). Self-care recommendations, including increasing water intake, body awareness, and specific forms of movement, were made as part of more than 80% of visits. Although most patients self-referred to massage, more than one-quarter were receiving concomitant care for the same problem from a physician. Massage therapists rarely communicated with these physicians. This study provides new information about licensed massage therapists that should be useful to physicians and other healthcare providers interested in learning about massage therapy in order to advise their patients about this popular CAM therapy.
BON1 interacts with the protein kinases BIR1 and BAK1 in modulation of temperature-dependent plant growth and cell death in Arabidopsis

The Arabidopsis copine gene BON1 encodes a calcium-dependent phospholipid-binding protein involved in plant growth homeostasis and disease resistance. However, the biochemical and molecular mechanisms by which BON1 modulates plant growth and defense responses are not well understood. Here, we show that BON1 interacts physically with the leucine-rich-repeat receptor-like kinases BIR1 (BAK1-interacting receptor-like kinase 1) and pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP) receptor regulator BAK1 in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, bon1 and bir1 mutants exhibit synergistic interaction. While a bir1 null mutant has similar growth and cell-death defects compared with bon1, a bir1 bon1 double mutant displays more severe phenotypes than does the single mutants. The bon1-1 and bir1-1 phenotypes are partially suppressed by overexpression of BIR1 and BON1, respectively. Furthermore, the bir1 phenotype is attenuated by a loss-of-function mutation in the resistance (R) gene SNC1 (Suppressor of npr1-1, constitutive 1), which mediates defense responses in bon1. Intriguingly, BON1 and BIR1 can be phosphorylated by BAK1 in vitro. Our findings suggest that BIR1 functions as a negative regulator of plant resistance and that BON1 and BIR1 might modulate both PAMP- and R protein-triggered immune responses.
Reactive compatibilization of biodegradable poly(lactic acid)/poly(ε‐caprolactone) blends with reactive processing agents

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) blended with poly(e-caprolactone) (PCL) was prepared with various reactive processing agents. Four isocyanates-lysine triisocyanate (LTI); lysine diisocyanate (LDI); 1,3,5-tris(6-isocyanatohexyl)-1,3,5-triazinane-2,4,6-trione (Duranate TPA-100); 1,3,5-tris(6-isocyanatohexyl)biuret (Duranate 24A-100)-and an industrial epoxide-trimethylolpropane triglycidyl ether (Epiclon 725)-were used as reactive processing agents. PLA/PCL blended in the presence of LTI had the highest torque in a mixer test. The test specimens were prepared by injection molding. The mechanical properties, thermal properties, molecular weight, melt viscosity, phase behavior, and morphology were investigated using tensile strength, impact strength, differential scanning calorimetry, melt mass-flow rate measurements, capillary rheometery, gel permeation chromatography, laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM), and visco-elasticity atomic force microscopy (VE-AFM). The impact strength increased considerably at 20 wt% PCL. The nominal tensile strain of PLA/PCL blended with LTI increased by 270%. The MFR values of PLA/PCL blends decreased with increasing LTI. Similar results were observed for shear viscosity. LSCM measurements showed that the diameters of PCL were dispersed about 0.4 μm in the presence of LTI. VE-AFM showed that spherical particles with diameters of 50 nm were PCL-rich domain. These results indicate that isocyanate groups of LTI react with both terminal hydroxyl or carboxyl groups of polymers, and the compatibility of PLA/PCL blends improves with LTI by reactive processing. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
ParseCNV integrative copy number variation association software with quality tracking

A number of copy number variation (CNV) calling algorithms exist; however, comprehensive software tools for CNV association studies are lacking. We describe ParseCNV, unique software that takes CNV calls and creates probe-based statistics for CNV occurrence in both case–control design and in family based studies addressing both de novo and inheritance events, which are then summarized based on CNV regions (CNVRs). CNVRs are defined in a dynamic manner to allow for a complex CNV overlap while maintaining precise association region. Using this approach, we avoid failure to converge and non-monotonic curve fitting weaknesses of programs, such as CNVtools and CNVassoc, and although Plink is easy to use, it only provides combined CNV state probe-based statistics, not state-specific CNVRs. Existing CNV association methods do not provide any quality tracking information to filter confident associations, a key issue which is fully addressed by ParseCNV. In addition, uncertainty in CNV calls underlying CNV associations is evaluated to verify significant results, including CNV overlap profiles, genomic context, number of probes supporting the CNV and single-probe intensities. When optimal quality control parameters are followed using ParseCNV, 90% of CNVs validate by polymerase chain reaction, an often problematic stage because of inadequate significant association review. ParseCNV is freely available at http://parsecnv.sourceforge.net.
The Need For Outcomes Research In Evaluating The Benefit Of Health Care Technology

Despite the remarkable advances conferred to the health care system, technological innovation is often pointed out as an important "culprit" behind the astonishing increases in medical care expenditures, Until cost constraint became an issue of national significance, innovations that offered any potential health benefit rapidly diffused within the United States medical community - indifferent to the amount of resources expended. This pattern of adoption was driven by generous coverage policies of third-party payers that frequently did not require proof of effectiveness for reimbursement, Recently, attention has turned to the outcomes evaluation of medical interventions; assessing not only patient safety, but critically examining the risks and benefits, measured in clinical benefits and resource costs.
Finding a small root of a bivariate integer equation; factoring with high bits known

We present a method to solve integer polynomial equations in two variables, provided that the solution is suitably bounded. As an application, we show how to find the factors of N = PQ if we are given the high order ((1/4) log2 N) bits of P. This compares with Rivest and Shamit's requirement of ((1/3) log2 N) bits.
Electromyography responses of pediatric and young adult volunteers in low-speed frontal impacts

No electromyography (EMG) responses data exist of children exposed to dynamic impacts similar to automotive crashes, thereby, limiting active musculature representation in computational occupant biomechanics models. This study measured the surface EMG responses of three neck, one torso and one lower extremity muscles during low-speed frontal impact sled tests (average maximum acceleration: 3.8 g; rise time: 58.2 ms) performed on seated, restrained pediatric (n = 11, 8–14 years) and young adult (n = 9, 18–30 years) male subjects. The timing and magnitude of the EMG responses were compared between the two age groups. Two normalization techniques were separately implemented and evaluated: maximum voluntary EMG (MVE) and neck cross-sectional area (CSA). The MVE-normalized EMG data indicated a positive correlation with age in the rectus femoris for EMG latency; there was no correlation with age for peak EMG amplitudes for the evaluated muscles. The cervical paraspinous exhibited shorter latencies compared with the other muscles (2–143 ms). Overall, the erector spinae and rectus femoris peak amplitudes were relatively small. Neck CSA-normalized peak EMG amplitudes negatively correlated with age for the cervical paraspinous and sternocleidomastoid. These data can be useful to incorporate active musculature in computational models, though it may not need to be age-specific in low-speed loading environments.
Experiments on Supervised Learning Algorithms for Text Categorization

Modern information society is facing the challenge of handling massive volume of online documents, news, intelligence reports, and so on. How to use the information accurately and in a timely manner becomes a major concern in many areas. While the general information may also include images and voice, we focus on the categorization of text data in this paper. We provide a brief overview of the information processing flow for text categorization, and discuss two supervised learning algorithms, viz., support vector machines (SVM) and partial least squares (PLS), which have been successfully applied in other domains, e.g., fault diagnosis Error! Reference source not found.. While SVM has been well explored for binary classification and was reported as an efficient algorithm for text categorization, PLS has not yet been applied to text categorization. Our experiments are conducted on three data sets: Reuter's-21578 dataset about corporate mergers and data acquisitions (ACQ), WebKB and the 20-Newsgroups. Results show that the performance of PLS is comparable to SVM in text categorization. A major drawback of SVM for multi-class categorization is that it requires a voting scheme based on the results of pair-wise classification. PLS does not have this drawback and could be a better candidate for multi-class text categorization
Vector Assignment Ordered Median Problem A Unified Median Problem

The vector assignment p-median problem (VAPMP) and the ordered p-median problem (OMP) are important extensions of the classic p-median problem. The VAPMP extends the p-median problem by allowing as...
Associations between parental report of the home food environment and adolescent intakes of fruits, vegetables and dairy foods.

Objective: This study examines parental report of household food availability parent dietary intake and associations with adolescent intakes of fruits vegetables and dairy foods. Design: Cross-sectional study. Adolescents completed the Project EAT survey and the Youth Adolescent Food Frequency Questionnaire at school. Parents of adolescents were interviewed by telephone about the home food environment eating habits and weight-related behaviours. General linear modelling was used to compare dietary intakes of adolescents across different levels of household food availability and parental intakes. Subjects/setting: The study sample included 902 adolescents and their parent or guardian. Results: Many parents were not consuming the minimum number of daily recommended fruit (44.5%) vegetable (69.9%) or dairy (46.9%) servings. While most parents reported that fruits and vegetables were available at home (90.3%) and vegetables were usually served at dinner (87.0%) fewer parents reported milk was served at meals (66.6%). Soft drinks were usually available at home (56.8%). Among girls household availability was positively associated with fruit and vegetable intake (t(-trend)=2.70 P < 0.01) and soft drink availability was inversely associated with dairy intake (t(-trend)=2.08 P=0.04). Among boys serving milk at meals was positively associated with dairy intake (t(-trend)=3.65 P<0.01). Parental intakes were positively associated with dairy intake for boys (t(-trend)=2.04 P=0.04) and with dairy (t(- trend)=2.43 P=0.01) vegetable (t(-trend)=3.72 P<0.01) and fruit (t(- trend)=3.17 P<0.01) intakes for girls. Conclusions/applications: Interventions designed to help adolescents improve consumption of fruits vegetables and dairy foods may be enhanced by including a parental component aimed at increasing household availability and parents intake of healthful food choices. (authors)
Microstructural evolution in lead-free solder alloys: Part II. Directionally solidified Sn-Ag-Cu, Sn-Cu and Sn-Ag

The tin–silver–copper eutectic is a three-phase eutectic consisting of Ag3Sn plates and Cu6Sn5 rods in a (Sn) matrix. It was thought that the two phases would coarsen independently. Directionally solidified ternary eutectic and binary eutectic samples were isothermally annealed. Coarsening of the Cu6Sn5 rods in the binary and ternary eutectics had activation energies of 73 ± 3 and 82 ± 4 kJmol-1, respectively. This indicates volume copper diffusion is the rate controlling mechanism in both. The Ag3Sn plates break down and then coarsen. The activation energies for the plate breakdown process were 35 ± 3 and 38 ± 3 kJmol-1 for the binary and ternary samples respectively. This indicates that tin diffusion along the Ag3Sn/(Sn) interfaces is the most likely the rate-controlling mechanism. The rate-controlling mechanisms for Cu6Sn5 coarsening and Ag3Sn plate breakdown are the same in the ternary and binary systems, indicating that the phases evolve microstructurally independently of one another in the ternary eutectic.