cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Research challenges in measuring data for population health to enable predictive modeling for improving healthcare

At the core of the healthcare crisis is a fundamental lack of actionable data, needed to stratify individuals within populations, to predict which persons have which outcomes. A new health system with better health management will require better health measurement, to improve cost and quality. It is now possible to use new technologies to provide the rich datasets necessary for adequate health measurement, which enables new information systems for new health systems.This report is a summary of a workshop on Measuring Data for Population Health, sponsored by the NSF SmartHealth program with assistance from the NIH mHealth initiative, held on January 12--13, 2012 in Washington DC. There were 42 attendees, including invited researchers from academia, government and industry, plus program officers from NSF and NIH.The workshop had background talks by leaders in health systems and information systems, followed by breakout discussions on future challenges and opportunities in measuring and managing population health. This report describes the observations on what problems of health systems should be addressed and what solutions of information systems should be developed. The recommendations cover how new information technologies can enable new health systems, with support from future initiatives of federal programs.The workshop and its report identify research challenges that utilize new computing and information technologies to enable better measurement and management for practical healthcare. The measurement technologies focus on deeper monitoring of broader populations. The management technologies focus on utilizing new personal health records to provide personalized treatment guidelines, specialized for each population cohort. This would enable predictive modeling for health systems to support viable healthcare at acceptable cost and quality.A workshop website contains background and discussion notes: https://wiki.engr.illinois.edu/display/hiworkshop/NSF+Workshop+Population+Health
Stimulation of tumor-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocyte responses in vitro by hapten-reactive helper T lymphocytes and the allogeneic effect

Abstract This study was designed to extend recent reports about the ability of hapten-primed T lymphocytes to serve as helper cells, capable of augmenting the generation of tumor-specific CTL in vivo and in vitro, when the priming hapten was coupled to the immunizing tumor cells, and furthermore, to test the influence of the nonspecific immunostimulatory allogeneic effect on such CTL responses. The addition of TNP-MGG-primed spleen cells in culture augmented the in vitro induction of a secondary tumor-specific CTL response upon sensitization of tumor-primed spleen cells against TNP-derivatized tumor cells. These helper cells were found to be radioresistant T cells which could also be triggered to exert their helper function by adding a soluble TNP-MGG conjugate to the cultures, instead of covalently linking the TNP hapten to the tumor cells. The highest levels of tumor-specific CTL activity were achieved when irradiated parental BALB c spleen cells were added to cultures of ( BALB c × A J )F 1 hybrid tumor-primed spleen cells in the presence of TNP-primed helper T cells. These results indicate that specific help provided by hapten-reactive T cells and the nonspecific allogeneic effect may act in concert, leading to highly efficient tumor-specific CTL responses, and suggest new approaches for the potential immunotherapy of growing tumors.
Effects of spaced and repeated total sleep deprivation.

Abstract Six young adult males were sleep deprived for 2 nights on five successive occasions at 3 week intervals. During the deprivation period they completed subjective ratings and performed on an extensive battery of tasks. Subjective measures and vigilance tasks showed substantial deprivation effects; the cognitively-demanding tasks were less affected. Where repetition of sessions resulted in changes, relative to sleep deprivation the effects were those of ‘sensitization’ rather than ‘immunization’.
Definitive single-stage posterior surgical correction of complete traumatic spondyloptosis at the thoracolumbar junction.

Complete dislocation at the thoracolumbar junction is a rare occurrence, with only 4 previously reported cases in 3 separate series. Surgical procedures in the reported cases of spondyloptosis at the thoracolumbar junction have been described using instrumentation, reduction, decompression, and stabilization techniques. In this report the authors' patient presented with spondyloptosis at the thoracolumbar junction, resulting in a T-11 American Spinal Injury Association Grade A injury. The authors corrected the patient's thoracolumbar spondyloptosis with surgical reconstruction without the use of leveraged instrumented reduction. They describe a single-stage, posterior-only spinal realignment, reconstruction, and stabilization. Within months of beginning postoperative therapy, the patient enrolled and attended courses at a local college and regained personal independence by learning to drive a motor vehicle with a hand control. Two-year radiographic and clinical follow-up confirms solid fusion across the r...
How could everyone have been so wrong? Forecasting the Great Depression with the railroads ☆

Abstract Contemporary observers viewed the recession that began in the summer of 1929 as nothing extraordinary. Using a neglected data set of forecasts by railroad shippers, we find that business was surprised by the magnitude of the Great Depression. We show that simple time series methods would have produced much smaller forecast errors than those indicated by the surveys, thus indicating that the survey forecasts were formed using more information than just the past history of the series. The depth and duration of the depression was beyond the experience of business, which appears to have believed that recovery would happen quickly as in previous recessions. Forecasts of inflation are then constructed using the survey forecasts. We find little evidence that the deflation that occurred during the Great Depression was foreseen, thus emphasizing the role of debt deflation in the propagation of the depression.
Isolation distress and maternal comfort responses of two-week-old rat pups reared in social isolation.

In 2-week-old rats, isolation from social companions in an unfamiliar place elicits ultrasonic vocalization rearing and locomotor behavior. These responses are prevented and close body contact is maintained if littermates or the dam are present. It has generally been believed that such isolation distress and comfort responses develop as a result of prior social experience. We reared pups in isolation from the third postnatal day and found essentially normal responses. A second experiment replicated and extended these results to pups reared in isolation from the day of birth. Isolation-reared pups did have higher levels of ultrasonic vocalization than their normally reared littermates, lower body weight, and lower post-test temperatures. We conclude that a lenghthy period of close body contact and frequent social interactions with conspecifics are not necessary for the development of attachment responses in this species.
A note on splitting the bump in an elimination factorization

This exposition presents a method for incorporating a technique known as “splitting the bump” within an elimination form reinversion algorithm. This procedure is designed to reduce fill-in during reinversion and should improve the efficiency of linear programming systems which already use the superior elimination form of the inverse.
Analysis and modeling for a turbulent convective plume

Asymptotic and scaling analyses are applied to develop a simple model for a turbulent convective plume at high Rayleigh number R in a high Prandtl number fluid layer whose lower boundary surface maintains steady local buoyant sources. The convective plume is assumed to be axisymmetric and conical whose radius b is small compared to the depth of the layer. Under statistically steady conditions, the dependence of the mean components, to the leading order terms, of axial velocity, radial velocity, pressure and temperature of the plume, as well as the vertical volume flux in the plume, on R and b are determined. The main results are in satisfactory agreement with available experimental observations. The results are equally applicable to the case where any finite number of such plumes are present under similar conditions, provided no interactions between the individual plumes take place.
Eye movement prediction by Kalman filter with integrated linear horizontal oculomotor plant mechanical model

The goal of this paper is to predict future horizontal eye movement trajectories within a specified time interval. To achieve this goal a linear horizontal oculomotor plant mechanical model is developed. The model consists of the eye globe and two extraocular muscles: lateral and medial recti. The model accounts for such anatomical properties of the eye as muscle location, elasticity, viscosity, eye-globe rotational inertia, muscle active state tension, length tension and force velocity relationships. The mathematical equations describing the oculomotor plant mechanical model are transformed into a Kalman filter form. Such transformation provides continuous eye movement prediction with a high degree of accuracy. The model was tested with 21 subjects and three multimedia files. Practical application of this model lies with direct eye gaze input and interactive displays systems as a method to compensate for detection, transmission and processing delays.
Full Versus Simple Safety Performance Functions: Comparison Based on Urban Four-Lane Freeway Interchange Influence Areas in Florida

The empirical Bayes approach adopted in the Highway Safety Manual and the SafetyAnalyst software application require the use of safety performance functions (SPFs). SafetyAnalyst adopts a form of SPF, known as the simple SPF, that relates crash experience to traffic volume only. It is a flow-only model that is calibrated by using all sites irrespective of their base geometric conditions. Full SPFs, however, relate crash occurrence to roadway geometric characteristics in addition to traffic characteristics. This study compared the simple SPFs provided in SafetyAnalyst with full SPFs in two safety applications: crash prediction performance and identification of high-crash locations. To compare the prediction performance, the simple and full SPFs were estimated with data collected on urban four-lane freeway interchange influence areas in Florida. Models were estimated for both total crashes and fatal and injury crashes. The mean absolute deviance and the mean square prediction error were used to assess and compare the prediction performance of the two models, and the variation in ranking the high-crash locations with each model was also examined. The results showed that the two models yielded very similar performance of crash prediction and network screening. This empirical result supports the use of the flow-only SPF model adopted in SafetyAnalyst, whose development requires much less effort compared with that for full SPFs.
Conjugated Linoleic Acid Concentrations in Dairy Products as Affected by Processing and Storage

Total conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) concentrations increased 1.32 fold in salted and 1.27 in unsalted butter but did not alter the ratio of 9-cis, 11-trans to total CLA. Nonfat yogurt showed an increase in CLA content with processing (5.25 mg total CLA/g fat) compared to unprocessed raw material (4.40 mg CLA/g fat). No changes in CLA content was observed in processed dairy products such as lowfat yogurt, regular yogurt, lowfat and regular ice cream, sour cream or cheeses such as Mozzarella, Gouda and Cheddar. Storage did not affect CLA concentration in any products suggesting that CLA is a stable component.
On measures of vulnerability of interconnection networks

Abstract With the advent of distributed and multiple processing systems, the study of interconnection networks has developed into a field of its own. In most cases, the performance measures used to characterize the reliability of such networks have been primitive. It is our purpose, in this brief paper, to survey the many available measures of the vulnerability of interconnection networks. The most widely known is classical connectivity; however, measures more recently introduced in the graph theory literature are probably a better practical metric of reliability. Our objective is to make these measures more widely known, and to spur the development of good algorithms to calculate them in practical instances.
Control theory heuristics for improving the behavior of economic models

The usefulness of control theory techniques in economic simulations is examined. A model of the capital investment accelerator is used for illustration. It is shown that behavior approaching optimality can be achieved in a highly nonlinear system with simple heuristics based on linearization and constant state feedback with an appropriate choice of desired closed-loop poles. Applications to real-life situations are discussed, and suggestions are made for approaching potential problems using similar control theory techniques.
On the fate of inhaled particles in the human: a comparison of experimental data with theoretical computations based on a symmetric and asymmetric lung.

An analytical model is used to described the behavior of inhaled particulate matter in the human respiratory tract. Three different geometries, symmetric and asymmetric, are utilized to simultate the tracheobronchial (TB) tree. The suitability of each geometry for representing the human is evaluated by comparing calculated aerosol deposition probabilities with experimental data from inhalation exposure tests. A symmetric, dichotomously branching pattern is found to be a reliable description of the TB tree for studies of factors affecting aerosol deposition in the human lung. Calculations with the theoretical model are in excellent agreement with measured aerosol deposition efficiencies. Furthermore, the model accurately predicts experimentally observed features of inhalation exposure data, such as effects of inter-subject lung morphology differences and relative efficiencies of specific deposition mechanisms, on aerosol deposition patterns in the TB tree.
Oncogenes in myeloproliferative disorders.

Myeloproliferative disorders (MPDs) constitute a group of hematopoietic malignancies that feature enhanced proliferation and survival of one or more myeloid lineage cells. William Dameshek is credited for introducing the term “MPDs” in 1951 when he used it to group chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), polycythemia vera (PV), essential thrombocythemia (ET), and primary myelofibrosis (PMF) under one clinicopathologic category. Since then, other myeloid neoplasms have been added to the MPD member list: chronic neutrophilic (CNL), eosinophilic (CEL), and myelomonocytic (CMML) leukemias; juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML); hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES); systemic mastocytosis (SM); and others. Collectively, MPDs are stem cell-derived clonal proliferative diseases whose shared and diverse phenotypic characteristics can be attributed to dysregulated signal transduction—a consequence of acquired somatic mutations. The most recognized among the latter is BCR-ABL, the disease-causing mutation in CML. Other mutati...
Systems biology meets behavior

Early scientists were drawn to the study of insects in part because of the marvelous notion that their full behavioral repertoire was orchestrated from within. This was stated most succinctly perhaps by Spalding (1873): “When, as by a miracle, the lovely butterfly bursts from the chrysalis full-winged and perfect, …it has, for the most part, nothing to learn, because its little life flows from its organization like melody from a music box” (1). Of course, in time, environmental signals were discovered that modify insect behavior, making things more complex, and the dialectic between inherited and acquired behavioral traits arose. However, behavior is the ultimate arbiter of evolutionary change, so it has been a focus of organized biological studies for more than a century. The “Holy Grail” of understanding exactly where and how behavior is controlled, however, remains elusive. In PNAS, Chandrasekaran et al. (2) present behavioral analysis using tools from systems biology to reveal distinct neurogenomic states of transcriptional modules related to honey bee phenotypes. The heart of this unique work is that distinct bee behaviors across occupations are subserved by distinct neurogenomic states in the brain. These neurogenomic states that underlie different behaviors rely on transcriptional modules, some shared and some different. Because the connection distance between genes and behavior is large and complex, it is a surprise to find this level of predictability, especially because the data are from bees in their natural habitat.
Preoperative pulmonary function and mortality after cardiac surgery.

Background The aim of the study was to examine the relationship between preoperative pulmonary function and outcomes after cardiac surgery. Methods We performed preoperative pulmonary function tests (PFTs) in 1,169 patients undergoing cardiac surgery at the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Airway obstruction was defined as forced expiratory volume in 1 minute (FEV 1 ) to forced vital capacity ratio Results Of the 1,169 patients, 483 (41%) had a prior history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, 178 patients with a history of COPD had no airway obstruction on PFT. Conversely, 186 patients without a COPD history had airway obstruction on PFT. Thus, PFT results helped reclassify the COPD status of 364 patients (31%). Operative mortality was 2% in patients with no or mild airway obstruction versus 6.7% in those with moderate or severe obstruction (ie, FEV 1 to forced vital capacity ratio 1 P = .001) in patients with moderate or severe airway obstruction and in patients with diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide P = .0001). Notably, mortality risk was 10× higher (95% CI 3.4-27.2, P = .0001) in patients with moderate or severe airway obstruction and diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide Conclusions These data show that PFT before cardiac surgery reclassifies the COPD status of a substantial number of patients and provides important prognostic information that the current risk estimate models do not capture.
Theory of excitation behavior for Ce3+ systems with Coqblin‐Schrieffer interaction

Following Siemann and Cooper, we consider the Ce3+ system with Coqblin‐Schrieffer‐type (CS) interaction, and examine the excitation behavior of the system. We first show that longer‐range antiferromagnetic CS interaction stabilizes the type IA ordering, and yields phase transitions in the applied field, in agreement with experiment. The excitation spectra for ferromagnetically ordered CS systems, including the field induced system, are then calculated in RPA. The spectra show anisotropic dispersion, and yield a low lying mode for q↘ along the direction of magnetic ordering. In the system which orders ferromagnetically in the zero field, this mode has zero energy at the zone center. In the field induced ferromagnet, the low lying mode shows finite gap, with a minimum at (0, 0,π/a), halfway to the zone boundary.
Effects of intravascular, intrauterine transfusion on prenatal and postnatal hemolysis and erythropoiesis in severe fetal isoimmunization.

In an investigation of the effects of intrauterine, intravascular transfusions (IUT) on fetal and neonatal hemolysis and erythropoiesis, 12 fetuses who received IUT for treatment of severe isoimmunization had serial measurements of hemoglobin concentration, Kleihauer-Betke stains to detect fetal hemoglobin-containing erythrocytes, and determination of plasma erythropoletin (EPO) concentration before each IUT, at birth, and postnatally. Reticulocyte counts and sensitizing antibody titers were measured in five fetuses. Mean values before the first IUT, before the final IUT, and at birth were as follows: hemoglobin level, 6.1, 9.1, and 11.3 gm/dl; reticulocyte count, 22.7%, 0.5%, and 0.9%; fetal hemoglobin-containing erythrocytes, 100%, 1.6%, and 1.5%; and EPO level, 12, 56, and 756 mU/ml, respectively. Only one neonate required exchange transfusion. In the first month postnatally, all infants had a profound anemia. All but one infant required simple blood transfusions postnatally. Before the first postnatal transfusion, mean hemoglobin concentration was 6.2 gm/dl, mean reticulocyte count was 0.8%, mean erythropoletin concentration was 23 mU/ml, and the sensitizing antibody titer remained markedly elevated. Except for the surge of EPO at birth, EPO levels did not rise prenatally or postnatally unless marked anemia (hemoglobin level
Swift gamma-ray burst explorer: mission design for rapid, accurate location of gamma-ray bursts

The Swift gamma-ray burst explorer is a NASA mid-sized explorer (MIDEX) with the primary mission of determining the origins of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs). It is the first mission to autonomously respond to newly-discovered GRBs and provide immediate follow-up with narrow field instruments capable of multiwavelength (UV, optical, X-ray) observations. The characteristics of GRBs that are the key mission design drivers, are their nonrepeating and brief duration bursts of multiwavelength photons. In addition, rapid notification of the location and characteristics of the GRBs to ground-and-space-based observatories drive the end-to-end data analysis and distribution requirements.
AEROMANIA, “FIRE- BALLOONS,” AND CATHERINE THE GREAT'S BAN OF 1784

(1996). Aeromania, “Fire‐ Balloons,” and Catherine the Great’s Ban of 1784. The Historian: Vol. 58, No. 3, pp. 497-516.
Ethanol Effects on Transcription Factor Network Regulating Stem Cell Differentiation

This study probes the effects of ethanol on the molecular mechanisms regulating the differentiation of embryonic stem (ES) cells towards neuroectodermal state, which may be responsible for the abnormalities observed in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). The effects of ethanol on the early phase of ES cell differentiation have not been well characterized. Here, we investigate the stage-specific action of ethanol during early embryogenesis by an integrated experimental and computational modeling approach. Our experimental system consists of mouse ES cells and directed differentiation to neuroectodermal fate in the presence of ethanol. Experimental single-cell multiplex data on the expression of the ES core transcription factors (TFs), Sox2, Oct4 and Nanog were obtained simultaneously by multicolor flow cytometry in live cells. Singlecell flow cytometric data were analyzed by ARACNE probabilistic modeling to construct transcriptional regulatory networks and quantify the TFs interactions in a pairwisemanner. Our analysis indicates that during differentiation towards neuroectodermal fate ethanol accelerates (i) the decline of the expression levels of Sox2 and Nanog, and (ii) the decreasing strength of the correlative interactions between the core TFs which is also reflected in (iii) an advanced differentiation phenotype.
Selected aspects of spinning apparatus development in Araneus cavaticus (Araneae, Araneidae).

In the first half of this century, several workers observed small, seemingly glandular structures attached to the ampullate glands of spiders. Hence, they were termed accessory ampullate glands. In juvenile Araneus cavaticus, two pairs of these structures are present (starting at least with third instars), one pair attached to the major ampullate (MaA) glands and the other pair attached to the minor ampullate (MiA) glands. In adults, two pairs of accessory MaA glands and two pairs of accessory MiA glands are present. The two latter-formed pairs of accessory ampullate glands are clearly the remnants of those ampullate glands which atrophy shortly after adulthood is reached. Morphological similarities between these accessory ampullate glands and those present in juveniles provide an indication that the latter also have their origin in functional ampullate glands. A reduction in the number of ampullate glands following the last molt occurs in many spiders. The reason(s) for these reductions is unknown. In penultimate spiders close to ecdysis, we have observed that while the larger pairs of MaA and MiA glands (those that are retained in the adult) are undergoing molt-related changes which apparently render them nonfunctional, their smaller counterparts are seemingly unaffected and functional. This raises the possibility that the principal role of the smaller ampullate glands may be to assume functions during the pre-ecdysial period which are normally in the domain of the larger ampullate glands. If true, then their degeneration after the last molt would make economic sense. The presence of cylindrical spigots in juvenile females starting with fourth instars is documented.
Do Firms' Comply with the Shorter Form 8-K Reporting Deadlines? Initial Evidence on the Effectiveness of the SEC's 2004 Current Report Rule

When examining Form 8-K filings under the Securities and Exchange Commissions' (SEC) Rule 10b-5, Carter and Soo (1999) found that over 26% are filed after the statutory due date. "Bad news" filings resulted in over 30% tardiness. Effective August 23, 2004, the SEC passed the Additional Form 8-K Disclosure and Acceleration of Filing Date Rule (henceforth, the 2004 Current Report Rule), which expanded the number of disclosures required to be submitted on the Form 8-K, while decreasing the reporting deadline from 15 calendar days (for most events) to only four business days after event occurrence. Consequently, the purpose of this paper is to assess the immediate compliance behavior of firms, consequent to the passage of the 2004 Current Report Rule (CRR). In order to examine immediate effects, our sample consists of 2004 fourth quarter Form 8-K filings. Results indicate that compliance with stated Form 8-K deadlines has significantly improved. Relative to the other events examined, Form 8-K filings are more likely to be late if they report director resignations (i.e. "bad news"). Other results indicate no discernable differences between the number of days to file within the four day requirement and no industry is more likely than another to be noncompliant. In sum, this paper's findings should be of interest to the SEC, because they support the SEC's policy (i.e. the 2004 CRR) of firms providing material information to investors in a more timely fashion.
Coaching Clients to Take Psychological and Neuropsychological Tests: A Clash of Ethical Obligations.

The coaching of clients by attorneys on how to "beat" psychological tests in the context of personal injury or disability litigation poses a serious concern for the practice of psychological assessment. This article reviews the empirical literature with respect to the effects of coaching on psychological tests, discusses current ethical and legal standards relevant to coaching on psychological tests, and offers suggestions on how the field of assessment psychology might deal with this challenge. This review has important implications for all clinicians conducting psychological and neuropsychological assessments in forensic settings.
Recognition of DNA Base Pair Mismatches by a Cyclometalated Rh(III) Intercalator

Two cyclometalated complexes of Rh(III), rac-[Rh(ppy)_2chrysi]^+ and rac-[Rh(ppy)_2phi]^+, have been synthesized and characterized with respect to their binding to DNA. The structure of rac-[Rh(ppy)_2phi]Cl·H_2O·CH_2Cl_2 has been determined by X-ray diffraction (monoclinic, P2_1/c, Z = 4, a =18.447(3) A, b = 9.770(1) A, c = 17.661(3) A, β = 94.821(11)°, V = 3172.0(8) A^3) and reveals that the complex is a distorted octahedron with nearly planar ligands, similar in structure to the DNA mismatch recognition agent [Rh(bpy)_2chrysi]^(3+). The 2-phenylpyridyl nitrogen atoms are shown to be in the axial positions, as a result of trans-directing effects. This tendency simplifies the synthesis and purification of such complexes by limiting the number of possible isomers generated. The abilities of [Rh(ppy)_2chrysi]^+ and [Rh(ppy)_2phi]^+ to bind and, with photoactivation, to cleave DNA have been demonstrated in assays on duplex DNA in the absence and presence of a single CC mismatch. [Rh(ppy)_2chrysi]^+ was shown upon photoactivation to cleave DNA selectively at the base pair mismatch whereas [Rh(ppy)_2phi]^+ cleaves B-DNA nonspecifically. The reactivity of [Rh(ppy)_2chrysi]^+ was also compared to that of the known mismatch recognition agent [Rh(bpy)_2chrysi]^(3+). Competitive photocleavage studies revealed that a 14-fold excess of [Rh(ppy)_2chrysi]^+ was required to achieve the same level of binding as that of [Rh(bpy)_2chrysi]^(3+). However, the ratio of damage induced by [Rh(bpy)_2chrysi]^(3+) to that induced by [Rh(ppy)_2chrysi]^+ is considerably greater than this value, indicating that decreased photoefficiency for the cyclometalated complex must contribute to its significantly attenuated photoreactivity. These cyclometalated intercalators provide the starting points for the design of a new family of metal complexes targeted to DNA.
Relativistic motion of a free particle in a uniform gravitational field

The problem of the motion of a free particle in a uniform gravitational field is considered. A relativistic solution based on the assumption that the motion is a consequence of the curvature of spacetime is obtained. The results are compared with various results based on the assumption that spacetime is flat in a region in which the gravitational field is uniform. In the curved spacetime approach, if a particle is projected from a point in a uniform gravitational field, the vertical distance covered by the particle in infinite coordinate time is infinite, but the horizontal distance covered and the elapsed proper time of the particle are finite. If spacetime is assumed to be flat and the gravitational motion of a particle a consequence of a relativistic force proportional to the relative mass of the particle, then the results obtained for the motion of a particle in a uniform gravitational field are close to the curved spacetime results. All other assumptions, including the assumption that the motion of a particle in a uniform gravitational field is equivalent to the motion of a particle in a uniformly accelerating frame of reference, lead to results in serious disagreement with the curved spacetime results.
A modified rabbit model for the endoscopic creation and study of benign tracheal stenosis

Our goal is to continue this study with the hope to start treating the tracheal stenoses we create using different modalities i.e. dilation, stenting, resection. The research aims are to: 1. Establish an endoscopic small animal model of airway stenosis. 2. Create a controlled, reproducible stenosis endoscopically. 3. Expand the armamentarium available to treat tracheal stenosis. Normal Bronchoscopy of Rabbit prior to beginning cautery Rabbits are an accepted model of airway stenosis and develop traumatically induced stenosis as seen in human subjects. To date, most of the work seen on the rabbit airway has been though a tracheotomy or laryngofissure to access the tracheal mucosa from an external approach to create the desired lesions. Treatment or interventions have been applied at the time of the initial lesioning to prevent or retard the development of the nascent stenosis. This model does not accurately reflect the clinical dilemma in which therapy attempts to mitigate a mature stenosis.
Synthesis and Antisense Properties of 2′‐O‐(2S‐Methoxypropyl)‐RNA‐Modified Gapmer Antisense Oligonucleotides

To ascertain whether increasing hydrophobicity can enhance the activity of second-generation antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) in muscle, we investigated the antisense properties of 2'-O-(2S-methoxypropyl)-RNA (2S-MOP)-modified ASOs. Synthesis of the 2S-MOP 5-methyl uridine phosphoramidite was accomplished on a multi-gram scale by Lewis-acid-catalyzed ring opening of 5'-O-tert-butyldiphenylsilyl ether-protected 2,2'-anhydro-5-methyl uridine with 2S-methoxy-1-propanol. Synthesis of the 2S-MOP 5-methyl cytidine nucleoside from the corresponding 5-methyl uridine nucleoside was accomplished by formation and displacement of a 4-triazolide intermediate with aqueous ammonia. 2S-MOP-modified oligonucleotides were prepared on an automated DNA synthesizer and showed similar enhancements in duplex thermal stability as 2'-O-methoxyethyl RNA (MOE)-modified oligonucleotides. 2S-MOP-containing antisense oligonucleotides were evaluated in Balb-c mice and showed good activity for decreasing the expression levels of scavenger receptor B1 (Srb1) and phosphatase and tensin homologue (PTEN) mRNA in liver and muscle tissue.
Modeling the active sites in metalloenzymes. 3. Density functional calculations on models for [Fe]-hydrogenase: structures and vibrational frequencies of the observed redox forms and the reaction mechanism at the Diiron Active Center.

Optimized structures for the redox species of the diiron active site in [Fe]-hydrogenase as observed by FTIR and for species in the catalytic cycle for the reversible H2 oxidation have been determined by density-functional calculations on the active site model, [(L)(CO)(CN)Fe(μ-PDT)(μ-CO)Fe(CO)(CN)(L‘)]q (L = H2O, CO, H2, H-; PDT = SCH2CH2CH2S, L‘ = CH3S-, CH3SH; q = 0, 1−, 2−, 3−). Analytical DFT frequencies on model complexes (μ-PDT)Fe2(CO)6 and [(μ-PDT)Fe2(CO)4(CN)2]2- are used to calibrate the calculated CN- and CO frequencies against the measured FTIR bands in these model compounds. By comparing the predicted CN- and CO frequencies from DFT frequency calculations on the active site model with the observed bands of D. vulgaris [Fe]-hydrogenase under various conditions, the oxidation states and structures for the diiron active site are proposed. The fully oxidized, EPR-silent form is an Fe(II)-Fe(II) species. Coordination of H2O to the empty site in the enzyme's diiron active center results in an oxidi...
Recurrent fever in children.

: This is the last of four articles published in 2002 for which atotal of up to 4 Category 1 CME credit hours can be earned. Instructions for howcredit hours can be earned appear at the end of the Table of Contents. The CMEactivity contained within this series is supported by an unrestricted educationalgrant from Roche Laboratories. Honoraria are provided to authors of all articles.
MOLECULAR ANALYSIS REVEALS CRYPTIC DIVERSITY IN PORPHYRA (RHODOPHYTA)1

The small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene was amplified from 15 species of the red alga Porphyra and digested with restriction enzymes to generate data for species identification. The subset of species selected for phylogenetic analysis was P. cuneiforms (Setchell et Hus) Krishnamurthy, P. nereocystis anderson, P. schizophylla Hollenberg et Abbott, P. thuretii Setchell et Dawson and Porphyra 1674. Bangia sp. was used as an out-group. Restriction sites were mapped and used as characters in parsimony and maximum likelihood analysis. The phylogenetic hypotheses generated were compared statistically to possible alternative phylogenies based on traditional morphological taxonomic characters. The results indicate that the current subgenera in Porphyra do not represent monophyletic groups and that traditional morphological and ecological taxonomic characters alone may not be adequate for definitive species identification and cannot be relied on as an indication of Porphyra have large insertions in the SSU gene that are apparently splicesd from the final SSU rRNA molecule. The possible character, distribution and potential significance of these putative introns are discussed.
Just Say No: Japanese and American Styles of Refusing Unwanted Sexual Advances1

To determine whether cultural and gender differences in directness of communication are reflected in styles of refusing unwanted sexual advances, we surveyed American college students and Japanese international college students about direct and indirect ways of saying “no” in dating relationships. While both American and Japanese students said they would rather use indirect refusal tactics than direct ones, Americans rated direct strategies as more likely to be effective than did Japanese participants. Further, American students interpreted direct strategies as clearer refusals than indirect strategies, whereas Japanese respondents did not make this distinction. Men and women responded similarly in both cultural groups, so the findings point primarily to possible cultural differences in the meaning of direct refusals of sexual advances.
Introduction and overview: the greenway movement, uses and potentials of greenways

Abstract This special greenways issue has three overlapping purposes. First, to introduce the greenway movement through the best available and current literature on greenway research, planning and implementation. Second, to examine this and earlier greenways literature so that we can offer a clearer and perhaps a more comprehensive definition of greenways. Third, to organize the papers into logical groups to facilitate a better understanding of the greenways movement.
Time-domain design of finite-memory digital filters☆

Abstract Filtering is the process of transforming data from an experiment or process into a form which is more acceptable for analysis by a computer and/or a person. In the past, most filtering has been accomplished by use of analog devices; however, the increasing speed and decreasing size and cost of digital components now permits the economical use of digital filters to perform many desired filtering operations. In this paper, three methods for time domain design of finite-memory digital filters are presented. These filters can perform the operations of smoothing, prediction, and differentiation either separately or simultaneously and are easily implemented by programming on small digital computers or by a hard-wired design using digital logic. In addition the use of infinite-memory digital filters and problems encountered in their time-domain design are mentioned.
Mode of delivery is associated with asthma and allergy occurrences in children.

Purpose A growing body of evidence indicates that perinatal factors modulate immune development and thereby may affect childhood asthma risk. In this study, we examined the associations between birth by cesarean section (C-section) and atopic disease occurrence in childhood. Methods Subjects were born in California between 1975 and 1987 and were 8 to 17 years old during their enrollment in the Children's Health Study. Our analysis was restricted to 3464 children born at or after 37 weeks of gestation with a birth weight of 2500 g or greater based on birth certificate data. Information about sociodemographic factors, reported physician-diagnosed asthma, and other atopic diseases was obtained by using a self-administered structured questionnaire. Logistic regression models were fitted to compute odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results Children born by C-section were at increased risk for asthma (OR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.01–1.75), hay fever (OR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.24–1.99), and allergy (OR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.03–1.53) compared with those born vaginally. Risk associated with C-section was the same for children regardless of family history of asthma or allergy. Conclusion We conclude that birth by C-section or processes associated with it may increase the risk for atopic disease in childhood.
Pure pseudo-Cℓ estimators for CMB B-modes

Abstract Fast heuristically weighted, or pseudo- C l , estimators are a frequently used method for estimating power spectra in CMB surveys with large numbers of pixels. Recently, Challinor and Chon showed that the E–B mixing in these estimators can become a dominant contaminant at low noise levels, ultimately limiting the gravity wave signal which can be detected on a finite patch of sky. We define a modified version of the estimators which eliminates E–B mixing and is near-optimal at all noise levels.
Propofol for Sedation and Control of Intracranial Pressure in Children

Following central nervous system insults, control of intracranial pressure may lessen the incidence of morbidity and mortality. Therapies to control intracranial pressure include osmolar agents, prevention of and control of seizures, drainage of cerebrospinal fluid, hypothermia, and barbiturates. Control of agitation and excessive patient movement are additional components in the management of ICP. Although opioids and benzodiazepines are generally effective, in a small subset of patients, alternative agents may be necessary. The authors present 2 children with increased ICP in whom propofol was used to provide sedation and control ICP. The use of propofol in this setting and its possible applications in the children with increased ICP are discussed.
Probing Terrace and Step Sites on Pt Nanoparticles Using CO and Ethylene

Temperature desorption spectroscopy (TDS) and infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (IRAS) were used to study CO adsorption on the terrace and step sites of Pt nanoparticles grown in ultrahigh vacuum on SiO2. The percentage of terrace sites obtained by TDS measurements from four average particle sizes (>4, 4.2, 3.3, 2.6, and 2.5 nm) are compared to a simple hard sphere counting model of a truncated cuboctahedron. It is demonstrated experimentally that when the average Pt particle size is reduced from 4.2 to 2.5 nm, the percentage of terrace sites decreases by ∼50%, consistent with the hard sphere models. Pt particle morphology is further explored by blocking the terrace sites with ethylidyne (derived from ethylene). CO adsorption on the unoccupied sites of Pt nanoparticles precovered with ethylidyne demonstrates a continuous red-shift in IRAS with increasing particle size. Similarities and differences between Pt nanoparticles and high-index single crystals are discussed.
Reflexes of grammar in patterns of language change

When one form replaces another over time in a changing language, the new form does not occur equally often in all linguistic contexts. Linguists have generally assumed that those contexts in which the new form is more common are those in which the form first appears and in which it advances most rapidly. However, evidence from several linguistic changes (most importantly the rise of the periphrastic auxiliary do in late Middle English) shows that the general assumption is false. Instead, at least for syntactic cases, change seems to proceed at the same rate in all contexts. Contexts change together because they are merely surface manifestations of a single underlying change in grammar. Differences in frequency of use of a new form across contexts reflect functional and stylistic factors, which are constant across time and independent of grammar.
Response Selection and Execution Skills of Professionals and Novices during Singles Tennis Competition

This study extended research on sport expertise concerning the development of cognitive and motor skills in singles tennis (McPherson, 1999). 12 adult male professional and novice tennis players were videotaped during singles competition. Opponents for matches were randomly selected within each group of participants. Two tennis experts utilized an observational scale to judge players' performance generated during competition for serves and shots following the serve, e.g.. return of serves, lobs. Each player was scored on three performance components: quality of movement to or control of the ball for serves or shots attempted (control skills), appropriateness of serve or shot selections in the context of game situations (response selection skills), and quality of serves or shots produced (response execution skills). Relative frequency scores for the highest category of each performance component were derived according to the number of opportunities to respond. Serve performance indicated both groups were able to control their serves: however, professionals made more tactical selections and forceful executions. Shot performance indicated professionals made more successful movement to and control of shots, tactical shot selections, and forcing shot executions than novices. Overall, players' tactical response selections were greater than their forceful response executions. Thus, assessing players' decisions during competition may provide vital information concerning tactical skill development. Further, professional players exhibited higher and more consistent tactical behavior than elite collegiate players examined in 1999 by McPherson. Findings were attributed to tactical knowledge and motor skill development resulting from competition and practice experiences.
Tunable coherent microwave radiation by mixing two optical frequencies in a 47-mm-long GaSe crystal

We demonstrate a novel approach for efficiently generating a monochromatic microwave tunable continuously in the range of 53-300 GHz by mixing two optical beams in a 47-mm-long GaSe crystal.
Problems on routing bounded distance assignments in hypercubes

The problem of whether an assignment in the hypercube H/sub n/, where the distance from the source to the destination is bounded, can be routed with minimum distance and bounded congestion is considered. It is shown that this is so, if assignments of given "type" can be so routed. Of particular interest is whether for distance 3 and fixed type, minimum distance and congestion 1 can be obtained. This is shown for n/spl les/6; on the other hand the method suggests possible counter examples. Also, it is shown that distance 2 permutations in H/sub 4/ have congestion 1 routings. >
Processing, presentation, and data basing of acoustic imagery

The Naval Oceanographic Office (NAVOCEANO) collects and processes acoustic imagery from multiple sensors at various frequencies. These currently include the towed 12-kHz SEAMAP system, the towed 100-kHz hydrographic sidescan, and the hull-mounted multibeam bathymetric sonars. The hull-mounted systems at NAVOCEANO providing acoustic imagery include the 12-kHz Sonar Array Survey System (SASS) and coming on-line in the near future, the 12-kHz SIMRAD 121A. Three issues arise when dealing with multiple imaging sensors: data processing, data volume (data basing), and data presentation and visualization for analysis. To meet the need, NAVOCEANO has developed a generic image processing system, the UNIfied Sonar Image Processing System (UNISIPS) for processing acoustic imagery from various systems. This system includes signal processing, image processing, and georeferencing (digital mosaicing) of the acoustic imagery. Once processed by UNISIPS, these data are entered into a large Geographic Information System (GIS), the Comprehensive Environmental Assessment System (CEAS), where they are integrated with other co-registered data sets for presentation and interpretation. Within CEAS the capability to overlay other data types includes bathymetry, geology, gravity, and altimetry for analysis. The presentation/display/visualization is performed in both two and three dimensions. Presented within the paper are the techniques used for data basing, processing, and data presentation.