cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
In-office fabrication of a claspless interim partial denture

This article describes a technique for making a claspless interim removable partial denture that can quickly and easily be made in the dental office. The unnecessary undercuts are eliminated by use of a block-out putty without the need for duplication of the cast. The prosthesis can be inserted with minimum adjustments.
Implementation of Actuarial Risk/Need Assessment and its Effect on Community Supervision Revocations

While studies examining the predictive validity of the Level of Service Inventory — Revised (LSI-R) are useful and should continue, more research needs to be done in the area of systemic change: Once the LSI-R has been adopted and fully integrated into an agency's work, what systemic changes may occur? Does implementing a third-generation risk/need assessment tool, for example, truly facilitate an agency's ability to abide by the “risk principle” of correctional intervention? This article has two central objectives. First, the LSI-R composite score is used to predict case outcome using several years' worth of data from a large Midwestern city. The data were gathered from the agencies that conduct supervision in the community. The statistical relationship between the LSI-R score and case outcome (success vs. failure) is investigated and assessed. Second, the article provides a cursory look at rates of revocation plus transfer to prison over time (post LSI-R implementation).
MEAN-FLUX-REGULATED PRINCIPAL COMPONENT ANALYSIS CONTINUUM FITTING OF SLOAN DIGITAL SKY SURVEY Lyα FOREST SPECTRA

Continuum fitting is an important aspect of Lyα forest science, since errors in the derived optical depths scale with the fractional continuum error. However, traditional methods of estimating continua in noisy and moderate-resolution spectra (e.g., Sloan Digital Sky Survey, SDSS; S/N 10 pixel–1 and R ~ 2000), such as power-law extrapolation or dividing by the mean spectrum, achieve no better than ~15% rms accuracy. To improve on this, we introduce mean-flux-regulated principal component analysis (MF-PCA) continuum fitting. In this technique, PCA fitting is carried out redward of the quasar Lyα line in order to provide a prediction for the shape of the Lyα forest continuum. The slope and amplitude of this continuum prediction is then corrected using external constraints for the Lyα forest mean flux. This requires prior knowledge of the mean flux, F, but significantly improves the accuracy of the flux transmission, F ≡ exp (– τ), estimated from each pixel. From tests on mock spectra, we find that MF-PCA reduces the errors to 8% rms in S/N ~ 2 spectra, and 2.3 Lyα forest spectra from SDSS Data Release 7 for use by the community. This technique is also applicable to future releases of the ongoing Baryon Oscillations Spectroscopic Survey, which obtains spectra for ~150, 000 Lyα forest spectra at low signal-to-noise (S/N ~ 2).
Hypertensinase Activity of an L-Aminoacid Oxidase Preparation and of the Venom of Bothrops neuwidii

ConclusionThe hypertensinase activity-shown in the same preparation of l-amino-acid oxidase used by Blanchard et al. may be attributed to another enzyme, associated as an impurity. The results obtained with the venom of Bothrops neuwidii support our previous view that the hypertensinase activity of this venom is due to the presence of a proteolytic agent, and do not support the hypothesis that the l-amino-acid oxidase participates in the inactivation of hypertensin by the same venom.
Organophosphate exposure inhibits non‐specific esterase staining in human blood monocytes

The objective of this study was to investigate the association between exposure to triaryl phosphate and monocyte nonspecific esterase staining activity in workers from a plant in Nitro, West Virginia. A cross-sectional study design was used to identify the exposed plant employees, and both a plant and a general population group. In addition to completing a questionnaire for each participant, 30 cc of blood were drawn and analyzed using four techniques, two morphological and two enzymatic. These procedures included a Technicon D-90 autoanalyzer, a Technicon H-6000 autoanalyzer, a manual enzymatic using alpha naphthyl butyrate, and a manual morphologic using Wright-Giesma stain. The results showed a decrease in nonspecific esterase staining with the Technicon D-90. No significant effect on monocyte numbers or esterase positivity was found with the other three techniques.
Laser-induced damage at 1064 nm, 125 psec

A general review of extensive damage measurements using linearly polarized 1064-nm pulses with durations of 125±25 psec is presented. Samples tested included bare polished glass surfaces, several types of dielectric thin films, plastics, diamond-turned and polished metal surfaces, and evaporated metal films. A multiple-beam apparatus which allows rapid measurements of laser-damage thresholds is also described.
Bayes' learning of unknown parameters

We present both analytical and numerical results for a model where the stochastic dynamical system is not fully known. We implement an optimal control solution for the problem that incorporates Bayes' learning of an unknown parameter in the model. The computational solution is for a model of phosphorus in a lake and we show that in that context full learning takes place. The model includes a Skiba-like point, and although the long run level of phosphorus in the lake is sensitive to initial conditions, learning is not.
Intrinsic diffusion simulation for single-phase, multicomponent systems

Abstract A one-dimensional, finite difference simulation based on Darken’s treatment of intrinsic diffusion for single-phase, multicomponent systems is described. For the study of intrinsic diffusion using semi-infinite diffusion couples for binary systems, the input to the simulation includes the initial concentration distributions, the molar volume and the intrinsic diffusion coefficients for the two components as a function of composition. The simulation provides as the output all the results that are obtained from a typical interdiffusion experiment including the concentration profiles, the Kirkendall shift and interdiffusion fluxes of the components as a function of position and time. In addition, the intrinsic and vacancy fluxes, and the lattice shifts and lattice velocity profiles are also obtained at all positions within the diffusion zone. Since the simulation can handle variations in molar volume, information regarding fluxes and mean velocities in various reference frames are also provided. The internal consistency of the simulation is tested with the aid of an analytical model for a binary system where the interdiffusion coefficient and the ratio of the intrinsic diffusion coefficients are constant.
Investigating the Periocular-Based Face Recognition Across Gender Transformation

This paper introduces a novel face recognition problem domain: the medically altered face for gender transformation. A data set of >1.2 million face images was constructed from wild videos obtained from You Tube of 38 subjects undergoing hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for gender transformation over a period of several months to three years. The HRT achieves gender transformation by severely altering the balance of sex hormones, which causes changes in the physical appearance of the face and body. This paper explores that the impact of face changes due to hormone manipulation and its ability to disguise the face and hence, its ability to effect match rates. Face disguise is achieved organically as hormone manipulation causes pathological changes to the body resulting in a modification of face appearance. This paper analyzes and evaluates face components versus full face algorithms in an attempt to identify regions of the face that are resilient to the HRT process. The experiments reveal that periocular face components using simple texture-based face matchers, local binary patterns, histogram of gradients, and patch-based local binary patterns out performs matching against the full face. Furthermore, the experiments reveal that a fusion of the periocular using one of the simple texture-based approaches (patched-based local binary patterns) out performs two Commercial Off The Shelf Systems full face systems: 1) PittPatt SDK and 2) Cognetic FaceVACs v8.5. The evaluated periocular-fused patch-based face matcher outperforms PittPatt SDK v5.2.2 by 76.83% and Cognetic FaceVACS v8.5 by 56.23% for rank-1 accuracy.
dishevelled and armadillo act in the Wingless signalling pathway in Drosophila

The Wnt genes encode conserved secreted proteins that play a role in normal development and tumorigenesis. Little is known about the signal transduction pathways of Wnt gene products. One of the best characterized Wnt family members is the Drosophila segment polarity gene wingless. We have investigated whether segment polarity genes with a wingless-like phenotype mediate the wingless signal. We used a wingless transgene controlled by a heat-shock promoter for genetic epistasis experiments. We show that wingless acts through dishevelled and armadillo to affect the expression of the homeobox gene engrailed and cuticle differentiation.
Manipulating simulated objects with real-world gestures using a force and position sensitive screen

A flexible interface to computing environments can be provided by gestural input. We describe a prototype system that recognizes some types of single-finger gestures and uses these gestures to manipulate displayed objects. An experimental gesture input device yields information about single finger gestures in terms of position, pressure, and shear forces on a screen. The gestures are classified by a “gesture parser” and used to control actions in a fingerpainting program, an interactive computing system designed for young children, and an interactive digital logic simulation.
Activation of small conductance Ca2+-dependent K+ channels by purinergic agonists in smooth muscle cells of the mouse ileum

1. Whole-cell and single-channel K+ currents were recorded at room temperature (22-24 degrees C), from smooth muscle cells enzymatically dispersed from the mouse ileum, using variations of the patch-clamp technique. 2. Net outward K+ currents recorded through amphotericin-B-perforated patches in response to step depolarizations positive to -50 mV from a holding potential of -80 mV were decreased by up to 70% by external apamin (0.5 microM). Apamin-sensitive whole-cell currents were also recorded from cells perfused internally with 150 nM Ca2+ but not from cells perfused internally with 85 nM Ca2+. 3. Three types of non-inactivating Ca(2+)-sensitive K+ channels were identified in cell-attached and excised patches under an asymmetrical K+ gradient: (i) large conductance (BKCa; approximately 200 pS) channels blocked by 2 mM external TEA; (ii) intermediate conductance (IKCa; approximately 39 pS) channels blocked by 2 mM external TEA and inhibited by external apamin (0.5 microM); and (iii) small conductance (SKCa; approximately 10 pS) channels that were not blocked by 5 mM external TEA but were sensitive to extracellular apamin (0.5 microM). 4. The TEA-resistant SKCa channels were activated by an increase in [Ca2+]i with an EC50 of 1.5 microM and a Hill coefficient of 1.3. 5. P2 purinoceptor agonists 2-methylthioATP (2-MeSATP), 2-chloroATP and ATP (10-50 microM) increased an apamin-sensitive whole-cell outward K+ current. Extrapatch application of 2-MeSATP (20-100 microM) stimulated the apamin-sensitive IKCa and SKCa channels and activated an apamin-sensitive steady outward current at 0 mV. 6. Smooth muscle cells from the mouse ileum possess two apamin-sensitive K+ channels (IKCa and SKCa); of these, the IKCa channels are TEA sensitive while the SKCa channels are TEA resistant. These channels, along with an apamin-sensitive but TEA-resistant steady outward current, may mediate membrane hyperpolarization elicited by purinergic agonists.
Lipids and fatty acids of three species of northeast pacific finfish harvested in summer

The purpose of this study was to measure the total lipid and cholesterol content and fatty acid profile of chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), Dover sole (Microstomus pacificus), and sablefish (Anoplopoma fimbria). All three species of fish were caught off the coast of Oregon in late summer, 1987. Salmon contained 6.95% total lipid, Dover sole contained 1.03%, and sablefish contained 5.72%. For the fatter fish these values were considerably lower than the average values found in literature. The two fatter fish contained approximately 1 g n-3 fatty acids per 100 g wet weight, again lower than the average values found in literature. This study demonstrates the need to increase the information available about seasonal variation in lipid content of Finfish so that accurate dietary recommendations can he made.
Feedback orientation, feedback culture, and the longitudinal performance management process

Abstract This paper conceptualizes feedback as part of a longitudinal performance management process influenced by, and contributing to, the individual's feedback orientation and the organization's feedback culture. Feedback orientation refers to an individual's overall receptivity to feedback, including comfort with feedback, tendency to seek feedback and process it mindfully, and the likelihood of acting on the feedback to guide behavior change and performance improvement. Feedback culture refers to the organization's support for feedback, including nonthreatening, behaviorally focused feedback, coaching to help interpret and use feedback, and a strong link between performance improvement and valued outcomes. Critical events direct attention to the value of feedback and thereby start a performance management cycle of receiving, absorbing, and applying feedback in the following days, weeks, and months. Human resource research and practice need to measure feedback orientation and culture and capture longitudinal feedback processes to better understand and influence the effects of feedback on self-awareness, self-confidence, and job performance.
Self-administered desensitization on a psychiatric ward: A case report

Abstract Self-administered desensitization was successfully carried out by a patient on a psychiatric ward, whose problem was debilitating anxiety associated with walking in crowds. After two sessions for instruction and training, self-administered desensitization was carried out for a 4-week period. Following treatment, the patient reported a significant reduction in his fear of crowds.
Effects of H+-ATPase activities on Cd2+ movement induced by NADH-linked electron transfer in root plasma membrane vesicles

Summary The vanadate-sensitive H + -ATPase activities, proton pumping and ATP hydrolysis of the corn root plasma membrane vesicles were not significantly affected by the electron transfer from NADH to ferricya-nide. Similarly, the electron transfer activity was also not affected by activation of the H + -ATPase. These results suggested a lack of direct interaction between the two energy-yielding processes in the plasma membrane. The NADH-linked electron transfer induced a Cd 2+ concentration-dependent increase in the light scattering of the membrane vesicles. The increase was previously determined to be an indication of Cd 2+ uptake by the vesicles (Tu et al., 1996). The rate of the light scattering increase was significantly decreased when the ATPase was activated by the addition of Mg-ATP. Neither free ATP nor free Mg 2+ had the inhibitory effect on the light scattering change. The inhibition of the light scattering increase associated with the activation of the ATPase exhibited a pH dependence and vanadate sensitivity similar to those of the ATPase activities. The results suggest that the ATPase activities could regulate the Cd 2+ movement activated by the NADH-linked electron transfer.
Reliability-based design optimisation of vehicle drivetrain dynamic performance

A vehicle drivetrain is designed to meet specific vehicle performance criteria, which usually involve trade-offs among conflicting performance measures. This paper describes a methodology to optimise the drivetrain design including the axle ratio, transmission shift points and transmission shift ratios considering uncertainty. A complete vehicle dynamic model is developed using the bond graph method. The model includes the vehicle, engine, transmission, torque converter, driveline and transmission controller. An equivalent MATLAB Simulink model performs the non-linear dynamic analysis. In order to reduce the computational effort, a time-dependent metamodel is developed based on principal component analysis using singular value decomposition. The optimisation is performed using both the Simulink vehicle dynamic model and the metamodel. A deterministic optimisation first determines the optimum design in terms of fuel economy, without considering variations or uncertainties. Subsequently, a reliability-based design optimisation determines the optimum design under uncertainty. A vehicle example illustrates the design methodology.
Seasonal Patterns in Growth, Blood Consumption, and Effects on Hosts by Parasitic-Phase Sea Lampreys in the Great Lakes: An Individual-Based Model Approach

An individual-based model (IBM) was developed for sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) populations in the Laurentian Great Lakes. The IBM was then calibrated to observed growth, by season, for sea lampreys in northern Lake Huron under two different water temperature regimes: a regime experienced by Seneca-strain lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) and a regime experienced by Marquettestrain lake trout. Modeling results indicated that seasonal blood consumption under the Seneca regime was very similar to that under the Marquette regime. Simulated mortality of lake trout directly due to blood removal by sea lampreys occurred at nearly twice the rate during August and September under the Marquette regime than under the Seneca regime. However, cumulative sea lamprey-induced mortality on lake trout over the entire duration of the sea lamprey's parasitic phase was only 7% higher for the Marquette regime compared with the Seneca regime. Thus, these modeling results indicated that the strain composition of the host (lake trout) population was not important in determining total number of lake trout deaths or total blood consumption attributable to the sea lamprey population, given the sea lamprey growth pattern. Regardless of water temperature regime, both blood consumption rate by sea lampreys and rate of sea lamprey-induced mortality on lake trout peaked in late October. Elevated blood consumption in late October appeared to be unrelated to changes in water temperature. The IBM approach should prove useful in optimizing control of sea lampreys in the Laurentian Great Lakes.
Dielectric breakdown of a random array of conducting cylinders.

We develop a two-dimensional model for breakdown of metal-loaded dielectrics based on the breakdown of a random array of perfectly conducting cylinders embedded in a uniform dielectric and determine the breakdown field, breakdown-path geometry, and dielectric constant as a function of metal-packing fraction. The computer solution of Laplace's equation in the random geometry uses the boundary-element method and the random-packing configurations are generated by the Monte Carlo method. We compare the simulation results with exact lower bounds for the dielectric constant and scaling arguments for the breakdown field.
Cytologic findings and diagnostic yield in 92 dogs undergoing fine-needle aspiration of the pancreas.

The diagnosis of pancreatic disease in small animal veterinary patients is complicated by nonspecific clinical signs and the limitations of diagnostic testing. Pancreatic cytology is a potential diagnostic tool, but safety and diagnostic yield are not well characterized in large patient cohorts. We hypothesized that pancreatic fine-needle aspiration (FNA) in dogs would frequently generate diagnostic-quality samples and subsequent adverse medical events would be uncommon. Ninety-two client-owned dogs undergoing pancreatic FNA for clinical diagnostic evaluation were identified retrospectively by a computer search for pancreatic cytology submissions. Archived slides were reviewed by a single board-certified clinical pathologist using a predetermined descriptive scheme. Medical records were reviewed for adverse events 48 hr following FNA, for concurrent procedures and diagnosis in patients with adverse events and for histology results. Diagnostic yield was calculated as the % cases in which a cytologic diagno...
Theoretical study of propellant behavior during thrust chamber depressurization

A mathematical model that permits computation of burning rates of solid-propellant rocket motors during pressure transients is presented. The conservation equations in the solid and the gas phases are coupled with the chamber over-all mass balance equation. The method is used to compute the burning rate behavior during rapid depressurizations. The results of the computations are used to obtain dP/dt—extinguishment limits of solid propellants in terms of appropriate parameters. The agreement with the experimental quenching limit data is good.
Role of Middle Meatus Aspiration Culture in the Diagnosis of Chronic Sinusitis

Although empiric antibiotic therapy is often used for sinusitis, the emergence of antibiotic resistance has increased the failure rate of this approach. Culture-directed therapy usually increases treatment success, but traditional antral puncture is often accompanied by poor patient and physician acceptance. Endoscopically directed middle meatal aspiration culture is increasingly used in this setting, but studies have not convincingly demonstrated the validity of this technique. Both endoscopic middle meatal and direct antral cultures were performed during endoscopic sinus surgery. Cytologic examination was performed to confirm the presence of inflammatory cells. When culture results were compared in 21 specimen pairs, exact correlation was found in 18 (85.7%). Based on this study, endoscopically directed middle meatus aspiration culture appears to be a valuable alternative to antral puncture for guiding organism-specific antibiotic therapy in sinusitis.
Comparative Effects of Organization–Public Relationships and Product‐related Attributes on Brand Attitude

This study empirically investigates how the dimensions of organization–public relationships, i.e. trust, control mutuality, commitment, and satisfaction, are related to brand attitude formation. In order to establish a benchmark for analysis, it also compares the effects of organization–public relationships on brand attitude to those of product‐related attribute beliefs. The results of a survey conducted using a branded laptop computer product showed that, while both organization–public relationships and product‐related attributes were significantly related to attitude towards the brand, among the dimensions of organization–public relationships only ‘satisfaction’ was a significant predictor of brand attitude. In addition, the explanatory power of organization–public relationships was found to be weaker than that of product‐related attribute beliefs in predicting brand attitudes.
Female nudity in advertisements, arousal and response: a parsimonious extension.

This study extended a 1990 report of LaTour, Pitts, and Snook-Luther by further analysis. Relationships between the key dimensions of High Activation (tension) and General Activation (energy) and r...
The Decline of Electoral Participation in America

Since 1960 turnout has declined in presidential elections, and since 1966 it has declined in off-year congressional elections. These declines occurred despite several major trends that could have increased electoral participation. An analysis of the eight SRC-CPS presidential election surveys conducted between 1952 and 1980 and of the six SRC-CPS congressional election surveys conducted between 1958 and 1978 suggests that these declines may result largely from the combined impact of two attitudinal trends: the weakening of party identification and declining beliefs about government responsiveness, that is, lowered feelings of “external” political efficacy. Between two-thirds and seven-tenths of the decline in presidential turnout between 1960 and 1980 appears to result from the combined impact of these trends. Data limitations hinder our efforts to study the decline of congressional turnout, but approximately two-fifths to one-half of the decline between 1966 and 1978 appears to result from the combined impact of these attitudinal trends.
Therapeutic delay and reduced functional status six months after thrombolysis for acute myocardial infarction.

Thrombolytic therapy decreases the mortality rate in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and the timing of thrombolysis has proved to be critical for decreasing the short-term mortality rate. Much less is known about the longer term consequences of delays in thrombolysis, particularly for outcomes other than the mortality rate. We assessed the effect of time to thrombolysis and other clinical predictors on cardiac functional status 6 months after AMI. We used InTIME II, a multicenter trial, to test the efficacy of alteplase and lanoteplase. This component of the trial was conducted in 147 North American centers. Patients were ≥18 years of age with ST-elevated AMI. Functional status was measured by the Duke Activity Status Index, which was administered 6 months after AMI. After multivariate adjustment for baseline characteristics, delay in presentation to hospital and delay in initiation of thrombolysis were significantly and independently associated with decreased cardiac functional status 6 months later. Each additional hour from symptom onset to hospital presentation was associated with a 16% increase (95% confidence interval 3% to 31%) in the likelihood of functional impairment (Duke Activity Status Index score ≤30). In addition, each additional delay of 1 hour from hospital presentation to thrombolysis independently increased the probability of functional impairment by 38% (12% to 71%). Thus, in patients with AMI, earlier presentation to the hospital and more rapid initiation of thrombolysis could prevent significant decreases in functional status months after the initial infarct.
A re-examination of the intragenome distribution of repaired sites in proliferating xeroderma pigmentosum complementation group C fibroblasts.

Abstract We find that rapidly proliferating fibroblasts from xeroderma pigmentosum complementation group C (XP-C) patients, cells that have a small residual DNA excision repair capacity, repair DNA in localized regions of the genome in a clustered pattern rather than at single sites in dispersed locations. This finding is similar to that observed earlier for nodividing cells but is in contrast to published results that indicate that the residual repair in proliferating XP-C cells is dispersed throughout the genome in a non-clustered pattern. While we detect the same amount of repair in both proliferating and nondividing cells, we also observe no shift from the clustered pattern of repair to a more dispersive pattern when nondividing cells are stimulated to proliferate by fresh serum addition. We have no obvious explanation for these discrepancies with the published results. We have noted previously that proliferating XP-C cells are very UV sensitive relative to normal cells while nondividing cells that exhibit the same amount of repair activity are relatively UV resistant. There is not satisfactory explanation for this change in relative response to the lethal effects of UV, a change not observed for cell strains from other XP complementation groups. However, we argue that clustered repair in specific genomic regions promotes survival in nondividing XP-C cells but does not promote survival in proliferating cells.
Introduction to the Special Section: Integrating Development Ethics and Climate Change Ethics

Climate change ethics is an emerging field of applied ethics that examines the ethical implications entailed in the various climate change effects on people around the world, future generations, an...
Chemoical Vapor Deposotdoo of Tungsten and Molybdenum Folms From m(η 3 –C 3 H 5 ) 4 (M=Mo, W)

Chemical vapor deposition using tetra(allyl) tungsten and molybdenum precursors yielded amorphous tungsten and molybdenum carbide films on pyrex substrates. The films were characterized by Auger, ESCA, SEM, XRD and resistivity measurements. Volatile pyrolysis products consisted primarily of propene, C3H6.
Computed tomography of liver tumors

Computed tomographic (CT) scan acquisition speed, interscan delay time, and image quality have significantly improved during the past decade. Thus CT has become a standard against which newer techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are validated. Comparison between CT and other modalities, however, lack validity unless the protocol for each procedure is optimized. The authors emphasize the importance of correct CT contrast enhancement techniques in order to obtain reproducible and optimal anatomical information for defining liver tumor morphology, which will determine resectability. Three-dimensional reconstruction using contiguous volume imaging with appropriate enhancement of vessels and tumor also provides important preoperative evaluation for possible resection. Analysis of the hemodynamic status of the liver parenchyma and of the lesions within it is also possible with contrast-enhanced CT although rarely practiced. With appropriate scanning techniques, excellent anatomical and functional information is obtained simultaneously using CT, although histologic specificity often remains insufficient without biopsy.
Testable Reversible Latches for Molecular QCA

Nanotechnologies, including molecular QCA, are susceptible to high error rates. In this paper, we present the design of testable reversible latches (D latch, T Latch, JK Latch, RS Latch), based on reversible conservative logic for molecular QCA. Conservative reversible circuits are a specific type of reversible circuits in which there would be an equal number of Is in the output as there would be on the input, in addition to one- to-one mapping. The proposed latches require only two test vectors, all Os and all Is, for detecting any unidirectional stuck-at faults. The design of QCA layouts and the verification of the latch designs performed using the QCA designer tool are presented.
Evidence of functional cross talk between the Notch and NF-κB pathways in nonneoplastic hyperproliferating colonic epithelium

The Notch and NF-κB signaling pathways regulate stem cell function and inflammation in the gut, respectively. We investigate whether a functional cross talk exists between the two pathways during transmissible murine colonic hyperplasia (TMCH) caused by Citrobacter rodentium (CR). During TMCH, NF-κB activity and subunit phosphorylation in colonic crypts of NIH Swiss mice at days 6 and 12 were associated with increases in downstream target CXC chemokine ligand (CXCL)-1/keratinocyte-derived chemokine (KC) expression. Blocking Notch signaling acutely for 5 days with the Notch blocker dibenzazepine (DBZ) failed to inhibit crypt NF-κB activity or CXCL-1/KC expression. Chronic DBZ administration for 10 days, however, blocked Notch and NF-κB signaling in the crypts and abrogated hyperplasia. Intriguingly, chronic Notch inhibition was associated with significant increases in IL-1α, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1, macrophage inflammatory protein 2, and KC in the crypt-denuded lamina propria or whole distal colon, with concomitant increases in myeloperoxidase activity. In core-3−/− mice, which are defective in intestinal mucin, DBZ administration replicated the results of NIH Swiss mice; in ApcMin/+ mice, which are associated with CR-induced elevation of NF-κB-p65276 expression, DBZ reversed the increase in NF-κB-p65276, which may have blocked rapid proliferation of the mutated crypts. DBZ further blocked reporter activities involving the NF-κB-luciferase reporter plasmid or the Toll-like receptor 4/NF-κB/SEAPorter HEK-293 reporter cell line, while ectopic expression of Notch-NICD reversed the inhibitory effect. Dietary bael (Aegle marmelos) extract (4%) and curcumin (4%) restored Notch and NF-κB cross talk in NIH Swiss mice, inhibited CR/DBZ-induced apoptosis in the crypts, and promoted crypt regeneration. Thus functional cross talk between the Notch and NF-κB pathways during TMCH regulates hyperplasia and/or inflammation in response to CR infection.
The Terminal Layer

One of the main issues addressed by the OpenCard Framework is device support for card readers. The mechanism provided allows support for a new card reader1 to be easily added by implementing a CardTerminal.
Analysis models for unguided search in unstructured P2P networks

Random walk and flooding are basic mechanisms for searching unstructured overlays. This paper shows that node coverage is an important metric for query performance in random graph based P2P networks. We then present two analytical models: the algebraic model and the combinatorial model. These models are useful in setting query parameters and evaluating search efficiency. We evaluate these two models in terms of various performance metrics against simulation results. We also study the impact of the setup parameters, such as node degree, hop count, and number of walkers, on the query performance, and on the precision of the models.
Viral encephalitis: familiar infections and emerging pathogens

Summary Significant advances have been made in our understanding of the natural history and pathogenesis of viral encephalitides. The development of PCR has greatly increased our ability to diagnose viral infections of the central nervous system, particularly for herpes and enteroviral infections. Advancing knowledge has led to the recognition that some encephalitides can be reliably prevented by vaccination (eg, Japanese encephalitis and rabies). For other pathogens such as the arboviruses, the focus has been on prevention by vector control. Finally, effective therapy has been established for a very limited number of viral infections (eg, aciclovir for herpes simplex encephalitis). Other potentially useful treatments, such as pleconaril for enteroviral meningoencephalitis are under clinical evaluation. We review current understanding of viral encephalitides with particular reference to emerging viral infections and the availibility of existing treatment regimens.
Losing the Child They Thought They Had: Therapeutic Suggestions for an Ambiguous Loss Perspective with Parents of a Transgender Child

In our culture, gender is a deeply felt, value-rich, organizing principle; it informs our understanding of who we are as an individual, as well as who we are supposed to be and how we are supposed to act within relationships. This is especially evident in family relationships, and perhaps most strongly in the relationships of mothers and fathers with their sons and daughters. Thus, when a person comes out as transgender or transsexual, parents often experience a profound sense of loss and confusion about their child's new identity and role in the family. In this article, I discuss parental experiences of grief in response to their transgender child's gender transition and propose that parents who struggle with a child's gender transition may be experiencing ambiguous loss. I discuss these experiences in terms of ambiguous loss theory and introduce the concept of dual ambiguous loss. I also provide clinical suggestions for using an ambiguous loss framework with these parents, and offer directions for futur...
A role for the magnetic field in the radiation-induced efflux of calcium ions from brain tissue in vitro

Two independent laboratories have demonstrated that electromagnetic radiation at specific frequencies can cause a change in the efflux of calcium ions from brain tissue in vitro. In a local geomagnetic field (LGF) at a density of 38 microTesla (microT), 15- and 45-Hz electromagnetic signals (40 Vp-p/m in air) have been shown to induce a change in the efflux of calcium ions from the exposed tissues, whereas 1- and 30-Hz signals do not. We now show that the effective 15-Hz signal can be rendered ineffective when the LGF is reduced to 19 microT with Helmholtz coils. In addition, the ineffective 30-Hz signal becomes effective when the LGF is changed to +/- 25.3 microT or to +/- 76 microT. These results demonstrate that the net intensity of the LGF is an important variable. The results appear to describe a resonance-like relationship in which the frequency of the electromagnetic field that can induce a change in efflux is proportional to a product of LGF density and an index, 2n + 1, where n = 0,1. These phenomenological findings may provide a basis for evaluating the apparent lack of reproducibility of biological effects caused by low-intensity extremely-low-frequency (ELF) electromagnetic signals. In future investigations of this phenomenon, the LGF vector should be explicitly described. If the underlying mechanism involves a general property of tissue, then research conducted in the ambient electromagnetic environment (50/60 Hz) may be subjected to unnoticed and uncontrolled influences, depending on the density of the LGF.
Preparation of NiO-YSZ/YSZ bi-layers for solid oxide fuel cells by electrophoretic deposition

Abstract A simple and cost-effective method, starting with electrophoretic deposition (EPD) on a carbon sheet, has been developed for preparation of a NiO-YSZ anode and thin, gas-tight YSZ electrolyte layer on it for use in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). The innovative feature of this approach enables the deposition of anode materials as well as the YSZ electrolyte, which were subsequently co-fired in air at high temperatures to remove the carbon and form an anode-supported dense YSZ electrolyte. A functional SOFC constructed by brush painting a layer of mixed cathode consisting of La 0.8 Sr 0.2 MnO 3 (LSM) and YSZ on the electrolyte layer followed by firing at 1250 °C, displayed a peak power density of 434 mW cm −2 at 800 °C when tested with H 2 as fuel and ambient air as oxidant.
Remembering Juan Navia

Juan Navia died on September 4, 2010. Those who knew him as the director of the University of Alabama's John J. Sparkman Center for International Public Health Education and later the dean of UAB School of Public Health watched him train and shape the next generation of global public health leaders with a kind heart and a firm, but gentle, hand. On this third anniversary of Professor Navia's passing, in response to an invitation from the Journal of Dental Research to write an essay on an educator who influenced the professional trajectories of many people, we have put together an account of some of his contributions and attributes to highlight this remarkable leader's accomplishments in and impact on dental public health and global nutrition.
Intravenous Catheter Blood Cultures: Utility and Contamination

Objective. In pediatrics, blood cultures (BCs) are often drawn as intravenous (IV) catheters are placed. This routine minimizes the number of painful and often difficult punctures a child must undergo but results in the discarding of multiple BC bottles when these cultures are later determined to be unnecessary. If the contamination rate of BCs drawn through an indwelling IV did not exceed the contamination rate of BCs drawn at the time of IV placement, BCs could be drawn from the IV without subjecting the patient to another venipuncture. This study was done to compare the contamination rates of BCs drawn by these two methods. Additionally, we sought to determine if the collection of two BCs enhances pathogen recovery. Methods. Prospective comparison of contamination and bacteremia rates of BCs drawn by two different methods: the first BC was drawn at the time of IV line placement and the second BC was drawn from the previously placed IV at a later time. Setting. Urban pediatric emergency department with an annual census of 40 000. Participants. One thousand five hundred sixty-four patients between the ages of 3 days and 22.1 years. The median age was 2.2 years. Sixty-four patients were excluded because we were unable to draw the second BC. Forty-six percent of eligible patients ( n = 690) were girls. Results. Fifty-seven (1.9%) of 3000 grew contaminants: 27 in the first and 30 in the second BC for contamination rates of 1.8% and 2.0%. Thirty-eight (1.3%) of 3000 BCs grew pathogens: 24 represent 12 patients with growth in two out of two cultures and 14 represent 14 patients with growth in one out of two cultures. Pathogen rates were 1.1% (16/1500) with one BC per patient and 1.7% (22/1500) with two BCs per patient. Conclusions. There is no difference in the contamination rates of two BCs drawn from the same site at two different times. The collection of two BCs per patient may enhance pathogen recovery.
Evidence for o-atom exchange in the O(1D) + N2O reaction as the source of mass-independent isotopic fractionation in atmospheric N2O.

Recent experiments have shown that in the oxygen isotopic exchange reaction for O(^1D) + CO_2 the elastic channel is approximately 50% that of the inelastic channel [Perri et al., 2003]. We propose an analogous oxygen atom exchange reaction for the isoelectronic O(^1D) + N_2O system to explain the mass-independent isotopic fractionation (MIF) in atmospheric N_2O. We apply quantum chemical methods to compute the energetics of the potential energy surfaces on which the O(^1D) + N_2O reaction occurs. Preliminary modeling results indicate that oxygen isotopic exchange via O(^1D) + N_2O can account for the MIF oxygen anomaly if the oxygen atom isotopic exchange rate is 30–50% that of the total rate for the reactive channels.
Health Monitoring of a Truss Bridge using Adaptive Identification

Integration of structural analysis, system identification, and sensor networks provide health monitoring capabilities that benefit many aspects of infrastructure management. This work presents an adaptive identification method based on Lyapunov methods for a truss structure. Lyapunov methods in the identification provide guaranteed convergence for the parameter estimation. Identification is carried out on a simulation model based on FEA methods. The FEA model offers realistic results from a truss structure and allows verification of the identification method for a rolling load case. A rolling load scenario provides use of realistic loading of a structure so that identification methods may be extended for field use. Estimation results show that convergence of health parameters is suitable though the use of the adaptive estimation. Also, results of simulations show that the adaptive estimation methods are able to track changes over time to provide monitoring of a degrading structure.
Correlation of Real-Time Catecholamine Release and Cytosolic CA2+ at Single Bovine Chromaffin Cells.

Abstract Previous investigations of the role of Ca2+ in stimulus-secretion coupling have been undertaken in populations of adrenal chromaffin cells. In the present study, the simultaneous detection of intracellular Ca2+, with the fluorescent probe fura-2, and catecholamine release, using a carbon-fiber microelectrode, are examined at single chromaffin cells in culture. Results from classic depolarizing stimuli, high potassium (30-140 mM) and 1,1-dimethyl-4-phenylpiperazinium (3-50 μM), show a dependence of peak cytosolic Ca2+ concentration and catecholamine release on secretagogue concentration. Catecholamine release induced by transient high K+ stimulation increases logarithmically with K+ concentration. Continuous exposure to veratridine (50 μM) induces oscillations in intracellular Ca2+ and at higher concentrations (100 μM) concomitant fluctuation of cytosolic Ca2+ and catecholamine secretion. Mobilization of both caffeine- and inositol trisphosphate-sensitive intracellular Ca2+ stores is found to elicit secretion with or without extracellular Ca2+. Caffeine-sensitive intracellular Ca2+ stores can be depleted, refilled, and cause exocytosis in medium without Ca2+. Single cell measurement of exocytosis and the increase in cytosolic Ca2+ induced by bradykinin-activated intracellular stores reveal cell to cell variability in exocytotic responses which is masked in populations of cells. Taken together, these results show that exocytosis of catecholamines can be induced by an increase in cytosolic Ca2+ either as a result of transmembrane entry or by release of internal stores.
Finding a needle in a haystack: Ultrasound guided extraction of a sewing needle from the perineum

•Self-insertion of foreign bodies for sexual gratification is on the rise.•The consequences of foreign bodies insertion can be life-threatening.•Insertion sites of foreign bodies can be difficult to visualize depending on location.•Difficult extractions can be performed in the operating room by a specialist.•Intra-operative ultrasound can help in extracting foreign bodies.
An unsupervised classification method for inferring original case locations from low-resolution disease maps.

Widespread availability of geographic information systems software has facilitated the use of disease mapping in academia, government and private sector. Maps that display the address of affected patients are often exchanged in public forums, and published in peer-reviewed journal articles. As previously reported, a search of figure legends in five major medical journals found 19 articles from 1994–2004 that identify over 19,000 patient addresses. In this report, a method is presented to evaluate whether patient privacy is being breached in the publication of low-resolution disease maps. To demonstrate the effect, a hypothetical low-resolution map of geocoded patient addresses was created and the accuracy with which patient addresses can be resolved is described. Through georeferencing and unsupervised classification of the original image, the method precisely re-identified 26% (144/550) of the patient addresses from a presentation quality map and 79% (432/550) from a publication quality map. For the presentation quality map, 99.8% of the addresses were within 70 meters (approximately one city block length) of the predicted patient location, 51.6% of addresses were identified within five buildings, 70.7% within ten buildings and 93% within twenty buildings. For the publication quality map, all addresses were within 14 meters and 11 buildings of the predicted patient location. This study demonstrates that lowering the resolution of a map displaying geocoded patient addresses does not sufficiently protect patient addresses from re-identification. Guidelines to protect patient privacy, including those of medical journals, should reflect policies that ensure privacy protection when spatial data are displayed or published.
CROWNE: current ratio outliers with neighbor estimator

Increased leakage and process variations make distinction between fault-free and faulty chips by I/sub DDQ/ test difficult. Earlier, the concept of current ratios (CR) was proposed to screen defective (outlier) chips. However, it is not capable of catching certain defects. Neighboring chips on a wafer have similar fault-free parameters that are correlated through the underlying fabrication process. Based on this observation, an alternative test metric called neighbor current ratio (NCR) was proposed. NCR screens outlier chips based on their nonconformance to local variation in I/sub DDQ/. In this paper, we explore the correlation between different vectors that yield CR and NCR values. The effectiveness of NCR along with additional test parameters to screen outlier chips is evaluated using industrial test data.