cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Association of Location and Social Context with Physical Activity Enjoyment in a Population of Able Bodied Rural Aging Women

Abstract Collectively, rural aging women experience a physical activity disparity compared to younger, male, and urban populations. Research suggests that enjoyment of physical activity may function as an antecedent to participation and also as an outcome that can encourage future leisure time physical activity. This study examines how rural women's choice of leisure time physical activity location and activity companions informs their enjoyment of that physical activity. Weeklong activity diaries were completed by 39 rural‐dwelling women aged 50 to 74. Of the 528 bouts of physical activity reported, activities undertaken with companions and in public settings were most enjoyable. However, women most frequently participated alone and in their homes. Women's type of physical activity was a significant moderator of their enjoyment in different social groups and environments. The discussion considers leisure providers’ opportunities to empower this subpopulation with neighborhood‐proximate park facility plac...
Universal surface-initiated polymerization of antifouling zwitterionic brushes using a mussel-mimetic peptide initiator.

We report a universal method for the surface-initated polymerization (SIP) of an antifouling polymer brush on various classes of surfaces, including noble metals, metal oxides, and inert polymers. Inspired by the versatility of mussel adhesive proteins, we synthesized a novel bifunctional tripeptide bromide (BrYKY) that combines atom-transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) initiating alkyl bromide with l-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) and lysine. The simple dip-coating of substrates with variable wetting properties and compositions, including Teflon, in a BrYKY solution at pH 8.5 led to the formation of a thin film of cross-linked BrYKY. Subsequently, we showed that the BrYKY layer initiated the ATRP of a zwitterionic monomer, sulfobetaine methacrylate (SBMA), on all substrates, resulting in high-density antifouling pSBMA brushes. Both BrYKY deposition and pSBMA grafting were unambiguously confirmed by ellipsometry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and goniometry. All substrates that were coated with B...
Randomized clinical trial of intraocular silicone vs. gas in the management of complicated retinal detachment and vitreous hemorrhage.

We performed a prospective randomized clinical study to compare intravitreal silicone oil vs. gas (20% C3F8 or 30% C4F8) in the management of complicated retinal detachments and vitreous hemorrhage. Despite similar anatomic and visual results, the gas-treated group had significantly more instances of vitreous hemorrhage, late elevated intraocular pressure, and localized retinal detachment as postoperative complications than those receiving oil injections (P less than .05). Silicone oil injections containing less than 3.0 ml contributed significantly to postoperative detachments (P less than .05).
Mental pictures on the brain

Image and Brain: The Resolution of the Imagery Debate. By Stephen M. Kosslyn. MIT Press: 1994. Pp. 516. $45, £40.50.
Bismuth oxide as an additive in pasted zinc electrodes

Abstract The effect of small additions (2–10 wt.%) of Bi2O3 to zinc electrodes has been studied using chronopotentiometry, cyclic voltammetry, and polarization studies. Methods were devised for preparing electrode samples for scanning electron microscopy so that the bismuth deposits could be clearly observed. In addition, studies were carried out into zinc deposition on bismuth single-crystals in zincate electrolytes, in an effort to elucidate the interaction of zinc with bismuth. Investigations were also carried out on silver electrodes in bismuth oxide-saturated zincate electrolytes. The chronopotentiometry results indicate that the Bi2O3 additive is essentially quantitatively reduced to bismuth prior to deposition of zinc. The reduced Bi2O3 forms a bismuth matrix in the electrode and consists of needle-like deposits. The nucleation overvoltage for zinc deposition on bismuth is ≈ 20 mV. The deposits have an hexagonal morphology. The beneficial effect of bismuth appears to accrue from the conductive bismuth matrix and the maintenance of an active deposit.
Boundary element method for electrical charging in laminar channel flow

Abstract Development of electrical charging during laminar flow of low conductivity liquids in rectangular channels is analyzed numerically using the boundary element method. This analysis is based on the equations which govern the transport of charge as well as the equations that characterize the flow. The formulation is tested on a laminar flow of a liquid heptane through a square channel. Results are compared to a finite element solution of the same problem. In contrast to all previous theories, the results here are obtained directly from the characteristic parameters of the flow.
The relationship of socio-demographic factors and satisfaction with social support at five and 10 yr after heart transplantation.

Background Despite the fact that social support has been found to be important to cardiovascular health, there is a paucity of information regarding the relationship between social support and outcomes long term after heart transplantation (HT). The purposes of this study were to examine demographic and psychosocial characteristics and their relationship to social support after HT and to identify whether socio-demographic variables are predictors of satisfaction with social support post-HT. Methods Data were collected from 555 HT patients (pts) (78% men, 88% white, mean age = 53.8 yr at time of transplant) at four US medical centers using the following instruments: Social Support Index, QOL Index, HT Stressor Scale, Jalowiec Coping Scale, Sickness Impact Profile, Cardiac Depression Scale, and medical records review. Statistical analyses included t-tests, correlations, and linear and multivariate regression. Results There were no associations between education and ethnicity and perception of social support at five and 10 yr after HT. Married and older pts reported higher satisfaction with social support after HT. Being married and having higher education were predictors of better overall satisfaction with social support at 10 yr post-heart transplantation. Conclusions Knowledge of relationships between socio-demographic factors and social support may assist clinicians to address social support needs and resources long term after HT.
An Overview of Molecular Diagnosis of Steroid 21-Hydroxylase Deficiency

Steroid 21-hydroxylase deficiency is the most frequent cause of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), a group of inborn errors of adrenal steroid biosynthesis. 1 Approximately 1 in 14,000 newborns is affected with the classic form of the disease. A milder, late-onset or non-classic form that is clinically evident in approximately 1 in 1000 females also exists. Both forms are the result of mutations at the same locus and are inherited as autosomal recessive traits. Very rarely, 21-hydroxylase deficiency can result from uniparental disomy. 2 The primary laboratory means of diagnosis of this disease is by measurement of serum 17-hydroxyprogesterone, which is elevated in subjects with deficiency of this enzyme. This testing is also used in newborn screening programs that screen for 21-hydroxylase deficiency. Although biochemical testing remains the mainstay of diagnosis, molecular methods have acquired an essential role for identification of mutations and for assessment of at-risk pregnancies. This article provides an overview of published analytical methods for molecular diagnosis of steroid 21-hydroxylase deficiency.
Uptake of PEGylated indocyanine green loaded nanocapsules by cells of reticuloendothelial system

Optically active nanoparticles are widely pursued as exogenous chromophores in diagnostic imaging and phototherapeutic applications. However, the blood circulation time of nanoparticles remains limited due to the rapid clearance of the nanoparticles by reticuloendothelial system (RES). Coating with Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a strategy to extend the circulation time of nanoparticles. Here, we report synthesis and cellular studies of polymeric-based nanocapsules loaded with Indocyanine green (ICG), an FDA approved near-infrared dye, and coated with PEG molecules of various molecular weights through reductive amination. We report the effect of PEG's molecular weight on the uptake of these nanocapsules by human spleen macrophages and hepatocytes using flow cytometry. Our results indicate that the phagocytic content of PEGylated nanocapsules in human spleen macrophages was reduced as compared to uncoated nanocapsules. Among PEGylated nanocapsules, low molecular weight (5000 Da) PEG-coated nanocapsules displayed lower intracellular uptake by spleen macrophages than high molecular weight (30,000 Da) PEG-coated nanocapsules for up to 90 minutes. Encapsulation within the polymeric nanocapsules reduced the hepatic content of ICG with normal human hepatocytes for up to two hours, while the molecular weight of PEG did not have a statistically significant effect on the content of the nanocapsules in liver cells. Our results suggest that reduced uptake of nanocapsules by RES cells can result in prolonged blood circulation time of these nanoconstructs.
The need for speed in emerging communications markets: upgrades to advanced technology at Internet Service Providers

Abstract How and why do young firms develop distinctive skills on the frontiers of technology in evolving technologies? As a window on these processes, this study analyzes the decisions by Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to upgrade the speed of communication. In 1997 this involved 56K modem technology and Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) technology. We investigate why an ISP chooses to offer neither, one or both high speed data transmission technologies. Our findings are consistent with the view that scale of investment, local infrastructure’s quality and explicit costs shape investment decisions by young firms in emerging markets.
Infrared emission and mass loss from evolved stars in elliptical galaxies

Small aperture 10.2-micron measurements of normal elliptical galaxies show that for almost all of these galaxies the 12-micron emission seen by IRAS is extended on the scale of the galaxy. NGC 1052 and NGC 3998 are exceptions to this; much of their 10-12-micron emission comes from the inner regions of the galaxies and may be associated with their active nuclei, as is the case for many radio galaxies. The distribution of the IR light and the IR colors of elliptical galaxies suggest that the most plausible source of the 12-micron emission is photospheric and circumstellear emission from cool evolved red giant stars. The 12-micron emission is well in excess of that expected from photospheric emission alone; about 40 percent of it probably comes from circumstellar dust.
Oxidized Omega-3 Fatty Acids Inhibit NF-κB Activation Via a PPARα-Dependent Pathway

Objective— The aim of this study was to determine the effects of oxidized versus native omega-3 fatty acids on the endothelial expression of chemokines MCP-1 and IL-8, and, if effective in inhibiting chemokine expression, to determine the mechanism for the inhibition of chemokine expression. Methods and Results— Using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, we show that oxidized EPA and DHA but not unoxidized EPA or DHA inhibit cytokine-induced endothelial expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 and, to a lesser extent, IL-8. In electrophoretic mobility shift assays, oxidized EPA but not unoxidized EPA potently inhibited cytokine-induced activation of endothelial nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB). Using Western blot analyses, we show that the inhibition of NF-κB activation was not caused by prevention of phosphorylation of IκBα because oxidized EPA did not inhibit cytokine-induced phosphorylation and ubiquination of IκBα. Furthermore, oxidized EPA inhibited NF-κB activation in endothelial cells derived...
Molecular bases of hprt mutations in malathion-treated human T-lymphocytes.

Abstract Recently, we reported that 6 of 84 (7.1%) hprt mutants arising in in vitro malathion-treated human T-lymphocytes were characterized by specific genomic deletions in a 125-bp region of exon 3 (Pluth et al., Cancer Research 56 (1996) 2393–2399. We have now extended study to determine whether additional differences in molecular spectrum at a basepair level exist between control and malathion-treated mutations, and investigated whether there is evidence to support the hypothesis that malathion is an alkylating agent. We analyzed 101 hprt mutants (24 from control and 77 from treated cultures) isolated from six in vitro malathion exposures of T-lymphocytes from four healthy male donors. Analysis consisted of: Southern blotting, genomic multiplex PCR, genomic DNA sequencing and reverse transcription PCR amplification (RT/PCR) and sequencing of the cDNA product. Mutations at several basepair sites were frequent after malathion exposure and were isolated from treated cells from at least two different individuals. Using a human hprt mutation database for comparison, the frequency of mutations at one of these sites (basepair 134) was found to be significantly elevated in the malathion-treated cells ( p Hprt mutations in malathion-treated cells arose preferentially at G:C basepairs, which is consistent with earlier reports that malathion alkylates guanine nucleotides. Assessing molecular changes at both genomic and cDNA levels in the same mutants revealed that many small, partial exon deletions (
Évaluation et sclérose en plaques

We conducted a review of existing assessment tools that can be useful to physical medicine and rehabilitation professionals involved in the management of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Most generic tools traditionally used in neurorehabilitation, such as gait tests, the functional independence measure, or the SF-36, can be applied to MS, but few have been tested on large patient samples. Disease-specific scales often seem more pertinent and sensitive to change, and their qualities and limitations are better known through clinical trials of disease-modifying therapies.
Magnetic and quadrupolar echoes in aluminum metal

Abstract Pulsed nuclear resonance with small Al particles reveals two echo maxima for the pulse sequence 90° - τ - ϕ at ϕ's of 40° and 180°. The echoes can be understood by considering static electric field gradients as well as magnetic perturbations. The perturbation distribution functions can be extracted.
Computed tomography of leiomyomatosis peritonealis disseminata with malignant transformation

Malignant transformation of leiomyomatosis peritonealis disseminata is a very rare occurrence, reported twice previously. We report the third case and present the computed tomography findings associated with the development of this unusual pathologic condition
Rapid and continuous determination of metal ions by cation-exchange chromatography

Abstract Metal ions can be rapidly separated from each other using forced-flow cation-exchange chromatography with solutions of hydrochloric acid in 2-propanol-water or acetone-water as the eluent. The eluted peaks are detected and recorded after adding a color-forming reagent and mixing it with the effluent stream. A mixture containing seven different metal ions was separated in approximately 25 min.
What's ‘Right’ in Language Comprehension: Event‐Related Potentials Reveal Right Hemisphere Language Capabilities

Although the term “nonverbal” is often applied to the right cerebral hemisphere (RH), a growing body of work indicates that the RH can comprehend language and, indeed, that it makes critical contributions to normal language functions. Reviewed here are studies that have examined RH language capabilities by combining visual half-field presentation methods with event-related potential (ERP) measures. Because they afford temporal and functional specificity and can be obtained as participants simply process language for meaning, ERPs provide especially valuable insights into RH language functions. Such studies suggest that the RH appreciates word and message-level meaning information, and that it may play a particularly important role in the processing of relatively unpredictable semantic relationships. In addition, this work suggests that patterns observed for everyday language processing may often be an emergent property of multiple, distinct mechanisms operating in parallel as the left and right hemispheres jointly comprehend language.
Nitrate Uptake Effectiveness and Utilization Efficiency of Two Plum Clones

Nitrate uptake and utilization efficiencies of two plum clones, Marianna 2624 (Prunus cerasifera×Prunus munsoniana?) and Myrobalan 3-J (Prunus cerasifera) in stirred solution cultures were investigated. Myrobalan 3-J had a significantly lower NO3- compensation point (i.e., greater capacity for nitrate depletion) but ceased growth earlier than Marianna 2624 under severe N stress. The maximum velocity of NO3- uptake was 33% higher in Marianna 2624 than Myrobalan 3-J. The nitrogen efficiency ratio (i.e., mg dry weight produced/mg nitrogen absorbed) of Marianna 2624 was 40% higher than Myrobalan 3-J when nitrogen was severely limiting (28 mg nitrogen per plant). Thus, Marianna 2624 plants may be capable of growth at lower mean nitrogen concentrations.
A Calcium-dependent switch in a CREST-BRG1 complex regulates activity-dependent gene expression

CREST plays a critical role in activity-dependent development, but its mechanism of action is not well understood. Here, we show that a CREST-BRG1 complex regulates promoter activation by orchestrating a calcium-dependent release of a repressor complex and a recruitment of an activator complex. In resting neurons, transcription of the c-fos promoter is inhibited by BRG1-dependent recruitment of a phospho-Rb-HDAC repressor complex. Upon calcium influx, Rb becomes dephosphorylated at serine 795 by calcineurin, which leads to release of the repressor complex. At the same time, there is increased recruitment of CBP to the promoter by a CREST-dependent mechanism, which leads to transcriptional activation. The CREST-BRG1 also binds to the NR2B promoter, and activity-dependent induction of NR2B expression involves a release of HDAC1 and recruitment of CBP, suggesting that this mechanism may be generally involved in regulating calcium-dependent transcription of neuronal genes.
Smart mechanical navigation: Assuring cup positioning

Abstract Total hip arthroplasty has become a very successful procedure with excellent survivorship and outcomes. Despite significant advances, instability and wear continue to be problems and leading reasons for revisions of total hip replacements. We examine the application of the HipSextant mechanical navigation device and its role in reducing cup malposition, an underlying reason for hip instability and wear. A review of its results shows increased accuracy compared to conventional alignment and computer-assisted navigational methods. With its patient-specific approach, the HipSextant system is a reliable and efficient tool to achieve accurate acetabular cup placement.
Winter Roosting Ecology of Eastern Red Bats in Southwest Missouri

Abstract Eastern red bats (Lasiurus borealis) have been found to overwinter in areas that can experience severe fluctuations in temperature. We examined the red bat's use of winter roosts in southwest Missouri, USA, for 2 winters (2003–2005). We found tree roosts in eastern red cedars (Juniperus virginiana) and hardwoods. Tree roost sites were located on the south side of trees, and we found roost trees on south-facing slopes. Roost sites occurred more frequently in the location with least canopy cover. Bats switched from tree roosts to leaf litter roosts when ambient temperatures approached or fell below freezing. We found habitat characteristics and aspect to be determining factors in the selection of leaf litter roosts. Management of overwintering red bats requires a diverse forest structure, including canopy gaps, stand-density variation, and leaf-bearing trees, including oaks (Quercus spp.).
On the development of stimulus control

Pigeons were trained to peck one key when presented with white noise at any of five intensities lower than a reference intensity, and to peck another key when presented with white noise at any of five intensities greater than the reference intensity. The shape of the stimulus control curves (proportion of responses to one key versus stimulus intensity) changed from a horizontal line at the beginning of training to the sigmoid form of typical psychometric functions at the end of training. The development of stimulus control is described in terms of a model based on the theory of signal recognition and a concept of attention.
Antiferromagnetic spin-wave instability calculations in the flopped state

The instability threshold for the excitation of synchronous spin waves in antiferromagnetic resonance is calculated for an arbitrary anisotropy surface in the flopped configuration. The approach follows the canonical formulation applied to ferromagnets by Schlomann, and the coupling mechanisms considered are provided by exchange and anisotropy energies.
Comprehension of humorous and nonhumorous materials by left and right brain-damaged patients

Abstract Right hemisphere-damaged (RHD) and left hemisphere-damaged (LHD) aphasic patients were tested on a nonverbal cartoon completion task that included a humorous (Joke) and a nonhumorous (Story) condition. In both conditions, RHD patients performed worse than LHD patients. More importantly, the qualitative difference between the errors produced by the two groups suggests that right and left hemisphere brain damage impairs different components of narrative ability. RHD patients showed a preserved sensitivity to the surprise element of humor, and a diminished ability to establish coherence. Conversely, LHD patients, when they erred, showed an impaired sensitivity to the surprise element of humor, and a preserved ability to establish coherence by integrating content across parts of a narrative. These results suggest that the observed humor comprehension deficits of RHD patients result specifically from right hemisphere disease and not from brain damage irrespective of locus. The performances of the RHD and LHD patient groups together support a separation of narrative ability from the traditional aspects of language ability typically disrupted in aphasia.
Integrated Care: Treatment Initiation Following Positive Depression Screens

BACKGROUND Primary Care-Mental Health Integration (PC-MHI) may improve mental health services access and continuity of care.
Psychobiological indices of bipolar mood disorder: future trends in nursing care

Recent research on the various biological indices of bipolar mood disorder reveals a complex framework for the understanding of this psychobiological disorder. Four major constructs emerge from the professional literature to form the basis of the current understanding of and approaches to bipolar disorder. The first construct is that of biological rhythms and mood disorders. From this perspective, time is considered as a biological dimension evidenced by biological rhythms. Disruption of certain internal circadian rhythms yields behavioral change and symptoms of psychobiological disequilibrium. Concepts inherent in this particular construct include sleep, effect of light on mood pattern, and possible biochemical indices of mood modulation such as melatonin or phenylethylamine. The second construct attempts to explore the linkage between biochemical brain function and aberrant mood behavior. This information bifurcates into two major categories: (1) effects of psychopharmacological substances on neurotransmitter synthesis and release; and (2) implications of dietary influences on neurotransmitter activity and the psychobiological ramifications of such activity on the clinical understanding of the behavioral disorder. An eclectic set of concepts form the third construct in the framework presented here. These concepts address other possible etiological or mitigating biological influences on bipolar mood states. Such influences include, but are not limited to, limbic seizure activity, neuroendocrine dysfunction, and organic substrates of bipolar states such as various malignancies. The final construct explores the role of genetics in either the predisposition to or the emergence of bipolar mood disordered states. This report will focus on a review of the aforementioned constructs, pointing to significant research and narrative professional publications. In addition, the presentation will address the application of the nursing process to psychobiological aspects of bipolar mood disorder, specifically circadian rhythmicity disturbance and dietary influences on neurotransmission.
Characterization of t1 relaxation and blood‐myocardial contrast enhancement of NC100150 injection in cardiac MRI

The purpose of this thesis was to investigate the utility of the Ultrasmall Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Particle (USPIO), NC100150 Injection for assessment of macro- and microvascular morphology and function using magnetic resonance imaging. The feasibility of NC100150 Injection was tested for the following applications: Coronary angiography, Thrombus detection, Cardiac function, Myocardial perfusion, Assessment of myocardial blood volume and water exchange and finally assessment of endothelial integrity of the myocardium.The test method included computer simulations, in vitro, animal and clinical experiments. The computer simulations included propagation of longitudinal magnetization in non-steady state acquisitions. Animal models used were coronary artery stenosis in pigs, thrombus formation in the jugular vein in pigs, normal pig myocardium and transplanted hearts in rats. A human study of patients with suspected coronary artery disease was also performed.The results showed that angiography using an USPIO is less efficient in the coronary arteries than in the peripheral arteries. Direct targeting to thrombus using an USPIO is possible but will be limited by the spatial resolution. An USPIO will enhance gradient echo imaging of cardiac function. T2-weighted myocardial perfusion imaging is feasible as well as assessment of myocardial blood volume and endothelial integrity.Due to physiological limitations and technical development the utility of NC100150 Injection for assessment of the macrovascular morphology is limited.However for the assessment of microvascular function, especially perfusion and permeability, NC100150 Injection may contribute to a successful implementation of these methods.
Zum Zusammenhang zwischen Myoarthropathien des Kausystems und Ohrenbeschwerden (Otalgie, Tinnitus)

Speculations concerning a possible association between temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) and ear symptoms of otalgia and tinnitus have been made in the dental and medical literature for a long time. Current understanding of this association is reviewed. An analysis of relevant studies published between 1947 and 1996 shows that a relatively high percentage of TMD patients reported the presence of ear pain and noise. However, a cause-effect relationship has not been established to date. Theories that try to explain the concurrence of TMD symptoms and ear symptoms (particularly tinnitus) by a common underlying cause remain speculative. It has to be taken into consideration that due to their high prevalence, TMDs and ear symptoms in a given patients may be present by chance alone. A methodological weakness of most of the studies available is the fact that control groups were not considered. Owing to the lack of prospective, controlled, and randomized studies, statements regarding the effectiveness of certain dental measures for the treatment of otalgia and tinnitus in TMD patients are not well supported.
Liver transplantation in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

The preferred therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) apparently confined to the liver is surgical removal of the tumor. If the location of the tumor and the functional status of the liver are such that resection with an adequate margin can be achieved with low likelihood of subsequent hepatic failure, liver resection is the preferred approach. When HCC apparently localized to the liver is diagnosed in a patient who, by virtue of tumor characteristics or diminished hepatic reserve, is not a candidate for liver resection, liver transplantation becomes a consideration. This work outlines the approach at The Mount Sinai Hospital to the diagnosis, evaluation, preoperative management, transplantation, and posttransplant follow-up in patients with unresectable HCC. The allocation of livers to patients with HCC is reviewed, and predictors of tumor recurrence and results of liver transplantation for HCC are discussed. Finally, the impact of viral hepatitis and of immunosuppression on transplant outcome are discussed.
Green spaces and pregnancy outcomes in Southern California

Little is known about the impacts of green spaces on pregnancy outcomes. The relationship between green space exposure and preeclampsia has never been studied. We used a hospital-based perinatal database including more than 80,000 births to study the relationships between greenness exposure and three pregnancy outcomes: birth weight in term born infants, preterm deliveries and preeclampsia. Greenness was characterized using the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) within circular buffers surrounding maternal homes. Analyses were conducted using generalized estimating equations, adjusted for potential confounders. We observed an increase in birth weight in term born infants and a reduced risk of preterm births associated with an increase in NDVI. No significant association was observed between greenness and preeclampsia. This study provides modest support for beneficial effects of greenness exposure on pregnancy outcomes and calls for confirmation in other study settings.
Solar wind latitude variations and multiple scattering from Galileo interplanetary Lyman-α observations

The Galileo Ultraviolet Spectrometer Experiment (UVS) obtained a map of the celestial sphere from interplanetary Lyman-alpha (IPLA) on 13, 14 December 1990 during the Earth1 encounter. The Galileo spacecraft was near the downwind interstellar axis during the encounter and the map view directions filled the downwind hemisphere. The ratio between the observation and a single scattering model is attributed to a direct measurement of the multiple scattering correction required to model IPLA in the inner solar system. Analysis of this data set, referred to as an antisun map, shows that the solar wind charge exchange rate with interplanetary gas is 25 percent less over the solar poles than in the ecliptic at solar maximum. A model of the interstellar wind based on the antisun map observation exhibits a number density of atomic hydrogen far from the solar system, inside the heliosphere, of 0.16 +/- 0.05/cu cm.
Effects of Benzodiazepine Receptor Inverse Agonists and Nicotine on Behavioral Vigilance in Senescent Rats

Previous experiments demonstrated that, compared with 6-month-old rats, the performance of 20-month-old rats in a behavioral vigilance task was characterized by an impairment in their ability to detect visual signals, whereas their ability to discriminate between longer signals and nonsignal events was unaffected. The benzodiazepine receptor (BZR) agonist chlordiazepoxide potently and selectively interacted with the effects of age on the relative number of hits. However, negative modulators of GABAergic transmission (Zk 93 426, beta-CCtB, RU 33965) failed to attenuate the effects of age on behavioral vigilance. the present experiment tested the hypothesis that the performance of senescent animals (28 months) is further impaired and thus would allow the demonstration of beneficial effects of BZR inverse agonists or nicotine. However, administration of ZK 93 426 (0.39, 1.56, 6.25 mg/kg), Ru 33965 (0.1, 0.5 mg/kg), or nicotine (0.09, 0.287, 0.689 mg/kg) did not beneficially affect the performance of senescent animals; rather, detrimental effects were found. Considering the beneficial behavioral effects of these compounds in animals with experimentally induced impairments in cholinergic function, the present finding point to limitations of normal aging as a variable in animal experiments on BZR inverse agonist or nicotine-induced attenuation of cognitive impairments that result from cholinergic hypofunction.
Direct gene transfer to the CNS prevents emergence of neurologic disease in a murine model of mucopolysaccharidosis type I

The mucopolysaccharidoses (MPSs) are a group of 11 storage diseases caused by disruptions in glycosaminoglycan (GAG) catabolism, leading to their accumulation in lysosomes. Resultant multisystemic disease is manifested by growth delay, hepatosplenomegaly, skeletal dysplasias, cardiopulmonary obstruction, and, in severe MPS I, II, III, and VII, progressive neurocognitive decline. Some MPSs are treated by allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and/or recombinant enzyme replacement therapy (ERT), but effectiveness is limited by central nervous system (CNS) access across the blood-brain barrier. To provide a high level of gene product to the CNS, we tested neonatal intracerebroventricular (ICV) infusion of an adeno-associated virus (AAV) serotype 8 vector transducing the human α-L-iduronidase gene in MPS I mice. Supranormal levels of iduronidase activity in the brain (including 40× normal levels in the hippocampus) were associated with transduction of neurons in motor and limbic areas identifiable by immunofluorescence staining. The treatment prevented accumulation of GAG and GM3 ganglioside storage materials and emergence of neurocognitive dysfunction in a modified Morris water maze test. The results suggest the potential of improved outcome for MPSs and other neurological diseases when a high level of gene expression can be achieved by direct, early administration of vector to the CNS.
An atomicity-generating protocol for anonymous currencies

Atomicity is necessary for reliable electronic commerce transactions. Anonymity is also an issue of great importance not only to designers of commerce systems, but also to those concerned with the societal effects of information technologies, providing atomicity and anonymity is not trivial. Reliable systems, which provide highly atomic transactions, offer limited anonymity. Many anonymous systems (Rivest and Shamir, 1996) do not offer anonymous reliable transactions (Yee, 1994). Three basic approaches have been used: secure hardware for trusted record-keeping (Brands, 1993), storage of identity information with trustees for conditional anonymity (Low et al., 1993) or by providing dispute resolution only with the removal of anonymity (Chaum, 1988). In this work, the problem of anonymous atomic transactions for a generic token currency is solved using distributed trust and with the assumption that any single party may be corrupt. Defined is a transaction to include the provision of information goods or a contract to deliver specified goods, allowing for the highest degree of atomicity. The cryptographic strength of the atomicity guarantee can be made to the user's specification on a per transaction basis. The atomicity-generating protocol includes provision for dispute resolution and anonymous refunds. Also illustrated, is that any electronic token currency can be made reliable with the addition of this atomicity-generating protocol.
Innovative testing facility to mitigate hurricane‐induced losses

The growth of hurricane-induced losses from US$1.3 billion per year before 1990 to US$36 billion per year after 2000 [National Science Board, 2007] is a direct result of over 50 years of accumulated socioeconomic decisions to invest in physical infrastructure and community development along coastlines. Fifty percent of the U.S. population now lives within 80 kilometers of a coast [National Academy of Sciences, 1999]. With hurricane losses surpassing the US$100 billion mark in 2005 (http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/hazstats.shtml) and over 1400 fatalities in 2004–2005 [Government Accountability Office, 2006], it is hard to identify any other societal need or engineering problem that is as challenging, recurring, and multi disciplinary or with as far-reaching impacts as hurricanes. The devastation brought by recent hurricanes that have struck U.S. coastal states demonstrates the need for mitigation tools that can significantly reduce losses. A current research initiative by the International Hurricane Research Center (IHRC) at Florida International University (FIU) will allow for the first time full-scale testing of the impact of hurricane-force winds, wind-driven rain, and flying debris on houses and low rise commercial buildings. The Wall of Wind testing facility, an innovative research capability developed by an IHRC research team, is the first major initiative to operate a full scale facility dedicated to hurricane damage mitigation [Leatherman et al., 2007].
Improved PCR design for mouse DNA by training finite state machines

This project presents an updated method for classification of polymerase chain reaction primers in mice using finite state classifiers. This is done to compensate for many lab, organism and chemical specific factors that are costly. Using Finite State Classifiers can help decrease the number of primers that fail to amplify correctly. For training these classifiers, five different evolutionary algorithms that use an incremental fitness reward are used. Variations to the number of generations and the values in the fitness reward are examined, and the resulting designs are presented. By controlling the fitness reward correctly, there is a potential to develop classifiers with a high likelihood of accepting only good primers. The proposed tool can act as a post-production add-on to the standard primer picking algorithm for gene expression detection in mice to compensate for local factors that may induce errors.
A Robust Push-To-Talk Service for Wireless Mesh Networks

Push-to-Talk (PTT) is a useful capability for rapidly deployable wireless mesh networks used by first responders. PTT allows several users to speak with each other while using a single, half-duplex, communication channel, such that only one user speaks at a time while all other users listen. Furthermore, enabling regular PSTN phone users (e.g., cell phones) to seamlessly participate in the wireless mesh PTT session is key to supporting the heterogeneous environment commonly found in such settings. This paper presents the architecture and protocol of a robust distributed PTT service for wireless mesh networks. The architecture supports any 802.11 client with SIP-based VoIP software and enables the participation of regular phones. Collectively, the mesh nodes provide the illusion of a single third party call controller, enabling clients to participate via any reachable mesh node. Each PTT group instantiates its own logical floor control manager that is highly available and resilient to mesh connectivity changes such as node crashes and recoveries and network partitions and merges. Experimental results on a fully deployed mesh network consisting of 14 mesh nodes and tens of emulated clients demonstrate the scalability and robustness of the system.
Effect of Edge Stiffening and Diaphragms on the Reliability of Bridge Girders

Secondary elements such as barriers, sidewalks, and diaphragms may affect the distribution of live load to bridge girders. The objective of this study is to evaluate their effect on girder reliability if these elements are designed to be sufficiently attached to the bridge so as not to detach under traffic live loads. Simple-span, two-lane structures are considered, with composite steel girders supporting a reinforced concrete deck. Several representative structures are selected, with various configurations of barriers, sidewalks, and diaphragms. Bridge analysis is performed using a finite-element procedure. Load and resistance parameters are treated as random variables. Random variables considered are composite girder flexural strength, secondary element stiffness, load magnitude (dead load and truck traffic live load), and live load position. It was found that typical combinations of secondary elements have a varying influence on girder reliability, depending on secondary element stiffness and bridge geometry. Suggestions are presented that can account for secondary elements and that provide a uniform level of reliability to bridge girders.
New Equations to Estimate GFR in Children with CKD

The Schwartz formula was devised in the mid-1970s to estimate GFR in children. Recent data suggest that this formula currently overestimates GFR as measured by plasma disappearance of iohexol, likely a result of a change in methods used to measure creatinine. Here, we developed equations to estimate GFR using data from the baseline visits of 349 children (aged 1 to 16 yr) in the Chronic Kidney Disease in Children (CKiD) cohort. Median iohexol-GFR (iGFR) was 41.3 ml/min per 1.73 m(2) (interquartile range 32.0 to 51.7), and median serum creatinine was 1.3 mg/dl. We performed linear regression analyses assessing precision, goodness of fit, and accuracy to develop improvements in the GFR estimating formula, which was based on height, serum creatinine, cystatin C, blood urea nitrogen, and gender. The best equation was: GFR(ml/min per 1.73 m(2))=39.1[height (m)/Scr (mg/dl)](0.516) x [1.8/cystatin C (mg/L)](0.294)[30/BUN (mg/dl)](0.169)[1.099](male)[height (m)/1.4](0.188). This formula yielded 87.7% of estimated GFR within 30% of the iGFR, and 45.6% within 10%. In a test set of 168 CKiD patients at 1 yr of follow-up, this formula compared favorably with previously published estimating equations for children. Furthermore, with height measured in cm, a bedside calculation of 0.413*(height/serum creatinine), provides a good approximation to the estimated GFR formula. Additional studies of children with higher GFR are needed to validate these formulas for use in screening all children for CKD.
Parents' preferred care-givers in rural China: gender, migration and intergenerational exchanges

This study examines how intergenerational exchanges affect elders' choice of preferred care-givers in the case of sickness among adult children in rural China. The sample derived from a four-wave longitudinal study in Anhui Province, China, based on which we constructed three time intervals (i.e. 2001–2003, 2003–2006 and 2006–2009) and stacked them. Our working sample included 10,181 observations from these three stacked intervals, representing 4,927 children with 1,170 elder parents. We used fixed-effects logistic regression to predict elders' favouritism among their children. Results show that those children who received more help with grandchild care from parents, who provided instrumental support to parents and whose spouses provided instrumental support to parents were more likely to be named the preferred care-givers. On average, parents favoured sons. For mothers, this favouritism was completely explained by proximity and intergenerational exchanges, and even reversed under certain circumstances. For fathers, this favouritism of sons was partially explained by proximity and intergenerational exchanges. Migrant children were less likely to be preferred care-givers. This effect was moderated by elder parents' help with caring for grandchildren. Particularly, mothers favoured daughters over sons if the above moderation effect was considered. We discuss these findings in the context of social changes including increased importance of daughters in elder parents' support networks and the large-scale rural to urban migration.
The Efficacy of Using Synthetic Vision Terrain-Textured Images to Improve Pilot Situation Awareness

The General Aviation Element of the Aviation Safety Program's Synthetic Vision Systems (SVS) Project is developing technology to eliminate low visibility induced General Aviation (GA) accidents. SVS displays present computer generated 3-dimensional imagery of the surrounding terrain on the Primary Flight Display (PFD) to greatly enhance pilot's situation awareness (SA), reducing or eliminating Controlled Flight into Terrain, as well as Low-Visibility Loss of Control accidents. SVS-conducted research is facilitating development of display concepts that provide the pilot with an unobstructed view of the outside terrain, regardless of weather conditions and time of day. A critical component of SVS displays is the appropriate presentation of terrain to the pilot. An experimental study is being conducted at NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) to explore and quantify the relationship between the realism of the terrain presentation and resulting enhancements of pilot SA and performance. Composed of complementary simulation and flight test efforts, Terrain Portrayal for Head-Down Displays (TP-HDD) experiments will help researchers evaluate critical terrain portrayal concepts. The experimental effort is to provide data to enable design trades that optimize SVS applications, as well as develop requirements and recommendations to facilitate the certification process. In this part of the experiment a fixed based flight simulator was equipped with various types of Head Down flight displays, ranging from conventional round dials (typical of most GA aircraft) to glass cockpit style PFD's. The variations of the PFD included an assortment of texturing and Digital Elevation Model (DEM) resolution combinations. A test matrix of 10 terrain display configurations (in addition to the baseline displays) were evaluated by 27 pilots of various backgrounds and experience levels. Qualitative (questionnaires) and quantitative (pilot performance and physiological) data were collected during the experimental runs. This paper focuses on the experimental set-up and final physiological results of the TP-HDD simulation experiment. The physiological measures of skin temperature, heart rate, and muscle response, show a decreased engagement (while using the synthetic vision displays as compared to the baseline conventional display) of the sympathetic and somatic nervous system responses which, in turn, indicates a reduced level of mental workload. This decreased level of workload is expected to enable improvement in the pilot's situation and terrain awareness.
The effect of ambient temperature on forager sound production and thoracic temperature in the stingless bee, Melipona panamica

Foragers of the stingless bees genus Melipona may produce intranidal sounds that are correlated with food location and quality. In this study, we provide the first detailed analysis of pulsed sounds produced by Melipona panamica foragers while feeding on a carbohydrate food source. We trained foragers to a 2.5-M sucrose feeder under normal, ambient temperature (23–33°C) and lower temperature (11–25°C) conditions. We recorded forager sounds under both conditions and tested the effect of temperature of the thorax, feeder plate, and air on sound temporal characteristics. Forager energetic expenditure and the number of pulses per visit were significantly higher in the cold condition than in the normal condition. Foragers spent a longer time at the feeder under the cold condition than during the normal condition. Interpulse durations were significantly shorter in the cold condition than in the normal condition and became progressively and significantly shorter at the end of each performance. Thus, pulse production increased before departure. Foragers increased their thoracic temperatures above ambient at all experimental air temperatures. Under chilled conditions, foragers had a significantly greater difference between thorax temperature and ambient air temperature than under normal conditions. Foragers must achieve a minimum flight muscle temperature before take-off, and thus forager sounds may be linked to muscle warm-up.