cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Classroom attention in children with Type 1 diabetes mellitus: The effect of stabilizing serum glucose

Objective To determine whether stabilizing serum glucose, via introduction of an insulin pump, improves classroom attention among children with type-1 diabetes mellitus. Study design Four boys having type-1 diabetes mellitus with unstable serum glucose were observed in their classroom for 10 baseline days. An insulin pump was placed and serum glucose stabilized, and they were then observed again for 10 days. A modified multiple baseline design was used to determine if improved on-task and off-task behavior was associated with better glycemic control. Rating scales and a laboratory measure of attention, measures of secondary interest, were also administered before and after pump introduction, and potential improvement in individuals’ scores was evaluated. Results All boys had apparent improvement in on-task and off-task behavior as observed in their classrooms. Improvements were substantial, averaging 20% in on-task behavior and 34% in off-task behavior. However, no changes were detected on rating scales or laboratory measures. Conclusion This study offers preliminary evidence that stabilizing serum glucose improves classroom attention, although the effect was detected only by observation of classroom behavior using highly structured techniques. Consequently, use of direct observation techniques may be important in studying the effects of chronic illness on classroom functioning.
Siderophile element constraints on the formation of metal in the metal-rich chondrites Bencubbin, Weatherford, and Gujba

Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was used to measure abundances of P, Cr, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Ga, Ge, As, Mo, Ru, Rh, Pd, Sn, Sb, W, Re, Os, Ir, Pt, and Au in metal grains in the Bencubbin-like chondrites Bencubbin, Weatherford, and Gujba to determine the origin of large metal aggregates in bencubbinites. A strong volatility-controlled signature is observed among the metal grains. The refractory siderophiles Ru, Rh, Re, Os, Ir, and Pt are unfractionated from one another, and are present in approximately chondritic relative abundances. The less refractory elements Fe, Co, Ni, Pd, and Au are fractionated from the refractory siderophiles, with a chondritic Ni/Co ratio and a higher than chondritic Pd/Fe ratio. The moderately volatile siderophile elements Ga, Ge, As, Sn, and Sb are depleted in the metal, relative to chondritic abundances, by up to 3 orders of magnitude. The trace siderophile element data are inconsistent with the following proposed origins of Bencubbin-Weatherford-Gujba metal: (1) condensation from the canonical solar nebula, (2) oxidation of an initially chondritic metal composition, and (3) equilibration with a S-rich partial melt. A condensation model for metal-enriched (10 7 CI) gas is developed. Formation by condensation or evaporation in such a high-density, metal-enriched gas is consistent with the trace element measurements. The proposed model for generating such a gas is protoplanetary impact involving a metal-rich body. Copyright © 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd
RNA sequencing in situ

Using a cell as an RNA sequencing chip enables spatial analyses of the transcriptome at subcellular resolution.
Consumer Trade-Offs and the Evaluation of Services:

The evaluation of services by consumers in terms of service attributes that should have an impact on judgments as well as the nature of the judgments themselves are investigated. A conjoint analysi...
Endogenous corticoids and lung development in the fetal rabbit.

Corticosteroid treatment of the fetus, which accelerates lung maturation, may mimic a modulating role of endogenous corticoids in normal development. To investigate this question, we determined the developmental pattern of plasma corticoids and their binding proteins in the rabbit, a commonly used species for studies of lung differentiation. The concentration of cortisol, the most potent glucocorticoid in the rabbit, was maximal at 23 days gestation (1.89 μg/dl), declining to 0.54 μg/dl at term (31 days). Levels of plasma corticosterone were always lower than those of cortisol. The adrenal content of corticoids, expressed per adrenal DNA or g BW, decreased during late gestation. Corticosteroid-binding globulin in fetal plasma decreased strikingly between day 23 (36 fig cortisol bound/dl) and day 31 (4.4 μg/dl; P < 0.001), whereas maternal levels increased about 10-fold during this time. Free cortisol in the fetus increased between 21 and 23 days (0.041 μg/dl) and then decreased somewhat until after day 29...
Rabbit blood coagulation factor XI. Mechanism of activation by rabbit Hageman factor (factor XII)

Abstract Activation of rabbit blood coagulation Factor XI by purified rabbit Hageman factor, prekallikrein and high MW kininogen in the presence of kaolin was measured by clotting assay. Hageman factor and kaolin were absolute requirements for Factor XI activation. Prekallikrein and high MW kininogen enhanced the rate of Factor XI activation. Factor XIa generation was temporally associated with limited proteolytic cleavage of the molecule into disulfide-linked fragments of 50,000 and 33,000 molecular weight. Identical cleavage fragments were also seen when radiolabelled Factor XI was present in kaolin-activated rabbit plasma. The surface-binding and cleavage of rabbit 125I-Factor XI in normal human plasma and in plasmas deficient in high MW kininogen and Hageman factor were studied. The binding of Factor XI in plasma to kaolin was dependent upon the presence of high MW kininogen while the limited proteolysis of Factor XI during contact activation required the presence of both high MW kininogen and Hageman factor. These observations are consistent with the hypothesis that high MW kininogen links Factor XI to negatively charged surfaces where activated Hageman factor activates Factor XI by limited proteolysis.
Formation of Self-Organized Nanoporous Anodic Oxide from Metallic Gallium

This paper reports the formation of self-organized nanoporous gallium oxide by anodization of solid gallium metal. Because of its low melting point (ca. 30 °C), metallic gallium can be shaped into flexible structures, permitting the fabrication of nanoporous anodic oxide monoliths within confined spaces like the inside of a microchannel. Here, solid gallium films prepared on planar substrates were employed to investigate the effects of anodization voltage (1, 5, 10, 15 V) and H(2)SO(4) concentration (1, 2, 4, 6 M) on anodic oxide morphology. Self-organized nanopores aligned perpendicular to the film surface were obtained upon anodization of gallium films in ice-cooled 4 and 6 M aqueous H(2)SO(4) at 10 and 15 V. Nanopore formation could be recognized by an increase in anodic current after a current decrease reflecting barrier oxide formation. The average pore diameter was in the range of 18-40 nm with a narrow diameter distribution (relative standard deviation ca. 10-20%), and was larger at lower H(2)SO(4) concentration and higher applied voltage. The maximum thickness of nanoporous anodic oxide was ca. 2 μm. In addition, anodic formation of self-organized nanopores was demonstrated for a solid gallium monolith incorporated at the end of a glass capillary. Nanoporous anodic oxide monoliths formed from a fusible metal will lead to future development of unique devices for chemical sensing and catalysis.
Thermochemical compatibility of ytterbia–(hafnia/silica) multilayers for environmental barrier coatings

Abstract Environmental barrier coating (EBC) systems consisting of multiple layers tailored to address individual protection needs may offer improved performance relative to conventional architectures. If the requirements of thermochemical and thermomechanical compatibility are met, the deposition of a segmented thermal barrier coating on a dense rare earth silicate EBC could provide additional thermal protection and resistance to attack by molten deposits. The thermochemical compatibility between silicates in the YbO 1.5 –SiO 2 system and phases in the YbO 1.5 –HfO 2 system was investigated by equilibrating powder compacts of selected ternary compositions; diffusion couples were used to simulate interactions at the layer interfaces in the proposed architectures. The deduced 1500 °C ternary isothermal section reveals that the ordered δ-Yb 4 Hf 3 O 12 and H 3 –Yb 6 HfO 11 phases are only compatible with ytterbium monosilicate (Yb 2 SiO 5 ) EBC. Implementation of these hafnates in contact with ytterbium disilicate (Yb 2 Si 2 O 7 ) leads to interfacial reactions that facilitate layer debonding. The results provide criteria to guide the design of future thermal/environmental barrier coating architectures.
Polymorphism and absence of Leu-enkephalin sequences in proenkephalin genes in Xenopus laevis

Polymorphism and absence of Leu-enkephalin sequences in proenkephalin genes in Xenopus laevis
Internationalization and exposure to foreign currency risk: An examination of lodging firms

Abstract Corporate internationalization has often been linked with exposure to risk arising from foreign currency valuation. The theory of economic exposure, however, postulates that when demand and activities are sensitive to purchasing power parities, the value of domestic firms can also be influenced by exchange rates. Suspecting that domestic lodging firms are subject to foreign currency risk, the current study applied a cash-flow model in order to quantify the operating exposure of US lodging firms against currencies that significantly account for visitors to the U.S. Heckman's two-step estimation was subsequently used to examine the effect of internationalization on estimated exposure coefficients. The results indicated that domestic firms are more likely to sustain foreign currency risk, as multinationals may be capable of diversifying away the risk. The higher foreign sales ratio of lodging firms led to greater foreign currency risk, while the increased degree of operational hedging and franchising mitigated the foreign currency risk of multinational lodging firms.
Comprehensive compositional analysis of hydrotreated and untreated nitrogen-concentrated fractions from syncrude oil by electron ionization, field desorption ionization, and electrospray ionization ultrahigh-resolution FT-ICR mass spectrometry

Untreated and hydrotreated nitrogen-concentrated distillation fractions (483−504 °C) from Syncrude oil have been analyzed by electron ionization, field desorption ionization, and electrospray ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry. The routinely attainable mass resolving power ≥300 000 at m/z 300 and sub-ppm mass accuracy allowed for resolution and elemental compositional assignment of various compound classes. Multiple closely spaced mass doublets (with mass differences <10 mDa) were detected. Although hydrotreatment reduced the relative abundances of several heteroatomic classes (N2, S3, NS2, NOS, O3, OS2, and O2S) below detectability, N-, S-, O-, O2-, OS-, and NO-containing compounds survived hydrotreatment. Analysis of N-, S-, and O-containing compounds and hydrocarbon compounds at the molecular level exposes compositional changes and reveals the effectiveness of the hydrotreating process.
Down-regulation of hepatic lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase gene expression in chronic renal failure

Down-regulation of hepatic lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase Chronic renal failure (CRF) is associated with in- gene expression in chronic renal failure. creased risk of arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease Background. Chronic renal failure (CRF) is associated with and profound abnormalities of lipid metabolism (1). The premature arteriosclerosis, impaired high-density lipoprotein reported CRF-induced lipid abnormalities include hy- (HDL) maturation, increased pre-b HDL (a lipid-poor HDL pertriglyceridemia, elevated plasma very low-density lipo- species), reduced HDL/total cholesterol ratio, hypertriglyceri- demia, and depressed lipolytic activity. The latter has been, protein (VLDL), apolipoprotein B (apoB), pre-b high- in part, attributed to elevated pre-b HDL, which is a potent density lipoprotein (HDL), and lipoprotein (a), coupled inhibitor of lipoprotein lipase (LPL). Accumulation of choles- with diminished plasma apoA-1 and HDL cholesterol terol in the arterial wall is a critical step in atherogenesis, and concentrations (2-5). This is associated with triglyceride HDL-mediated cholesterol removal from peripheral tissues enrichment and impaired clearance of VLDL and chy- mitigates atherosclerosis. Lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) is essential for maturation of HDL and cholesterol lomicrons and elevated plasma concentrations of VLDL removal by HDL from peripheral tissues. Earlier studies have and chylomicron remnants (2, 6, 7). The latter abnormali- revealed depressed plasma LCAT enzymatic activity in patients ties are largely due to CRF-induced down-regulation of with CRF. This study was conducted to determine whether lipoprotein lipase (LPL), hepatic triglyceride lipase, and impaired LCAT activity can be confirmed in CRF animals and VLDL receptor expression (8-11) coupled with eleva-
Modeling Evaporation in Aqueous Nanodroplets

The processes of evaporation and condensation of water at small scales is not well understood. Understanding these processes and their contributions to water droplet dynamics is important across a wide range of disciplines from climate studies to mass spectrometry and biomolecular imaging. Here we describe the creation of an analytical model of evaporation/condensation that accurately predicts water droplet size and temperature over long time scales. We use this analytical model in concert with molecular dynamics simulations of water nano-droplets to understand the dynamics of these small water droplets at the atomic level. We show that the models and assumptions made in the molecular dynamics simulations are robust and in agreement with experiments and our analytical model. The synergism of these two models highlight and capture the important factors involved in evaporation/condensation of water nano-droplets such as curvature. This ability to predict size and temperature and characterize the droplets at the atomic level will allow for the precise manipulation of water droplets as vehicles for biomolecule payloads in x-ray imaging experiments.
Abciximab in primary coronary angioplasty for acute myocardial infarction improves short- and medium-term outcomes.

Abstract Objectives. The purpose of this study was to compare the outcome of primary percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty for acute myocardial infarction (MI) when performed with or without the platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa antibody, abciximab. Background. Abciximab improves the outcome of angioplasty but the effect of abciximab in primary angioplasty has not been investigated. Methods. Data were collected from a computerized database. Follow-up was by telephone or review of outpatient or hospital readmission records. Results. A total of 182 consecutive patients were included; 103 received abciximab and 79 did not. The procedural success rate was 95% in the two groups. At 30-day follow-up, the composite event rate of unstable angina, reinfarction, target vessel revascularization and death from all causes was 13.5% in the group of patients who did not receive abciximab, 4% (p Conclusions. Abciximab given at the time of primary angioplasty may improve the short- and medium-term outcome of patients with acute MI, especially when a 12-h infusion is completed.
Dramatic local environmental change during the Early Eocene Climatic Optimum detected using high resolution chemical analyses of Green River Formation stromatolites

Abstract The Eocene Green River Formation represents a system of lakes that covered parts of what is now Wyoming, Colorado, and Utah, and captures the Early Eocene Climatic Optimum (EECO, 52–50 million years ago or Ma), the warmest period of the Cenozoic Era, and a period associated with very high levels of atmospheric CO2. Lakes, especially closed basin lakes, can respond dramatically to environmental change because of their sensitivity to precipitation and evaporation. In this study, stromatolites from the Rife Bed of the Green River Formation are used as fine-scale records of terrestrial paleoenvironmental change during a global hothouse climate, and to investigate how the environmental dynamics within the lake system affected the growth of stromatolites. The stromatolites are composed of branching microdigitate columns laminated on the 10–100 μm scale. Laminae are grouped in cm-scale layers that alternate between calcite fan, micritic, and mixed microstructures. The fan layers are depleted in 18O, Na, and Mg/Ca. The micrite layers, in contrast, are comparatively enriched in 18O, Na, and Mg/Ca. The δ13C and δ18O are strongly positively correlated, suggesting the stromatolites formed in a closed basin lake, consistent with the regional stratigraphy. Additionally, clumped isotope analyses provide the first quantitative values for water temperatures in lake water from the Green River Formation (~ 35 °C for micrite layers and ~ 28 °C for fan layers). Changes in δ18O and sodium ion concentration are likely related to periods of evaporation and recharge, and thus can be used to estimate lake volume change during stromatolite growth. Two models, one using sodium ion concentrations in a conserved system, the other using Rayleigh fractionation and mixing equations to explain changes in oxygen isotopes, converge upon similar results for lake volume changes, revealing multiple episodes of meter-scale lake level rise and fall during the accretion of the ~ 30 cm thick stromatolite. Because of the broad, flat bathymetry of the lake, such lake volume and depth changes would have been accompanied by shoreline shifts on the order of tens of kilometers while the stromatolites were actively growing, challenging the view of a single stromatolite paleoenvironment in the lake. Therefore, the fan microfabric, interpreted here as abiogenic in nature, formed in cooler waters when the lake was deeper, possibly below a thermocline. In contrast, the micrite microfabric, for which there is evidence of biogenicity, formed when the lake was shallow and warm. The alternation between biogenic and abiogenic microfabrics present in the Rife Bed stromatolites is hypothesized to result from dramatic changes in lake level influencing the microbiology and chemistry of the waters in which the stromatolites formed, indicating that stromatolite growth can occur under disparate conditions and therefore does not necessarily represent a single facies.
Biological monitoring: the role of toxicokinetics and physiologically based pharmacokinetic modeling.

This short review outlines the contribution of modeling techniques, particularly physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling, in promulgating biological monitoring as a practical tool for the occupational health professional. The impact of modeling techniques is discussed in helping to establish the relevant biomarkers to measure, the appropriate time of sampling, and the relationship between atmospheric exposure limits and concentration of biological analyte. Of particular interest is the use of “population” PBPK techniques. These can explore the influence of physiological differences between workers or of particular susceptible subgroups (e.g., pregnant women, breast-feeding mothers, and infants) on the relationship between atmospheric exposure levels and biomarker concentration. Such techniques will become more widely used as biological monitoring guidance values (e.g., biological exposure indices, biological tolerance values) are increasingly established by various international professional...
The Medial Circumflex Femoral (gracilis) Local Perforator Flap--a Local Medial Groin Perforator Flap.

The medial circumflex femoral(GRACILIS) perforator free flap has been previously used to capture the superior medial thigh skin territory. This can also be valuable as a local flap, especially for adjacent groin wounds that are not uncommon after vascular interventions. Uncomplicated healing without vascular compromise was achieved using this as a local flap in 4 recent cases. Because the gracilis muscular branches can be independently dissected from the musculocutaneous perforators, the muscle itself can be separately included to form a combined conjoint flap, where the muscle is specifically only used to wrap around and protect any exposed vascular structures while the cutaneous component simplifies skin wound closure. The axis of rotation of the medial circumflex femoral perforator local flap extends throughout the groin region and potentially to the lateral thigh. This is an ideal local perforator flap because the source pedicle has a consistent location already well known to most plastic surgeons, the boundaries of the potential skin territory are reliable and well defined, and the scar from closure of the donor site within the medial groin can be readily concealed by clothing.
Regulation of heparinase synthesis in Flavobacterium heparinum

The effect of various carbon, nitrogen and sulfur sources on the production of heparinase by Flavobacterium heparinum in defined medium in the presence and absence of heparin as the inducer has been studied. Carbon catabolite repression has been observed in defined medium containing one of several carbon sources including simple sugars, alcohols and organic acids. Fed batch fermentations result in 10 g/l of cells and heparinase titers as high as 100,000 U/l by avoiding carbon catabolite repression. Growth on heparin as a sole carbon source resulted in both a high growth rate of 0.12 h−1 and a high specific activity of 18 U/mg. Specific heparinase activity was markedly reduced when the end products of heparin catabolism were used as carbon, nitrogen or sulfur sources in defined medium. In defined medium with a low sulfate concentration, of less than 10−3 M, specific activities as high as 8 U/mg have been observed even in the absence of the normally required inducer, heparin.
The congruence energy: a contribution to nuclear masses, deformation energies and fission barriers

Abstract The difference between measured binding energies and those calculated using a shell- and pairing-corrected Thomas-Fermi model can be described approximately by C ( I ) = −10 exp(−4.2{ I }) MeV, where I = ( N - Z )/ A . Our interpretation of this extra binding is in terms of the granularity of quantal nucleonic density distributions, which leads to a stronger interaction for a neutron and proton with congruent nodal structures of their wave functions. The predicted doubling of this congruence energy in fission is supported by an analysis of measured fission barriers and by a study of wave functions in a dividing Hill-Wheeler box potential. A semi-empirical formula for the shape-dependent congruence energy is described.
Lateral mode control of an AlGaAs laser array in a Talbot cavity

The lateral mode thresholds of an external cavity AlGaAs laser diode array are measured as a function of cavity length. It is found that certain cavity lengths induce the array to lase in either the fundamental or highest order lateral mode. The results are explained using the theory of Talbot self‐imaging in fractional Talbot planes
Government as Venture Capital Catalyst: Pitfalls and Promising Approaches

Former President Bill Clinton’s New Markets Initiative includes a proposal to create companies that will invest venture capital into small firms that operate in low-income areas. Important elements of this proposal are essentially recycled ideas that worked badly when implemented back in the 1970s by the U.S. Small Business Administration. This study identifies failed concepts being built into present and proposed venture-capital community development financial institutions. Concrete suggestions are offered that may circumvent building structural deficiencies into the emerging generation of community development financial institutions. In particular, these community development financial institutions need to avoid the debt financing that government is offering as an incentive to promote venture-capital financing in small businesses.
Low complexity affine MMSE detector for iterative detection-decoding MIMO OFDM systems

Iterative turbo processing between detection and decoding shows near-capacity performance on a multiple-antenna system. Combining iterative processing with optimum front-end detection is particularly challenging because the front-end maximum a posteriori (MAP) algorithm has a computational complexity that is exponential. Sub-optimum detector such as the soft interference cancellation linear minimum mean square error (SIC-LMMSE) detector with near front-end MAP performance has been proposed in the literature. The asymptotic computational complexity of SIC-LMMSE is O(nt 2nr + ntnr 3 + ntMc2Mc) per detection-decoding cycle where nt is number of transmit antenna, nr is number of receive antenna, and Mc is modulation size. A lower complexity detector is the hard interference cancellation LMMSE (HIC-LMMSE) detector. HIC-LMMSE has asymptotic complexity of O(nt 2nr + ntMc2Mc) but suffers extra performance degradation. In this paper, two front-end detection algorithms are introduced that not only achieve asymptotic computational complexity of O(nt 2nr + ntnr 2 [Gamma (beta) + 1] + ntMc2Mc) where Gamma(beta) is a function with discrete output {-1, 2, 3, ...,nt} and O(ntMc2Mc) respectively. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed low complexity detection algorithms offer exactly same performance as their full complexity counterpart in an iterative receiver while being computational more efficient.
Frequent Disruption of Chromodomain Helicase DNA-Binding Protein 8 (CHD8) and Functionally Associated Chromatin Regulators in Prostate Cancer

Abnormal expression and function of chromatin regulators results in the altered chromatin structure seen in cancer. The chromatin regulator CTCF, its cofactor CHD8, and antagonistic paralogue BORIS have wide-ranging effects on gene regulation. Their concurrent expression and regulation was examined in benign, localized, and metastatic prostate cancer (PCa) arrays with extended follow-up using an automated quantitative imaging system, VECTRA. Epithelial staining was quantified and compared against a range of clinicopathologic variables. CHD8 expression was decreased in HGPIN, localized, and metastatic PCa compared to benign (P < .001). CHD8 promoter hypermethylation, assessed by Quantitative Pyrosequencing, occurred in over 45% of primary cancers in this population as well as the TGCA database. Treatment of cell lines with the demethylating agent 5-Aza-2′-deoxycytidine reinduced expression. An interesting dichotomy for CHD8 was observed within primary cancers, with higher nuclear protein expression associated with adverse clinical outcomes including extracapsular extension (P = .007), presence of metastases (P = .025) and worse PSA-recurrence free survival (P = .048). CHD8 outperformed Gleason score and predicted biochemical failure within intermediate grade prostate cancers. The BORIS/CTCF expression ratio increased in localized (P = .03) and metastatic PCa (P = .006) and was associated with higher Gleason score (P = .02), increased tumor volume (P = .02) and positive margins (P = .04). Per cell heterogeneity of expression revealed all protein expression to be more heterogeneous in cancerous tissue (both P < .001), especially high grade (P < .01). In the first detailed analysis in cancer, a marked loss of CHD8 expression and increased BORIS/CTCF ratio indicate frequent disruption of CTCF and its effector genes in PCa.
Adolescent Parent Mourning Reactions Associated with Stillbirth or Neonatal Death

Case studies of the mourning reactions observed in six adolescent mothers who lost their infants to stillbirth or neonatal death are reported. The adolescent mothers were interviewed in a semi-structured format during their pregnancy, at the loss of the pregnancy or neonate, and two, four, six, and twelve months after the death of the infant. Bereaved adolescent mothers experienced extreme fluctuations in emotions following their loss. Additionally, they experienced losses associated with development and their successful transition to adulthood: identity losses, separation from family of origin losses, and friendship losses. No bereavement support or educational programs currently exist for bereaved adolescent mothers; they thus face potential deleterious impacts on their physiological, interpersonal, familial, and social well-being.
Seal Joint Analysis and Design for the Ares-I Upper Stage LOX Tank

The sealing capability of the Ares-I Upper Stage liquid oxygen tank-to-sump joint is assessed by analyzing the deflections of the joint components. Analyses are performed using three-dimensional symmetric wedge finite element models and the ABAQUS commercial finite element software. For the pressure loads and feedline interface loads, the analyses employ a mixed factor of safety approach to comply with the Constellation Program factor of safety requirements. Naflex pressure-assisted seals are considered first because they have been used successfully in similar seal joints in the Space Shuttle External Tank. For the baseline sump seal joint configuration with a Naflex seal, the predicted joint opening greatly exceeds the seal design specification. Three redesign options of the joint that maintain the use of a Naflex seal are studied. The joint openings for the redesigned seal joints show improvement over the baseline configuration; however, these joint openings still exceed the seal design specification. RACO pressure-assisted seals are considered next because they are known to also be used on the Space Shuttle External Tank, and the joint opening allowable is much larger than the specification for the Naflex seals. The finite element models for the RACO seal analyses are created by modifying the models that were used for the Naflex seal analyses. The analyses show that the RACO seal may provide sufficient sealing capability for the sump seal joint. The results provide reasonable data to recommend the design change and plan a testing program to determine the capability of RACO seals in the Ares-I Upper Stage liquid oxygen tank sump seal joint.
LIN-12 protein expression and localization during vulval development in C. elegans

We have used a LIN-12::GFP fusion protein to examine LIN-12 accumulation during cell fate decisions important for vulval development. During the naturally variable anchor cell (AC)/ventral uterine precursor cell (VU) decision of the somatic gonad, a transcription-based feedback mechanism biases two equivalent cells so that one becomes the AC while the other becomes a VU. LIN-12::GFP accumulation reflects lin-12 transcription: LIN-12::GFP is initially present in both cells, but disappears from the presumptive AC and becomes restricted to the presumptive VU. During vulval precursor cell (VPC) fate determination, six equipotential cells uniformly transcribe lin-12 and have invariant fates that are specified by multiple cell-cell interactions. The pattern of LIN-12::GFP accumulation in VPCs and in the VPC lineages is dynamic and does not always reflect lin-12 transcription. In particular, LIN-12::GFP is expressed initially in all six VPCs, but appears to be reduced specifically in P6.p as a consequence of the activation of the Ras pathway by an EGF-like inductive signal from the AC. We propose that downregulation of LIN-12 stability or translation in response to inductive signalling helps impose a bias on lateral signalling and contributes to the invariant pattern of VPC fates.
PCA-based fault diagnosis in the presence of control and dynamics

In PCA-model-based fault diagnosis, using the isolation enhancement approaches of analytical redundancy, mis-isolation of some sensor and actuator faults may arise if the training data is collected under constant control. A detailed analysis is provided of how control actions affect PCA-model-based diagnosis. Ratio and feedback control in linear static and discrete dynamic systems, with full and partial PCA models is investigated. It is shown that all that it takes to eliminate the adverse effects is to vary the control set point (in feedback control) or the ratio coefficient (in ratio control) in the course of collecting the training data. © 2004 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 50: 388–402, 2004
Factors Influencing the Identification of Black and White Students with Learning Disabilities

This study examined the differential influence of an IQ cutoff and standard score or regression-based method for determining a severe discrepancy as eligibility criteria for the identification of black and white students with learning disabilities. Subjects were 218 white and 132 black students referred for possible learning disability services. The results of the study demonstrated that the use of a standard score method for determining a severe discrepancy and the use of an IQ cutoff above the range for mental retardation resulted in the disproportionate underrepresentation of black students meeting eligibility criteria. In contrast, when a regression-based method to determine a severe discrepancy was used, along with the absence of an IQ cutoff, no differences were discerned between the two groups. The implications of these findings for current practice are discussed.
Fast, accurate and memory-saving ART based tomosynthesis

A fast, accurate and memory-saving tomosynthesis algorithm is presented based on the algebraic reconstruction technique (ART). In this approach, nonzero weights are calculated and saved in a compact look-up table in advance, which speeds up the reconstruction and greatly reduces the memory space. A Bessel-Kaiser function is used to significantly improve the reconstruction quality. Simulation results show that the proposed method makes a fast, accurate and memory-saving reconstruction of a 3D object.
A smoothness measure for antenna pattern synthesis

An alternative method is proposed for measuring the relative effect of mutual coupling on arrays. A smoothness measure of the excitation vector is defined that can be used to find that particular excitation among several possibilities which is least susceptible to mutual coupling. Hence, in synthesis algorithms where more than one excitation vector satisfies the requirements desired, the smoothness measure can be used to find the excitation which implies minimum mutual coupling effects. Results on some simple linear arrays are shown to provide an indication of the behavior of the smoothness index. >
Immobilization of cytochrome c oxidase into electrode-supported lipid bilayer membranes for in vitro cytochrome c sensing

Blood and tissue biochemical oxidation-reduction (redox) reactions are ubiquitous and are reflective of many important biological processes in the body, ranging from the state of cellular oxygenation to the overall antioxidant status. It is likely that, similar to acid-base balance, the body optimally operates within a narrow redox potential range made possible by various homeostatic mechanisms, and that deviation from this range will occur in tissue damage. A means to monitor the redox potential of blood or tissue would be valuable in both the diagnosis and treatment of diseases or conditions that adversely affect the body's redox potential. The biosensor described herein involves the immobilization of bovine cytochrome c oxidase (CCO) into electrode-supported lipid bilayer membranes. As a first proof of concept, the biosensor was used to potentiometrically monitor the concentration ratio of a redox pair (oxidized and reduced cytochrome c) in an in vitro system. The response of this modified electrode is reproducible and exhibits Nernstian behavior consistent with the four-electron reduction of the CCO. The oxidase-modified electrode can also operate as an amperometric biosensor for the detection of solution-resident ferrocytochrome c at concentrations as low as 0.1 /spl mu/M. Because this biosensor uses an electron sensor native to the body, it may be of future value to explore the biosensor as a point of care test to measure blood redox potential or perhaps as an implantable sensor to measure tissue redox potential in many settings.
An empirical study of the linkage of CASE, function points, and systems development

The effects of computer-aided software engineering (CASE) on systems development is investigated by examining percentage changes in function point totals between phases of the systems development life cycle. A database of function point histories is being assembled, and a comparison between CASE assisted and non-CASE assisted projects is being undertaken. Preliminary results indicate that the CASE-assisted projects show a smaller percentage increase in function points. The data gathering instrument is described, and certain other factors (e.g., experience of staff) which may have an influence on the assessment are discussed. >
Inevitable use of TAP domains in SOCs

This paper discusses the use of test access ports (TAPs) in systems-on-chip (SOC). Topics covered include: IEEE 1149.1, IEEE P1500 and associated standards; TAP controllers; TAP protocols; SOC multiple TAP domains; self-checking; embedded core test standards; core test wrapper architecture; and serial/parallel access test mechanisms.
The prevalence, incidence and natural history of primary sclerosing cholangitis in an ethnically diverse population

Background: Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a rare chronic cholestatic liver disease often associated with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Current epidemiological data are limited to studies of predominantly Caucasian populations. Our aim was to define the epidemiology of PSC in a large, ethnically diverse US population. Methods: The Northern California Kaiser Permanente (KP) database includes records from over 3 million people and was searched for cases of PSC between January 2000 and October 2006. All identified charts were reviewed for diagnosis confirmation, IBD co-morbidity, and major natural history endpoints. Results: We identified 169 (101 males) cases fulfilling PSC diagnostic criteria with a mean age at diagnosis of 44 years (range 11-81). The age-adjusted point prevalence was 4.15 per 100,000 on December 31, 2005. The ageadjusted incidence per 100,000 person-years was not significantly greater in men 0.45 (95% CI 0.33 - 0.61) than women 0.37 (95% CI 0.26 - 0.51). IBD was present in 109/169 (64.5%) cases and was significantly more frequent in men than women with PSC (73.3% and 51.5%, respectively, p = 0.005). The cumulative average yearly mortality rate was 1.9%. Age and serum sodium, creatinine and bilirubin at diagnosis and albumin at last entry were identified as significant factors associated with death, liver transplant or cholangiocarcinoma. Conclusions: The incidence and prevalence of PSC observed in a representative Northern California population are lower compared to previous studies in Caucasian populations and this might reflect differences in the incidence of PSC among various ethnic groups.
SEDIMENT LOADS AND ACCUMULATION IN A SMALL RIPARIAN WETLAND SYSTEM IN NORTHERN MISSOURI

Abstract Sediment transport and deposition along a stream in an agricultural basin (65 km2) in northern Missouri, USA were quantified as part of a long-term study to evaluate effects of silvicultural practices on the hydrology, sediment, vegetation, and wildlife characteristics of remaining forested riparian systems. Median cumulative sediment deposition, measured using feldspar clay pads, increased from August 1995 to August 1998 at a rate of about 1 cm/yr. Median deposition amounts from single floods ranged from 0.03 cm to 0.64 cm. Floodplain and riparian maintenance flows corresponded to monitored floods with calculated recurrence intervals as low as <2 years. Simple linear regression models, using flood event suspended-sediment load or streamflow characteristics, explained up to 82 percent of variability in median event sediment deposition on the floodplain clay pads. There was little apparent correlation between cumulative short-term deposition and site elevation, distance from channel, longitudinal ...
Continuous caudal analgesia and anesthesia in obstetrics: A critical evaluation of 510 consecutive cases

Abstract 1. Five hundred and ten patients in whom caudal analgesia was attempted were studied. 2. Eighty per cent of patients in labor were found to be suitable for caudal analgesia with 97.5 per cent complete success. 3. An increased incidence in the use of oxytocic agents and operative obstetrics was found. 4. The advantages of caudal analgesia with elective induction of labor are stressed. 5. Three babies were lost, of whom 2 had congenital abnormalities incompatible with life. This gives a corrected neonatal mortality rate of 0.2 per cent.
An analytical approach to predict pressure drop and collection efficiency of dust-load pleated filters

In this work, a series of first-principle analytical expressions are derived to predict the instantaneous pressure drop and collection efficiency of pleated filters under dust loading condition. Both the depth and surface filtration regimes are formulated for filters with triangular and rectangular pleats. The analytical expressions derived in this paper can be used in the early stages of designing a pleated filter to circumvent the need for conducting CPU-intensive numerical calculations. The predictions of our analytical expressions are compared with those reported in previous studies and good agreement is observed.
Technical Section: Immersive full-surround multi-user system design

This paper describes our research in full-surround, multimodal, multi-user, immersive instrument design in a large VR instrument. The three-story instrument, designed for large-scale, multimodal representation of complex and potentially high-dimensional information, specifically focuses on multi-user participation by facilitating interdisciplinary teams of co-located researchers in exploring complex information through interactive visual and aural displays in a full-surround, immersive environment. We recently achieved several milestones in the instrument's design that improves multi-user participation when exploring complex data representations and scientific simulations. These milestones include affordances for ''ensemble-style'' interaction allowing groups of participants to see, hear, and explore data as a team using our multi-user tracking and interaction systems; separate visual display modes for rectangular legacy content and for seamless surround-view stereoscopic projection using 4 high-resolution, high-lumen projectors with hardware warping and blending integrated with 22 small-footprint projectors placed above and below the instrument's walkway; and a 3D spatial audio system enabling a variety of sound spatialization techniques. These facilities can be accessed and controlled by a multimodal framework for authoring applications integrating visual, audio, and interactive elements. We report on the achieved instrument design.
Aspergillus Mural Endocarditis

Infectious mural endocarditis is uncommon and not well documented. The clinical setting and pathologic features of five patients with Aspergillus mural endocarditis are described. Leukemia, carcinoma, renal transplantation, and hepatic failure were the primary diseases. Associated conditions include high-dose corticosteroids, cytotoxic therapy, renal failure, gram-negative sepsis, and endotracheal intubation. All patients received prolonged antibiotic therapy or treatment with three or more antibiotics. All had clinically undetected aspergillosis and severe fungal pneumonia. Fungal myocardial abscesses were present in each patient. Aspergillus mural endocarditis developed in more than 40% of patients with cardiac aspergillosis. Endocardial vegetations were contiguous with underlying myocardial infection; yet they may develop initially as a subendocardial focus rather than from a myocardial abscess. Aspergillus mural endocarditis progressed to destroy the mitral valve ring and served as a source of mycotic embolization to vital organs.
Leading Across Boundaries and Silos in a Single Bound

ABSTRACTHigher education is built on a long history of tradition, which, in many ways, has been impervious to outside pressures and influences. Despite having served as change agents for society, colleges and universities have resisted change for decades. Amid unprecedented pressure and scrutiny from outside stakeholders and dwindling state and federal support, higher education leaders are being challenged to rethink the workings of the academy. However, in the absence of experience leading change efforts and a lack of robust empirical evidence to draw upon, transformational change remains elusive. Administrators have been left to muddle through change efforts, which often stall or fail due to long-standing environmental, structural, and cultural challenges inherent to higher education institutions. By drawing up organizational theory to provide the conceptual foundation of common organizational problems, with the literature and lessons learned at one institution, this case study provides practical and im...
Association between body mass index-for-age and slipped capital femoral epiphysis: the long-term risk for subsequent slip in patients followed until physeal closure

Children who present with idiopathic slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) have an increased risk of developing bilateral disease. Predicting which patients will develop problems with bilateral hips is important for determining treatment algorithms. This is a retrospective observational study that evaluates the relationship and risk between body mass index (BMI)-for-age and unilateral and bilateral SCFE in patients followed until physeal closure. This is a retrospective study of all patients with SCFE presenting to one institution from 1998–2005. Using the Center for Disease Control (CDC) references, BMI-for-age was calculated for each patient. The patients were followed up until complete closure of the bilateral proximal femoral physes, which was considered completion of the study. Statistical analysis for significant differences between groups was performed using the Kruskal–Wallis test for equality of populations. A logistic regression, controlling for age and gender, was used to identify BMI-for-age as a risk factor and to determine the significance of the odds ratios (ORs) for the relevant categorical variables—obese, overweight and healthy weight. Eighty patients (56 male, 24 female) presented to a single institution between 1998 and 2005 with a diagnosis of SCFE. The mean age of patients was 12.2 years at initial presentation (range 8.5–16). Forty-eight patients (32 male, 16 female) presented with unilateral SCFE, with 22 of the 48 patients having a BMI for-age percentile ≥95 %. Thirty-two patients (24 male, 8 female) presented with bilateral SCFE, with 29 of the 32 patients having a BMI-for-age percentile ≥95 %. Patients with a BMI-for-age ≥95 % had a significantly increased risk of presentation with bilateral slips (OR 4.83; relative risk [RR] 3.01; p < 0.05]. All but one patient in this study with bilateral SCFE or unilateral SCFE with subsequent contralateral involvement had a BMI-for-age ≥85 % (44 out of 45 patients). Additionally, the overall risk of developing bilateral SCFE until physeal closure with a BMI-for-age ≥95 % was significantly increased (OR 3.84; RR 2.02; p < 0.05; number needed to treat [NNT] 3.01). Previous work has established a relationship between BMI and SCFE. The CDC BMI-for-age growth charts more accurately measure obesity in the pediatric population compared to BMI and are therefore a more appropriate reference tool. This study demonstrates an association between obesity measured by BMI-for-age percentiles and SCFE. This study also demonstrates an association between BMI-for-age and risk for bilateral SCFE at presentation as well as overall incidence of developing bilateral SCFE in the obese pediatric population. By defining the at-risk population through BMI-for-age, physicians can screen the pediatric patient population and provide early strategies for therapeutic weight loss which may reduce the incidence of SCFE.