cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Educational Evaluation and Shifting Youth Policy

Social programs, including interventions helping disadvantaged youth, offer implicit models regarding what behavioral changes will cause various social and economic outcomes. Responding, in part, to the work of evaluators, federal and state youth policies advance different intervention models. This article reviews five causal metaphors running throughout youth employment and education programs: (1) The functionalist economic model, arguing that increased skills will improve youth employment; (2) the institutional socialization model, suggesting that earlier entrance to the "adult work world" will ease youth "transition"; (3) a psychosocial view of youth development, emphasizing the individual's sense of social efficacy in learning and work situations; (4) the subcultural model, pointing to the importance of local opportunity structures and social norms functional within specific subcultural conditions; and (5) a self-determined community development vision, urging local economic growth in disadvantaged ar...
Identification of CK2 as the kinase that phosphorylates Pax3 at Ser209 in early myogenic differentiation

The myogenic transcription factor Pax3, a member of the paired class homeodomain family of transcription factors, plays an essential role in early skeletal muscle development. We previously demonstrated that Pax3 is phosphorylated at three specific residues (Ser201, Ser205, and Ser209) and that the pattern of phosphorylation at these sites changes throughout early myogenesis. Further, we demonstrated that the protein kinase CK2 phosphorylates Pax3 at Ser205 and that this phosphorylation event is required for the subsequent phosphorylation of Ser201 by GSK3β. However, the kinase that phosphorylates Pax3 at Ser209 has yet to be identified. In the present work we use standard purification methods and in vitro biochemical analyses to provide solid evidence identifying the protein kinase CK2 as phosphorylating Pax3 at Ser209. Further, we qualitatively demonstrate that the phosphorylation of Pax3 at Ser209 by CK2 is enhanced when Ser205 is previously phosphorylated. Taken together, our results allow us to propose a mechanism to describe the ordered phosphorylation of Pax3 throughout early myogenesis.
Happiness and Economic Systems

Various international comparisons of subjective well-being show that the average level of happiness in a nation is significantly related to its political institutions. Examining a sample of industrialised market economics, this paper explores whether the same relationship holds for economic institutions as well. Holding other determinants of happiness constant, no significant relationships between happiness and type of economic system are found. Some conjectures explaining this asymmetry between happiness and economic and political systems are explored.
Editorial Comment: Is a Basement Membrane Necessary for the Histological Diagnosis of Intraepithelial neoplasia?: Glandular Intraepithelial Neoplasia (GIN) – A Unifying Concept Of The Precursors Of Endometrial Adenocarcinoma

Summary There is considerable variation and a good deal of confusion surrounding definitions and nomenclature for premalignant lesions of the endometrium. A unifying concept, based on the model of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, is proposed to provide a uniform, practical basis for the diagnosis and management of the precursors of endometrial cancer. Lesions would be classified as glandular epithelial neoplasia (GIN) Grades, 1, 2 and 3. Illustrated examples, and comparisons with other classifications are provided.
Phytoplankton community composition across the West Wind Drift off South America

Abstract The biogeography of phytoplankton sampled along 92°W and between 45 and 36°S in conjunction with a detailed XBT section corroborates the physical evidence of a counterflow to the West Wind Drift. Distinct communities exist to either side of an east-west tending front that separates the low-salinity surface water tongue off Chile from subantarctic waters to the south. A plankton group dominated by Ceratium trichoceros and other dinoflagellates exists south of the front in the subantarctic waters, while a distinct group dominated by Rhizosolenia bergonii and other diatoms occupies the low-salinity tongue; the northern limit of the lower salinity surface water is the Subtropical Convergence where a third, distinct plankton community is also dominated by dinoflagellates, mainly C. furca and C. gibberum . Factor analyses support the existence of the distinct groups; it also provides some evidence for the origin of the low-salinity surface water as a mixture of subantarctic surface and coastal runoff by identifying a unique factor axis for Nitzshcia longissima , a pennate diatom generally associated with shallow coastal waters and which comprises a major fraction of the phytoplankton assemblage near the frontal zone but within the low-salinity tongue.
Scanning Laser Polarimetry to Measure the Nerve Fiber Layer of Normal and Glaucomatous Eyes

Purpose To determine whether retardation (change in polarization) measurements of healthy subjects and glaucoma patients obtained by using a confocal scanning laser polarimeter correspond to known properties of the nerve fiber layer. Methods A polarimeter, an optical device used to measure the change in linear polarization of light (retardation), was interfaced with a scanning laser ophthalmoscope to obtain retardation data at 65,536 locations (256 × 256 pixels) in a study of normal subjects and patients with primary open-angle glaucoma. To validate the instrument, we compared our measurements with known properties of the human retinal nerve fiber layer in 105 normal subjects. Additionally, we compared retardation measurements in eyes of 64 normal subjects and 64 age-matched glaucoma patients treated in a referral practice. Results In normal eyes, mean (± S.D.) peripapillary retardation was highest in the superior and inferior arcuate regions and lowest in the temporal and nasal regions, 12.0 ± 1.9, 13.1 ± 2.0, 7.0 ± 1.8, and 7.0 ± 1.6 degrees, respectively. Retardation decreased toward the periphery and was lower over blood vessels. In normal eyes, retardation decreased with increasing age in the superior and inferior regions. Mean retardation was statistically significantly higher among normal eyes than glaucoma eyes in the inferior and superior regions but not in the temporal or nasal areas. Conclusions Scanning laser polarimetry provides quantitative measurements that correspond to known properties of the retinal nerve fiber layer in normal and glaucomatous eyes.
Novel Application of a Disposable Optical Film to the Analysis of Bacterial Strains: A Chemometric Classification of Mid-infrared Spectra

A microporous polyethylene disposable optical film (DOF) that is mostly transparent to infrared light was used to characterize bacterial strains by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy for subsequent classification by principal components analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA). Developing a methodology with a disposable infrared substrate is desirable for the FTIR measurement of pathogenic bacteria. The bacteria studied were Escherichia coli HB101, E. coli ATCC 43888, a wild-type E. coli, and one strain each of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus cereus, and Listeria innocua. The cultures were harvested by centrifugation and the wet cells (5 mg) were placed onto DOF and dried under vacuum at room temperature for one hour. For each strain, four replicates were prepared and measured on each of six different days in order to investigate the possible sources of variance in the sampling procedure. PCA obtained for second derivative, mean-centered spectra for selected frequency ranges (1312-1339, 1026-1061, and 903-930 cm-1) explained over 98.1% of the total variability using the first three principal components. The scores plots exhibited six tight clusters of 24 points each (4 replicates × 6 days). Out of a total of 144 spectra, one outlier was found. The dendrograms resulting from HCA (centroid linkage method) correctly clustered all 143 remaining samples. The analysis provided excellent discrimination between the different species and, more significantly, between the different E. coli strains. This work demonstrates the potential of this procedure for the rapid, repeatable, and precise classification of bacteria, with minimum sample preparation, in food safety laboratories.
Electrochemical hydrogenation of canola oil using a hydrogen transfer agent

A novel low-temperature process for the electrochemical hydrogenation of canola oil is described. An emulsion of oil and water containing formic acid and a nickel hydrogenation catalyst, placed in the cathode compartment of an electrolysis cell and subjected to an electrical current, underwent hydrogenation at temperatures as low as 45°C. At these low temperatures of hydrogenation, the trans FA content of the hydrogenated canola oil was very low as compared with that of the edible oils hydrogenated by commercial processes using high temperature and high partial pressure of hydrogen gas. Because of its adverse health effects, a high trans FA content in edbile oils is viewed as undesirable. In addition to the commercially available nickel supported on silica, amorphous nickelphosphorus alloys supported on a variety of substrates were also used. Amorphous alloys are generally very corrosion resistant because of the absence of grain boundaries. A mechanism for hydrogenation using the hydrogen transfer agent of formic acid and its continuous regeneration at the cathode was evoked to explain the experimental data.
Charged Amino Acids Conserved in the Aromatic Acid/H+ Symporter Family of Permeases Are Required for 4-Hydroxybenzoate Transport by PcaK from Pseudomonas putida

Charged amino acids in the predicted transmembrane portion of PcaK, a permease from Pseudomonas putida that transports 4-hydroxybenzoate (4-HBA), were required for 4-HBA transport, and they were also required for P. putida to have a chemotactic response to 4-HBA. An essential amino acid motif (DGXD) containing aspartate residues is located in the first transmembrane segment of PcaK and is conserved in the aromatic acid/H+ symporter family of the major facilitator superfamily of transporters.
Psychological disengagement in elementary school among ethnic minority students

Abstract This study examined dimensions of psychological disengagement as predictors of achievement and teacher-rated behavioral engagement over the course of a school year among a sample of 111 African American and Latino children in 1st–5th grades at an urban elementary school. In addition, classroom and school contextual factors were investigated as predictors of psychological disengagement. Findings suggest that, on average, students exhibited moderate levels of academic devaluing and high levels of academic valuing. There were largely no grade differences for any constructs and African Americans had higher alternative identification than Latinos. Given equal prior achievement, greater alternative identification predicted lower behavioral engagement and only the devaluing of academics consistently predicted poorer outcomes on language arts and math scores. In contrast, academic valuing was not found to be predictive of behavioral engagement or achievement. The valuing of academics measure may reflect dominant societal views on academics (abstract attitudes) and the devaluing measures, more nuanced and personal views (concrete attitudes). Higher perceived negative teacher feedback predicted more devaluing of academics and at the level of a trend, greater perceived teacher care at a classroom level predicted less devaluing. Findings highlight the importance of proximal interactions between teachers and students in the link between psychological disengagement from learning and achievement among ethnic minority children.
Characterization of Fe-ZSM-5 Catalyst for Selective Catalytic Reduction of Nitric Oxide by Ammonia

Fe-exchanged ZSM-5 (Fe/Al=0.193), the most active catalyst known for the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NO with ammonia, was characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), H2 temperature-programmed reduction (H2-TPR), electron spin resonance (ESR), and FT-IR spectroscopy. XPS and ESR results indicated that iron cations were present mainly as Fe3+ ions with tetrahedral coordination, along with a small amount of Fe2+ and aggregated Fe3+ ions. The Fe3+ ions could be partially reduced to Fe2+ ions by H2 at 300–600°C, but the oxidation was reversible when O2 was introduced into the reduced catalyst at 500°C. FT-IR spectra showed that NO molecules could be oxidized by O2 to adsorbed N2O3, NO2, and nitrate. The NOx adspecies were not stable at above 300°C in He, but the adsorbed NO and NO2 could be observed in flowing NO+O2/He. NH3 molecules were adsorbed on Bronsted acid and Lewis acid sites of Fe-ZSM-5 to generate, respectively, NH4+ ions (majority) and coordinated NH3 (minority). The NH4+ ions with three hydrogen atoms (3H structure) bonded to AlO4 tetrahedra of ZSM-5 were more stable at high temperatures (e.g., 300–400°C) than those with two bonds and the coordinated NH3. The pretreatment by SO2+O2 at 400°C increased the Bronsted acidity of the Fe-ZSM-5 due to formation of surface sulfate species of iron. This resulted in an enhancement of SCR activities by the presence of H2O+SO2 at high temperatures (>350°C). At 300°C, the NH4+ ions with 3H structure were active in reacting with NO and NO+O2, but the reaction rate with NO+O2 was much higher than that with NO. The results indicate that NH4+ ions with 3H structure as well as NO and NO2 adspecies play an important role in the SCR reaction on the Fe-ZSM-5 catalyst. The role of Fe3+ is to oxidize NO to NO2. Overexchange decreased the activity; the optimal Fe/Al ratio was 0.19–0.43.
Bacterial, behavioral and environmental factors associated with early childhood caries.

The goals of this cross-sectional study were to characterize and compare demographic, behavioral, and environmental factors potentially associated with early childhood caries (ECC) and to assess salivary levels of mutans streptococci (MS) and lactobacilli (LB) in underserved, predominantly Hispanic children. One hundred forty-six children aged 3 to 55 months with a range of caries experience were identified and examined. ECC was primarily associated with the presence of MS and lack of access to dental care. Salivary MS levels among young children with ECC were higher than would be expected in a dentally healthy population, but lower than levels reported among older children at high risk for caries.After adjustment for age, children with log10 MS ≥ 3.0 or log10 LB ≥ 1.5 were about five times as likely (OR=4.9, 95%CI=2.0,12.0) to have ECC than those with lower bacterial levels. This study demonstrated a significant association between relatively low cariogenic bacterial levels and dental caries in infants a...
Development of an Engineering-Based Hydrogen-Assisted Fatigue Crack Growth Design Methodology for Code Implementation

A primary barrier to the widespread use of gaseous hydrogen as an energy carrier is the creation of a hydrogen-specific transportation network. Research performed at the National Institute of Standards and Technology, in conjunction with the U.S. Department of transportation and ASME committee B31.12 (Hydrogen Piping and Pipelines), has resulted in a phenomenological model to predict fatigue crack growth of API pipeline steels cyclically loaded in high-pressure gaseous hydrogen. The full model predicts hydrogen-assisted (HA) fatigue crack growth (FCG) as a function of applied load and hydrogen pressure. Implementation of the model into an engineering format is crucial for the realization of safe, cost-effective pipelines for the nation’s hydrogen infrastructure. Working closely with ASME B31.12, two simplified iterations of the model have been created for an engineering-based code implementation. The engineering-based iterations are detailed here and the benefits of both are discussed. A case study is then presented detailing the use of both versions. The work is concluded with a discussion of the potential impact that model implementation would have upon future hydrogen pipeline installations.© 2014 ASME
Vaccine potential of a herpes simplex virus type 2 mutant deleted in the PK domain of the large subunit of ribonucleotide reductase (ICP10).

A herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) mutant deleted in the PK domain of the large subunit of ribonucleotide reductase (ICP10) was evaluated as a potential vaccine for the prevention of HSV-2 infection and disease. This virus, designated ICP10 deltaPK, expressed a 95 kDa ICP10 protein that lacked PK activity and transforming potential. ICP10 deltaPK was growth compromised in dividing and nondividing cells in culture. In dividing cells, onset of virus growth was delayed, with replication initiating at 10-15 h p.i. depending on the multiplicity of infection. In addition to the delayed growth onset, virus replication was significantly impaired (1000-fold lower titers) in nondividing cells. A revertant virus (HSV-2(R)) expressed ICP10, regained transforming activity and had wild type growth properties. ICP10 deltaPK was growth compromised also in infected animals. It was isolated from the site of infection on day 2, but not day 7 p.i. and its titers at this time (2 x 10(2) pfu/ml) were significantly lower than those of HSV-2 (5 x 10(4) pfu/ml). Mice given high titers of ICP10 deltaPK (5 x 10(7) pfu/footpad) remained free of clinical symptoms and survived infection during a 21-day follow-up period and virus was not isolated from latently infected ganglia at 30 days p.i. ICP10 deltaPK immunized animals developed HSV-specific humoral and T-cell responses and evidenced absolute protection from HSV-2 infection and virus-induced disease.
William E. Simon's Contribution to Tax Policy

This paper analyzes the role of William E. Simon in shaping tax policy during his tenure as Treasury Secretary from 1974 to 1977. Simon believed in supply-side economics. Therefore, the tax policy changes that occurred during his time as Secretary involved reductions in tax rates as well as simplification of rules. A far-reaching effect of the 1975 Tax Act was the introduction of the Earned Income Tax Credit, which retains popular support today. Although these changes did not immediately increase growth and curb inflation, Simon's attempts to reduce marginal tax rates in the 1970s resulted in two decades of legislation to reduce the influence of government on the economy, which resulted in budget surpluses in the 1990s.
Executive Compensation: An Analytical Approach to Diversification of Concentrated Positions

Many executives hold large concentrated positions in the stock of their own companies, whether in the form of incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, restricted stock, or unrestricted stock. Executives have several reasons for divesting some or all of their concentrated positions. In this article, the author focuses on the most important of these reasons: diversification, whose potential benefit must be carefully weighed against the loss of option time value, the payment of taxes that could have been delayed or avoided, and the sacrifice of any superior performance that the company stock may offer. The article reviews the properties and evaluates the potential of the Concentrated Holding Analyzer with Ranked Transactions, or CHART, which analyzes the complex trade-off between diversification on the one hand and time value, taxes, and potentially superior performance on the other.
Who hits and hoots at whom? Potential for interference competition between barred and northern spotted owls

The northern spotted owl (Strix occidentalis caurina) is a controversial species in the Pacific Northwest that is listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. The barred owl (Strix varia), a species historically restricted to eastern North America, has recently expanded its range to completely overlap that of the northern spotted owl. Recent evidence suggests that barred owls may compete with northern spotted owls and may be one cause for recent declines in some northern spotted owl populations. Our focus was to examine whether barred owls have the potential to competitively exclude northern spotted owls from their territories through interference competition. We used a playback experiment to quantify aggressive vocal and physical behavior of barred and northern spotted owls during territorial defense. Experimental trials consisted of displaying northern spotted or barred owl taxidermy mounts, and broadcasting recorded vocalizations of the corresponding species, in both barred and northern spotted owl territories. The frequency of interspecific interactions was lower compared to intraspecific interactions between northern spotted owls alone. However, barred owls responded with higher levels of vocal and physical aggression than did northern spotted owls when agonistic interspecific interactions occurred. Our results suggest that barred owls are likely to assume the dominant role during interspecific interactions with northern spotted owls. Thus, interference competition is a plausible mechanism by which barred owls could contribute to observed population declines of northern spotted owls in areas where the species co-occur.
Positive Mesons Produced by the 184-Inch Berkeley Cyclotron

Positive mesons produced by 380-Mev alpha-particles in the 184-inch Berkeley cyclotron have been detected by means of photographic plates. The experimental arrangement is similar to that used for detecting negative mesons except that the plates are placed in a position to receive positive instead of negative particles from the target. Heavy positive mesons are observed to decay into secondary mesons in the manner described by Lattes, Occhialini, and Powell. Relative numbers of positive and negative mesons coming from a target are found by placing plates symmetrically on opposite sides of the target. Preliminary results indicate that for a $\frac{1}{16}$-inch carbon target there are about one-fourth as many heavy positive mesons as heavy negative ones for meson energies of 2-3 Mev in the laboratory system.
Transverse Cracking of M40J/PMR-II-50 Composites under Thermal-Mechanical Loading: Part II - Experiment and Analytical Investigation

In this study, the effects of thermal cycling combined with mechanical loading on the microcracking of M40J/PMR-II-50 are investigated. Characterization of the failure mechanisms are conducted based on the critical parameters which cause composite microcracking, as presented in Part I. Based on the test results in Part I, the tests with intermediate in-plane lamina strain (0.175-0.350%) and an increased number of thermal cycles are added. Elevated temperature thermal cycling (23-250 � C) is also added to the original test plan to investigate the thermal cycling temperature amplitude effect on microcracking of the composites. Observations indicate that the elevated temperature exposure under mechanical loads causes an easy fiber/matrix debonding. Subsequent exposure to cryogenic temperatures results in fiber/matrix debonding due to the high thermal stresses associated with fiber/ matrix thermal expansion mismatch. Crack propagation under cryogenic exposures is shown to be dominant with an increasing number of thermal cycles, especially when combined with high temperature exposure associated with high amplitude of cyclic thermal stresses.
A Case for Improving Social and Supportive Service Delivery for Ex-Offenders with Community Information Systems (CINS)

Research has shown that information technology, such as reentry mapping, community information systems (CINS) and other geographic information system (GIS)–related applications have improved criminal justice and social welfare outcomes. These Web-based applications are essential in that they serve as portals for extensive data allocation, collection, storage, and information sharing. One such Web-based application, reentryBase, is a planned CINS, designed to respond to the growing need for improved delivery of social and supportive services to those returning from prison and jail. Its specific aim is to build capacity for both outreach to ex-offenders and networking among and between reentry stakeholders.
Cocaine‐associated Chest Pain How Common Is Myocardial Infarction?

Objective: Prior studies addressing the incidence of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in pa- tients with cocaine-associated chest pain have found divergent results. Previous prospective studies, which found approximately a 6% incidence of AMI, have been criticized for selection bias. This study sought to determine the rate of AMI in patients with cocaine- associated chest pain. Methods: All patients seen in an urban university-affiliated hospital between July 1996 and February 1998 were identified by ICD-9 medical records search for cocaine use and chest pain/ acute coronary syndromes. In this system, all faculty admit all patients with cocaine-associated chest pain for at least 23-hour observation periods. Data col- lected included demographics, medical and cocaine use history, presenting characteristics, hospital course, cardiovascular complications, and diagnostic tests using a 119-item closed-question data instru- ment with high interrater reliability. The main out- come measure was AMI according to World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. Results: There were 250 patients identified with a mean age of 33.5 6 8.5 years; 77% were male; 84% were African American. Of 196 patients tested, 185 had cocaine or cocaine metabolites in the urine (94%). The incidence of car- diac risk factors were: hypercholesterolemia, 8%; di- abetes, 6%; family history, 34%; hypertension, 26%; tobacco use, 77%; prior MI, 6%; and prior chest pain, 40%. Seventy-seven percent admitted to cocaine use in the preceding 24 hours: crack, 85%; IV, 2%; nasal, 6%. Twenty-five patients (10%) had electrocardio- graphic evidence of ischemia. A total of 15 patients experienced an AMI (6%; 95% CI = 4.1% to 8.9%) us- ing WHO criteria. Complications were infrequent: bradydysrrhythmias, 0.4%; congestive heart failure, 0.4%; supraventricular tachycardia, 1.2%; sustained ventricular tachycardia, 0.8%. Conclusion: The inci- dence of AMI was 6% in patients with cocaine-asso- ciated chest pain. This result is identical to that
Hybrid Design Method in New Product Development

A hybrid engineering approach to new product development is presented which reduces the time and resources necessary to bring a new product to market. The definition of key engineering and economic feasibility questions are developed. Examples and results of the transformation of these questions into engineering experiments and analytical studies are presented. Proper design of experiments and analytical studies is shown to have a dual effect in that feasibility is tested and some design window or parameter is identified. The early integration of advanced technology resources and product engineers in the feasibility stages is addressed. By this hybrid approach, significant development time can be trimmed.
Intrahospital teleradiology from the emergency room

Off-hour operations of the modern emergency room presents a challenge to conventional image management systems. To assess the utility of intrahospital teleradiology systems from the emergency room (ER), we installed a high-resolution film digitizer which was interfaced to a central archive and to a workstation at the main reading room. The system was designed to allow for digitization of images as soon as the films were processed. Digitized images were autorouted to both destinations, and digitized images could be laser printed (if desired). Almost real time interpretations of nonselected cases were performed at both locations (conventional film in the ER and a workstation in the main reading room), and an analysis of disagreements was performed. Our results demonstrate that in spite of a `significant' difference in reporting, `clinically significant differences' were found in less than 5% of cases. Folder management issues, preprocessing, image orientation, and setting reasonable lookup tables for display were identified as the main limitations to the systems' routine use in a busy environment. The main limitation of the conventional film was the identification of subtle abnormalities in the bright regions of the film. Once identified on either system (conventional film or soft display), all abnormalities were visible and detectable on both display modalities.
Bimodal frequency distribution of rat hepatic vitamin K-dependent carboxylation rate.

Abstract The time course of vitamin K-dependent carboxylation was studied in an in vitro rat hepatic microsomal system. This method is based on incorporation of radiolabelled CO 2 into endogenous substrate proteins. Forty rats were studied in order to characterize the intrinsic formation rate (V/K M ) of carboxylated vitamin K-dependent proteins and the maximum amount of endogenous substrate available for vitamin K-dependent carboxylation (P∞ ; normalized for the total amount of microsomal protein harvested). The frequency distributions of V/K M and P∞ values were both well described as the sum of two Gaussian components, each representing about 40% and 60% of the populations.
Thoracolumbar “Burst” Fractures Treated Conservatively: A Long-Term Follow-up

This report addresses the long-term results of nonoperative treatment for fractures of the thoracolumbar spine. Forty-two patients meeting specified inclusion criteria were contacted and completed questionnaires. In all cases, nonoperative treatment was the only treatment received. The average time from injury to follow-up was 20.2 years (range, 11 to 55 years). The average age at follow-up was 43 years (range, 28 to 70 years). There were 31 men and 11 women in this series. Seventy-one percent of the injuries were the result of motor vehicle accidents. The most common sites of injury were T12-L2, which accounted for 64% of the injuries. Seventy-eight percent of the patients had no neurologic deficits at the time of injury. At follow-up, the average back pain score was 3.5, with 0 being no pain at all and 10 being very severe pain. No patient demonstrated a decrease in their neurologic status at follow-up, and no patient required narcotic medication for pain control. Eighty-eight percent of patients were able to work at their usual level of activity. Follow-up radiographs revealed an average kyphosis angle of 26.4 degrees in flexion and 16.8 degrees in extension. The degree of kyphosis did not correlate with pain or function at follow-up. Based on this review, nonoperative treatment of thoracolumbar burst fractures remains as a viable alternative in patients without neurologic deficit and can lead to acceptable long-term results.
Through-the-wall surveillance for homeland security and law enforcement

The Air Force Research Laboratory Information Directorate (AFRL/IF), under sponsorship of the Department of Justice's (DOJ), National Institute of Justice (NIJ) Office of Science and Technology (OST and portable, personal computer (PC) based standoff systems to enable the determination of events during critical incident situations. The technologies utilized are primarily focused on active radars operating in the UHF, L, S (ultra wideband (UWB)), X, and Ku Bands. The data displayed by these systems is indicative of range (1 Dimension), or range and azimuth (2 Dimensions) to the moving individual(s). This paper will highlight the technologies employed in five (5) prototype TWS systems delivered to NIJ and AFRL/IF for test and evaluation. It will discuss the systems backgrounds, applications, current states of evolution, and future plans for enhanced assessment.
Doppler-shift measurements of axial and rotational velocities in an MPD arc.

Doppler shift measurements of axial and rotational velocities in MPD arc, using reference lines from iron arc
Partitioning and bioaccumulation of PBDEs and PCBs in Lake Michigan.

Water from Lake Michigan and fish from all five Great Lakes have been sampled and analyzed for a suite of six polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) congeners and 110 polychlorinated biphenyl congeners (PCBs). The Lake Michigan dissolved phase PBDE congener concentrations (0.2 to 10 pg/L) are similar to dissolved phase PCB congener concentrations (nondetected to 13 pg/L). Partitioning of PBDEs between the particulate and dissolved phases exhibits behavior similar to that of PCBs. Organic-carbon-normalized water−particle partition coefficients (log KOCs) ranged from 6.2 to 6.5. Lake trout are depleted in BDE-99 relative to dissolved phase concentrations, and in contrast to what is expected from the PCB congener patterns. This reflects suspected debromination of BDE-99 in the food web of Lake Michigan. A regression of the log of the bioaccumulation factor (BAF) and the log of the octanol−water partition coefficent (KOW) indicated a positive relationship for both PCB congeners and PBDE congeners. BDE-99 does n...
Patterns of complementary and alternative medicine use among United States stroke survivors.

Abstract Background Americans are increasingly searching for complementary and alternative remedies. Some data suggest that persons who use Complementary and Alternative medicine (CAM) are at a higher risk for interactions with prescription medications. We assessed CAM use among American stroke survivors as little is known about CAM in this population. Methods We compared CAM use in adults with and without stroke who participated in the most comprehensive national survey on CAM use to date, the 2002 National Health Interview Survey. Independent predictors of CAM use among stroke survivors were assessed with logistic regression. Results Of 30,992 adults, 2.6% indicated a history of stroke, with 46% of these stroke survivors reporting CAM use. Acupuncture was the only CAM therapy used more frequently in stroke survivors (OR 1.53, 95% CI = 1.07–2.19, p = 0.02). In multivariable analyses among stroke survivors, CAM use was more frequent among those who reported delays in seeking medical care due to cost (OR 2.28, 95% CI = 1.28–4.07, p = 0.005) or those with recent neck pain, (OR 2.28, 95% CI = 1.48–3.52, p = 0.002) and less frequent among those > 65 years (OR 0.54, 95% CI = 0.31–0.96, p = 0.035), non-Hispanic Blacks (OR 0.57, 95%CI = 0.33–1.0, p = 0.049), and those with less than high school education (OR 0.33, 95% CI = 0.22–0.51, p Conclusions Approximately half the stroke survivors in the United States engage in some form of CAM therapy, with those reporting delays in seeking medical care due to cost, or recent neck pain being more likely to pursue CAM treatment.
Age-related Macular Degeneration and the Immune Response: Implications for Therapy

Purpose To review the available information concerning the immune mediation of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and to speculate on proposed mechanisms and immunotherapy. Design Interpretative essay. Methods Literature review and interpretation. Results An ever-growing body of evidence is gathering concerning the role of the immune system in AMD. Evidence to date suggests that the underlying mechanism leading to AMD is the decline of the ocular downregulatory immune environment. The subsequent activation of the immune system would lead to T-cell sensitization. When combined with local antiangiogenic therapy, several existing immunotherapies may be used to downregulate the immune response, potentially leading to a more efficient inhibition of choroidal neovascularization. Conclusions The loss of the downregulatory immune environment is central to the development of AMD, permitting activation of the immune system. If so, immunotherapy could positively alter the course of the disease.
Thermal conductivity of Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O superconductors: Correlation with the low-temperature specific-heat behavior.

Thermal conductivity has been measured on Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O high-/ital T//sub /ital c// superconductors down to 70 mK. Samples included a sintered specimen as well as two hot-pressed samples cut from the same ingot parallel and perpendicular, respectively, to the pressing direction. Below 3 K the thermal conductivities of all samples follow an approximately quadratic temperature variation with no indication of the limiting /ital T/-linear dpendence typically observed for the superconducting state of Y-Ba-Cu-O and La-Sr-Cu-O ceramics. We discuss the apparent correlation between the occurrence or absence at low temperatures of a /ital T/-linear thermal conductivity and a /ital T/-linear (..gamma..) term in the specific heat in all high-/ital T//sub /ital c// superconducting ceramics.
Clinical outcomes in patients on beta-blocker therapy admitted with worsening chronic heart failure

Beta blockers have been shown to reduce morbidity and mortality in patients with heart failure without evidence of overt congestion. No data are available describing outcomes of patients admitted with exacerbated chronic heart failure who are receiving beta blockade at the time of admission. The purpose of this analysis was to evaluate clinical outcomes in patients from the Outcomes of the Prospective Trial of Intravenous Milrinone for Exacerbations of Chronic Heart Failure (OPTIME-CHF) study who were prescribed beta blockers on admission compared with patients who were not prescribed beta blockers at admission. In all, 212 patients were treated with beta blockers at admission and 737 patients were not. Baseline characteristics were similar between groups, except that patients prescribed beta blockers on admission had slightly higher ejection fractions, fewer New York Heart Association class IV symptoms, and lower heart rates. There was no difference in clinical events between patients who were treated with beta blockers at the time of admission and those who were not. Exploratory analyses suggested that patients whose beta-blocker therapy was discontinued had a higher risk of adverse outcomes, particularly in the subset of patients randomized to milrinone. The data from this nonrandom comparison suggest that continuation of pre-existing beta-blocker therapy is not associated with an increased risk of adverse clinical events in patients admitted with worsening heart failure. These results also suggest that caution should be taken when withdrawing beta blockade in this population.
Random phase encoding of composite fully complex filters.

The mapping of complex-valued functions onto phase-only spatial light modulators is examined. Random phase encoding effectively adds amplitude control to the phase-only filter and can be used to trade off systematic errors of the phase-only filter for random errors. This is illustrated for the problem of recognizing a three-dimensional object from arbitrary views. The complex-valued composite filters that constitute a filter bank design are encoded by phase-only and pseudorandom methods. The best recognition probabilities are achieved by blending the two methods so that only the smallest amplitudes are randomly encoded.
Antigenic domains of the sperm-specific lactate dehydrogenase C4 isozyme

Abstract Lactate dehydrogenase C, (LDH-C4) is an antigenic protein that occurs only in spermatozoa and the mature testis. The antibody-combining sites of this enzyme were mapped by measuring the binding of anti-LDH-C4 by isolated peptides. Pure mouse LDH-C4 was digested with trypsin, and the resulting fragments were fractionated by reverse-phase high-pressure liquid chromatography. Rabbit anti-mouse LDH-C4 bound to 13 pure peptides. Amino acid compositions and partial or complete sequencing by the Edman degradation was used to identify eight of these fragments in the complete structure of the molecule. The relationship between structure and antigenicity of these peptides is discussed in detail. These data fit best to the domain model of protein antigenicity. This antigenic map of LDH-C4 will be useful in the design of a synthetic contraceptive vaccine.
Analysis of Borrelia burgdorferi vlsE gene expression and recombination in the tick vector.

Expression and recombination of the antigenic variation vlsE gene of the Lyme disease spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi were analyzed in the tick vector. To assess vlsE expression, Ixodes scapularis nymphs infected with the B. burgdorferi strain B31 were fed on mice for 48 or 96 h or to repletion and then crushed and acetone fixed either immediately thereafter (ticks collected at the two earlier time points) or 4 days after repletion. Unfed nymphs also were examined. At all of the time points investigated, spirochetes were able to bind a rabbit antibody raised against the conserved invariable region 6 of VlsE, as assessed by indirect immunofluorescence, but not preimmune serum from the same rabbit. This same antibody also bound to B31 spirochetes cultivated in vitro. Intensity of fluorescence appeared highest in cultured spirochetes, followed by spirochetes present in unfed ticks. Only a dim fluorescent signal was observed on spirochetes at the 48 and 96 h time points and at day 4 postrepletion. Expression of vlsE in vitro was affected by a rise in pH from 7.0 to 8.0 at 34°C. Hence, vlsE expression appears to be sensitive to environmental cues of the type found in the B. burgdorferi natural history. To assess vlsE recombination, nymphs were capillary fed the B. burgdorferi B31 clonal isolate 5A3. Ticks thus infected were either left to rest for 4 weeks (Group I) or fed to repletion on a mouse (Group II). The contents of each tick from both groups were cultured and 10 B. burgdorferi clones from the spirochetal isolate of each tick were obtained. The vlsE cassettes from several of these clones were amplified by PCR and sequenced. Regardless of whether the isolate was derived from Group I or Group II ticks, no changes were observed in the vlsE sequence. In contrast, vlsE cassettes amplified from B. burgdorferi clones derived from a mouse that was infected with B31-5A3 capillary-fed nymphs showed considerable recombination. It follows that vlsE recombination does not occur in the tick vector.
Role of AUF1 and HuR in the pH-responsive stabilization of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase mRNA in LLC-PK1-F+ cells

Onset of metabolic acidosis leads to a rapid and pronounced increase in expression of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) in rat renal proximal convoluted tubules. This adaptive response is m...
Subcellular and subsynaptic distribution of the NR1 subunit of the NMDA receptor in the neostriatum and globus pallidus of the rat: co‐localization at synapses with the GluR2/3 subunit of the AMPA receptor

Glutamatergic neurotransmission in the neostriatum and the globus pallidus is mediated through NMDA-type as well as other glutamate receptors and is critical in the expression of basal ganglia function. In order to characterize the cellular, subcellular and subsynaptic localization of NMDA receptors in the neostriatum and globus pallidus, multiple immunocytochemical techniques were applied using antibodies that recognize the NR1 subunit of the NMDA receptor. In order to determine the spatial relationship between NMDA receptors and AMPA receptors, double labelling was performed with the NR1 antibodies and an antibody that recognizes the GluR2 and 3 subunits of the AMPA receptor. In the neostriatum all neurons with characteristics of spiny projection neurons, some interneurons and many dendrites and spines were immunoreactive for NR1. In the globus pallidus most perikarya and many dendritic processes were immunopositive. Immunogold methods revealed that most NR1 labelling is associated with asymmetrical synapses and, like the labelling for GluR2/3, is evenly spread across the synapse. Double immunolabelling revealed that in neostriatum, over 80% of NR1-positive axospinous synapses are also positive for GluR2/3. In the globus pallidus most NR1-positive synapses are positive for GluR2/3. In both regions many synapses labelled only for GluR2/3 were also detected. These results, together with previous data, suggest that NMDA and AMPA receptor subunits are expressed by the same neurons in the neostriatum and globus pallidus and that NMDA and AMPA receptors are, at least in part, colocalized at individual asymmetrical synapses. The synaptic responses to glutamate in these regions are thus likely be mediated by both AMPA and NMDA receptors at the level of individual synapses.
Current tuberculosis diagnostic tools & role of urease breath test

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant public health issue worldwide especially in developing countries, where the disease is endemic, and effective TB diagnostic as well as treatment-monitoring tools are serious barriers to defeating the disease. Detection of pathogen-specific metabolic pathways offers a potential alternative to current methods, which focus on bacterial growth, bacterial nucleic acid amplification, or detection of host immune response to the pathogen. Metabolic pathway detection may provide rapid and effective new tools for TB that can improve TB diagnostics for children and HIV infected patients. Metabolic breath tests are attractive because these are safe, and provide an opportunity for rapid point of care diagnostics and tool for drug efficacy evaluation during clinical trials. Our group has developed a rabbit urease breath test model to evaluate the sensitivity and the specificity of urease based detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. TB infected rabbits were given stable isotopically labelled urea as the substrate. The urea tracer was metabolized to 13 C-CO 2 and detected in exhaled breaths using portable infrared spectrometers. The signal correlated with bacterial load both for primary diagnostics and treatment monitoring. Clinical trials are currently ongoing to evaluate the value of the test in clinical management settings. Urea breath testing may provide a useful diagnostic and biomarker assay for tuberculosis and treatment response.
How to Catch a Terrorist: Is Mass Surveillance the Answer?

Most of the debate surrounding the War on Terrorism has focused on human rights abuses, suspensions, or partial suspensions of the rule of law and the need for balance between human rights and security. While it is of great importance to discuss these matters, it is also essential to ask whether or not U.S. security measures are designed to effectively prevent and combat the current threat of terrorism. This article seeks to determine just that, by evaluating mass registration and surveillance measures and their appropriateness in dealing with the terrorist threat.
The Submillimeter Probe of the Evolution of Cosmic Structure (SPECS)

Following Mather et al. (1999) we describe a concept for a future space mission called SPECS, a spatial and spectral Michelson interferometer with Hubble Telescope-class angular resolution and sensitivity that operates in the far infrared and submillimeter spectral range. SPECS enables detailed studies of the physical conditions in high-redshift galaxies and has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of galaxy formation and evolution.
Static verification of worm and virus behavior in binary executables using model checking

Use of formal methods in any application scenario requires a precise characterization and representation of the properties that need to be verified. The target, which is desired to be verified for these properties, needs to be abstracted in a suitable form that can be fed to a mechanical theorem prover. The most challenging question that arises in the case of malicious code is: "What are the properties that need to be proved?" We provide a decomposition of virus and worm programs based on their core functional components and a method of formally encoding and verifying functional behavior to detect malicious behavior in binary executables.