cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Deep learning for automated segmentation of pelvic muscles, fat, and bone from CT studies for body composition assessment

To develop a deep convolutional neural network (CNN) to automatically segment an axial CT image of the pelvis for body composition measures. We hypothesized that a deep CNN approach would achieve high accuracy when compared to manual segmentations as the reference standard. We manually segmented 200 axial CT images at the supra-acetabular level in 200 subjects, labeling background, subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), muscle, inter-muscular adipose tissue (IMAT), bone, and miscellaneous intra-pelvic content. The dataset was randomly divided into training (180/200) and test (20/200) datasets. Data augmentation was utilized to enlarge the training dataset and all images underwent preprocessing with histogram equalization. Our model was trained for 50 epochs using the U-Net architecture with batch size of 8, learning rate of 0.0001, Adadelta optimizer and a dropout of 0.20. The Dice (F1) score was used to assess similarity between the manual segmentations and the CNN predicted segmentations. The CNN model with data augmentation of N = 3000 achieved accurate segmentation of body composition for all classes. The Dice scores were as follows: background (1.00), miscellaneous intra-pelvic content (0.98), SAT (0.97), muscle (0.95), IMAT (0.91), and bone (0.92). Mean time to automatically segment one CT image was 0.07 s (GPU) and 2.51 s (CPU). Our CNN-based model enables accurate automated segmentation of multiple tissues on pelvic CT images, with promising implications for body composition studies.
Overview of Bayesian Statistics

Bayesian statistics is becoming a popular approach to handling complex statistical modeling. This special issue of Evaluation Review features several Bayesian contributions. In this overview, I present the basics of Bayesian inference. Bayesian statistics is based on the principle that parameters have a distribution of beliefs about them that behave exactly like probability distributions. We can use Bayes' Theorem to update our beliefs about values of the parameters as new information becomes available. Even better, we can make statements that frequentists do not, such as "the probability that an effect is larger than 0 is .93," and can interpret 95% (e.g.) intervals as people naturally want, that there is a 95% probability that the parameter is in that interval. I illustrate the basic concepts of Bayesian statistics through a simple example of predicting admissions to a PhD program.
The diagnosis, pathogenesis, and treatment of acute pancreatitis in children

Objective To analyze the characteristics of the clinical presentations,etiologies,diagnosis,and treatment of pediatric pancreatitis.Methods Sixty-three patients (39 males and 24 females) with diagnosis of pancreatitis were studied from March 2007 to March 2010.All patients were treated by abrosia,gastrointestinal decompression and intravenous hydration therapy,ulinastatin and octreotide acetate were also used to inhibit pancreatic enzyme secretion.Only 5 cases underwent abdominal cavity drainage.Results The morbidity of acute pancreatitis increased with age,especially from 9 to 14 years old.And the obese children were also susceptible to acute pancreatitis.The antibiotic therapy and the inhibition of pancreatic enzymes were effective for children with acute pancreatitis.All patients were cured.Conclusions The implement of antibiotic therapy and the inhibition of pancreatic enzymes in early phage are very important,surgical therapy should be adopted in severe cases. Key words: Pancreatitis; Treatment
Dietary Protein and Amino Acid Deficiency Inhibit Pancreatic Digestive Enzyme mRNA Translation by Multiple Mechanisms.

Background & Aims Chronic amino acid (AA) deficiency, as in kwashiorkor, reduces the size of the pancreas through an effect on mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1). Because of the physiological importance of AAs and their role as a substrate, a stimulant of mTORC1, and protein synthesis, we studied the effect of acute protein and AA deficiency on the response to feeding. Methods ICR/CD-1 mice were fasted overnight and refed for 2 hours with 4 different isocaloric diets: control (20% Prot); Protein-free (0% Prot); control (AA-based diet), and a leucine-free (No Leu). Protein synthesis, polysomal profiling, and the activation of several protein translation factors were analyzed in pancreas samples. Results All diets stimulated the Protein Kinase-B (Akt)/mTORC1 pathway, increasing the phosphorylation of the kinase Akt, the ribosomal protein S6 (S6) and the formation of the eukaryotic initiation factor 4F (eIF4F) complex. Total protein synthesis and polysome formation were inhibited in the 0% Prot and No Leu groups to a similar extent, compared with the 20% Prot group. The 0% Prot diet partially reduced the Akt/mTORC1 pathway and the activity of the guanine nucleotide exchange factor eIF2B, without affecting eIF2α phosphorylation. The No Leu diet increased the phosphorylation of eIF2α and general control nonderepressible 2, and also inhibited eIF2B activity, without affecting mTORC1. Essential and nonessential AA levels in plasma and pancreas indicated a complex regulation of their cellular transport mechanisms and their specific effect on the synthesis of digestive enzymes. Conclusions These studies show that dietary AAs are important regulators of postprandial digestive enzyme synthesis, and their deficiency could induce pancreatic insufficiency and malnutrition.
Toward closure between predicted and observed particle viscosity over a wide range of temperatures and relative humidity

Abstract. Atmospheric aerosols can exist in amorphous semi-solid or glassy phase states whose viscosity varies with atmospheric temperature and relative humidity. The temperature and humidity dependence of viscosity has been hypothesized to be predictable from the combination of a water–organic binary mixing rule of the glass transition temperature, a glass-transition-temperature-scaled viscosity fragility parameterization, and a water uptake parameterization. This work presents a closure study between predicted and observed viscosity for sucrose and citric acid. Viscosity and glass transition temperature as a function of water content are compiled from literature data and used to constrain the fragility parameterization. New measurements characterizing viscosity of sub-100 nm particles using the dimer relaxation method are presented. These measurements extend the available data of temperature- and humidity-dependent viscosity to −28 ∘C . Predicted relationships agree well with observations at room temperature and with measured isopleths of constant viscosity at ∼107 Pa s at temperatures warmer than −28 ∘C . Discrepancies at colder temperatures are observed for sucrose particles. Simulations with the kinetic multi-layer model of gas–particle interactions suggest that the observed deviations at colder temperature for sucrose can be attributed to kinetic limitations associated with water uptake at the timescales of the dimer relaxation experiments. Using the available information, updated equilibrium phase-state diagrams ( - 80 ∘ C T 40 ∘ C , temperature, and 0 % RH 100 % , relative humidity) for sucrose and citric acid are constructed and associated equilibration timescales are identified.
STEM diversity and student Latina/o resilience: a reflection

This reflection explores the contributions to this special issue in order to derive an over-arching sense on the many difficulties that Latinas attending universities designated as Hispanic Serving...
Infinite-Horizon Average Optimality of the N-Network in the Halfin–Whitt Regime

We study the infinite-horizon optimal control problem for N-network queueing systems, which consists of two customer classes and two server pools, under average (ergodic) criteria in the Halfin–Whitt regime. We consider three control objectives: (1) minimizing the queueing (and idleness) cost, (2) minimizing the queueing cost while imposing a constraint on idleness at each server pool, and (3) minimizing the queueing cost while requiring fairness on idleness. The running costs can be any nonnegative convex functions having at most polynomial growth. For all three problems, we establish asymptotic optimality; namely, the convergence of the value functions of the diffusion-scaled state process to the corresponding values of the controlled diffusion limit. We also present a simple state-dependent priority scheduling policy under which the diffusion-scaled state process is geometrically ergodic in the Halfin–Whitt regime, and some results on convergence of mean empirical measures, which facilitate the proofs.
AN OPTIMIZATION CAPABILITY FOR AUTOMOTIVE STRUCTURES

Mathematical structural optimization methods have been proposed as one way to design lightweight vehicles. This paper describes the development and application of these methods to automotive structures. The major emphasis is on beam representations of the entire structure for preliminary design, although subassemblies of beams and plates for more detailed analysis can also be handled.
Medium Navy: A Trilateral Capability Building for HA/DR in Asia Pacific☆

Abstract Navies should invest not only for defense but also for responding effectively and efficiently to “Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Relief (HA/DR) Operations”. Asia Pacific is one of the most vulnerable regions to disasters which require urgent HA/DR operation by navies. For this reason, capability building is emerging as a new area for HA/DR operations as region's navies’ short term goals. Considering wide area of the region, foreign HA/DR contribution is crucial to handle with widespread human, material, economic or environmental losses and impacts of disasters. This study examines the response of navies to Indian Ocean and Japan earthquake. The lessons taken from these disasters initiated the regional and foreign commitment with their navies to prepare for such tragic events. In this regard, this study recommends a trilateral HA/DR path for medium navies: 3Bs, Build HADR Platforms + Build Logistic Centers + Build Cooperation.
Immunosuppressive properties of tissues obtained from eyes with experimentally manipulated corneas.

Purpose. To use explants of cornea and iris and ciliary body (I/CB) of experimentally manipulated eyes to determine whether loss of the capacity to suppress T-cell activation in vitro correlates with other consequences of manipulation, i.e., the migration of Langerhans cells into the central corneal epithelium, the leakiness of stromal neovessels, and the presence of axons in the cornea. Methods. Mouse eyes were subjected to cautery of central corneal surface, suture-induced neovascularization, circumferential or criss-crossed corneal surface wounds, and orthotopic corneal grafting. Corneas and I/CB were excised, explanted in vitro, and assayed for capacity to suppress mixed lymphocyte reaction. Integrity of suture-induced corneal neovessels was assessed with high molecular weight dextran, Langerhans cells were enumerated in corneal epithelium, nerve axons were evaluated in corneal stroma, and capacity of manipulated eyes to support anterior chamber-associated immune deviation (ACAID) induction after anterior chamber injection of bovine serum albumin were assessed. Results. Experimental manipulations that abolished ACAID included cautery, neovascularization, and keratoplasty, whereas criss-crossed corneal excision wounds did not. Loss of ACAID correlated variably with loss of ability of corneal explants to secrete immunosuppressive factors in vitro, presence of Langerhans cells within the central corneal epithelium, leakiness of corneal neovessels, loss of axons in corneal stroma, and loss of ability of I/CB after keratoplasty to secrete immunosuppressive factors. Conclusions. The cornea plays an active role in ocular immune privilege and ACAID by creating a local immunosuppressive microenvironment, providing neural afferent stimuli that affect immunosuppressive properties of I/CB, and preventing neovascularization and infiltration with Langerhans cells.
Arrangement and Regulation of the Nitrogen Fixation Genes in Klebsiella pneumoniae Studied by Derepression Kinetics

Events underlying derepression of the nitrogen fixation (nif) genes in Klebsiella pneumoniae M5A1 were analyzed in vivo by comparing the effects of selective inhibitors of transcription and translation on subsequent nitrogenase activity (rate of acetylene reduction). When batch cultures were induced for derepression, an 87-min lag separated ammonium ion/oxygen removal and the appearance of activity. To prevent eventual activity by adding inhibitors during this period, it was found necessary to add rifampin, ammonium ion, or chloramphenicol more than 50, 20, or 10 min, respectively, before activity appeared in a parallel control. When these inhibitors were added to cultures in which nitrogenase activity had already appeared, further increase in activity was not stopped by rifampin or ammonium ion until 45 or 20 min, respectively, after addition. Chloramphenicol stopped further increase in nitrogenase activity almost immediately. These data indicated a nif operon whose transcription/translation consumes 40 min. When the kinetics of β-galactosidase induction were analyzed under similar conditions, it was found that 7 min separated the initiation of transcription and the first completions of translation. Extrapolating from this, we find the nif operon to occupy 17 average gene lengths. It is argued that the nif structural genes in K. pneumoniae are contained on one operon, and further, that the disparity between the kinetics of inhibition by rifampin and those by ammonium ion suggests regulation at a locus other than the operator.
Perceived job stress, job satisfaction, and psychological symptoms in critical care nursing.

This study tested the relationships among perceived job stress, job satisfaction, and psychological symptoms of critical care nurses. A self-administered questionnaire was sent to a sample of 180 critical care nurses from eight hospitals. The results supported the hypotheses that higher levels of perceived job stress are related to lower levels of job satisfaction (r = -.24, p = .001) and to higher levels of psychological symptoms (r = .33, p = .000). These effects remained even when years of experience in nursing and shift were controlled. Item analysis, however, showed that four of the five top-ranking stressors were not related to the outcome measures. A distinction between positive and negative stressors is proposed to explain the pattern of results.
The effect of rural training experiences during residency on the selection of primary care careers: a retrospective cohort study from a single large internal medicine residency program.

Background: Little is known about the factors during internal medicine residency that influence career choice. Purpose: To determine if rural training experiences were associated with primary care career choice. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study at a single, large, internal medicine residency program. We reviewed self-reported career plan at the time of graduation. Independent variables obtained from curricular data included track (categorical or primary care), gender, year of graduation, timing of clinic block, and having had a rural training experience. We studied 451 program graduates who completed all three years of training between the years 1996 and 2006. Results: Factors associated with an intended primary care career at the time of graduation were: primary care track (OR 4.5, 95% CI 2.4–8.6) and a rural training experience (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.3–3.4). Conclusions: These data suggest that provision of more rural training experiences might increase interest in primary care careers.
Usability and privacy: a study of Kazaa P2P file-sharing

P2P file sharing systems such as Gnutella, Freenet, and KaZaA, while primarily intended for sharing multimedia files, frequently allow other types of information to be shared. This raises serious concerns about the extent to which users may unknowingly be sharing private or personal information.In this paper, we report on a cognitive walkthrough and a laboratory user study of the KaZaA file sharing user interface. The majority of the users in our study were unable to tell what files they were sharing, and sometimes incorrectly assumed they were not sharing any files when in fact they were sharing all files on their hard drive. An analysis of the KaZaA network suggested that a large number of users appeared to be unwittingly sharing personal and private files, and that some users were indeed taking advantage of this and downloading files containing ostensibly private information.
Optical pulse width measurements of sonoluminescence in cavitation-bubble fields

Optical pulse width measurements of sonoluminescence from cavitation-bubble fields have been obtained for two well-defined cavitation zones in an aqueous solution of Glycerin using a fast (650 ps rise-time) PMT and a fast (10 GS/S) digitizer. One zone corresponds to cavitation produced from an ultrasonic homogenizer. A lens was used to focus on a particular region of “streaming” sonoluminescence. A second, more localized cavitation zone was produced using a 2-in-diam PZT driving crystal in a rectangular fluid-filled container. Single-bubble sonoluminescence was used to characterize the response of the PMT to low-level light input. The measured rise-time and pulse width for sonoluminescence from cavitation fields is indicative of the response of the PMT and suggests that the pulse width of cavitation-field sonoluminescence is much less than 1.1 ns.
Raman and infrared spectra, vibrational assignment and ab initio calculations of trans‐2‐methyl‐2‐butenenitrile

The Raman (3100-10 cm−1) and infrared (3100-400 cm−1) spectra of trans-2-methyl-2-butenenitrile [trans-CH3CH =C(CH3)CN] were recorded for the gas, liquid and solid phases. Additionally, the far-infrared (370-60 cm−1) spectrum of the gas was recorded. These data were interpreted on the basis that only the trans (two methyl groups trans to each other) isomer is present on purification. Only one of the methyl torsional fundamentals was observed and it corresponds to the methyl group on the same carbon atom as the cyano group. The experimental barrier to internal rotation is 610 ± 30 cm−1 (1.74 ± 0.09 kcal mol−1). The structure, infrared intensities, Raman activities, depolarization ratios and vibrational wavenumbers were determined from ab initio calculations using the RHF/3-21G, RHF/6-31G* and MP2/6-31G* basis sets. These results are compared with those obtained for some related molecules.
Synthesis of phosphonomethyl-phenylalanine and phosphotyrosine containing cyclic peptides as inhibitors of protein tyrosine kinase/SH2 interactions

Abstract Linear and cyclic hexameric peptides were synthesized with the amino acid sequence Gly-Tyr-Val-Pro-Met-Leu, which corresponds to the autophosphorylation segment around Y751 of PDGF receptor β subunit. The natural L -tyrosine (position 2) was also substituted in peptide analogs with D -Tyr, L -tyrosine phosphate, and L - and D -4-phosphonomethyl-phenylalanine (Pmp). Fmoc chemistry-based SPPS methodology, and Rink resin support were used with diphenylphosphoryl azide as the cyclizing agent. The linear and cyclic peptides were characterized by circular dichroism spectroscopy. The peptides described were designed as inhibitors of receptor tyrosine kinase / src homology region 2 interactions that mediate mitogenic signal transduction pathways.
Serum and monohydroxytamoxifen inhibit progesterone receptor concentrations in primary rat uterine cells grown in serum-free medium

Uterine cells dispersed from immature rat uteri were grown in culture in serum-free medium supplemented with insulin (5 μg/ml), transferrin (5 μg/ml), and selenous acid (5 ng/ ml; ITS). Cells were grown to a confluent monolayer and had a fibroblastic appearance, similar to cells cultured in the presence of 10% serum [horse-fetal calf (6:1), stripped three times with dextran-coated charcoal]. However, estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor (PgR) concentrations were higher in cells grown in serum-free medium than in cells grown in serum. Uterine cells grown in ITS contain PgR levels that are near maximum (927 ± 168 fmol/mg protein), and estradiol (0.1 nM; 24 h) causes a 10-50% increase in PgR. Addition of serum or monohydroxytamoxifen for 24 h decreases PgR levels by about 50%, and estrogen can completely overcome the inhibition caused by either serum or monohydroxytamoxifen. Our data suggest that PgR levels may be down-regulated by a component of serum. (Endocrinology 124: 2837-2843, 1989)
Cretaceous ocean floor in the Amirante Passage: Tectonic and oceanographic implications

Abstract Core V34–76, obtained near the summit of a basement ridge in the axis of the Amirante Passage, recovered in-situ pelagic chalk of latest Cretaceous age ( Abathomphalus mayaroensis Zone, ca. 66 Ma). This minimal age for the NNE-trending basement ridges places important constraints on the crustal age of the Amirante Passage region in the western Indian Ocean, and indicates that the Passage has provided a deep-water connection between the Mascarene and Somali Basins throughout the entire Cenozoic.
Book Review: Becoming a Borderland: Space and Identity in Colonial Northeastern India

SANGHAMITRA MISRA, Becoming a Borderland: Space and Identity in Colonial Northeastern India, London and New Delhi: Routledge, 2011, pp. 236.
Distributed defect detection system using a unidirectional acoustic waveguide

Many standard non destructive testing systems utilize ultrasonic pulse echo techniques to localize defects within structures. These techniques rely upon the scattering of acoustic energy by the defect and two or more acoustic detectors for localization. In this paper, an alternate method of structural damage detection and location is proposed. The technique involves the use of a leaky acoustic waveguide and a unidirectional acoustic waveguide attached to the structure of interest. Only one acoustic detector is required for defect location. An analysis of the concept is provided and experimental results are presented.
Earthquake surface‐waves

Before the time of Lord Rayleigh the mathematical theory of elasticity did not provide any theoretical basis for the existence of surface-waves in an elastic solid. Consequently, attempts were made to explain the so-called principal or main phase in the earthquake records by reflection, scattering and interference of body-waves. Such hypotheses failed to account for the difference of velocity between these waves and the body-waves and for the fact that the travel time of the main phase was observed to be approximately proportional to the distance of the observing station from the epicenter of the earthquake. In 1887 Rayleigh published in the Proceedings of the Mathematical Society of London a communication on “Waves propagated along the surface of an elastic solid” in which he presented a theory which was further developed by Lamp in 1904. These waves have since been designated Rayleigh waves. According to the theory the energy of the wave dies out rapidly with distance from the surface. The particles vibrate in elliptical paths whose major axes are perpendicular to the surface and whose minor axes lie parallel to the direction of propagation of the wave. The ratio of the vertical to the horizontal amplitude is nearly one and one-half. The velocity of Rayleigh waves is less than that of true shear waves in the same medium. The ratio of velocities is approximately ninety-two hundredths.
Rectification and Nonlinear Optical Properties of a Langmuir−Blodgett Monolayer of a Pyridinium Dye

Rectification was observed across a monolayer of 2,6-di[dibutylamino-phenylvinyl]-1-butylpyridinium iodide, (Bu2NφV)2BuPy+I-, 1 sandwiched between gold electrodes. The current is enhanced at a forward bias above 0.5 to 1.0 V, as electrons flow preferentially from the iodide ions to the pyridinium ring, and is as high as 100 000 electrons molecule-1 s-1, with a rectification ratio of up to 90.
Production of a transforming growth factor-beta-like growth factor by RSV-transformed rat cerebral microvascular endothelial cells.

This study describes the preliminary characterization of a Rous sarcoma virus (RSV)-transformed rat cerebral microvascular endothelial cell (RCE-T1)-derived growth factor with biological properties similar to transforming growth factor- β (TGF- β). A significant portion of this RCE-T1-derived TGF- β -like growth factor was secreted in an active form and its secretion was elevated 2- to 3-fold in late passage cultures comprised of rapidly growing, less differentiated cells exhibiting reduced sensitivity to the growth-inhibitory effects of exogenous TGF- β1. These data suggest that the RCE-T1 cell line may be a useful system in which to study the role of autocrine TGF- β production in normal and aberrant endothelial cell growth.
Impact of post‐kidney transplant parathyroidectomy on allograft function

Background The impact of parathyroidectomy on allograft function in kidney transplant patients is unclear. Methods We conducted a retrospective, observational study of all kidney transplant recipients from 1988 to 2008 who underwent parathyroidectomy for uncontrolled hyperparathyroidism (n = 32). Post-parathyroidectomy, changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and graft loss were recorded. Cross-sectional associations at baseline between eGFR and serum calcium, phosphate, and parathyroid hormone (PTH), and associations between their changes within subjects during the first two months post-parathyroidectomy were assessed. Results Post-parathyroidectomy, the mean eGFR declined from 51.19 mL/min/1.73 m2 at parathyroidectomy to 44.78 mL/min/1.73 m2 at two months (p < 0.0001). Subsequently, graft function improved, and by 12 months, mean eGFR recovered to 49.76 mL/min/1.73 m2 (p = 0.035). Decrease in serum PTH was accompanied by a decrease in eGFR (p = 0.0127) in the first two months post-parathyroidectomy. Patients whose eGFR declined by ≥20% (group 1) in the first two months post-parathyroidectomy were distinguished from the patients whose eGFR declined by <20% (group 2). The two groups were similar except that group 1 had a higher baseline mean serum PTH compared with group 2, although not significant (1046.7 ± 1034.2 vs. 476.6 ± 444.9, p = 0.14). In group 1, eGFR declined at an average rate of 32% (p < 0.0001) during the first month post-parathyroidectomy compared with 7% (p = 0.1399) in group 2, and the difference between these two groups was significant (p = 0.0003). The graft function recovered in both groups by one yr. During median follow-up of 66.00 ± 49.45 months, 6 (18%) patients lost their graft with a mean time to graft loss from parathyroidectomy of 37.2 ± 21.6 months. The causes of graft loss were rejection (n = 2), pyelonephritis (n = 1) and chronic allograft nephropathy (n = 3). No graft loss occurred during the first-year post-surgery. Conclusion Parathyroidectomy may lead to transient kidney allograft dysfunction with eventual recovery of graft function by 12 months post-parathyroidectomy. Higher level of serum PTH pre-parathyoidectomy is associated with a more profound decrease in eGFR post-parathyroidectomy.
Methylmalonic acid quantification in low serum volumes by UPLC–MS/MS

Methylmalonic acid (MMA) is a metabolic intermediate transformed to succinic acid (SA) by a vitamin B(12)-dependent catalytic step, and is broadly used as a clinical biomarker of functional vitamin B12 status. However, reported methods use between 100 and 1000 μL of serum or plasma making them sub-optimal for sample-limited studies, including those with neonates and infants. LC-MS/MS based protocols to measure MMA as n-butyl esters in the presence of tri-deuterated MMA (MMA-d(3)) were modified for use with 25 μL of human serum by scaling down sample processing volumes and analysis by UPLC-MS/MS. Plasma-based calibration solutions were found to be unnecessary, and chromatographic resolution and peak shape of SA and MMA was optimized in 100:1. MMA intra- and inter-assay variability was under 10%. MMA-d(3) surrogate recovery averaged 93±14%. MMA stability exceeded three years in frozen samples and was unaffected by up to five freeze/thaw cycles. In conclusion, we report that methylmalonic acid can be measured with 25 μL of serum using water based standards. The assay signal:noise per concentration indicates that the method could perform as implemented with as little as 5 μL of serum. The reported method is applicable for studies of functional B12 status in sample limited experiments including investigations of nutritional status in neonates and in studies where low normal MMA levels are expected.
Pulse oximetry in the emergency department

Three cases representing the emergency department use of pulse oximetry are described. A brief review of the principles of operation of pulse oximetry, as well as a discussion of recent literature and clinical uses of the technology, is presented. While not replacing arterial blood gases in the assessment of critically ill patients, a more widespread use of pulse oximetry in evaluating emergency department patients might provide significant information in the management of patients with respiratory complaints. Pulse oximetry may also play an important role in monitoring those patients requiring airway interventions such as assisted ventilation or endotracheal intubation.
Delta Healthy Sprouts: a randomized comparative effectiveness trial to promote maternal weight control and reduce childhood obesity in the Mississippi Delta.

Abstract Introduction Excessive and inadequate gestational weight gain can complicate a woman's pregnancy and put her and her child at risk for poor delivery and birth outcomes. Further, feeding and activity habits established early in life can significantly impact the development of childhood obesity. Methods The on-going Delta Healthy Sprouts Project is a randomized, controlled, comparative trial testing the efficacy of two Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting programs on weight status and health behaviors of 150 mothers and their infants residing in the rural Mississippi Delta region of the United States. Women are enrolled in their second trimester of pregnancy and randomized to one of two treatment arms. The control arm curriculum is based on Parents as Teachers, an evidence based approach to increase parental knowledge of child development and improve parenting practices. The experimental arm, labeled Parents as Teachers Enhanced, builds upon the control curriculum by including culturally tailored nutrition and physical activity components specifically designed for the gestational and postnatal periods. We hypothesize that, as compared to the control arm, the experimental arm will be more effective in preventing inappropriate gestational weight gain, reducing postnatal weight retention, and decreasing infant obesity rates. We also will evaluate mother and child dietary and physical activity outcomes, breastfeeding initiation and continuation, and child feeding practices. Conclusion The Delta Healthy Sprouts Project tests a novel, combined approach to maternal weight management and childhood obesity prevention in pregnant women and their children at high risk for obesity and chronic disease.
Models and Estimation Methods in Visual Scanning Experiments

This paper deals with a problem that often arises in visual scanning experiments in particle physics, viz. that of estimating the number of undetected particles from the scanning record. This problem is formulated here as one in estimating the size of a multinomial population from an incomplete observation of the cell totals under constraints on the cell probabilities. These constraints differ according to the assumptions made about the scanners and the particles, thus giving rise to different probability models. Several models are considered here-existing ones as well as a new generalized model (Sections 2, 4, 5) Estimation procedures corresponding to these models are discussed (Sections 6–10). A discussion of the applicability of the techniques presented here to other areas is also included (Section 1). A table of the notation used in this paper is provided in Section 3.
Noise-induced hearing threshold shift among US adults and implications for noise-induced hearing loss: National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys

The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence and evaluate the associated risk factors of the noise-induced hearing threshold shift (NITS) in the US adult population based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES). The study population consisted of 5,418 individuals aged 20-69 years who had complete audiologic data from the NHANES database. Stringent criteria were used to define NITS. Prevalence of unilateral, bilateral, and total NITS and their association with several socio-demographic and hearing-related factors were evaluated. The prevalence of unilateral, bilateral, and total NITS was 9.4, 3.4 and 12.8%, respectively. Prevalence of bilateral NITS was higher in subjects with older age, male gender, white (non-Hispanic) and Hispanic ethnicities, education level less than or equal to high school diploma, married/living with partner status, Mexico as country of birth, service in armed forces, smoking history, diabetes, and different kinds of noise exposure. Odds of NITS were only higher in older people, males, and smokers. This study provides comprehensive information on the prevalence of NITS in the US adult population and its associated risk factors. More targeted interventions may be done for educational, preventative, and screening purposes.
On geometric discretization of elasticity

This paper presents a geometric discretization of elasticity when the ambient space is Euclidean. This theory is built on ideas from algebraic topology, exterior calculus, and the recent developments of discrete exterior calculus. We first review some geometric ideas in continuum mechanics and show how constitutive equations of linearized elasticity, similar to those of electromagnetism, can be written in terms of a material Hodge star operator. In the discrete theory presented in this paper, instead of referring to continuum quantities, we postulate the existence of some discrete scalar-valued and vector-valued primal and dual differential forms on a discretized solid, which is assumed to be a triangulated domain. We find the discrete governing equations by requiring energy balance invariance under time-dependent rigid translations and rotations of the ambient space. There are several subtle differences between the discrete and continuous theories. For example, power of tractions in the discrete theory is written on a layer of cells with a nonzero volume. We obtain the compatibility equations of this discrete theory using tools from algebraic topology. We study a discrete Cosserat medium and obtain its governing equations. Finally, we study the geometric structure of linearized elasticity and write its governing equations in a matrix form. We show that, in addition to constitutive equations, balance of angular momentum is also metric dependent; all the other governing equations are topological.
Relapse-associated variables in stage I favorable histology Wilms' tumor: a report of the national Wilms' tumor study

All 24 cases of confirmed and evaluable Stage I favorable histology (FH) Wilms' tumor (WT) relapsing to date on the Third National Wilms' Tumor Study (NWTS-3) were compared with 48 matched control subjects who had not relapsed for at least 2 years after diagnosis. Fifteen of the clinical and pathological variables studied, including patient age and tumor size, had no significant relationship to the outcome of this study. Four histologic features, all related to the degree of tumor extension within the "tumor-kidney unit" proved to be significantly associated with relapse. These were (1) invasion of the tumor capsule, (2) presence of an "inflammatory pseudocapsule," (3) renal sinus invasion, and (4) tumor in intrarenal vessels. One or more of these features was present in 100% of relapsed cases (excluding one for which two variables were unevaluable), but occurred in only 46% of controls (P less than 0.0002). Therefore, no relapses occurred in the NWTS-3 when all four variables were negative. This result was confirmed by a review of all Stage I cases in the NWTS-1 who had relapsed and who were treated by single-agent chemotherapy. Again, no relapses occurred when all four factors were negative. These results demonstrate the feasibility of "microsubstaging" and could serve as a basis for future refinements of therapy for Stage I favorable histology Wilms' tumor.
Optimizing Pumped Insulin Delivery

The use of portable devices for the subcutaneous infusion of insulin may facilitate the attainment of improved glycemic control in selected patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Successful use of a program of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion requires patient cooperation and motivation, routine monitoring of glycemia, and attention to food intake and activity. This article describes an approach by which patients may optimize glycemic control utilizing a set of algorithms based on patientdetermined blood glucose measurements. The algorithms permit programing the insulin infusion device to achieve the desired control.
Teachers' Perceptions of and Responses to Sex Equity Problems in a Middle School Physical Education Program

Abstract The purpose of the study was to identify perceptions of and responses to sex equity problems among three teachers at a middle school. Through the use of class observation, informal discussion, and formal interviewing, teacher perceptions and responses were identified and grouped in the following categories: awareness, dissonance, power, commitment, knowledge, action, and effect. Though all three teachers were aware of sex equity problems in their classes, they differed in their sense of power to change inequitable student behavior and in the specific actions they took to address problems. Factors potentially associated with these differences are discussed. These include years teaching, experience teaching single sex classes, participation in equity education programs, the complex nature of interactions in the gym, and negative feelings about the curriculum change process. The importance of sensitivity to these factors in planning staff development programs to improve sex equity in physical educat...
Scaled Acoustics Experiments and Vibration Prediction Based Structural Health Monitoring

Vibration and acoustic-based health monitoring techniques are presented to monitor structural health under dynamic environment. In order to extract damage sensitive features, linear and nonlinear dimensional reduction techniques are applied and compared. First, a vibration numerical study based on the damage index method is used to provide both location and severity of impact damage. Next, controlled scaled experimental measurements are taken to investigate the aeroacoustic properties of sub-scale wings under known damage conditions. The aeroacoustic nature of the flow field in and around generic aircraft wing damage is determined to characterize the physical mechanism of noise generated by the damage and its applicability to battle damage detection. Simulated battle damage is investigated using a baseline, and two damage models introduced; namely, (1) an undamaged wing as baseline, (2) chordwise-spanwise-partial-penetration (SCPP), and (3) spanwise-chordwise-full-penetration (SCFP). Dimensional reduction techniques are employed to extract time-frequency domain features, which can be used to detect the presence of structural damage. Results are given to illustrate effectiveness of this approach.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Functional Correlates of Plasma Renin Activity in Hypertensive Patients

Correlates of peripheral plasma renin activity were studied in 31 normotensive subjects and 93 untreated hypertensive patients. The latter were grouped according to apparent type of hypertension: essential (58), renovascular (21), renal parenchymal disease (11), and primary aldosteronism (3). Plasma renin activity was inversely correlated with total blood and plasma volumes in normal men, men with essential hypertension, and patients with renal arterial stenosis; no correlations were found in normal and essential hypertensive women and patients with renal parenchymal disease. Serum sodium and potassium concentrations were significantly and inversely related to renin activity only in renovascular hypertension and not in the other hypertensive or normal groups. Relationships of plasma renin activity to arterial pressure and other hemodynamic functions were studied in hypertensive patients. Only in the renovascular group did diastolic pressure correlate positively and significantly, indicating participaton o...
Minimizing driver interference under a probablistic safety constraint in emergency collision avoidance systems

Automated emergency maneuvering systems can avoid or reduce the severity of collisions by taking control of a vehicle away from the driver during high-risk situations. To do so, these systems must be capable of making certain decisions: there is the choice of when to interfere in the driver's control, which is made challenging in the presence of dynamic obstacles and uncertain information (such as that provided by imperfect sensors), and there is the choice of how to interfere, since, in general, controls that mitigate collisions will not be unique. We address both of these questions with a probabilistic decision threshold framework that overrides the driver's control only when safety drops beneath a problem-specific threshold, and minimizes the magnitude of the interference. We demonstrate its application to two scenarios: collision-imminent braking for obstacles traveling along the vehicle's path, and braking and accelerating for unprotected lane crossings.
Kelp canopy facilitates understory algal assemblage via competitive release during early stages of secondary succession

Kelps are conspicuous foundation species in marine ecosystems that alter the composition of understory algal assemblages. While this may be due to changes in the competitive interactions between algal species, how kelp canopies mediate propagule supply and establishment success of understory algae is not well known. In Southern California, USA, Eisenia arborea forms dense kelp canopies in shallow subtidal environments and is associated with an understory dominated by red algal species. In canopy-free areas, however, the algal assemblage is comprised of mostly brown algal species. We used a combination of mensurative and manipulative experiments to test whether Eisenia facilitates the understory assemblage by reducing competition between these different types of algae by changes in biotic interactions and/or recruitment. Our results show Eisenia facilitates a red algal assemblage via inhibition of brown algal settlement into the canopy zone, allowing recruitment to occur by vegetative means rather than establishment of new individuals. In the canopy-free zone, however, high settlement and recruitment rates suggest competitive interactions shape the community there. These results demonstrate that foundation species alter the distribution and abundance of associated organisms by affecting not only interspecific interactions but also propagule supply and recruitment limitation.
AUTOMORPHISMS OF POWERS OF LINEARLY ORDERED SETS

Let S be a bounded, partially ordered set, and n a positive integer. We investigate automorphism groups of Sn and of S[n], the non-decreasing n-tuples of Sn. Our main interest is in the case where S is the unit interval of real numbers with the usual order.
Completely hydrogen-bonded interpenetrating networks in low-temperature liquid water: Their geometrical possibility and stability

Abstract A random tetrahedral network built around linked eight-member rings is denser than an open one described earlier, and has neighbors near in space that are remoter in bond topology. The properties of amorphous ice and liquid water below 0°C correlate with a glass transition in an open network at ≈ 140 K, while linked rings, which increase enthalpy and density, only appear above about −40°C.
Teaching and Learning with Individually Unique Exercises

In this article, the author describes the pedagogical benefits of giving students individually unique homework exercises from an exercise template. Evidence from a test of this approach shows statistically significant improvements in subsequent exam performance by students receiving unique problems compared with students who received traditional paper assignments that were identical across students. The author also describes the software developed by himself and his students to implement this approach to homework problems. The software generates unique computer-graded assignments for each student from an assignment template and scores the resulting exercises. Instructors can create questions that require students to interact with diagrams or provide solutions to symbolic equations. The software is freely available to educators under an open-source license, to use, edit, and improve as they choose.
Chemical Dosing and First-Order Kinetics

College students encounter a variety of first-order phenomena in their mathematics and science courses. Introductory chemistry textbooks that discuss first-order processes, usually in conjunction with chemical kinetics or radioactive decay, stop at single, discrete dose events. Although single-dose situations are important, multiple-dose events, such as taking prescription and nonprescription medicines over a period of time, are familiar, practical applications of kinetics that can be presented to science and nonscience majors without increasing the mathematical demand. Continuous dosing events, such as intravenous drips, are readily accessible to students who have completed a semester or more of calculus. Examples of multiple-dose problems are presented that are appropriate for students taking introductory, general, and physical chemistry courses.
Corpus allatum regulation during the metamorphosis of Periplaneta americana: Axon pathways

Abstract The anatomy of the retrocerebral complex was studied after supravital staining with methylene blue, and axonal tracts within the corpora allata (CA) were traced after applying the CoCl2 technique together with Timm's sulfide-silver enhancement. Cobalt chloride fills of the nerves to and from the CA revealed two major sources of innervation: the brain and the subesophageal ganglion. Three cell clusters in the brain contribute axons that reach each nervus corporis allati I (NCA I) and, apparently, pass to or beyond the CA. These are: a cluster of 8 to 12 cells in the contralateral pars lateralis, a cluster of 16 to 20 cells in the ipsilateral pars lateralis, and a cluster of 50 to 60 cells in the contralateral pars intercerebralis. PAF-stained sections of other brains revealed a corresponding number of PAF-positive cells in these same regions. The medial and lateral neurons arborize in the neuropile adjacent to the pars intercerebralis, and may associate there. The lateral group also arborizes extensively in the neuropile surrounding the pedunculus of the mushroom body. At least four cell bodies located antero-ventrad in the subesophageal ganglion send axons to the CA via each nervus corporis allati II (NCA II). To determine possible inhibitory pathways to the CA, the NCA I, NCA II, and postallatal nerves of last instar larvae were severed; either singly, or in combination. Additional experiments were performed on last instar larvae to substantiate that superlarvae were a direct result of an enhanced or sustained juvenile hormone titre. These experiments included: implanting two or more CA, extirpating one CA, or applying 100 μg of Altosid topically onto allatectomized larvae. The experiments indicated that only NCA I is an inhibitory pathway and that superlarvae were a direct consequence of CA activation. NCA II does not seem to provide the CA with an essential excitatory innervation; when it and NCA I are severed a supernumerary apolysis will still result. Some of the cells in the brain stainable by the CoCl2 method are most probably identical to those that are PAF-positive. These cells may inhibit the CA in last instar larvae via neurosecretomotor junctions.