cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Crosslinkable mixed matrix membranes with surface modified molecular sieves for natural gas purification: I. Preparation and experimental results

Abstract Dense film mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) comprised of SSZ-13 dispersed in a crosslinkable polyimide (PDMC) were fabricated and evaluated for carbon dioxide/methane separations. MMMs containing 25% (w/w) as-received (AR) SSZ-13 exhibited a carbon dioxide permeability of 153 Barrers with a carbon dioxide/methane ideal selectivity of 34.7 at 65 psia and 35 °C. This represents a permeability enhancement of 129% and a decline in selectivity of 4.7% over neat PDMC ( P CO 2 = 66.9 Barrers, α CO 2 / CH 4 = 36.4 ). A sieve surface modification procedure was developed with the aim of improving SSZ-13/PDMC MMM transport properties. MMMs containing 25% (w/w) surface modified (SM) SSZ-13 exhibited a carbon dioxide permeability of 148 Barrers and carbon dioxide/methane selectivity of 38.9 at 65 psia and 35 °C, representing enhancements in both permeability and selectivity of 121% and 6.9%, respectively. Mixed gas permeation analyses of MMMs containing SM-SSZ-13 using a 10% carbon dioxide/90% methane mixture shows that permeability and selectivity enhancements of 47% and 13%, respectively, over neat PDMC are possible at 700 psia and 35 °C.
Predicting the effects of 8C2, a monoclonal anti-topotecan antibody, on plasma and tissue disposition of topotecan

We are investigating an inverse targeting strategy to reduce the dose limiting systemic toxicities resultant from intraperitoneal administration of topotecan, a model chemotherapeutic drug. This approach utilizes systemic co-administration of anti-topotecan antibodies to alter the plasma and tissue disposition kinetics of topotecan. To better predict the effects of 8C2, a high affinity anti-topotecan monoclonal antibody, on the pharmacokinetics of topotecan, two mathematical models have been developed and evaluated. Model 1 is a hybrid physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model that was created by merging a PBPK model for topotecan with a simple two compartment model of 8C2 pharmacokinetics. Model 2 is a comprehensive PBPK model developed by merging a PBPK model for IgG with a PBPK model for topotecan. To help validate the simulation results from both the models, a tissue distribution experiment was conducted, in which topotecan and 8C2 were co-administered in mice. Experimental and simulated data were compared by calculating the median percent prediction error (%PE) for all tissues. For both models, the median %PE values for all the tissues were less than 100 %, indicating that the predicted values were, on average, less than twofold the observed plasma and tissue topotecan concentrations values. In general model 2 was found to be more predictive of the data set than model 1, as the overall median %PE value for model 2 (%PE = 63) was less than model 1 (%PE = 73).
Passive Joint Coupling in the Forearm, Wrist, and Hand

Many muscles of the upper limb cross more than one joint. For example, each muscle that crosses the wrist also crosses at least one other joint. These muscles often have significant excursions at the other joints they cross [1]. The complex musculoskeletal anatomy of the upper limb results in passive mechanical couplings between joints; the passive moment produced about a given joint can be highly dependent on the positions of other joints [2]. This passive coupling can be clearly observed in the wrist and hand: when the elbow is flexed 90° and the forearm and hand are oriented so that gravity aids wrist flexion, the wrist rests in flexion and the fingers are extended. In contrast, supinating the forearm in this same elbow position (so that gravity aids wrist extension instead of wrist flexion) results in an extended wrist and flexed fingers.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Sustainable development, the Hartwick rule and optimal growth

Defining sustainable development as non-declining utility, the consistency of this concept with the Hartwick rule and optimal growth is explored when resources are exhaustible. A simple proof that a generalized Hartwick rule is necessary and sufficient for constant consumption is derived. The existence of a maximal constant consumption path is shown to depend critically on the elasticity of substitution; if this is less than 1, consumption declines; if it is greater than 1 then consumption is not maximal; if it is equal to 1 (the Cobb-Douglas case) then existence is proved. Consumption can increase along an optimal path if the pure rate of time preference is 0; if it is non-zero then consumption declines.
The effect of hypocapnia on intracellular pH and bicarbonate

The intracellular pH (pHi) and bicarbonate concentration ([HCO3-]icw) of cardiac and skeletal muscles were monitored during respiratory alkalosis in order to further elucidate the homeostatic processes which operate in these tissues to ameliorate deviations from normal acid-base status. Rats were mechanically hyperventilated to induce hypocapnia, pHi was determined by the DMO method, and [HCO-3]icw was calculated from the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation using pHi and the partial pressure of carbon dioxide of vena caval blood. A significant intracellular alkalosis occurred in both cardiac and skeletal muscles during hypocapnia, but the changes in pHi were less in the heart than in skeletal muscle. The decreases in cardiac [HCO-3]icw were greater than those attributable to the physicochemical buffering of the heart. These data are consistent with an intramyocardial source of protons other than physicochemical buffering during respiratory alkalosis. The decreases in skeletal muscle [HCO-3]icw were less than those due to physicochemical buffering. These data are consistent with a net extrusion from skeletal muscles cells of the protons derived from physicochemical buffering during respiratory alkalosis.
Characterization of tribological surfaces by scanning electron acoustic microscopy

Abstract Scanning electron acoustic microscopy, a useful new technique for analyzing wear surfaces, can be carried out in a modified scanning electron microscope. With this technique the thermal and elastic properties of surfaces can be imaged and surface and subsurface cracks throughout the specimen can be detected from their effect on the image. The technique is valuable in the study of surface fatigue wear, the identification of cracks likely to lead to spalling and the mapping of alloy phases in the upper 5–10 μm of the wear surface. Some examples illustrate the origin and interpretation of scanning electron acoustic micrographs and the use of the technique in the study of wear.
Laser treatment of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia in an office setting

One hundred eighty-six patients underwent carbon dioxide laser treatment of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. Both vaporization and excisional procedures were performed in an office setting without difficulty. Thirty-nine patients (36.4%) had grade 1, 38 (35.6%) had grade 2, and 30 (28%) had grade 3. Among 107 patients followed up for at least 6 months, there were two treatment failures (5.1%) in the grade 1 group and no treatment failures for grades 2 and 3. The overall success rate for all grades of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia was 98% for a single laser treatment. Our ability to use the laser to excise a specimen, as well as to treat large and endocervical lesions, allowed the office treatment of many patients who would otherwise have required hospitalization.
Effects of calcium on respiration and ATP content of isolated, leaky, heart muscle cells

Calcium influx secondary to increased sarcolemmal permeability has been implicated in the irreversibility of cell injury associated with myocardial infarction or excessive doses of β-adrenergic agents such as isoproterenol. Cell death has been attributed, at least in part, to Ca uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation. We have, therefore, studied the effect of Ca on State 3 respiration and steady state ATP levels in a preparation of spontaneously beating myocardial fragments (MF) which are highly permeable to solutes added to the medium. The response of MF respiration to Ca was examined between pH 6.0 and pH 7.4, using three separate buffer systems: phosphate (Pi), PIPES, and Bis-Tris propane. When Ca was added to give concentrations anticipated in cells in vivo with leaky sarcolemmas, State 3 respiration was markedly inhibited. Regardless of the buffer used, inhibition became progressively greater with reduction of pH. Only at the highest pH levels employed did we observe respiratory responses which could be interpreted as Ca-induced uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation. Steady state ATP levels declined in the presence of Ca at a rate similar to that observed in the absence of substrate. Thus Ca effectively prevented phosphorylation, while inhibiting rather than stimulating oxygen uptake. It is concluded that Ca influx could be a determinant of cell death in a provisional zone of myocardial necrosis, but since such tissue is generally acidotic, the effect would occur through respiratory inhibition rather than uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation. This inhibition of respiration would spare available oxygen for adjacent cells which might thus be able to survive.
Peer review as professional responsibility: A quality control system only as good as the participants

The peer-review process remains a central part of the value and validity of scientific and technical publishing and proposal assessment. The peer review mechanism has many delicate components that should function most professionally and effectively for best results. An important central tenet is that all who seek to publish should freely avail themselves to review a commensurate load, considering many elements of professional conduct, ethics and responsibility in this process. The review itself should provide timely, unbiased, quality feedback to improve contributions to the system reviewers are serving. An additional component involves follow-on policing of published literature to assert its validity through consensus and validation. This short essay examines our collective duties as contributors, reviewers, and readers to the integrity and safekeeping of this essential quality control process.
Adding niacin plus laropiprant to statins did not reduce vascular events and increased serious adverse events

Source Citation HPS2-THRIVE Collaborative Group, Landray MJ, Haynes R, et al. Effects of extended-release niacin with laropiprant in high-risk patients. N Engl J Med. 2014;371:203-12. 25014686
Gender Identity and Adversarial Sexual Beliefs as Predictors of Attitudes toward Sexual Harassment.

The present study replicates the work of Konrad and Gutek (1986) within a college sample and extends their work by examining the impact of gender identity and adversarial sexual beliefs as predictors of attitudes toward sexual harassment. One hundred seven college students indicated specific aspects of their direct experiences with sexual harassment and then completed several attitudinal measures. Endorsement of adversarial sexual beliefs and experience with sexual harassment significantly predicted negative (less tolerant) attitudes toward sexual harassment for male respondents. Strong gender group identity and the endorsement of adversarial sexual beliefs significantly predicted negative (less tolerant) attitudes toward sexual harassment for female students. Implications for the focus of intervention strategies within an academic environment are discussed.
Corehole seismometer development for low-noise seismic data in a long-term seafloor observatory

Longstanding problems unique to marine seismology (in contrast to land-based studies) include high levels of environmental noise, unpredictable instru- ment placement, short measurement duration, and lim- ited numbers of instruments. Traditional instruments are deployed and recovered from a surface ship with no capability to verify data acquisition until the end of the experiment. They are often poorly sited and usu- ally poorly coupled to the seafloor. Experiments have typically been short in duration with only a minimum number of instruments. The result of these logistical problems is high background noise, sparse data recov- ery (compared to continental stations), and low fidelity data. In an effort to solve many of these problems, we have developed and deployed "corehole seismometers" (1-90 Hz) into small boreholes drilled by an underwa- ter drilling system, using a tethered Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV). The results are seismic data with a sig- nificantly lower background noise level, a lower thresh- old for recognition of small events, well-oriented (and useable) horizontal seismograms, and a much longer de- ployment capability. We present new data from these instruments and compare them with data from two types of traditional instruments deployed from a sur- face ship. These contemporaneous deployments were conducted during 1996 and 1997 in Monterey Bay.
On the connection between the Zernike moments and Radon transform of an image

We describe a simple and direct method to calculate the Zernike moments of an image from its Radon transform using a polynomial transform in the position coordinate and a Fourier transform in the angular coordinate. The transform allows the estimation of image moments from measured sinogram data without the need for matrix inversion or the intermediate step of image reconstruction. The transform is invertible and, thereby, gives insight into the connection between image moments and tomographic image reconstruction. It also suggests an alternative method for the efficient computation of Zernike moments of an image.
The mismatch between gesture and speech as an index of transitional knowledge.

Abstract This study investigates two implications of frequent mismatches between gesture and speech in a child's explanations of a concept: (1) Do gesture/speech mismatches reflect a basic inconsistency in the explanatory system which underlies a child's understanding of a concept? (2) Do gesture/speech mismatches, perhaps as a consequence of this inconsistency, reflect a heightened receptivity to instruction in that concept? The Piagetian conservation task, which asks children to explain their judgments about quantity invariance, was used to test these hypotheses. Children ages 5–8 were asked to make six conservation judgments and then to explain each of those judgments. All but one of the children were found to gesture spontaneously with their spoken explanations. Children were classified into two groups according to the relationship between gesture and speech in their explanations: “Discordant” children produced many explanations in which the information conveyed in speech did not match the information conveyed in gesture; “concordant” children produced few such mismatched explanations. Study 1 sought to determine whether discordant children were less consistent in the reasoning underlying their verbal explanations of quantity invariance than were concordant children. Two indices of consistency that were independent of the discordance classifications were devised and applied to the performances of 28 children on the six conservation tasks. The discordant children were found to have significantly lower scores on both indices of consistency than the concordant children. Thus, children who frequently produced mismatched information between gesture and speech in their explanations of a concept tended to display other forms of inconsistency with respect to the explanatory systems they used to justify their beliefs about that concept. Study 2 sought to determine whether this inconsistency reflected knowledge in transition as operationalized by heightened receptivity to training. After participating in a pretest of six conservation tasks, 52 children were exposed to training in conservation. Discordant children were found to show more improvement than concordant children on a posttest containing the same 6 conservation tasks. Thus, gesture/speech discordance appears to be both a useful marker of inconsistency in the explanatory system underlying understanding of a concept and of receptivity to training in that concept.
Split ends in CML: divergent roles of Hes1.

Hairy enhancer of split 1 (Hes1), a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor mediator of Notch signaling, maintains hematopoietic and neuronal stem cell self-renewal as well as fetal T-cell and malignant CML progenitor immaturity, according to Nakahara and colleagues in this issue of Blood .[1][1
The relation of BSP retention during prolonged fasts to changes in plasma volume.

Abstract Obese subjects who fasted or consumed very low calorie diets developed abnormal BSP retention. Sodium loading during fasting tended to raise plasma volumes and effected an improvement in BSP clearance. Conversely, a sodium and water diuresis had the opposite effect. The fasting ketoacidosis seemed unrelated to the change in BSP levels. The phenomenon of the acute rise in BSP retention with fasting may thus be explained by a reduction in hepatic blood flow secondary to a fall in plasma volume and the prompt improvement with refeeding by the reverse mechanism. Parenchymal liver damage need not be invoked as a cause of high BSP levels. These findings suggest that transiently abnormal BSP levels in some acute disease state may reflect the result of hypovolemia.
Molar scaling in strepsirrhine primates.

Abstract We examined how maxillary molar dimensions change with body and skull size estimates among 54 species of living and subfossil strepsirrhine primates. Strepsirrhine maxillary molar areas tend to scale with negative allometry, or possibly isometry, relative to body mass. This observation supports several previous scaling analyses showing that primate molar areas scale at or slightly below geometric similarity relative to body mass. Strepsirrhine molar areas do not change relative to body mass0.75, as predicted by the metabolic scaling hypothesis. Relative to basicranial length, maxillary molar areas tend to scale with positive allometry. Previous claims that primate molar areas scale with positive allometry relative to body mass appear to rest on the incorrect assumption that skull dimensions scale isometrically with body mass. We identified specific factors that help us to better understand these observed scaling patterns. Lorisiform and lemuriform maxillary molar scaling patterns did not differ significantly, suggesting that the two infraorders had little independent influence on strepsirrhine scaling patterns. Contrary to many previous studies of primate dental allometry, we found little evidence for significant differences in molar area scaling patterns among frugivorous, folivorous, and insectivorous groups. We were able to distinguish folivorous species from frugivorous and insectivorous taxa by comparing M1 lengths and widths. Folivores tend to have a mesiodistally elongated M1 for a given buccolingual M1 width when compared to the other two dietary groups. It has recently been shown that brain mass has a strong influence on primate dental eruption rates. We extended this comparison to relative maxillary molar sizes, but found that brain mass appears to have little influence on the size of strepsirrhine molars. Alternatively, we observed a strong correlation between the relative size of the facial skull and relative molar areas among strepsirrhines. We hypothesize that this association may be underlain by a partial sharing of the patterning of development between molar and facial skull elements.
Randomized Controlled Trial to Improve Adiposity, Inflammation, and Insulin Resistance in Obese African-American and Latino Youth

The purpose of this study was to examine ethnic differences in the metabolic responses to a 16-week intervention designed to improve insulin sensitivity (SI), adiposity, and inflammation in obese African-American and Latino adolescents. A total of 100 participants (African Americans: n = 48, Latino: n = 52; age: 15.4 ± 1.1 years, BMI percentile: 97.3 ± 3.3) were randomly assigned to interventions: control (C; n = 30), nutrition (N; n = 39, 1×/week focused on decreasing sugar and increasing fiber intake), or nutrition + strength training (N+ST; n = 31, 2×/week). The following were measured at pre- and postintervention: strength, dietary intake, body composition (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry/magnetic resonance imaging) and glucose/insulin indexes (oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)/intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT)) and inflammatory markers. Overall, N compared to C and N+ST reported significant improvements in SI (+16.5% vs. -32.3% vs. -6.9% respectively, P < 0.01) and disposition index (DI: +15.5% vs. -14.2% vs. -13.7% respectively, P < 0.01). N+ST compared to C and N reported significant reductions in hepatic fat fraction (HFF: -27.3% vs. -4.3% vs. 0% respectively, P < 0.01). Compared to N, N+ST reported reductions in plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) (-38.3% vs. +1.0%, P < 0.01) and resistin (-18.7% vs. +11.3%, P = 0.02). There were no intervention effects for all other measures of adiposity or inflammation. Significant intervention by ethnicity interactions were found for African Americans in the N group who reported increases in total fat mass, 2-h glucose and glucose incremental areas under the curve (IAUC) compared to Latinos (P's < 0.05). These interventions yielded differential effects with N reporting favorable improvements in SI and DI and N+ST reporting marked reductions in HFF and inflammation. Both ethnic groups had significant improvements in metabolic health; however some improvements were not seen in African Americans.
Planetary Spacecraft As Optical Instrument Platforms

The pointing system, telemetry rate, thermal control, power, command, and available mass of planetary spacecraft are described. A comparison of the pointing and stability capabilities of the three-axis stabilized spacecraft and the spin stabilized spacecraft is presented. The development of a hybrid spacecraft, which combines the spin and three-axis design, is examined. The attitude control and articulation system, and the instruments of the Galileo, a hybrid spacecraft, are analyzed.
Changing patient characteristics and the effect on mortality in endocarditis.

Background: Limited data exist on recent demographic and microbiological changes in infective endocarditis (IE) and the impact of these changes on patient survival. Methods: Data were collected from all patients with definite or possible IE at Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, from 1993 to 1999. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify demographic and microbiological changes that occurred in patients with IE over the study period. The impact of these changes on survival was evaluated using Cox proportional hazards modeling. Results: Among the 329 study patients, rates of hemodialysis dependence, immunosuppression, and Staphylococcus aureus infection increased during the study period (P=.04, P=.008, and P.001, respectively), while rates of infection due to viridans group streptococci decreased (P=.007). Hemodialysis was independently associated with S aureus infection (odds ratio, 3.1; 95% confidence interval, 1.6-5.9). Patients with S aureus IE had a higher 1-year mortality rate (43.9% vs 32.5%; P=.04) that persisted after adjustment for other illness severity characteristics (hazard ratio, 1.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.03-2.3). Conclusions: The demographic and microbiological characteristics of IE at our institution have changed over the past decade in ways that suggest a link between medical practice and IE characteristics. Staphylococcus aureus has emerged as a dominant cause of IE, and is an independent predictor of mortality. These findings identify clinical settings that may warrant closer surveillance and more aggressive measures in the identification and prevention of endocarditis. Arch Intern Med. 2002;162:90-94
The use of megestrol acetate in the treatment of advanced malignant lesions of the endometrium

Abstract The use of megestrol acetate, an oral progestin, was evaluated in a group of patients with far advanced, endometrial carcinoma. Using strict criteria, over 40% of the patients achieved an objective remission at doses ranging from 80 to 160 mg per day.
Role of mentholated cigarettes in increased nicotine dependence and greater risk of tobacco-attributable disease ☆

Abstract Background . Cold air stimulates upper airway cold receptors causing a reflex depressive effect on respiratory activity. Menthol, in low concentrations can also stimulate these same cold receptors causing a depressive effect on respiratory activity. Menthol cigarettes when smoked, deliver enough menthol to stimulate cold receptors resulting in the smoker experiencing a “cool sensation.” The “cool sensation” experienced by the menthol smoker can result in a reflex-depressive effect on respiratory activity. Method . Literature searches were done for the NLM databases (e.g., MEDLINE from 1966, TOXLINE, OLDMEDLINE (1985–1965), CANCERLIT, plus tobacco industry documents and hardcopy indices. The evidence was evaluated with application to mentholated cigarette smoking. Results and Discussion . A logical progression is presented that develops the framework to prove that menthol found in mentholated cigarettes may cause respiratory depression resulting in greater exposure to the toxic substances found in tobacco smoke. Conclusion . As a result of breath holding that results from the stimulation of cold receptors there is a greater opportunity for exposure and transfer of the contents of the lungs to the pulmonary circulation. For the menthol smoker this results in a greater exposure to nicotine and the particulate matter (tar) of the smoked cigarette. This exposure can result in increased nicotine dependence and greater chance of tobacco-attributable disease.
HSP binding and mitochondrial localization of p53 protein in human HT1080 and mouse C3H10T1/2 cell lines

In normal cells, the tumor suppressor actions of p53 protein are mediated by specific DNA binding and protein-protein interactions within the nucleus. Mutant p53 proteins, however, often assume an aberrant conformation devoid of tumor suppressor activity and newly capable of binding to the cognate or inducible HSP70. Recent reports from our laboratory and others show that additional unknown proteins may also complex with mutant p53. In this study, we characterize p53:HSP complexes and their subcellular location in the transformed cell lines, human HT1080 and murine C3H10T1/2, which both contain aberrant p53 conformers. Immunoprecipitation and SDS-PAGE of p53 from whole cell lysates revealed the additional presence of a broad 70 kDa band and a 90 kDa band in both lines, while p53 isolated from nuclear lysates was free from other proteins. 2D-PAGE was used to isolate and identify HSP members from cytoplasmic and nuclear lysates by immunoprecipitation, Western blotting and protein sequencing. Anti-p53 immune complexes from cytoplasmic lysates contained not only HSC70 but also GRP75, GRP78 and a weakly basic 90 kDa protein, which may be related to HSP90. The inducible form of HSP70 was not complexed to p53 protein, even though expressed in these cells. Analysis of anti-HSP70, anti-GRP75 and anti-HSP90 immune complexes suggests that HSP members exist as performed complexes in the cytoplasm, but not the nucleus. The presence of the mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticular chaperones, GRP75 and GRP78, in p53:HSP complexes suggested that p53 might be found in these cytoplasmic organelles which was confirmed in mitochondria by biochemical and immunoelectron microscopic evidence. These studies suggest that newly identified members of p53:HSP complexes represent components of a chaperone program which affects the subcellular distribution of p53 protein in these transformed lines.
Mathematical biophysics of delayed reflexes in connection with the theory of error elimination

In continuation of a previous paper, a mechanism of delayed reflexes is considered more in detail. Equations governing such a mechanism are established and approximately solved. The formulae thus obtained describe the phenomenon of “concentration” of a conditioned reflex around a definite time interval after stimulation. Applied along the lines discussed in the previous paper to some simple combinations of stimuli and responses the formulae lead to a description of the elimination of errors by trial. They give a relation between the number of repetitions, necessary to eliminate a wrong act, and other constants, describing the situation.
Retraining left-handers and the aetiology of stuttering: The rise and fall of an intriguing theory

Many twentieth-century British and American educators, psychologists, and psychiatrists advocated forcing left-handed children to write with their right hands. These experts asserted that a child's decision to rely on his or her left hand was a reflection of a defiant personality that could best be corrected by forcible switching. The methods used to retrain left-handers were often tortuous, including restraining a resistant child's left hand. In contrast, those who saw left-handedness as inherited, but natural, not only disapproved of forced switching, but also often warned of its putative negative consequences, especially stuttering. These claims were given credence in the 1930s by influential University of Iowa researchers, including psychiatrist S. T. Orton, psychologist L. E. Travis, and their students. From the late 1920s until the 1950s, the Iowa researchers published articles and books connecting the etiology of stuttering to forcing natural left-handers to write and perform other tasks with their right hand. Based on their clinical studies these practitioners concluded that stutterers displayed weak laterality. The Iowa group also published detailed case studies of patients whose stuttering was putatively cured by the restoration of their left-handedness. By the late-1940s, the connection between stuttering and retraining evaporated, due in large part to the growing dominance of psychoanalytic psychiatry. Despite robust statistical and clinical evidence, the connection between forced hand switching and stuttering has largely been forgotten. Recent imaging studies of stutterers, however, have suggested that stuttering is tied to disturbed signal transmission between the hemispheres. Similar to the Iowa researchers of the 1930s, current investigators have found connections between stuttering and weak laterality.
Planned and Post Hoc Comparisons for Tests of Homogeneity Where the Dependent Variable Is Categorical and Ordered.

Researchers in the social sciences tend to analyze two dimensional frequency tables by means of Karl Pearson's Chi-square test of homogeneity. This can be improved upon if the dependent variable represents an ordered qualitative characteristic. In particular, one can substitute the Kruskal-Wallis analysis of variance on ranks for the more familiar Karl Pearson test. An example is provided of this modification for a planned and post hoc analysis.
Synthesis of pipelined SRSL circuits

In this paper, we propose a new design methodology for clockless circuits based on the present methodology of clocked circuits. This methodology takes advantage of the maturity of current CAD tools to synthesize new clockless pipelines without disrupting their design flow. Currently, there is no established design methodology to support the design and verification of clockless circuits. As a case in study, the proposed design methodology targets the synthesis of new pipelines based on a recently introduced clockless design technique called self-resetting stage logic (SRSL). The synthesis of SRSL pipelines starts from a synthesized gate netlist to satisfy a specified data rate by minimizing overall pipeline area. Since this synthesis problem is formulated as a large integer programming problem, an efficient two-phase heuristic algorithm is proposed to solve this problem. Experimental results show that SRSL pipelines can reach throughputs in the GHz range and are highly suitable for coarse-grain datapaths.
Estimation of residual pepsin and chymosin activity in curd

Abstract Pasteurized milk (225g) adjusted to pH 6.2 was set with 3.5 milk clotting units of chymosin (EC 3.4.23.4). The same amount of milk at pH 5.8 was set with 3.5 milk clotting units of porcine pepsin (EC 3.4.23.1). Fifteen minutes after clotting, the curd was broken, and curd and whey were separated by centrifugation at 3500×g for 20min. The curd (30g) was extracted at pH 6.8 in 450ml water or at pH 6.2 (chymosin) or 5.8 (pepsin) in 450ml 1 M sodium chloride. Chymosin was completely released from the curd and accounted for by both methods of extraction. Pepsin was completely released and accounted for after extraction in 1 M sodium chloride at pH 5.8 but was partly inactivated during extraction at pH 6.8. Assay of curd extracts and whey by a linear agar diffusion test accounted for 102±6% of the pepsin activity added to milk when the curd was extracted in 1 M sodium chloride. Extraction at pH 6.8 allowed recovery of only 63% of the activity. Chymosin recovery was 100±5% by both methods of curd extraction.
Job Search Behavior of the Unemployed in Russia

This paper explores the determinants of job search behavior, search intensity and choices of search methods of the unemployed workers in transitional Russia. We use pooled data from rounds 5-9 of the Russia Longitudinal Monitoring Survey (RLMS) to estimate the effects of socio-economic factors on the choices workers make while looking for a job. The results show that women are significantly less likely than men to engage in job search, they lag significantly behind men in search intensity, and significantly differ from men in their search strategies. Job search behavior of workers living in metropolitan areas of Moscow and St. Petersburg varies substantially from the behavior of workers living in other regions of Russia. The most frequently used search strategy in Russia, as in other countries, is contacting friends and relatives for job leads.
Mysteries of asymmetries.

I am going to discuss the treatment of asymmetries, the cause of which may be dental, functional, skeletal, or combinations of the three. I will spend minimal time reviewing dental and functional asymmetries because they have been well described in the literature. A dental asymmetry diagnosed in the mixed or transitional dentition should be intercepted early to establish more symmetric maxillary and mandibular dental arches. Orthodontic objectives may include maintaining or regaining arch length or correcting significant dental asymmetries through tooth movement. In the permanent dentition, dental asymmetries are corrected through tooth movement. Difficulty arises when the maxillary dental midline is coincident with the patient’s facial midline and the asymmetry is in the mandibular arch, which is often the case. Alteration of the well-positioned maxillary arch by treating or matching it to the asymmetric mandibular arch may result in esthetic compromise. The limit of maxillary midline deviation found to be esthetically acceptable to patients is approximately 2 mm on either side of the patient’s facial midline. For this reason, mandibular permanent tooth removal or opening space for prosthetic replacement of an additional mandibular tooth may be necessary to resolve the asymmetry in the mandibular arch. Functional asymmetries may be diagnosed by accurately determining if the patient presents with a discrepancy between centric relation and maximum intercuspal position. If a functional asymmetry is diagnosed in the mixed dentition, interception should be instituted as early as is practical to establish more ideal maxillary skeletal width and to eliminate the functional mandibular shift. The objective should be to establish coincidence of dental midlines with each dental midline centered on their respective skeletal bases while eliminating the functional component of the malocclusion. After this first phase of maxillary sutural expansion, the clinician
Paleohydrology of pool-and-riffle pattern development: Boulder Creek, Utah

The low-flow channel morphology of Boulder Creek is characterized by a well-developed pool-and-riffle pattern. The riffles consist of accumulations of basaltic boulders deposited from upstream source areas during extremely large flows. Paleoflood water-surface profiles defined by high-water indicators such as slack-water sediments and silt lines indicate that discharges of up to 400±50 m 3 /s have affected the lower reaches of this bedrock stream system. Stratigraphic relationships and archaeologic and radiometric age constraints indicate that at least four large-magnitude, low-frequency flow events have occurred within the past 500 to 1,000 radiocarbon years B.P. Step-backwater hydraulic reconstructions of these large flows suggest that the positions of the boulder-comprised riffles are controlled by spatial variations in large-flow stream power. Boulder deposition occurs where channel stream power drops below critical-power thresholds necessary for boulder transport. High-discharge stream-power minima occur in reaches immediately upstream of canyon bends and constrictions and downstream of canyon expansions. The low-flow riffles occur at these sites. Comparison of calculated stream-power values and measured boulder sizes with established coarse-particle transport relationships indicates that a 400-m 3 /s flow is approximately the minimum discharge competent to affect this pool-and-riffle pattern.
A laser obstacle avoidance and display system

The authors describe an airborne laser system that provides a pilot with a display of obstacles such as power cables ahead of his aircraft. This system, LOCUS (Laser Obstacle and Cable Unmasking System), was flight-tested by the Naval Air Test Center at Patuxent River, where cable detection ranges of over 2 km were measured. It is found that real-time processing of the laser returns can achieve a real-time display of obstacles in the flight path sufficiently early to enable safe evasive action. In addition, real-time processing of the laser returns can provide unmapped obstacle data to enhance a digital terrain system in low-level covert terrain-following mode. >
Recent developments in mass spectrometry

Rather than the more classical attributes of resolution and sensitivity, recent developments in mass spectrometry appear to have addressed problems associated with sample involatility, complexity and high molecular weight. The first was solved originally by conversion to derivatives, first methyl esters for example, and later others, trimethylsilyl ethers in particular. In my opinion this method, in the hands of a chemist knowledgeable enough to be aware of its attendant complications, is still the most powerful of all. It allows use of labelled reagents and separation from byproducts and impurities by GC and LC. Quite often the elucidation of molecular weight and other structural features is then straightforward.
A Wald test comparing medical costs based on log-normal distributions with zero valued costs.

Medical cost data often exhibit strong skewness and sometimes contain large proportions of zero values. Such characteristics prevent the analysis of variance (ANOVA) F-test and other frequently used standard tests from providing the correct inferences when the comparison of means is of interest. One solution to the problem is to introduce a parametric structure based on log-normal distributions with zero values and then construct a likelihood ratio test. While such a likelihood ratio test possesses excellent type I error control and power, its implementation requires a rather complicated iterative optimization program. In this paper, we propose a Wald test with simple computation. We then conduct a Monte Carlo simulation to compare the type I error rates and powers of the proposed Wald test with those of the likelihood ratio test. Our simulation study indicates that although the likelihood ratio test slightly outperforms the Wald test, the performance of the Wald test is also satisfactory, especially when the sample sizes are reasonably large. Finally, we illustrate the use of the proposed Wald test by analysing a clinical study assessing the effects of a computerized prospective drug utilization intervention on in-patient charges.
Linking Parasitic Plant-Induced Host Morphology to Tritrophic Interactions

We investigated the tritrophic interactions among southwestern dwarf mistletoe [Arceuthobium vaginatum (Willd.) Presl subsp. cryptopodum], mistletoe herbivores, and host pine (Pinus ponderosa Dougl. ex Laws. and C. Laws. variety scopulorum Engelm.)-associated predators. In an observational study, we characterized differences in pine-associated arthropods and pine branch morphology between branches either parasitized by mistletoe (brooms) or not visibly infected. Compared with noninfected branches, brooms had a more reticulate branching structure, collected 36 times more dead needles and supported 1.7 times more arthropod predators. In a manipulative field experiment, we investigated whether pine-associated predators fed upon lepidopteran herbivores of mistletoe and thereby reduced herbivore damage to the parasite. Over a 30-d trial, herbivores fed upon approximately two-thirds of available mistletoe shoots. Predator removal increased herbivore survival by 56% but had no detectable effect on the level of herbivory damage. We speculate that herbivores compete for mistletoe shoots and that increased per-capita feeding compensated for predator reduction of herbivore abundance. In summary, our results demonstrate that mistletoe parasitism altered the pine arthropod community, including an increase in the density of predators that likely feed upon mistletoe herbivores.
Formation of Solid and Hollow Spherical Particles by Spray Pyrolysis

Spray pyrolysis offers a number of opportunities for the synthesis of either solid or hollow spherical particles. As predicted by the evaporation model, particles with different shell thicknesses can be obtained depending on the concentration gradient at the onset of precipitation. If the precipitate shell has a sufficiently high permeability for removal of the remaining solvent, then the shell can be preserved and a hollow particle obtained. By drying at a lower temperature solid particles are readily formed from precursor salts but hollow particle formation by SP at these low temperatures imposes demanding heating rate requirements.
Migraine, white matter hyperintensities, and subclinical brain infarction in a diverse community: the northern Manhattan study.

Background and Purpose— Migraine with aura is a risk factor for ischemic stroke. The goals of this study are to examine the association between migraine and subclinical cerebrovascular damage in a race/ethnically diverse older population-based cohort study. Methods— In the Northern Manhattan Study (NOMAS), we quantified subclinical brain infarctions and white matter hyperintensity volumes among participants with self-reported migraine, confirmed by the International Classification of Headache Disorders-2 criteria. Results— Of 546 study participants with imaging and migraine data (41% men; mean age at MRI, 71±8 years; mostly Hispanic [65%]), those reporting migraine overall had double the odds of subclinical brain infarction (adjusted odds ratio, 2.1; 95% confidence interval, 1.0–4.2) when compared with those reporting no migraine, after adjusting for sociodemographics and vascular risk factors. No association was observed between migraine with or without aura and white matter hyperintensity volume. Conclusions— Migraine may be a risk factor for subclinical brain infarction. Prospective studies are needed in race/ethnically diverse populations.
Cell Replacement Therapy in the Inner Ear: Implications for Cochlear Implantation

Abstract This article provides an overview of recent advances in inner ear cell replacement therapy. Current strategies designed both to initiate hair cell regeneration and maintain or regenerate n...
Quantitative Estimates of Labile and Semi-Labile Dissolved Organic Carbon in the Western Arctic Ocean: A Molecular Approach

A novel molecular approach based on carbon-normalized yields of combined amino acids was developed to quantify concentrations of labile (L), semi-labile (S), and refractory (R) dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in shelf and basin waters of the Western Arctic Ocean. Concentrations of L-DOC were seasonally and spatially variable (0.1–14.2 mmol L21). In contrast, concentrations of S-DOC were much less variable (20.2 6 0.68 mmol L21 SE). Average concentrations of L-DOC in shelf waters increased from 0.7 mmol L21 to 2.4 mmol L21 between the spring and summer of 2002 and from 1.4 mmol L21 to 3.9 mmol L21 between the spring and summer of 2004. Primary productivity increased 2–3-fold between spring and summer, indicating a strong linkage between plankton and L-DOC production. Patterns of L-DOC abundance in surface waters are suggestive of multiple mechanisms of L-DOC production, including direct release from phytoplankton and release during grazing. Concentrations of L-DOC were not correlated with those of total DOC. Elevated concentrations of L-DOC in halocline waters (40–200-m depth) of the Canada Basin indicated rapid transport of shelf-produced DOC into the basin. Chemical and physical properties of basin waters with elevated L-DOC concentrations indicated a sediment-derived source of basin L-DOC. The approach presented here for quantifying the labile and semilabile fractions of DOC is a potentially powerful tool for understanding processes controlling the distribution, production, and utilization of dissolved organic matter. Favorable light conditions and high nutrient concentrations during the summer result in exceptionally high rates of primary productivity in the Chukchi Sea of the Western Arctic Ocean (Springer and McRoy 1993; Hill and Cota 2005). Off-shelf transport of plankton-derived organic matter from this region has been suggested as a primary driver of metabolism in the adjacent, highly oligotrophic Canada Basin (Walsh et al. 1989). The Chukchi Sea is characterized by strong benthic-pelagic coupling (Grebmeier 1993; Springer and McRoy 1993). Vertical export of particulate organic carbon (POC) from the highly productive water column supports an extremely rich benthic community, which is heavily utilized by benthic-feeding marine mammals. The high rates of particle flux required to sustain such a food web, in combination with the low concentrations of POC measured in the Canada Basin (Wheeler et al. 1997), imply that a significant shelf-to-basin connection would be based largely on dissolved rather than particulate carbon. Water column production results in seasonal inputs of fresh plankton-derived dissolved organic carbon ([DOC] Davis and Benner 2005), whereas benthic remineralization of sinking organic matter results in substantial DOC release
MEDICARE COSTS AND RETIREMENT SECURITY

Most of the discussion of retirement security focuses on declining Social Security replacement rates, modest 401(k) balances, the low level of saving, and longer life expectancy. Rising health care costs, which seem too amorphous to incorporate into numerical examples, are often characterized as a "wildcard" that could undermine the best laid plans. This brief focuses on just one component of retiree health care costs & the Medicare program. It discusses the impact on future retirees of both rising out-of-pocket payments and higher taxes that will be needed to cover future health care expenditures. The numbers come directly from the 2007 Annual Report issued by the Medicare Trustees. The conclusion is sobering. The growing cost and tax burdens associated with Medicare alone suggest that even the most conservative target replacement rates may be inadequate.