cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
11.2.1 Factors Related to the Implementation of ISSE: A Quality Perspective

‘Bolting on’ security functionality in Information Technology (IT) systems late in the System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) can be expensive and adversely affect system functionality and usability. Information Systems Security Engineering (ISSE) is a specialized application of systems engineering that addresses the identification of security requirements and their successful translation into IT system design. Yet experience has shown that security is often the “sacrificial lamb” when project managers seek to trade scope to meet cost and schedule requirements despite increasing security and privacy regulation in multiple industries. Given the proper application of ISSE would preclude such choices, overcoming barriers to implementation of ISSE in the SDLC would help project managers provide targeted application of scarce resources; facilitate proper security engineering; reduce overall risk to project scope, cost and schedule; and address the most critical IT security compliance issues affecting their project.
Adoption of Radiation Therapy Oncology Group consensus guidelines for post-prostatectomy radiation therapy in an academic tertiary care center

Objective This study aimed to define the impact of Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) guidelines for clinical target volume (CTV) delineation for post-prostatectomy external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) on radiation dosimetry and toxicity.
Novel tricyclic pyrone compounds prevent intracellular APP C99-induced cell death.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an age-related neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the progressive and global loss of cognitive functions. Pathological features include a loss of neurons in vulnerable brain regions and the extracellular deposition of abnormal protein aggregates known as amyloid plaques. Amyloid-β protein (Aβ is the major component of amyloid plaques and is derived from a larger transmembrane glycoprotein, termed amyloid β protein precursor (APP), by proteolysis. The AD research has focused on Aβ production and metabolism, its extracellular deposition, and its cellular toxicity. Recent evidence, however, suggests that Aβ as well as the C-terminal fragments (CTF) of APP can accumulate intraneuronally. The neuronal loss and synaptic transmission deficit in AD may therefore depend on intraneuronal accumulation of Aβ/CTF rather than on extracellular plaque formation. Accordingly, we propose that one of the primary targets of therapeutic intervention should be intracellular Aβ/CTF and its toxic cellular effect.
On the secretion of digestive enzymes by the marine crab, Thalamita Crenata

1. The pH-optima of protease, amylase, saccharase, maltase and lipase of the marine crab, Thalamita crenata, have been determined. Their optima, except for that of lipase, are high when compared with those of Astacus and Maja. 2. After starvation the midgut gland shows a rhythmic activity after feeding commenced, with two maxima of secretion at 1 and 5–8 hours after feeding. The probable mechanism of this type of secretoric activity is discussed.
Some factors that influence prolonged interfacial continuity.

Bringing a percutaneous implant through the integument with the intentions of leaving it as a functional device for prolonged periods of time has not yet become a reality. If we are ever to achieve prolonged uninfected implants, attention must be directed toward a variety of failure mechanisms. Some of these mechanisms have defined our scrutiny, and our awareness of others are poorly understood. Some of the causes for failure of a percutaneous implant are the forces, either extrinsic or intrinsic, that cause shearing and tearing at the skin-implant interface. Extrinsic forces are defined as those forces applied either to the skin or the implant by the external environment. Intrinsic forces are those that have to do directly or indirectly with the body's growth and cell maturation, such as the retraction of maturing scar tissue and the surface migration of squamous epithelium. An intact skin-implant interface is important to attain in order to close the portal which might allow microbial invasion. The integument must remain intact, since a suppurative wound makes the implant's removal mandatory.
Shrinkage and swelling of coal induced by desorption and sorption of fluids : Theoretical model and interpretation of a field project

Abstract Geologic sequestration in deep unmineable coal seams and enhanced coalbed methane production is a promising choice, economically and environmentally, to reduce anthropogenic gases such as carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Unmineable coal seams are typically known to adsorb large amounts of carbon dioxide in comparison to the sizeable amounts of sorbed methane, which raises the potential for large scale sequestration projects. During the process of sequestration, carbon dioxide is injected into the coalbed and desorbed methane is produced. The coal matrix is believed to shrink when a gas is desorbed and swell when a gas is sorbed, sometimes causing profound changes in the cleat porosity and permeability of the coal seam. These changes may have significant impact on the reservoir performance. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the combined influence of swelling and shrinkage, and geomechanical properties including elastic modulus, cleat porosity, and permeability of the reservoir. The present paper deals with the influence of swelling and shrinkage on the reservoir performance, and the geomechanical response of the reservoir system during the process of geologic sequestration of carbon dioxide and enhanced coalbed methane production in an actual field project located in northern New Mexico. A three-dimensional swelling and shrinkage model was developed and implemented into an existing reservoir model to understand the influence of geomechanical parameters, as well as swelling and shrinkage properties, on the reservoir performance. Numerical results obtained from the modified simulator were compared to available measured values from that site and previous studies. Results show that swelling and shrinkage, and the combination of geomechanical and operational parameters, have a significant influence on the performance of the reservoir system.
Measurement of API concentration in pharmaceutical powder blends using frequency domain photon migration

Experiments and theory demonstrate that measurement precision in discrete, non-continuum media such as tissue or a powder bed, depends upon the concentration of the studied absorber as well as the volume sampled by migrating photons.
Hybrid Laser-Arc Welding of AA6061-T6 Butt Joints

Hybrid laser-arc welding (HLAW) of butt joints in 3.18 mm thick aluminum alloy (AA) 6061-T6 sheets was investigated in the present study. Under optimized process conditions, high integrity welds with approximately 2% shrinkage and gas porosity were obtained. The weld bead geometry was determined to conform to the crown and root reinforcement specifications for welded aluminum construction - CSA W 59.2 M1191. Softening in the heat-affected zone (HAZ) and fusion zone (FZ) of the welds was observed, the former due to grain coarsening and the latter due to the dissolution of the hardening precipitates as well as the dilution from the application of the ER 5356 filler wire. Under optimized process conditions, the gap tolerance was determined to be 0.5 mm, beyond which the performance of the joints during bend testing was compromised.
Expanding Preservice Teachers' Knowledge of the English Language: Recommendations for Teacher Educators.

For many striving readers in the early grades (Grades K–3), difficulty learning to read manifests at the word level. As a result, such readers are likely to need explicit instruction in the structure of the English language, also referred to as basic language concepts (i.e., concepts and skills related to phonology, phonics, morphology). However, researchers have found that preservice and in-service teachers generally lack knowledge about and skills related to these concepts. Thus, the purpose of this article is to provide recommendations for teacher educators in both general and special education preparation programs to support preservice teachers' learning and application of basic language concepts.
Dynamic distributed scheduling in random access networks

We consider a model of random access (slotted-aloha-type) communication networks of general topology. Assuming that network links receive exogenous arrivals of packets for transmission, we seek dynamic distributed random access strategies whose goal is to keep all network queues stable. We prove that two dynamic strategies, which we collectively call queue length based random access (QRA), ensure stability as long as the rates of exogenous arrival flows are within the network saturation rate region. The first strategy, QRA-I, can be viewed as a random-access-model counterpart of the max-weight scheduling rule, while the second strategy, QRA-II, is a counterpart of the exponential (EXP) rule. The two strategies induce different dynamics of the queues in the fluid scaling limit, which can be exploited for the quality-of-service control in applications.
Growth responses of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii [Mirb.] Franco) to defoliation

Abstract The effects of defoliation on Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii [Mirb.] Franco) growth in 3-year-old plantations were studied at two sites near Alsea, Oregon during 1988–1990. Four intensities of defoliation (0, 25, 50, and 75% of current year's foliage removed) were applied once in either spring or summer 1988. Seedling diameter and canopy area had inverse linear relationships to the level of defoliation. Defoliation intensity had no effect on seedling height growth (P > 0.05) throughout the study period. Greater losses (P Pre-down and midday xylem water potentials were monitored using a pressure chamber during summer 1988 and 1989 as an index of tree moisture stress. No differences in pre-dawn and midday xylem water potential were observed (P > 0.05) between trees defoliated in summer or spring compared with undefoliated trees in 1988. However, in 1989, 25% defoliation increased midday xylem water potential, whereas 50 and 75% defoliation decreased water potential (P
ABSENCE OF EXPRESSION OF TRANSFORMING GROWTH FACTOR-beta TYPE II RECEPTOR IS ASSOCIATED WITH AN AGGRESSIVE GROWTH PATTERN IN A MURINE RENAL CARCINOMA CELL LINE, RENCA

AbstractTransforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) inhibits the proliferation of many cancer cells. However, tumor cells frequently become resistant to this inhibitory effect due to the absence of TGF-beta receptor (T beta R) expression. This study reports the nature of TGF-beta sensitivity in an aggressive murine renal carcinoma cell line, Renca, investigated in a series of experiments. The growth of Renca cells, in tissue culture, was not sensitive to the inhibitory effect of TGF-beta 1 with doses ranging from 0.1 to 10 ng./ml., nor was this cell line sensitive to the effect of TGF-beta 1 in inducing the expression of plasminogen activator inhibitor-I. Renca cells expressed TGF-beta 1 mRNA and protein, as determined by RT-PCR and ELISA, respectively. The level of TGF-beta 1 production by Renca cells was moderate, thus eliminating the possibility that endogenous TGF-beta 1 production might be masking the effect of TGF-beta sensitivity. Furthermore, Renca cells expressed T beta R-I mRNA, but did not e...
Outcomes of surgical paraclavicular thoracic outlet decompression.

Background Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a constellation of signs and symptoms caused by compression of the neurovascular structures in the thoracic outlet. These structures include the brachial plexus, the subclavian vein, and the subclavian artery, resulting in neurogenic (NTOS), venous (VTOS), and arterial (ATOS) types of TOS, respectively. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of paraclavicular surgical decompression for TOS. Methods A prospective analysis of patients who underwent surgical decompression for TOS at a newly established center was performed. Diagnosis of TOS was based on clinical history, a physical examination, and additional diagnostic studies. The indication for surgery in patients diagnosed with NTOS was the presence of persistent symptoms after a trial of physical therapy. Primary outcomes were assessed according to Derkash's classification as excellent, good, fair, and poor. Secondary outcomes included mortality, complications, and duration of hospital stay. Results Between August 2004 and June 2011, 40 paraclavicular decompression procedures were performed on 36 patients (16 men) with TOS. The mean age was 36.5 years (range: 15–68). Bilateral decompression was performed on 4 patients. The types were NTOS (n = 19; 48%), VTOS (n = 16; 40%), and ATOS (n = 5; 12%). In addition to pain, the most common presenting symptom was numbness in NTOS, swelling in VTOS, and coolness in ATOS. A history of trauma was present in 22.2%. Two patients suffered from recurrent symptoms after previous transaxillary first rib resection for VTOS at another institution. Diagnostic tests performed included nerve conduction studies (43%), venogram (40%), and arteriogram (20%). All patients underwent paraclavicular decompression, which included radical anterior and partial middle scalenectomy, brachial plexus neurolysis, and first rib resection. The first rib resection was partial, through a supraclavicular only approach in NTOS and ATOS patients (60%) or complete, through a supra- and infraclavicular approach for VTOS patients (40%). Functional outcomes were excellent, good, fair, and poor in 74.4%, 15.4%, 10.3%, and 0% of cases, respectively. One patient was lost to follow-up. Two patients with incomplete relief of symptoms after paraclavicular decompression for NTOS underwent pectoralis minor decompression. There were no deaths. Complications included pleural effusion requiring evacuation (n = 4), neuropraxia (n = 1), and lymph leak (n = 1) treated with tube thoracostomy. No patients experienced injury to the long thoracic or phrenic nerves. The mean duration of hospital stay was 4.4 days. The mean follow-up was 10.3 months. Conclusions In our experience, surgical paraclavicular decompression can provide safe and effective relief of NTOS, VTOS, and ATOS symptoms. Functional outcomes were excellent or good in the majority of patients, with minimal complications.
Cervical spine alignment in the youth football athlete: recommendations for emergency transportation.

BackgroundSubstantial literature exists regarding recommendations for the on-field treatment and subsequent transportation of adult collision-sport athletes with a suspected injury to the cervical spine.PurposeTo develop an evidence-based recommendation for transportation of suspected spine-injured youth football players.Study DesignDescriptive laboratory study.MethodsThree lateral radiographs were obtained in supine to include the occiput to the cervical thoracic junction from 31 youth football players (8-14 years). Each child was imaged while wearing helmet and shoulder pads, without equipment, and with shoulder pads only. Two independent observers measured cervical spine angulation as Cobb angle from C1 to C7 and subaxial angulation from C2 to C7. We calculated intraclass correlation coefficients for intraobserver reliability analysis and compared Cobb and C2 to C7 angles between equipment conditions with t tests.ResultsInterobserver analysis showed excellent reliability among measurements. Cobb and su...
Loop analysis and qualitative modeling: limitations and merits

Richard Levins has advocated the scientific merits of qualitative model- ing throughout his career. He believed an excessive and uncritical focus on emu- lating the models used by physicists and maximizing quantitative precision was hindering biological theorizing in particular. Greater emphasis on qualitative properties of modeled systems would help counteract this tendency, and Levins subsequently developed one method of qualitative modeling, loop analysis, to study a wide variety of biological phenomena. Qualitative modeling has been criticized for being conceptually and methodologically problematic. As a clear example of a qualitative modeling method, loop analysis shows this criticism is indefensible. The method has, however, some serious limitations. This paper describes loop analysis, its limitations, and attempts to clarify the differences between quantitative and qualitative modeling, in content and objective. Loop analysis is but one of numerous types of qualitative analysis, so its limitations do not detract from the currently underappreciated and underdeveloped role qualitative modeling could have within science.
Reinforcement learning and planning for preference balancing tasks

Many robotic motion tasks, such as UAV control, have non-linear and high-dimensional dynamics. Difficult for both human demonstration and explicit solutions, these tasks can be described with opposing preferences. This thesis develops PEARL, a real-time solution for such tasks on acceleration-controlled systems with unknown dynamics, and finds PEARL's safety conditions.
The choice for learning

We are building conventional library space without making the paradigm shift our digital environment requires. The chief obstacles to change lie in our conception of readers as information consumers, in our allegiance to library operations as the drivers of library design, and in the choice made between foundational and non-foundational views of knowledge. We have the choice of focusing on the delivery of electronic information and abandoning many of our claims on physical space or of designing library space for learning. The latter choice is illustrated by a thought experiment involving the reference desk.
Students' orientations toward the university: An investigation of the Clark-Trow typology

Using a random sample of 460 Southern Illinois University at Carbondale students surveyed in 1973, four questions are investigated regarding a modified version of the Clark-Trow student typology: (1) What is the distribution of the four Clark-Trow student types among this sample of post-activist students? (2) What are the intercorrelations between the four student types? (3) To what degree are students' perceptions of the prevailing student type at the university related to their typological self-descriptions? (4) What antecedent factors affect student self-classifications on the four types? The results of this research are discussed in conjunction with recent findings concerning the association between students' academic orientations and their perceptions and evaluations of the university environment.
A comparison of standing steadiness measurements from two devices: covariates and normal values.

Quantifying standing steadiness may be a useful method of detecting neurotoxicity in epidemiological studies. Unfortunately, use of quantitative standing steadiness outcomes in epidemiologic studies has been limited by lack of standardization of methods, insufficient availability of normative data, and inadequately characterized effects of covariates. Additionally, the current gold standard method, the force platform (FP), has been expensive and unwieldy for use in field studies. A relatively inexpensive and portable head position monitor (HPM) has been introduced as an alternate method for measuring standing steadiness. In this study 211 subjects were tested with one or both devices using a common testing protocol. The correlations between measurements obtained with the FP and the HPM were high and similar to those obtained during repeated measurements with each device separately. The effects of potential covariates on outcome measures were investigated. There was a significant age x sex interaction in the FP standing steadiness measurements in this population with decreased steadiness among older men but not older women. Information for estimating normal values for the outcome measures is provided. This study suggests that measures of standing steadiness obtained with the HPM are similar, but not identical, to measures obtained with a conventional FP and that the HPM may be useful in field studies of occupational exposure to neurotoxicants.
Identifying and Extinguishing Dysfunctional and Deadly Organizational Practices.

It is possible to define an organization's culture in terms of its dominant behavioral practices and their molar consequences, from the shop floor to the executive suite (Redmon & Mason, 2001). Dysfunctional and potentially deadly practices (for the organization as a whole) can be “latent.” They often go undetected until their dramatic consequences are overtly manifest. For example, leadership of Alaska Airlines appeared to have had no idea how dangerous their aircraft maintenance practices were prior to the notorious crash of Alaska Airlines' Flight 261 (Mawhinney, 2007, National Transportation Safety Board, 2002) in which 88 people perished. Similarly, the leadership of Barings Bank either had no idea that their high performing trader in Singapore, Nick Leeson, was about to kill the company until the deed was done (Leeson, 1996). This was in spite of the fact that some of the managers above Leeson were believed to have poorly fulfilled their responsibilities to limit the bank's financial risks (Lesson, ...
Squamous-cell carcinoma of the rectum: A rare but curable tumor

This study was designed to evaluate one institution’s experience with treatment outcomes for rectal squamous-cell carcinoma. Using our prospective Colorectal Database, we identified patients diagnosed with rectal squamous-cell carcinoma at our institution between 1983 and 2005. Pathology was rereviewed, tumor immunophenotype was compared to control cases of anal squamous-cell carcinoma and rectal adenocarcinoma, treatment modalities and outcomes were analyzed. Twelve patients were identified (10 females median age, 58 years). Median distal extent of tumors was 7 (range, 5–8) cm from the anal verge. Treatment included chemotherapy only (n = 1), chemoradiation only (n = 2), induction chemotherapy followed by chemoradiation and surgery (n = 2), chemoradiation followed by surgery (n = 5), and surgery followed by chemoradiation (n = 2). The chemotherapy regimen was 5-fluorouracil-based. Radiotherapy total dose was 50.4 Gy (1.8 Gy/day, daily × 5) external iliac and inguinal nodes were not included in the radiation field. Complete clinical responders to chemoradiation (n = 2) received no further treatment. All seven partial responders underwent surgery; six had complete pathologic response; nodal status in two of six was unknown because they had local excision. Immunophenotypical analysis showed similar keratin expression profile between rectal squamous-cell carcinoma (n = 5) and rectal adenocarcinoma (n = 5), which is different from anal squamous-cell carcinoma (n = 10). All patients were alive without evidence of disease at follow-up (median follow-up, 2.6 (range, 0.5–16) years). Our data suggest that most patients treated with upfront chemoradiation therapy followed by surgery did well. Sphincter-preserving surgery is usually feasible. Clinical judgment of tumor response after chemoradiation is not completely reliable. Immunohistochemistry suggests a common cellular origin for rectal squamous-cell carcinoma and rectal adenocarcinoma, which is different from anal squamous-cell carcinoma.
Kinetic hydricity of transition-metal hydrides toward trityl cation

The kinetics of hydride transfer from a series of metal hydrides (MH) to Ph{sub 3}C{sup +}BF{sub 4}{sup -} (producing Ph{sub 3}-CH and M - FBF{sub 3}) have been studied by stopped-flow methods in CH{sub 2}Cl{sub 3} solution. Second-order rate constants at 25{degree}C span 5 orders of magnitude in kinetic hydricity, ranging from k = 5.0 x 10{sup 1}M{sup -1} s{sup -1} for HMn-(CO){sub 5} to k = 4.6 x 10{sup 5} M{sup -1} s{sup -1} for trans-HMo(CO){sub 2}-(PMe{sub 3})Cp. 24 refs., 1 tab.
Tribological behavior of metal matrix composites

Abstract : The wear and friction behavior of continuous graphite-fiber-reinforced metal matrix composites was investigated. Composite materials were tested against 4620 steel at 54 m/sec at room temperature in air without lubricant. The graphite fibers studied included rayon-based, pitch-based, and polyacrilonitrile (PAN)-based fibers. Both high-modulus and high-strength PAN-based fibers were examined. The fibers were incorporated into Cu- and Ag- based alloys by means of a liquid metal infiltration technique. The results of this study indicate that the type of graphite fiber in the composite is the most significant factor in the wear and friction behavior of metal matrix composites. In some high-modulus fiber Sn-bronze composites fiber fraction influences wear rate, but not coefficient of friction. Neither the matrix alloy nor the composite tensile strength per se correlates with the friction and wear properties; however, there are specific trends for the various matrix alloys. (Author)
Effects of lipid class and lipid vehicle volume on the intestinal lymphatic transport of DDT

Abstract The effect of lipid vehicle volume and lipid class on the intestinal lymphatic transport of DDT (1,1-bis( p -chlorophenyl)-2,2,2-tri- chlorethane; p , p -DDT) has been investigated in anesthetized rats. Two milligrams of DDT, dissolved in either 50 μ1 or 200 μl of lipid, was infused intraduodenally. The lymphatic transport of DDT was followed by HPLC analysis of hourly lymph samples collected from the intestinal mesenteric lymph duct. Three types of lipid vehicles were utilized in this study, peanut oil (triglyceride), oleic acid (fatty acid) and a 2:1 mixture of oleic acid-monoolein, which represents the lumenal digestion products of a triglyceride. There were major and significant differences in the kinetics of lymphatic transport of DDT and in the cumulative amount of DDT transported when administered in the different lipid vehicles. Cumulative intestinal lymphatic transport of DDT was greatest when administered in either oleic acid or the 2:1 mixture of oleic acid-monoolein. Peanut oil was the least effective lipid vehicle with respect to the lymphatic transport of DDT. A comparison of the lymphatic transport of DDT when administered in the two dose volumes revealed no significant difference in the cumulative transport of DDT within a particular lipid class (triglyceride, fatty acid or oleic acid-monoolein).
A Non-Oral Expressive Communication Program Designed For A Nonverbal Retardate

This study attempted to demonstrate the effectiveness of a non-oral expressive communication program for a nonverbal retarded subject. The subject had been engaged in speech therapy programs for ov...
Effects of a modified spectral model on the spatial coherence of a laser beam

Abstract The influence of a modified (bump) spectrum of refractive index fluctuations on the spatial coherence of an optical wave is studied here and compared with that based on a von Karman spectrum. Analytical expressions are derived for the mutual coherence function (MCF) and wave structure function (WSF) of a lowest-order Gaussian beam wave from which the beam spot size and degree of coherence are deduced. The qualitative behaviour of beam spreading and coherence length is basically the same for both spectral models. Also, when the radius of the Fresnel zone and initial beam radius are of comparable size, the presence of a spectral bump appears to have minimal effect on spatial coherence for all beams. However, the choice of spectral model is important for certain ranges of parameters. In particular, the implied spatial coherence length for a collimated beam based on the modified spectrum is significantly smaller than that based on the von Karman spectrum whenever the Fresnel zone is either much large...
Imaging field-dependent structure in charge-density waves by X-ray diffraction topography

We have imaged field-dependent CDW structure in NbSe 3 single crystals by X-ray diffraction topography. Just above E T , the CDW shears along longitudinal steps in crystal thickness associated with small-angle grain boundaries, and at high fields transverse correlations recover. These results demonstrate X-ray topography as an effective probe of CDW structure, and together with earlier transport measurements establish that extrinsic sources dominate the most obvious manifestations of plasticity in this CDW conductor.
The endogenous melatonin profile as a marker for circadian phase position.

Several circadian rhythms have been used to assess the phase of the endogenous circadian pacemaker (ECP). However, when more than one marker rhythm is measured, results do not always agree. Questions then inevitably arise. Are there multiple oscillators? Are some markers more reliable than others? Masking is a problem for all marker rhythms. Masking of melatonin is minimized by sampling under dim light. The dim-light melatonin onset (DLMO) is particularly convenient since it can usually be obtained before sleep. However, assessing the DLMO in low melatonin producers may be problematic, particularly with the commonly used operationally defined threshold of 10 pg/ml. This study evaluates various circadian phase markers provided by the plasma melatonin profile in 14 individuals, several of whom are low melatonin producers. The amount (amplitude) of melatonin production appears to influence the phase of many points on the melatonin profile. Accordingly, when low producers are in a data set, we now prefer a lo...
OPTIMAL DESIGNS FOR REGRESSION MODELS WITH POSSIBLE BIAS

In regression problems, departures of the true regression function from the assumed model can render experimental designs which are optimal for the assumed model inefficient. If departures from the assumed model are possible, designs need to be modified so as to protect against bias introduced by fitting the wrong model. In some instances the experimenter may be able to specify what departures from the assumed model are likely and how likely these departures may be. Such information should be useful in selecting an experimental design. In this paper we investigate such situations by assuming that a prior distribution on possible departures from the assumed model is known. A general model is given and optimal designs are obtained for some polynomial models with certain types of prior distributions over the set of all polynomials.
Voltage-controlled photorefractive effect in paraelectric KTa 1−x Nb x O 3 :Cu, V

Experimental results that demonstrate the formation of photorefractive gratings in KTN:Cu,V in the paraelectric phase are presented. These gratings are formed using the quadratic electro-optic effect, which allows amplitude modulation of the diffracted beam by an external electric field. High diffraction efficiencies of over 50% in a 3-mm thick sample and amplitude modulation of the diffracted beam by an external field at frequencies of up to 20 kHz were observed.
Observations of the mating behavior and dentition of the round stingray, Urolophus halleri

The mating behavior and dentition ofUrolophus halleri, the round stingray was examined. Males frequently bite females during the mating period but most male biting does not result in copulation. In bites that do not lead to copulation, males bite the posterior (or occasionally the medial) portion of the females' disc but females often free themselves from these bites. In bites that precede copulation, males bite the anterior portion of the females' disc and females do not struggle to free themselves. Thus, females may exert some form of choice when they are bitten. Mature males have sexually dimorphic dentition that may aid in holding females. A principal component analysis (PCA) showed that in juvenile males, the relative size of the teeth decrease while the relative thickness of the disc increases as body size enlarges; adult males displayed no clear pattern. In adult females, there is a relative decrease in tooth size and increase in relative disc thickness as body size enlarges. The relative increase in females disc thickness in areas where they are bitten may function to minimize the amount of damage due to non-copulatory biting. There is no indication that biting functions to induce female receptivity but it may allow females and males to acquire information about potential mates. Thus, copulatory biting functions to maintain contact during copulation while the function of non-copulatory biting is less clear.
Immunogenic and Invasive Properties of Brucella melitensis 16M Outer Membrane Protein Vaccine Candidates Identified via a Reverse Vaccinology Approach

Brucella is the etiologic agent of brucellosis, one of the most common and widely distributed zoonotic diseases. Its highly infectious nature, the insidious, systemic, chronic, debilitating aspects of the disease and the lack of an approved vaccine for human use in the United States are features that make Brucella a viable threat to public health. One of the main impediments to vaccine development is identification of suitable antigens. In order to identify antigens that could potentially be used in a vaccine formulation, we describe a multi-step antigen selection approach. We initially used an algorithm (Vaxign) to predict ORF encoding outer membrane proteins with antigenic determinants. Differential gene expression during acute infection and published evidence for a role in virulence were used as criteria for down-selection of the candidate antigens that resulted from in silico prediction. This approach resulted in the identification of nine Brucella melitensis outer membrane proteins, 5 of which were recombinantly expressed and used for validation. Omp22 and Hia had the highest in silico scores for adhesin probability and also conferred invasive capacity to E. coli overexpressing recombinant proteins. With the exception of FlgK in the goat, all proteins reacted to pooled sera from exposed goats, mice, and humans. BtuB, Hia and FlgK stimulated a mixed Th1–Th2 response in splenocytes from immunized mice while BtuB and Hia elicited NO release from splenocytes of S19 immunized mice. The results support the applicability of the current approach to the identification of antigens with immunogenic and invasive properties. Studies to assess immunogenicity and protective efficacy of individual proteins in the mouse are currently underway.
Identifying and Assessing Psychosis in Deaf Psychiatric Patients

This article reviews recent research in the area of psychotic disorders in deaf psychiatric patients. Comparisons of the rates of psychotic disorders in the deaf and hearing populations suggest that psychotic disorders occur equally as often or even somewhat less often in the deaf population as in the hearing population. Consideration is given to the limitations of this small body of research, and recommendations for future research are provided. The contradictory literature on hallucinations in the deaf is also reviewed, and current theory about the manner in which hallucinations are manifested and experienced based on audiological history is presented. The challenges encountered by clinicians in accurately assessing symptoms of thought disorganization in deaf people are reviewed. Specifically, the etiology of deafness, language dysfluency, and the skill and training of American Sign Language interpreters are considered as factors impacting accurate diagnosis. Recommendations from the current literature are also provided.
Natural domains of cyclicity in phonological acquisition

This study expands and further validates cyclicity in the course of phonological development by exploring a potential relationship between the acquisition of singletons and clusters. The hypothesis is that children will acquire singletons followed by clusters in an alternating and recursive pattern, in complement to observed subsegmental cyclicity involving larnygeal and supralaryngeal distinctions. Six children with functional phonological disorders participated in one of three experimental conditions administered as a staggered multiple-baseline, multiple-probe design: treatment of singletons only, clusters only, or the singleton-cluster cycle. Results indicated that a singleton-cluster cycle could be induced experimentally, but it was not generally sustained by a child in expansion of the phonological repertoire. In comparison, laryngeal-supralaryngeal cyclicity was consistently maintained by all children, independent of experimental condition. A theoretical implication of these findings is that cyclic...
Characterization of the textile anthraquinone dye Reactive Blue 4

Abstract Analysis and characterization of the textile dye C.I. Reactive Blue 4 (RB4), a commercially important anthraquinone dye, as well as its hydrolysis products, were conducted by spectrophotometry, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), as well as advanced mass spectrometric techniques. Although spectrophotometric analysis can be used for the routine quantification of RB4 in aqueous solutions, HPLC analysis is necessary for the quantification of the unhydrolyzed, monohydroxy- and dihydroxy-RB4. The effect of both salt and base at concentrations typically used in reactive dyeing on the dye spectra was also investigated. Although moderate dye aggregation, leading to absorbance depression, was observed at relatively high dye and salt concentrations (1000 mg/l and 100 g/l, respectively), spectrophotometric and HPLC analysis was possible as long as the effect of salt and base was taken into account in the development of standard calibrations. Liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (LC/ESI-MS) and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) analyses led to the separation and identification of the parent RB4 molecule. LC/ESI-MS analysis of RB4 solutions led to the conclusive identification of the two RB4 hydrolysis products, as well as one impurity. Values of physico-chemical properties of RB4 were estimated using two software packages. The estimated RB4 LC50 value for acute toxicity to fish (1500 mg/l) agreed well with the acute toxicity EC5015 min value measured by the Microtox® procedure (1108 mg/l). Although the levels of RB4 in the environment are expected in the orders of magnitude lower than these LC50 and EC50 values, the effect of long-term, low-level dye exposure needs to be evaluated.
Comments on “worry as a phenomenon relevant to the elderly”

Dr. Wisocki has provided the first data regarding the frequency of reported worrying among elderly subjects. The results of her study generated for me several intriguing questions about worry and possible lines of future research devoted to understanding its nature. One of the basic conclusions from her investigation is that worry may well be less prevalent in this population than one might expect. Dr. Wisocki points to at least two legitimate reasons for suspecting that the elderly may be susceptible to more worry. There are real objective conditions, like declining health and loss of significant others, that pose potential sources of increasing concern. Secondly, because worry seems to be especially prompted by conditions of low environmental demand for attention, the lower activity levels of elderly samples may provide circumstances that make worrisome concerns more salient. If indeed the elderly have low worry levels despite conditions that would otherwise stimulate it, then there are some very important things to learn about worry and its stimuli from this population to help us understand this phenomenon. One possible explanation offered by the author is that the elderly have, over time, learned effective coping methods to counteract the worry process. If this is true, then investigation of such methods among the aged may provide some insight into ways of dealing with worry that would have implications for the development of effective treatment procedures for chronic worry and anxiety in the general population. What these methods might entail is not addressed in this initial study and remains for future research. But at least two processes inherent in cognitive-behavioral theory can be seen as potential sources of such learning. First, long-term habituation may be operative. By our older years, we have been repeatedly exposed to so many instances of catastrophe, loss, and frustration that their emotional effects may lessen. Second, the elderly have a very large evidential data-base from which to draw realistic conclusions about the probabilities of events and effective ways of coping with events. This is not to suggest that all elderly people take advantage of these coping opportunities or do not engage in activities that might mitigate their influence. It is simply that there has been more opportunity to learn the lessons that were made available by a long life.
Paraquat Uptake in the Cultured Gastrointestinal Epithelial Cell Line, IEC-6

Abstract Although the major target organ of paraquat toxicity is the lung, the primary route of absorption of the herbicide is across the gastrointestinal epithelium. Thus, uptake of paraquat was investigated in the rat duodenal crypt cell line, IEC-6. The herbicide was toxic; as measured by cell number, the LD50 was 75 μM. Using 2 μM [14C]paraquat as tracer, uptake of the herbicide was found to be slow but linear over 24 hr at 37°C. No accumulation was observed at 4°C. Inhibition studies showed paraquat inhibited both putrescine and spermidine uptake after only a 15-min incubation. The Km for putrescine was increased when incubated in the presence of paraquat whereas Vmax was not changed, suggesting a competitive mode of inhibition. In the reverse situation, putrescine also inhibited paraquat uptake (IC50 10 μM). Paraquat uptake was reduced in a dose-dependent manner by the putative calmodulin antagonist W-7, but was not affected by KN-62, a Ca2+/calmodulin kinase II specific inhibitor. These results provide evidence that paraquat uptake occurs through the polyamine transport system in IEC-6 cells. Furthermore, this process is modulated by intracellular events involving a major signaling protein, Ca2+/calmodulin.
SoK: Automated Software Diversity

The idea of automatic software diversity is at least two decades old. The deficiencies of currently deployed defenses and the transition to online software distribution (the "App store" model) for traditional and mobile computers has revived the interest in automatic software diversity. Consequently, the literature on diversity grew by more than two dozen papers since 2008. Diversity offers several unique properties. Unlike other defenses, it introduces uncertainty in the target. Precise knowledge of the target software provides the underpinning for a wide range of attacks. This makes diversity a broad rather than narrowly focused defense mechanism. Second, diversity offers probabilistic protection similar to cryptography-attacks may succeed by chance so implementations must offer high entropy. Finally, the design space of diversifying program transformations is large. As a result, researchers have proposed multiple approaches to software diversity that vary with respect to threat models, security, performance, and practicality. In this paper, we systematically study the state-of-the-art in software diversity and highlight fundamental trade-offs between fully automated approaches. We also point to open areas and unresolved challenges. These include "hybrid solutions", error reporting, patching, and implementation disclosure attacks on diversified software.
Assessing state parity legislation

The temptation is great, but premature, to conclude from the Sturm study that parity mandates had no effect on access and insurance coverage for the mentally ill. The study lacks statistical power for those directly covered by the mandates, and it is unlikely adequate power exists for those only indirectly affected. The inclusion of the uninsured, Medicaid enrollees, and privately covered individuals not subject to the mandates, and the imprecise outcome measures, increase the likelihood that other factors dominate parity. The timing of implementation in some states is also problematic. But Sturm asks the right questions and future waves of the Healthcare for Communities survey and other data will be better able to address them.arkets and policies.
How High is Hispanic/Mexican Fertility in the United States? Immigration and Tempo Considerations

In this article, I demonstrate that the apparently much higher fertility of Hispanic/Mexican women in the United States is almost exclusively the product of period estimates obtained for immigrant women and that period measures of immigrant fertility suffer from three serious sources of bias that together significantly overstate fertility levels: difficulties in estimating the size of immigrant groups; the tendency for migration to occur at a particular stage in life; and, most importantly, the tendency for women to have a birth soon after migration. When these sources of bias are taken into consideration, the fertility of native Hispanic/Mexican women is very close to replacement level. In addition, the completed fertility of immigrant women in the United States is dramatically lower than the level obtained from period calculations. Findings are consistent with classical theories of immigrant assimilation but are a striking departure from the patterns found in previous studies and published statistics. The main implication is that without a significant change in immigration levels, current projections based on the premise of high Hispanic fertility are likely to considerably exaggerate Hispanic population growth, its impact on the ethno-racial profile of the country, and its potential to counteract population aging.
Evolutionary Immunology: A boost to immunity from nurse sharks

Abstract A study of the nurse shark has revealed a type of rearranging gene that has yet to be seen in mammals; it encodes a secreted ‘new antigen receptor' which, unlike shark immunoglobulin, revels in somatic hypermutation.
Computation of the stationary distribution of an infinite Markov matrix.

An algorithm is presented for computing the unique stationary distribution of an infinite stochastic matrix possessing at least one column whose elements are bounded away from zero. Elementwise convergence rate is discussed by means of two examples.
Supernucleating surfaces for nucleate boiling and dropwise condensation heat transfer

Roughness-based superhydrophobic surfaces have been extensively studied over the past decade. The primary objective in most of those studies has been to mimic nature, e.g. lotus leaves, to produce low-drag and/or self-cleaning surfaces. However, other applications of such engineered surfaces are being explored. Recent work on using superhydrophobic or superhydrophilic surfaces for dropwise condensation or nucleate boiling heat transfer applications is highlighted here. It is known that nucleate boiling as opposed to film boiling, and dropwise condensation as opposed to filmwise condensation can lead to much higher heat transfer coefficients. This can significantly improve the energy efficiency in variety of engineering applications. The key idea, e.g. in boiling applications, is to design supernucleating surfaces that provide ample nucleation sites for vapour bubbles to form but at the same time delay the formation of a vapour film next to the surface. It has been shown that this can be achieved by using rough superhydrophilic surfaces that provide roughness-based cavities or defects as nucleation sites. Similarly, superhydrophobic surfaces that encourage dropwise condensation are also envisaged. The goal of this article is also to summarize the key issues and challenges in designing supernucleating surfaces and to speculate approaches to overcome the challenges.