cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Values and Sociological Intervention

Values are the core of professional practice. According to Simon (1972), professional practice is the process of changing existing situations into preferred ones. When professionals attempt to change situations they confront people with their values. The proposed change is “known” by the professional to be best for the client. Clients also “know” what is best for them. The process of “knowing” involves the assessment of values, directly or intuitively. The strength or depth of commitment to the values of a professional and a client, and the congruence between their values, will determine whether intervention is possible and, if so, the ease with which it can be carried out. It is often assumed by professionals that the interventions they propose are “right” and that the rejection of an intervention by a client means the client is not serious about change. Indeed, professionals’ assessments of why clients reject interventions or why interventions were not successful, are value judgments. Clients and professionals rarely mention value conflicts as reasons for failure.
Rapid screening of plating additives for bottom-up metallization of nano-scale features

An improved test for rapid determination of the efficacy of additives systems for use in bottom-up copper metallization of micro- and nano-scale features is introduced as a replacement for the classical injection technique. The conventional injection test is based on measuring the polarization response to the injection of an additive into a solution in which a rotating disk electrode is plated at a moderate constant current density of about 10 mA cm−2. The inaccurate assumptions underlying this test and its limitations are discussed. The modified screening technique introduced here is based on the recognition that bottom-up metallization of micro- and nano-scale features is carried out at a constant overpotential where the current density at the inhibited regions of the feature is significantly lower, on the order of 1 mA cm−2. A single polarization measurement at this low current density in an electrolyte containing the tested suppressors is suggested. The suppressors exhibiting the largest overpotentials are considered promising and should be selected for further characterization.
A cooperative immunization system for an untrusting Internet

Viruses and worms are one of the most common causes of security problems in computer systems today. Users attempt to protect machines from such attacks by using anti-virus programs and firewalls, with a mixed record of success at best. One of the main problems with these solutions is that they rely on manual configurations and human intervention, and may fail to react in time to defend against an attack. We present a cooperative immunization system that helps defend against these types of attacks. The nodes in our system cooperate and inform each other of ongoing attacks and the actions necessary to defend. To evaluate our proposal, we discuss a simple virus model and evaluate our system using simulation. Our measurements show that our algorithm is more effective against viruses and more robust against malicious participants in the immunization system.
Key, Valdimer Orlando (1908–63)

This article is reproduced from the previous edition, volume 12, pp. 8080–8082, © 2001, Elsevier Ltd.
Crystalline cerium(IV) phosphates—II: The ion exchange characteristics with alkali metal ions☆

Abstract The ion exchange behavior of seven crystalline cerium(IV) phosphates towards some of the alkali metal cations is described. Only two of the compounds ( A and C ) possess ion exchange properties in acidic solutions. Four others show some ion exchange characteristics in basic media with some of the alkali cations. Compound G does not behave as an ion exchanger in solutions of pH B , D and F exchange Li + , but show very little Na + uptake. Compound E undergoes ion exchange with Na + and Cs + , but not with Li + . Both Li + and Na + are sorbed by compounds A and C . The results are indicative of structures which show steric exclusion phenomena.
Injury in children of low-income Mexican, Mexican American, and non-Hispanic white mothers in the USA: a focused ethnography

Several studies indicate that rates of serious pediatric injury are higher among Hispanics than among non-Hispanic whites in the USA. To investigate possible contributory factors, we interviewed 50 Mexican, 30 Mexican American, and 30 non-Hispanic white mothers in their own homes in the same low-income neighborhoods of Southern California. Mothers were identified via door-to-door canvassing in areas with high rates of pediatric injury. We observed household conditions and behaviors and obtained a detailed family history, including accounts of any occurrence of serious injury in a child under 5 years old, the highest-risk age group for pediatric injury. Results show that Mexican families were poorer, less educated, and lived in more hazardous and crowded conditions than did families in the other two groups. Nevertheless, they benefited from strong family bonds and a cultural tradition in which responsible older children typically supervise younger siblings. In contrast, a number of Mexican American and white mothers had been abused as children and were estranged from their own mothers; hence they lacked support and models of good parenting. There was much less self-reported smoking, drug use, and mental dysfunction among the Mexican mothers and their male partners as well as much less excessively active and/or aggressive behavior among their children. The nature of the injuries reported by the various groups seemed to reflect these differences. Appropriate interventions for each group are discussed. The study illustrates the importance of using ethnographic methods to examine the context of pediatric injury at the household level.
Cognitive supervision and control of robotic inspection-intervention system

The main problem discussed in the following paper is control and supervision of web connected mobile robots. Taking up this subject is justified by the need of developing new methods for control, supervision and integration of existing modules (inspection robots, autonomous robots, mobile base station). The research problem comprises web connected mobile robots system development structure with exemplification based on inspection-intervention system. In the paper the application of semantic simulation engine is proposed. Semantic simulation engine combines semantic map (computer representation of cognitive map) automatically built based on robot's observations with rigid body simulation to perform its entities supervision. The results of experiments performed in real, virtual and hybrid environments are discussed. The methods are verified by exemplification based on a system composed of autonomous mobile robot and remotely controlled inspection robot equipped with robotic arm.
Elimination of HIV-1-Infected Primary T Cell Reservoirs in an In Vitro Model of Latency

Establishment of long-lived cellular reservoirs of HIV-1 represents a major therapeutic challenge to virus eradication. In this study, we utilized a human primary cell model of HIV-1 latency to evaluate the requirements for efficient virus reactivation from, and the selective elimination of, latently infected human T cells. Ectopic expression of BCL2 supported the replication and spread of R5-tropic HIV-1 in activated CD4+ T cells. After IL-2 withdrawal, the HIV-1-infected T cells survived as resting cells for several months. Unexpectedly, these resting T cells continue to produce detectable levels of infectious virus, albeit at a lower frequency than cells maintained in IL-2. In the presence of HIV-1 inhibitors, reactivation of the resting T cells with γc-cytokines and allogeneic dendritic cells completely extinguished HIV-1 infectivity. We also evaluated the ability of the bacterial LukED cytotoxin to target and kill CCR5-expressing cells. After γc-cytokine stimulation, LukED treatment eliminated both HIV-1-infected resting cells and the non-infected CCR5+ cells. Importantly, complete clearance of in vitro HIV-1 reservoirs by LukED required a lower threshold of cytokine signals relative to HIV-1 inhibitors. Thus, the primary T cell-based HIV-1 latency model could facilitate the development of novel agents and therapeutic strategies that could effectively eradicate HIV-1.
Therapeutic drug monitoring in special populations

Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is commonly used to maintain "therapeutic" drug concentrations. Even in compliant patients, with "average" drug kinetics, TDM is useful to identify the causes of unwanted or unexpected responses, prevent unnecessary diagnostic testing, improve clinical outcomes, and even save lives. TDM has greatest promise in certain special populations who are: (a) prone to under- or overrespond to usual dosing regimens, (b) least able to tolerate, recognize, or communicate drug effects, or who are (c) intentionally or accidentally misdosed. TDM is especially useful in patients at the extremes of age, in adolescents, and in patients who are either taking multiple drugs or expressing unusual pharmacokinetics as a result of physiological, environmental, or genetic causes. Less-well-appreciated uses of TDM include prevention of dangerous underdosing of patients, investigation of adverse drug reactions, and identification of serious medication errors, even for a number of drugs that are not traditionally monitored. TDM can be useful for some drugs in any patient and for most drugs in some special populations.
Dynamic programming optimization of total airflow requirement for low temperature maize (corn) drying

Dynamic programming, an optimization technique, was used to obtain an optimum total airflow requirement for low temperature drying of maize. The entire period of drying was considered to be a series of interconnected stages each of one day duration. Optimum airflow rate for each day of drying was obtained considering all the possible initial and final moisture contents on that day. Up to 15% reduction in total airflow requirement was found to be possible compared to constant airflow drying.
Effects of bilateral lesions of the olfactory bulbs of rats on measures of learning and motivation

Abstract Four experiments were performed to evaluate the possibility that anosmia produces decrements in learning beyond that of the loss of olfactory cues. In active and passive avoidance, as well as in an activity task, control rats were superior to anosmic rats. In an operant task, anosmic rats had a higher rate of bar pressing than control rats. It was suggested that input from the olfactory system to the limbic system is necessary for unimpaired performance.
Lobectomy and pneumonectomy in pulmonary tuberculosis.

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS Pulmonary resection in the treatment of tuberculosis is a valuable addition to the armamentarium of the phthisiotherapist. It offers an opportunity to salvage a number of patients whose outlook for continuation of life or complete arrest of the disease would otherwise be exceedingly poor. The immediate mortality rate of the operation itself is gratifyingly low. However, the operation has been in general use too short a period of time to evaluate accurately the late and permanent results. The reappearance of activity in lesions previously quiescent is a disturbing observation, especially since the exacerbation can occur long after the patient is thought to be “well”. This would indicate that all results published at the present time must be accepted with well modulated enthusiasm . Until the problem of overdistention of the remaining lung tissue, bronchogenic spread of the disease and tuberculous empyema can be regularly and uniformly overcome, a pulmonary resection must be reserved for those patients in whom collapse therapy will obviously prove ineffective. At present it cannot compete with thoracoplasty for safety and lasting beneficial results.
Patterns of antiretroviral therapy adherence and impact on HIV RNA among patients in North America.

OBJECTIVE Adherence to antiretroviral therapies (ART) is the strongest predictor of viral suppression among individuals infected with HIV, however, limited data exists to understand the patterns of adherence that confer the greatest benefit across different ART regimens. DESIGN Longitudinal data pooled from 16 studies conducted between 1997 and 2009 across the United States. METHODS Adherence was measured using Medication Event Monitoring System. Percentage of time with sufficient drug concentrations (covered time) and the length of the longest treatment interruption during the 28 days prior to plasma HIV-RNA measurements were calculated. Logistic regression with generalized estimating equations was used to estimate medication-specific adherence estimates on detectable HIV-RNA (>400 copies/ml). RESULTS One thousand and eighty-eight participants with 3795 HIV-RNA measures were studied. Both lower covered time and greater longest interruption showed dose-response relationships with the odds of detectable HIV-RNA; however, estimates did not vary by medication regimen. Compared with 93-100% coverage, periods of 0-25% covered time had a three-fold increased risk of detectable HIV-RNA [odds ratio (OR) = 3.22, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.48-4.19]. Similarly, compared to longest interruptions of 0-48 h, longest interruptions of 21-28 days had a nearly four-fold increased risk of detectable HIV-RNA (OR = 3.65, 95% CI: 2.77, 4.81). CONCLUSION We found that adherence was consistently strongly associated with treatment response across ART regimens. Of the patterns of adherence, longer interruptions may have greater impact than covered time. Future research should investigate additional methods for examining adherence patterns, understanding the determinants of consecutive missed doses and the evaluation of interventions designed to address interruptions in treatment.
Bevacizumab in combination with irinotecan for patients with recurrent glioblastoma multiforme.

Bevacizumab in combination with irinotecan for patients with recurrent glioblastoma multiforme
Optimization of molecularly thin lubricant to improve bearing capacity at the head-disk interface

A molecularly thin lubricant layer (of the order of 1---2 nm thick) has been shown to provide bearing forces at the interface between contacting solid surfaces under light loads and high shear rates. This phenomenon is important, for example, in the head-disk contact in magnetic storage hard disk drives to ensure that some of the contact is sustained by the lubricant layer and thus avoiding damage of the solid surfaces. The magnitude of the normal and tangential bearing forces that the lubricant layer can provide depends on temperature, viscosity of the lubricant, sliding velocity and radius of gyration of the lubricant molecules. This study shows that viscosity has the greatest effect on the load bearing capacity of the molecularly thin lubricant. Thus, by controlling the flash temperature and the ratio of molecularly thin lubricant-to-bulk viscosity, the bearing load carrying capacity of the layer can be controlled. This would allow for the contact to be sustained within the mobile lubricant layer, avoiding solid contact so as to protect the diamond-like carbon coating, and thus reduce wear and potential catastrophic failures.
Effect of melengestrol acetate (MGA) treatment or temporary kid removal on reproductive efficiency in meat goats

The use of melengestrol acetate (MGA; Summer) or temporary kid removal (4 weeks postpartum; Fall) for inducing/synchronizing estrus was evaluated in goats. In the first trial, 47 does were group-fed a commercial diet to provide 0.25 mg MGA/doe daily (n = 25) or a control diet (n = 22) for a period of 10 days. Twenty-five of the does lambing in the fall from this experiment were used in a second experiment. Beginning on day 28.1 ± 0.8 of lactation, kids from 13 does (kid removal) were removed from their dams for 2 days while kids from the remaining 12 does (control) remained with the dams. Mature bucks wearing marking harnesses were introduced for mating at the end of MGA treatment (Experiment 1) or at the time of kid removal (Experiment 2). Does fed MGA were mated approximately 2.1 days earlier (P < 0.05) than control does. The percentage of does mated (84% versus 100%), pregnancy rate (58% versus 90%), and kidding rate (58% versus 90%) was lower (P < 0.05) for the MGA-treated versus the control does, respectively. In Experiment 2, does with kids removed were mated approximately 1.3 days earlier than the control does, but the mean weaning weight of the kids (11.0 ± 0.4 kg for both treatments) was not influenced by treatment. The mean pregnancy rate, kidding rate, kid birth weight, or kid weaning weight was not influenced by treatment and averaged 73.0 and 79.0%, 3.3 ± 0.2 and 16.8 ± 0.7 kg for both treatments, respectively. Overall, although not necessary for mating, a decreased time to first mating and increased synchrony of estrus followed both MGA treatment or temporary kid removal. This may be implemented if improved estrus synchrony is desired. However, more research is needed to overcome the decreased fertility recorded following MGA use.
Rossby wave propagation into the tropical stratosphere observed by the high resolution Doppler imager

Stratospheric wind observations by the High Resolution Doppler Imager on the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite show that quasi-stationary Rossby waves propagate into the tropics. Rossby wave breaking and dissipation causes meridional transport and direct deposition of momentum, and has a significant influence on the evolution of the mean tropical winds in the upper stratosphere. Deeper penetration into the tropics occurs when the quasi-biennial oscillation is in its westerly phase above 30 km. During northern winter, subtropical momentum deposition by Rossby waves occurs only in late November through December, while during southern winter this occurs primarily in August and September.
B-1a and B-1b Cells Exhibit Distinct Developmental Requirements and Have Unique Functional Roles in Innate and Adaptive Immunity to S. pneumoniae

B-1a and B-1b lymphocytes were found to exhibit specialized roles in providing immunity to Streptococcus pneumoniae and differ dramatically in their developmental requirements. Transgenic mice overexpressing CD19 (hCD19Tg) generated B-1a cells and natural antibodies that provided protection during infection, while CD19-deficient (CD19(-/-)) mice lacked B-1a cells, lacked natural antibodies, and were more susceptible to infection. By contrast, pneumococcal polysaccharide (PPS) immunization protected CD19(-/-) mice during lethal challenge, whereas hCD19Tg mice remained unprotected. This resulted from differences in the B-1b subset: the key population found to produce protective PPS-specific antibody in both wild-type and CD19(-/-) mice. Thus, CD19(-/-) mice generated B-1b cells and protective adaptive PPS-specific antibody responses, whereas hCD19Tg mice lacked B-1b cells and adaptive PPS-specific antibody responses. This reciprocal contribution of B-1a and B-1b subsets to innate and acquired immunity reveals an unexpected division of labor within the B-1 compartment that is normally balanced by their coordinated development.
Near infrared (1.54 μm) luminescence properties of erbium doped gallium nitride

Abstract The photoluminescence (PL) properties of in-situ Er doped GaN prepared by metalorganic molecular beam epitaxy (MOMBE) have been investigated. The GaN:Er films were grown on sapphire or silicon substrates. The oxygen and carbon background concentrations in the films were measured to be in the order of ∼10 20 and ∼10 21 cm −3 , respectively. Both types of GaN:Er samples showed intense 1.54 μm PL at room temperature under below-gap optical excitation. For above-gap excitation, a greatly reduced Er 3+ luminescence intensity was observed. Pump intensity dependent PL studies revealed that the Er 3+ excitation efficiency under above-gap excitation is roughly a factor of ∼30 smaller compared to below-gap excitation. Based on the efficient Er 3+ below-gap excitation process a hybrid GaN:Er/sapphire/InGaN LED was developed.
Alcohol dehydrogenase isozymes of Triticum: Dissociation and recombination of subunits

Conditions have been defined for the dissociation of active forms of Triticum alcohol dehydrogenase (alcohol: NAD oxidoreductase, E.C. 1.1.1.1) into monomers and for the reassociation of the subunits into active enzymes. Results of experiments in which the subunits of genetically controlled electrophoretic variants of alcohol dehydrogenase were dissociated and recombined in crude tissue extracts support the hypothesis that the enzyme exists functionally as a dimer in Triticum.
GA-based hybrid control of sampled-data system with state and input delays via digital redesign

This paper utilizes trapezoidal rule together with Genetic Algorithm (GA) to convert a continuous-time system with input and state delays to an equivalent discrete-time one. A new method has been proposed to construct the hybrid control of sampled-data system with state and input delays via digital redesign which transforms the control law of a continuous-time system with state and input delays into an equivalent one of a sampled-data system so that the states of the digitally controlled sampled-data system closely match those of the originally well-designed continuous-time system for a relatively longer sampling period. An example is given to demonstrate that the proposed digital redesign is superior to the existing ones under a longer sampling period.
Reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic separation of molecular species of alkyl ether, vinyl ether, and monoacyl lysophospholipids.

Abstract An isocratic reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic method was developed which resolved individual molecular species of choline and ethanolamine lysophospholipids utilizing a C18 bonded porous silica stationary phase with a mobile phase comprised of methanol—water—acetonitrile (57:23:20) containing 20 mM choline chloride. Solute retention was primarily determined by hydrophobic interactions with the stationary phase permitting separation of individual molecular species of lysophospholipids according to the composition of the aliphatic chain and the nature of its covalent attachment to the sn-1 hydroxyl group. The elution profile of unsaturated monoacyllsophospholipid or lysoplasmalogen molecular species was readily obtained by measuring UV absorbance at 203 nm. Identification of column eluates containing saturated monoacyl and alkyl ether lysophospholipids was possible utilizing relative retention factors that were obtained for the majority of molecular species present in animal tissues.
Auditors' Efficiency Motivated Evaluation

Abstract This paper proposes an evaluation approach – “Efficiency Motivated Evaluation” (EME hereafter) – that auditors use in response to increased efficiency demands. EME is defined as discounting (emphasizing) negative (positive) audit evidence and making favorable assessments as the demands for efficiency increase. We propose that increased time pressure will exacerbate auditors' use of EME but that experience will mitigate this tendency. We conduct an experiment in which 83 auditors differing in experience evaluated internal control effectiveness under high or low time budget pressure. Consistent with expectations based on EME, auditors assess overall internal control effectiveness higher, and positive information about controls as more relevant, under high (compared to) low time budget pressure. Moreover, we find that less (compared to more) experienced auditors under high time budget pressure rate negative information about controls as less relevant. The results suggest the importance of assigning experienced staff to high time budget pressure engagements.
Influence of microstructure on the mechanical

The significance of matrix and grain boundary microstructural characteristics on the mechanical properties and stress corrosion susceptibility of 7075 aluminum alloy has been evaluated. Maximum strength was found to be associated with a Guinier-Preston zone matrix. The precipitate-free-zone adjacent to high angle grain boundaries had only a slight effect on yield and tensile strength but a greater influence on hardness. Stress corrosion susceptibility was studied in an aqueous chloride environment over a 0.7–3.5 pH range. For material of highest strength, grain boundary precipitate spacing was found to be of primary importance to susceptibility. The effect of grain boundary precipitate spacing is most significant to the crack propagation stage of stress corrosion. These results indicate that improved properties for Al-Mg-Zn type alloys could be attained by a desirable combination of matrix and grain boundary structure.
FUEL-CYCLE ENERGY AND EMISSIONS EFFECTS OF TRIPLED FUEL-ECONOMY VEHICLES

Estimates of the full fuel-cycle energy and emissions effects of lightduty vehicles with tripled fuel economy (3X vehicles) as currently being developed by the Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles are presented. Seven engine and fuel combinations were analyzed: reformulated gasoline, methanol, and ethanol in spark-ignition, direct-injection engines; low-sulfur diesel and dimethyl ether in compression-ignition, direct-injection engines; and hydrogen and methanol in fuel-cell vehicles. Results were obtained for two market share scenarios. Under the higher of the two scenarios, the fuel-efficiency gain by 3X vehicles translated directly into reductions in total energy demand, petroleum demand, and carbon dioxide emissions. The combination of fuel substitution and fuel efficiency resulted in substantial reductions in emissions of nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, sulfur oxide, and particulate matter smaller than 10 microns (PM10) for most of the engine-fuel combinations exam...
Small Angle Neutron and X-Ray Scattering Reveal Conformational Differences in Detergents Affecting Rhodopsin Activation

Understanding G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) activation plays a crucial role in the development of novel improved molecular drugs. During photoactivation, the retinal chromophore of the visual GPCR rhodopsin isomerizes from the 11-cis conformation to the all-trans conformation, yielding an equilibrium between inactive Meta-I and active Meta-II states [1]. The principal goals of this work are to address whether the activation of rhodopsin leads to a single state or a conformational ensemble, and how the protein organizational structure changes with the detergent environment. We used small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) to answer the above questions. Both SANS and SAXS are powerful techniques to study the macromolecular structures in solution within the length scale from angstroms to several nanometers. In our experiments, rhodopsin is solubilized in CHAPS detergent, which favors the inactive Meta-I state. By contrast, dodecylmaltoside (DDM) detergent stabilizes the active Meta-II state [2]. Notably SANS with contrast-variation enables the separate study of the protein structure within the detergent assembly [3], and suggests a looser structure of rhodopsin in DDM versus CHAPS micelles. Such results are consistent with the SAXS data fitted by either a core-shell ellipsoid or core-shell cylindrical model, describing a monolayer of detergent molecules surrounding the rhodopsin molecule. Moreover, the SAXS experiments with different rhodopsin to detergent ratios delineate the role of the detergent in stabilization of the protein in solution. Our combined approach of SANS and SAXS studies reveals the protein structural changes associated with GPCR activation in the case of visual rhodopsin.[1] A. V. Struts et al. (2011) PNAS 108, 8263-8268.[2] A. V. Struts et al. (2014) Meth. Mol. Biol. in press.[3] R. K. Le et al. (2014) Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 550-551, 50-57.
The Sickle‐Cell Gene: Migration Versus Selection

THE sickle-cell trait has come to have more than a biological interest; its relevance has been extended by theories of racial migration developed to account for its distribution and frequency in various populations. The December, 1953 issue of the American Anthropologist carried an article by Dr. Ronald Singer, "The Sickle-Cell Trait in Africa," in which the etiology and distribution of the disease and trait were summarized. Singer posits the origin of the trait in the Mt. Ruwenzori region, and explains its distribution and ferquency in terms of dispersal from this point. This note is concerned with subsequent research and its relevance with respect to the conclusions presented by Singer. Prior to 1945, most investigators were convinced that the sickle-cell phenomenon was strictly a Negro trait and therefore a racial diagnostic. This view was supported by reports that the trait occurred only among African Negroes, or people who had undergone Negro admixture. However, it was then discovered that the sickle-cell trait was relatively common in parts of Italy (Silvestroni and Bianco 1946) and Greece (Choremis et al. 1951). There is little reason to assume that the high frequencies found in these areas are the result of Negro admixture. The blood groups of the people in the Lake Copais region, who have the highest known frequency of the trait in Greece (17.7 percent), have a lower incidence of the typically Negro Ro chromosome than is found elsewhere in Greece (Choremis et al., ibid.). Morevoer, the trait has been found among the so-called Veddoid peoples (Todas, Badagas and Irulus) of the Nilgiri region in southern India, where a frequency of 30 percent is reported for one tribe (Lehmann and Cutbush 1952). The situation was further complicated by the remarkably high frequency of the gene in widely separated areas in spite of the constant elimination of genes in cases dying of sickle-cell anemia. Theories of Negro migration were inadequate at best, since they could not account for such frequencies. Recent work by Allison (1954, 1955) has thrown new light on the whole problem and offers a convincing explanation of the frequency question. Allison's work strongly indicates that there is a relationship between the incidence and frequency of the trait and the presence and severity of subtertian malaria. Allison subjected 30 Luo men to malaria; 15 were trait carriers and 15 non-trait carrying controls. Fourteen of the 15 controls contracted malaria; only 2 of the 15 trait carriers got the disease, and both were milder than any case contracted by the trait-free control group. Although the sample was small, it is very unlikely that this result was due to chance. Allison's experiment indicates that heterozygosity for the sickle-cell gene affords protection against and/or lessens the effects of subtertian malaria. Subsequently, Allison has found further corroboration of his conclusions.
Listen and Learn? A Software Review of Earobics®

The evaluation of software in the treatment of a language-learning disability requires analysis of both the technical and conceptual aspects of software development. The Earobics® program is review...
Differential dynamics of receptor down-regulation and tyrosine aminotransferase induction following glucocorticoid treatment

Autoregulation of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) concentration in vivo may be an important determinant of steroid sensitivity. The dynamics of GR regulation were assessed and compared to regulation of tyrosine aminotransferase (TAT) expression in liver tissue taken from rats treated with a single 50 mg/kg i.v. dose of methylprednisolone. Plasma methylprednisolone concentrations were determined by HPLC analysis. Receptor and TAT message levels were determined by quantitative Northern hybridization. Methylprednisolone plasma kinetics showed a half-life of 0.6 h. Receptor occupancy occurred rapidly and cytosolic GR reappeared over 2-12 h. TAT activity rose between 2 and 6 h and then dissipated. Reduction in receptor mRNA levels occurred very rapidly, being detectable by 30 min following steroid administration. A down-regulated steady-state in GR message expression was reached by 2 h post-injection, and was maintained throughout the 18 h examined in this study. Comparison of methylprednisolone kinetics demonstrated that down-regulation was maintained long after drug was eliminated. In contrast, TAT message induction occurred with a sharp peak; maximal induction occurred between 5-6 h and return to baseline at approx. 8-10 h post-induction. This study shows that unlike TAT induction, GR message repression in vivo does not require continual presence of hormone.
A Macrobicyclic Receptor with Versatile Recognition Properties: Simultaneous Binding of an Ion Pair and Selective Complexation of Dimethylsulfoxide

A bicyclic receptor was synthesized and evaluated for its ability to bind alkali halide salts and polar neutral molecules in organic solvents. The receptor design is relatively straightforward in the sense that it is a combination of a dibenzo-18-crown-6 and a bridging 1,3-phenyldicarboxamide. In the presence of 1 mol equiv of metal cation, chloride affinities are enhanced in the order: K+ (9-fold enhancement) > Na+ (8-fold enhancement) ≫ Cs+ (no enhancement). An X-ray crystal structure shows that the receptor binds sodium chloride as a solvent-shared ion pair. The receptor has very weak affinity for acetonitrile, nitromethane, or acetone in chloroform solvent, whereas the association constant for dimethylsulfoxide is 160 M-1 at 295 K. An X-ray crystal structure shows that the dimethylsulfoxide is bound deeply in the receptor cavity and forms hydrogens bonds to the receptor via a bridging water molecule. There is also evidence for CH−O interactions. Solid−liquid extraction studies show that the receptor ...
Partnership on Reducing Mercury in Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM)

The Artisanal and Small Scale Gold Mining Partnership area is an initiative to reduce global mercury pollution through coordinated voluntary actions. This partnership area, co-led by Natural Resources Defense Council and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, gathers the major actors in the sector, including governments, academia and civil society. The ASGM sector remains the largest demand sector for mercury globally (best global estimates put mercury use by the sector in the range of 1400 tonne/year in 2011). Virtually all of the mercury introduced in the process is released to the environment. This sector involves an estimated 10-20 million miners, and the numbers are likely increasing as the rising price of gold attracts additional poverty-driven miners. Serious long-term environmental health hazards exist for populations associated with or living downstream/wind from mining operations, often including indigenous peoples. The objective of the ASGM Partnership area is to minimize and where possible eliminate mercury uses and releases in artisanal and small scale gold mining. The presentation will outline the key challenges associated with the ASGM sector and summarize the activities under the Partnership to address those challenges.
Laser-fluorescence study of the reactions of alkaline earth atoms with BrCN Spectroscopic observation of the alkaline earth monocyanides

The reactions of M+BrCN, where M=Ca, Sr, and Ba, have been studied by laser‐induced fluorescence. The dominant reaction pathway is the formation of the alkaline earth monocyanides (MCN); for the Sr and Ba reactions weak features due to products of the other possible pathway, MBr and CN, are also observed. This study represents the first spectroscopic observation of the MCN molecules. The dominant features of their excitation spectra are broad ’’quasicontinua’’ several hundred angstroms wide which occur at the same wavelengths as the spectra of the homologous alkaline earth monohalides (MX). Thus, the electronic structure of the MCN molecules is qualitatively similar to that of MX, which has been adequately explained by an ionic model, as discussed previously by Dagdigian, Cruse, and Zare. Radiative lifetimes of the MCN electronic states have been determined by direct observation of the fluorescence decay after pulsed laser excitation. The lifetimes are: CaCN: B state 40.8±1.5 nsec, C state 165±38 nsec; SrCN: B state 51.2±6.2 nsec, C state 104.4±6.3 nsec; and BaCN: C state 229±13 nsec, where the quoted uncertainties represent three standard deviations. The MCN and MX B state lifetimes are similar in magnitude, but the MCN C state lifetimes are considerably longer than the homologous MX C 2Π lifetimes. One possible interpretation is that the monocyanide excited C states, unlike those of the halides, are not simply described by one electron excitations into nonbonding metal atom orbitals but also include some excited state CN− character.
On the future of psychotherapy supervision in psychiatry.

Because psychotherapy supervision skills are learned primarily through experience as a psychotherapy supervisee, today’s diminished training in psychodynamic psychotherapy can negatively influence future instruction in this important treatment modality. The author discusses role preparation for psychotherapy supervisors, suggests minimum standards for supervisor proficiency, and recommends ongoing instructional skills training.
Power Electronic systems

Today's industrial systems are becoming Power Electronic systems. There are many scientific and engineering challenges to be resolved to achieve the full Power Electron System promise. This paper focuses on these challenges. In particular, this paper discusses the contributions made by the PEBB concept toward meeting these challenges. The paper provides a logical argument for future controller abilities to control any system to near perfection - accurately, precisely, reliably, and safely. This paper also proposes to use building block concepts with modeling and simulation to create new tools and methods for designing and building systems.
Online Terrain Classification for Mobile Robots

Today’s autonomous vehicles operate in an increasingly general set of circumstances. In particular, unmanned ground vehicles (UGV’s) must be able to travel on whatever terrain the mission offers, including sand, mud, or even snow. These terrains can affect the performance and controllability of the vehicle. Like a human driver who feels his vehicle’s response to the terrain and takes appropriate steps to compensate, a UGV that can autonomously perceive its terrain can also make necessary changes to its control strategy. This article focuses on the development and application of a terrain detection algorithm based on terrain induced vehicle vibration. The dominant vibration frequencies are extracted and used by a probabilistic neural network to identify the terrain. Experimental results based on iRobot’s ATRV Jr (Fig. 1) demonstrate that the algorithm is able to identify with high accuracy multi-differentiated terrains broadly classified as sand, grass, asphalt, and gravel.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Tunneling in one-dimensional non-Luttinger electron liquid.

The conductance of a weakly interacting electron gas in the presence of a single scatterer is found at arbitrary strength of the scattering potential. At weak interaction, a simple renormalization group approach can be used instead of the standard bosonization procedure. Our technique allows us to take into account the backscattering of electrons that leads to deviations of the low-temperature conductance from the behavior typical for Luttinger liquid. In the presence of magnetic field, the backscattering may give rise to a peak in differential conductance at bias equal to the Zeeman energy.
Monitoring human ovarian carcinoma with a combination of CA 125, CA 19-9, and carcinoembryonic antigen

CA 125 and CA 19-9 are antigenic determinants associated with human epithelial ovarian carcinomas. Murine monoclonal antibodies have been raised against these determinants, and immunoradiometric assays have been developed to monitor antigen levels in the serum of cancer patients. This study was undertaken to determine whether concomitant measurement of CA 125, CA 19-9, and carcinoembryonic antigen would provide a more precise correlation with tumor progression or regression than could be obtained with any single assay. Among 105 patients with surgically demonstrable epithelial ovarian carcinoma, serum CA 125 levels were elevated (greater than 35 U/ml) in 83%, CA 19-9, levels (greater than 37 U/ml) in 17%, and carcinoembryonic antigen levels (greater than or equal to 2.5 ng/ml) in 37%. Within individual samples, no correlation was found among values for the three markers, but patients with elevated CA 19-9 levels also had increased levels of CA 125. At least one of the three markers was elevated in 90% of the subjects. When 41 patients were monitored serially over 2 to 60 months, alterations in CA 125 levels correlated with disease progression or regression in 94% of instances, whereas alterations in CA 19-9 levels correlated in 33% and alterations in carcinoembryonic antigen levels in 25% of instances. Concomitant measurement of CA 125, CA 19-9, and carcinoembryonic antigen did not prove superior to measurement of CA 125 alone in the monitoring of patients with epithelial ovarian carcinoma.
Asking children to ask; an experimental investigation of the pragmatics of relayed questions

Children's apparent ‘errors’ in interpreting ask as tell, incidentally uncovered in C. Chomsky's research on syntactic development, and subsequently interpreted in terms of E. Clark's theory of semantic development, are re-interpreted in the framework of pragmatic development. An experiment is reported in which a single coherent discourse framework is imposed and one pragmatic factor is manipulated: children's knowledge of the answers to the questions they are supposed to relay. The results confirm the hypothesis that if the children do not know the information, they relay the question, i.e. ask. If they do know the answer, they supply it, i.e. tell. By literally asking, the children in the ‘don't know’ condition demonstrate that they are capable of decoding ask constructions semantically and syntactically. The tendency of the children in the ‘know’ condition to tell is then interpreted as revealing not semantic confusion but pragmatic skill. The children's responses are discussed in relation to three-person speech acts and indirect requests for information. Children's ability to interpret utterances non-literally has implications for conducting experiments with literal instructions and these are also discussed.
Relative activity of psychotoxic drugs on the avian optic lobe.

Abstract Because of restrictions in the use of psychotoxic drugs in the human, a subhuman experimental tool suitable for the study of these drugs and their antagonist would be useful. Using standard electrophysiological techniques, the action of psychotoxic drugs on the electrical activity of the optic tectum of the young chick has been studied. The intravenous administration of lysergic acid diethylamide L(SD) to this animal produces a well defined and consistent change in tectal activity. A comparable change occurs following administration of other psychotoxic agents (psilocybin, mescaline and amphetamine). The relative potency of these agents on tectal activity compares favorably with their relative psychotoxic potency in man. These results favor the view that the mechanism of action of these psychotoxic agents on the chick tectum resembles, to some degree, their psychotoxic properties in man. It is suggested that the avian preparation may be useful for the study of the pharmacology of psychotoxic drugs and antagonists.
Adaptive Optics for Deep Brain Imaging

Imaging neurons deep within the brain requires correction of sample-induced aberrations. I will describe methods extending adaptive-optical microscopy to scattering brains and show how it helps to elucidate neural mechanisms in the mouse visual cortex. Article not available.
Initiation of vertebrate left-right axis formation by maternal Vg1

IN the development of the three-dimensional vertebrate body plan, the left–right axis is linked to the dorsoventral and anterioposterior axes1,2. In humans, altered left–right development results in severe cardiovascular and visceral abnormalities in individuals and in conjoined twins3,4. Although zygotically tran-scribed genes that are asymmetrically expressed have been identified5–8, the mechanism by which left–right asymmetries are established during embryogenesis is unknown9. Here we show that the Xenopus maternal gene Vg1, a member of the TGF-β family of cell-signalling molecules which are implicated in dorsoanterior development10, initiates left–right axis forma-tion. Altered expression of Vg1 on the right side of 16-cell embryos or disruption of endogenous Vg1 signalling on the left side randomizes cardiac and visceral left-right orientation and alters expression of Xnr-1, a nodal-related molecular marker for left–right development8. Furthermore, the orientation of the left–right axis in conjoined twins is dependent upon which cell-signalling molecule initiated twin formation and on whether the secondary axis is on the left or right side of the primary embryonic axis, implicating a molecular pathway leading to the formation of conjoined twins.
Pugheadedness in the Black Perch, Embiotoca jacksoni

(1965). Pugheadedness in the Black Perch, Embiotoca jacksoni. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society: Vol. 94, No. 1, pp. 98-98.
Histochemistry of the aldosterone-stimulated urinary bladder of the toad, Bufo marinus.

Histochemical changes were observed in the epithelium of the toad urinary bladder following in vitro and in vivo stimulation by aldosterone to determine the cell types affected by this hormone. A marked pyrinophilia was observed in comparison to control tissue affecting all cell types, as well as slight increases in cytoplasmic PAS staining within the granular cells, under both sets of conditions. An increased number of mitochondria was demonstrated with the PTAH stain within the granular cells under in vivo conditions but not in vitro. Under in vivo conditions, marked increases in the enzymes of the oxidative pathway (DPND, TPND, SDH, and cytochrome oxidase) were observed in granular cells. Enzymes of the oxidative pathway were unchanged under in vitro conditions was more intensely localized to the cell membrane and cytoplasm of all cells. Granular cells from in vitro studied tissue were slightly more reactive for G6PD and 6PGD than control tissue; granular cells were even more heavily reactive for these enzymes under in vivo conditions. Thus, under prolonged aldosterone stimulation, the granular cell approached the histochemical profile of the mitochondria-rich cell. The hormone may therefore act upon the granular cell, which comprises the largest number of cells within the epithelium, as well as the mitochondria-rich cell.
Examining possible antecedents of IT impact on the supply chain and its effect on firm performance

Our study examined the impact of information technology (IT) on the supply chain through a survey of 225 large for-profit US firms. Specifically, it involved the determination of IT antecedents to IT impact on the supply chain and the effect that these relationships had on overall firm performance. The respondents were primarily chief information officers and other top IT executives. The factors in the study were validated using confirmatory factor analysis. A model featuring the IT antecedents, IT impact on the supply chain, and firm performance was evaluated using a structural equation analysis. The data used fit well with the hypothesized relationships in the model, as all links were significant. The findings here suggested that the antecedents, IT department technical quality, IT plan utilization, and top management of IT positively affected IT impact on the supply chain. The results also revealed a positive relationship between IT impact and firm performance.