cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Plataforma de Análisis de Datos Para la Evaluación de Desempeño de Software

espanolEl desempeno es un parametro importante en los procesos de evaluacion de software. Es usado como punto de diferenciacion entre competidores. El aseguramiento del desempeno no es trivial, ya que requiere la ejecucion de pruebas exhaustivas y el analisis de grandes volumenes de datos. Normalmente, se usan soluciones comerciales para producir metricas de desempeno. Sin embargo, estas son de proposito general y requieren de esfuerzo para ser adaptadas a casos particulares. En este articulo presentamos DDP, una plataforma para analizar datos de pruebas de desempeno. DDP utiliza tecnologia de Big Data para recolectar, almacenar, procesar y analizar resultados de desempeno de una manera integrada. Demostramos el uso exitoso de DDP en la evaluacion de “Spectrum Scale”, una solucion de almacenamiento definido por software. Ilustramos el uso DDP en el analisis de pruebas de regresion para verificar y validar la calidad de las nuevas versiones creadas durante el proceso de desarrollo. EnglishPerformance is one of the most important parameters to consider during the software development process. It is used as competitive advantage among similar solutions. Assuring expected performance levels is not trivial since it requires to run exhaustive tests and the analysis of Big Data. Normally, companies rely on commercial solutions to produce performance analytics. However, these require a significant effort to be adapted to particular performance use cases. In this paper, we describe DDP, a platform to analyze performance testing data. DDP uses Big Data technology to collect, store, process and analyze performance results in an integrated way. We demonstrated the successful use of DDP evaluating the performance of “Spectrum Scale”, a software defined storage solution. We illustrate the use of DDP analyzing data from performance regression tests to verify and validate the quality of new versions build during the development process.
Environments of the Mind

The relations between a person’s awareness and his body have been problems for modern thought ever since Descartes pointed out that each can completely be conceived without essential reference to the other. Whatever thought may be and however wide its range, no thoughts are spatially extended; even the thoughts of spatially extended things are not spatially extended. Similarly the realm of extended things may be of whatever character physics discovers it to have, yet none of those extended things need be conceived to think. Descartes’ own resolution of the problem broke down in two related ways. He suggested that mind and body are two distinct substances that interact through conjunction in the pineal gland. Yet if the mind were casually related only to mental elements, it did not seem possible for it to move the pineal gland; or if it could, then why not other bodily parts also? Furthermore, most people have come to believe that whatever a person is, he is one thing, not two essentially different things; therefore the mind—body problem now is one of conceiving of two somehow different aspects of a person. Put in more contemporary language, the problem is to understand the relation between physical and mental functions.
Variability of clinical hours in prelicensure nursing programs: Time for a reevaluation?

Abstract Background In pre-licensure nursing education, there is no agreement as to the type, quantity and quality of clinical experiences that are necessary to produce a competent graduate. Method A descriptive comparative study was conducted across four pre-licensure nursing programs to identify numbers of clinical and simulation hours within targeted clinical courses. Two Associate Degree (ADN) and two Bachelor of Science (BSN) nursing programs participated. Results The final sample consisted of 271 students. Large variabilities in the number of clinical and simulation hours were identified across the four programs. Licensure exam pass rates differed by the individual programs, but there were no significant differences between the ADN and BSN programs on pass rates. Conclusion These findings suggest that prelicensure nursing programs’ licensure examination results were not commensurate with clinical hours. Future programmatic decisions regarding clinical requirements should be based on empirical evidence instead of sheer quantity of hours.
Ontogenetic variability in crystallography and mosaicity of conodont apatite: implications for microstructure, palaeothermometry and geochemistry

X-ray diffraction data from Silurian conodonts belonging to various developmental stages of the species Dapsilodus obliquicostatus demonstrate changes in crystallography and degree of nanocrystalli...
Who decides what is allowed?: User Interactions and Permissions Use on Android

No paper or presentation is included, but the material is available via the following two published papers: " User Interactions and Permission Use on Android: https://dl.acm.org/citation.cfm?id=3025706 " User Comfort with Android Background Resource Accesses in Different Contexts: https://www.usenix.org/conference/soups2018/presentation/votipka
Linear Predictability in Magnetic Resonance Imaging Reconstruction: Leveraging Shift-Invariant Fourier Structure for Faster and Better Imaging

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a powerful and highly versatile imaging technique that has had a tremendous impact in both science and medicine. Unfortunately, MRI data acquisition is also time consuming and expensive, which has thus far prevented it from delivering on its full potential. As a result, the MRI field has always been interested in signal processing methods that can generate high-quality images from a small amount of measured data. These methods can increase the comfort of the person being scanned, enable higher-quality assessment of time-varying phenomena, improve scanner throughput, and/or allow more detailed and comprehensive MRI examinations within a fixed total imaging time.
The impact of insurance on equitable access to non-invasive prenatal screening (NIPT): private insurance may not pay.

Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT), is a prenatal screening test for chromosomal aneuploidies (trisomy 21, trisomy 18, and trisomy 13). While women under 35 years of age with no other risk factors are considered low risk for pregnancies with aneuploidy, most babies with aneuploidy are born to low-risk women. Across the USA, including Wisconsin, many private insurances do not cover initial NIPT for low-risk women, creating a potential financial burden that may limit patient selection of NIPT. Low-risk women with public insurance in Wisconsin are covered for NIPT. This pilot study determined if a difference exists in NIPT uptake based on insurance type in low-risk pregnant women in their first trimester. It also explored genetic counselor perspectives on how insurance coverage for NIPT is addressed with patients. Women with public insurance were 3.43 times more likely to have NIPT as an initial screen for aneuploidy than women with private insurance, indicating that insurance coverage may present a barrier to care. Additionally, analysis showed no evidence of different demographic variables interacting with another to impact outcome after allowing for insurance coverage (X214 = 14.301, p = 0.428). Our data also suggests that more genetic counselors would recommend NIPT to patients if insurance coverage was not a barrier and were more likely to discuss financial risks associated with NIPT when a patient had private insurance. We conclude that some women cannot choose one of the safest and most sensitive prenatal aneuploidy screening tests due to financial barriers put into place by the lack of insurance coverage.
Penile urethral resection and anastomosis augmentation with regional tissue tension relieving technique: A cadaveric mechanical study and clinical outcome in two dogs.

OBJECTIVE To describe penile urethral augmentation anastomosis (PURAA) for resection anastomosis (RA) of the canine penile urethra by using autogenous tissue in two dogs and to determine the mechanical properties of the augmentation technique in cadaveric specimens. STUDY DESIGN Cadaveric study and two case reports. ANIMALS Sixteen canine cadavers and two dogs with urethral obstruction. METHODS The lower urogenital system was harvested from cadavers and randomized into two groups: simple (S) and augmented (AUG) RA of the urethra. Tensile strength and peak load were compared between the two groups. Two dogs were treated with PURAA for urethral obstruction secondary to juxtaurethral neoplasms. RESULTS Minimal tensile strength (MITS) and maximal tensile strength (MATS) were greater in the AUG group (MITS, 54.36 ± 24.0 N; MATS, 75.37 ± 34.79 N) compared with the S group (MITS, 11.78 ± 4.93 N, P = .0014; MATS, 13.74 ± 3.89 N, P = .0015). Both dogs recovered without complications. Histopathological examinations were consistent with a lipomatous mass in both cases. Both dogs had good medium-to-long-term outcomes. CONCLUSION The augmentation technique improved the tensile properties of penile RA in normal cadavers and was associated with successful outcomes in two dogs. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Penile urethral augmentation anastomosis may help prevent stricture or leakage secondary to tension at the surgical site after penile urethral RA.
Less frequent sequence mismatches in variants of concern (VOCs) of SARS-CoV-2 in the real-time RT-PCR assays developed by the National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Japan.

Various variants of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) began emerging worldwide from the end of 2020 to the beginning of 2021. The variants GRY/VOC202012/01 (B1.1.7), GH/N501Y.V2 (B1.351), and GR/N501Y.V3 (P1) are characterized by N to Y amino acid substitution at position 501 in the S protein. The variant containing L to R substitution at position 452 in the S protein G/L452R.V3 (B1.617) was endemic to India. The heightened concern regarding these variants is related to their increased viral infectivity. Information about nucleotide mismatch(es) on the primer/probe sequence is important for maintaining good performance of real-time PCR assays. In this study, real-time RT-PCR assays developed by the National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Japan (NIID-N2 and NIID-S2 assays), were reviewed to analyze nucleotide mismatches of variants in primer/probe sequences. The frequency of mismatched sequences in three variants (GRY/VOC202012/01, GH/N501Y.V2, and GR/N501Y.V3) was lower than that in all SARS-CoV-2 sequences. The mismatch, that G to C substitution at nucleotide 8 in reverse primer of S2 set, elevated to about 16.3% in G/L452R.V3, however the substitution did not affect the analytical sensitivity of assay. Therefore, the study indicates that the NIID-N2 and NIID-S2 sets detect VOCs of SARS-CoV-2 with reliable efficiency.
Trajectories of violent victimization over the life course: Implications for mental and physical health

Abstract Violent victimization experiences correspond to an array of negative consequences including poorer mental and physical health. Drawing on life course theories of stress proliferation and well-being, we use four waves of data from the Add Health study to identify pathways of violent victimization from adolescence through young adulthood using group-based trajectory modeling. We then assess the influence of victimization trajectory membership on a range of subsequent health outcomes including depression, PTSD, clinical and subclinical symptoms, and self-rated health. Our results show those with increasing experiences of victimization in young adulthood are at greatest risk for poor health outcomes. Notably, trajectories marked by violent victimization limited in adolescence are not associated with any indicators of poor health. Black individuals and males are at particular risk for membership in victimization trajectories with the greatest risk for future negative health outcomes. Our findings demonstrate that violent victimization occurs via heterogeneous patterns over the life course with significant consequences for well-being and broader health disparities among adults.
Patterns, Consequences, and Motives in Simultaneous Use of Prescription Stimulant Medication with Alcohol and Marijuana.

OBJECTIVE Nonmedical use of prescription stimulants (NPS) continues to be a concern on college campuses. Previous research demonstrates a strong link between NPS and use of other substances, particularly alcohol and marijuana among college students. Simultaneous use of NPS with other substances has become an increasing concern. Given the high rates of NPS and simultaneous NPS with other substances, research examining substance use patterns and motives among students is warranted. Method: This study evaluated group differences in alcohol and marijuana use patterns, consequences, and motives among college students: a) with no NPS history (No NPS); b) engaged in NPS with no simultaneous use (Non-Sim NPS); and c) engaged in simultaneous NPS with alcohol and/or marijuana (Sim NPS). Participants included 1,108 students from three universities who reported past-year marijuana and alcohol use. Results: Overall, 32.8% reported lifetime NPS with 12.5% indicating NPS in the previous 3 months, of which 51.1% reported simultaneous NPS with alcohol and 40.2% with marijuana. Significant group differences for all drinking and marijuana outcomes were found, with heaviest rates among the Sim NPS group, followed by the Non-Sim NPS group, and the No NPS group. The Sim NPS group reported greater motives for using marijuana to alter the effects of other substances. Conclusions: College students engaged in simultaneous NPS with alcohol and marijuana are a high-risk group that should be the focus of prevention and intervention programs in the campus setting.
Information: Interfering with Price Signals

The subject of this section is primarily the transfer of information among economic actors. A closely related concern is distortion of the information caused by various interventions. We note that we are always trying to plan action into the future, while the future is always uncertain, or unknowable. Even prospective calculations are based on data from the immediate past.
Distribution of choline acetyltransferase mRNA in the efferent vestibular neurons of the chinchilla

The distribution of choline acetyltransferase messenger RNA (mRNA) among efferent vestibular neurons in the chinchilla was investigated. mRNA coding for choline acetyltransferase, the enzyme that synthesizes acetylcholine, was used as a marker for the cholinergic system. In order to retrogradely label the efferent vestibular neurons, Fluoro-gold was injected through the oval window into the inner ear of anesthetized young male chinchillas (6 to 12 months old). The animals were anesthetized and perfused through the heart 2 days post injection with 4% paraformaldehyde in phosphate buffer. Retrogradely labeled efferent vestibular neurons were mapped in brainstem sections prior to processing for in situ hybridization histochemistry using radiolabeled ribonucleic acid probes complementary to the 3' end of the choline acetyltransferase mRNA. At the levels of the ascending facial nerve and the genu of the facial nerve, we found that approximately 90% of the Fluoro-gold labeled cells in group E1 contained choline acetyltransferase mRNA. All of the group E2 cells that were labeled with Fluoro-gold were found to be cholinergic (contain choline acetyltransferase mRNA). Finally, 60% of the Fluoro-gold-labeled cells in the caudal pontine reticular nucleus contained choline acetyltransferase mRNA.
Microwave sintering of Si3N4 with LiYO2 and ZrO2 as sintering additives

Abstract Phase transformation, microstructure development and mechanical properties of 2.45 GHz microwave-sintered silicon nitride (Si 3 N 4 ) with lithium yttrium oxide (LiYO 2 ) and zirconia (ZrO 2 ) sintering additives were investigated. It was found that α to β phase transformation completed at a lower temperature of 1500 °C. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs revealed a bimodal microstructure with a large number of elongated β-Si 3 N 4 grains in addition to smaller grains. Surface residual porosity was observed in all sintered samples due to selective localized over heating of grain-boundary glassy phase. The high aspect-ratio of β-Si 3 N 4 grains exhibited significant crack deflection, debonding and pull-out. It was observed that Vickers hardness and indentation fracture toughness increased with increasing sintering temperature.
Cytotrophoblastic specializations: an ultrastructural study of the human placenta.

Abstract Ultrastructural examination of the specialized peripheral cytotrophoblast distinguishes the complex elements of the cell islands, septa, shell, and chorion laeve from the typical villous cytotrophoblast (Langhans' cell). Whereas syncytium, typical decidua, and poorly differentiated cytotrophoblast are easily recognized, many well-differentiated mononuclear elements in the basal plate, septa, and islands cannot be classified as maternal or fetal on strictly morphologic criteria. On the basis of transitional forms and specialized intercellular connections, we conclude that the junctional areas of the human placenta comprise an admixture of fetal and maternal elements, some of which are ultrastructurally similar to each other. The evolution of the syncytium through a series of transitional cells is well demonstrated in the anchoring villi, cell columns, and islands. The ultrastructural differentiation of the trophoblast is correlated with its elaboration of protein hormones. Cytochemical evidence suggests that the syncytium is the tissue most active in the formation of chorionic gonadotropin, with varying contributions from the specialized cytotrophoblast. Mitochondria with tubular cristae have been demonstrated in the specialized cytotrophoblast, which presumably participates in steroidogenesis. In junctional zones of the placenta, fibrinoid and glycocalyces of the trophoblast are probably ancillary though not primary factors in permitting the prolonged retention of the placental homograft.
Internal resorption of the dentine with extensive osseous metaplasia of the pulp

Abstract An unusual case of internal resorption has been reported. Extensive resorption of the dentine was seen rediographically and confirmed histologically. Histologic examination revealed bone replacement and almost total osseous metaplasia of the pulp. It appeared that the bone in the pulp chamber was sufficient to maintain the function of the tooth in the dental arch, even in the absence of continuity of dentine or cementum between crown and root. Both irregular lamellar bone and seemingly well-organized Haversian bone were found, as well as “osteoid” or “cementoid” which is usually described in cases of internal resorption. Quigley and Curtis 16 have published illustrations which indicate that the vascular distribution of the pulp may resemble that of compact bone.
Chapter 4 The new empirics of economic growth

Abstract We provide an overview of recent empirical research on patterns of cross-country growth. The new empirical regularities considered differ from earlier ones, e.g., the well-known Kaldor stylized facts. The new research no longer makes production function accounting a central part of the analysis. Instead, attention shifts more directly to questions like, Why do some countries grow faster than others? It is this changed focus that, in our view, has motivated going beyond the neoclassical growth model.
Enhancing access to NTIS information through libraries: A proposal☆

Abstract As the U.S. federal government's central repository and clearinghouse for scientific and technical information (STI), the U.S. National Technical Information Service (NTIS) can contribute significantly to American competitiveness and to domestic economic development. However, during the 1980s repeated Reagan administration attempts to privatize the agency and other operational factors impaired the ability of NTIS to fulfill this role. One of two 1988 laws prohibiting NTIS privatization (the National Technical Information Act) provided for the appointment of a five-member advisory board. Since its initial meeting in April 1991, the NTIS Advisory Board has made a series of recommendations to encourage equipment modernization, mandatory deposit of STI from federal agencies, appropriations support, and greater access to and marketing of NTIS reports. In this paper, the author, as a member of the Advisory Board, presents a possible strategy for enhancing access to and use of NTIS information through libraries. Some of the document's recommendations have been incorporated into the NTIS business plan.
Hepatic encephalopathy: current status.

The neuropsychiatric syndrome seen secondary to liver disease is called hepatic coma or encephalopathy, the latter term describing more comprehensively the wide neurological spectrum of this disorder. Many aspects of this subject have recently been discussed. 1 This review focuses on selected clinical features , discusses current concepts of pathology and pathogenesis, and assesses the present status of therapy of this disorder.
Selenoenzymes and Selenium Trafficking: An Emerging Target for Therapeutics

Selenoproteins exist within all three domains of life. It is estimated that one-third of prokaryotes utilize selenium for specific biological purposes, whereas the majority of microorganisms do not use or need selenium. Selenoproteins are unique proteins in which selenocysteine is inserted into the polypeptide chain by highly specialized translational machinery. Alternatively, some selenoproteins in which selenium is incorporated as a labile cofactor have been characterized, and this class of selenoproteins also contains either molybdenum or tungsten. Although several selenoproteins have been well characterized for several decades, the biological functions of these proteins are still being defined. The role of selenoproteins, particularly in human pathogens, has received little attention, yet there is evidence that targeting such proteins could play a major role in drug development. In addition, emerging evidence suggests that many well-known cancer drugs target a specific class of selenoproteins in mammals, lending credence to the notion that selenoproteins may indeed already be substantial drug targets in the clinic. Keywords: selenocysteine; selenoprotein; auranofin; arsenic; thioredoxin reductase; glutathione peroxidase; glycine reductase; d-proline reductase; Stickland reaction
Hydrothermal treatment for enhancing oil extraction and hydrochar production from oilseeds

A novel integrated oil extraction process that includes hydrothermal pretreatment and oil extraction (HPOE) from whole oilseeds followed by hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) of the extracted seedcake to hydrochar was developed. Five different types of oilseeds including cotton-, flax-, mustard-, canola-, and jatropha seeds were used in the study. The seeds were subjected to hydrothermal pretreatment in the range of temperatures from 120 to 210 °C for 30 min. Oils were extracted from the pretreated seeds using n-hexane in a Soxhlet apparatus for 120 min. The crude oil yields from the pretreated seeds at 180 °C and 210 °C were significantly higher (up to 30 wt%) than those from the respective untreated ground seeds. The seedcake after oil extraction was subjected to HTC at 300 °C with the recycled aqueous phase collected from the pretreatment step. The produced hydrochar had higher heating value of 26.5 kJ/g comparable to that of bituminous coal. BET surface area and pore volume analysis showed that the pretreated seeds had larger surface area and pore volume/size than the respective raw seeds, which resulted in better extractability of oil, shorter extraction time, and overall efficiency of HPOE process. Analyses of the crude oil did not show significant signs of degradation after the hydrothermal pretreatment of oilseeds. The study is the first of its kind where integrated oil extraction and hydrochar production from oilseeds have been studied with the objective of minimizing feedstock preparation and maximizing oil extraction and overall energy conversion using environmentally benign hydrothermal processes.
Experimental Study on Tire Fire Penetration into a Motorcoach Passenger Compartment

SUMMARY Two full-scale fire experiments were conducted to determine the mode of penetration of a tire fire into the passenger compartment of a motorcoach. A special burner was designed to imitate the frictional heating of hub and wheel metal caused by failed axle bearings, locked brakes, or dragged blown tires. For the first experiment, heating to obtain tire ignition was initiated on the exterior of the passenger side tag axle wheel and for the second, on the exterior of the passenger side drive axle wheel. Measurements of interior and exterior temperatures, interior heat flux, and heat release rate were performed. Standard and infrared videos and still photographs were recorded. Both experiments showed that the tire fires ignited the plastic fender and glass-reinforced plastic exterior side panel (below the windows) upon which the fires spread quickly and penetrated the passenger compartment by breaking the windows. Measurements showed that other potential fire penetration routes (flooring and lavatory) lagged far behind the windows in heating and degradation. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effects of interracial contact, attitudes, and stereotypical portrayals on evaluations of black television sitcom characters

With a sample of White participants, the present study examined the influence of stereotypical TV portrayals, attitudes toward Blacks, and interracial contact on appraisals of Black television sitcom characters. Results suggest that when confronted with stereotypical media content, prior intergroup contact and attitudes toward Blacks interact in influencing evaluations of Black television characters. These findings lend support to the growing body of research identifying the media's ability to activate social stereotypes, while also extending this work to considerations of viewer characteristics that may moderate media effects.
Cotton yield and applied water relationships under drip irrigation

Abstract Different irrigation scheduling methods and amounts of water ranging from deficit to excessive amounts were used in cotton ( Gossypium hirsutum L.) irrigation studies from 1988 to 1999, at Lubbock, TX. Irrigation scheduling treatments based on canopy temperature ( T c ) were emphasized in each year. Surface drip irrigation and recommended production practices for the area were used. The objective was to use the 12-year database to estimate the effect of irrigation and growing season temperature on cotton yield. Yields in the irrigation studies were then compared with those for the northwest Texas production region. An irrigation input of 58 cm or total water application of 74 cm was estimated to produce maximum lint yield. Sources of the total water supply for the maximum yielding treatments for each year averaged 74% from irrigation and 26% from rain. Lint yield response to irrigation up to the point of maximum yield was approximated as 11.4 kg ha −1 cm −1 of irrigation between the limits of 5 and 54 cm with lint yields ranging from 855 to 1630 kg ha −1 . The intra-year maximum lint yield treatments were not limited by water input, and their inter-year range of 300 kg ha −1 was not correlated with the quantity of irrigation. The maximum lint yields were linearly related to monthly and seasonal heat units (HU) with significant regressions for July ( P =0.15), August ( P =0.07), and from May to September ( P =0.01). The fluctuation of maximum yearly lint yields and the response to HU in the irrigation studies were similar to the average yields in the surrounding production region. The rate of lint yield increase with HU was slightly higher in the irrigation studies than in the surrounding production area and was attributed to minimal water stress. Managing irrigation based on real-time measurements of T c produced maximum cotton yields without applying excessive irrigation.
Research on Database and Mining-Map Automatic Generation System of Metal Mine Production Information

According to the intensive analysis of metal mine production information database and data characteristics, object-oriented database is primarily discussed to establish for metal mine production information with UML technique. Then the subsequent design idea and approach is presented on mine three-view drawing of metal mine production information system, taking the requests and rules of mapping in metal mine into account and applying the techniques of ObjectARX, to realize three dimension information visualization and automatic mapping of metal mine production information and mining design. In the whole process we cohered with experiences from engineering to do interactive improvement and develop simple and convenient system operation interfaces according with working habits of direct labor on production lines,which owns strong application significance and wonderful popularization value among metal mines at present.
External-cavity coherent operation of InGaAsP buried-hetereostructure laser array

Coherent operation of a monolithic linear array of InGaAsP buried—heterostructure lasers operating at X = 1.3 .un has been achieved by means of a spatial filter in an external cavity. An array of mass—transported InP microlenses was used to collimate the beams of the individual laser elements and couple the laser array output to the external cavity. The coherent array output exhibited a narrow (3.2 mrad), three—lobe far-field pattern with —65% of the energy concentrated in the central peak.
Nucleosome under Torsion

Nucleosome, the fundamental unit of chromatin, is expected to be affected by torsional stress due to its chiral structure. Here we take advantage of the high spatial and temporal resolution as well as the torque measuring capabilities of an angular optical trap to investigate the impact of torsion on a single nucleosome. We employ buckling assay to study topological transitions in the nucleosome, and stretching assay to probe nucleosome disruption under tension and torque. Our data indicate that torsion differentially affects the stability of the outer and inner turns of nucleosomal DNA. We also observe appearance of an altered nucleosome conformation under moderate positive torque. These findings suggest that torsion can play a facilitatory role during transcription through chromatin.
Living with Dementia: Lay Definitions of Alzheimer's Disease among African American Caregivers and Sufferers

While the medical world aggressively pursues scientific knowledge about Alzheimer’s disease, sufferers and caregivers live with this ailment, not as patients, but as people going about their lives, needing and providing care. This article reports explanations of Alzheimer’s from the perspectives of African American family caregivers and sufferers. Data were collected from thirty-six families using participant observation and focus group interviews. Although caregivers sought and used medical expertise, their explanations of Alzheimer’s were not only nonmedical, but not necessarily explanations of illness per se. Alzheimer’s was presented instead as a way of being, predominantly characterized by views of the sufferer as childlike and by issues of continuity/discontinuity, though some saw Alzheimer’s as part of a larger picture. Although it is unclear whether Alzheimer’s disease and normal aging are in fact distinct entities, for those concerned, the label is about something real, something lived day in and day out (Gubrium 1986). The impact of Alzheimer’s disease on sufferers, caregivers, and society as a whole is enormous (National Institute on Aging 1999). As many as four million Americans suffer from this condition, with nearly
Hormonal control of enzymes participating in gluconeogenesis and lipogenesis.

Enzymes of the gluconeogenic pathway in animals adapt so as to exhibit increased activity during fasting, in diabetes, and following the administration of glucocorticoids. Many investigators have shown that these changes result from the synthesis of new enzyme protein rather than activation of latent forms of these enzymes. Glucocorticoids appear to induce the formation of several gluconeogenic enzymes, but the available evidence indicates this is a secondary rather than a primary response. Insulin appears to suppress formation of these enzymes, but experimental evidence indicates that insulin per se is not a repressor, nor is liver glycogen level. It is more likely that suppression of liver gluconeogenic enzymes by insulin is mediated by the latter's effect on availability of glucose to peripheral tissue. In liver and adipose tissue, enzymes that participate in lipogenesis (for example, citrate cleavage enzyme and malic enzyme) increase in activity following insulin administration. These enzymes are induced by available carbohydrate, and the induction is suppressed by fat.
ADAPTIVE MAINTENANCE OF GENETIC POLYMORPHISM IN AN INTERTIDAL BARNACLE: HABITAT- AND LIFE-STAGE-SPECIFIC SURVIVORSHIP OF MPI GENOTYPES

Abstract In the northern acorn barnacle, Semibalanus balanoides, genotype frequencies of three genetic markers were tracked over time in four types of intertidal habitats. These habitats were selected to represent natural variation in several environmental parameters, specifically the degree of physical stress experienced by barnacles. Frequencies for one allozyme locus (Gpi) and a presumably neutral mtDNA marker were homogeneous among habitats in each temporal sample. Similarly, no temporal stratification in genotype frequencies was evident across the five sampling intervals: from planktonic larvae sampled in March to juveniles collected at the end of June. In contrast to the Gpi and mtDNA loci, Mpi genotypes significantly changed in frequency in two habitats in the high intertidal zone. On exposed substrate, the Mpi-FF homozygote increased in frequency, whereas the alternative homozygote, Mpi-SS, significantly decreased in frequency. Barnacles that were protected from environmental stress at high intert...
Types of advice given by heredity counselors

(1958). Types of advice given by heredity counselors. Eugenics Quarterly: Vol. 5, Heredity Counseling Symposium, pp. 51-62.
Cortical acetylcholine and processing capacity: effects of cortical cholinergic deafferentation on crossmodal divided attention in rats

Abstract The effects of 192 IgG-saporin-induced lesions of the corticopetal cholinergic neurons of the basal forebrain on divided attention were assessed in rats. Divided attention was measured using an operant version of the crossmodal divided attention paradigm. This task utilized the propositional response rules of visual and auditory conditional discriminations. Presentation of only visual or only auditory stimuli constituted performance under the condition of modality certainty. Conversely, the presentation of a randomized sequence of all possible stimuli represented the condition of modality uncertainty and was hypothesized to tax processing capacity. A single session was composed of two unimodal blocks of trials (20 trials each), followed by a bimodal block of 60 trials. Animals were extensively trained in this task and baseline performance was characterized by high response accuracy (>80%) in both conditions. Compared to unimodal trials, the response latencies in the bimodal block of trials were 160 ms longer. The lesion of the cholinergic system increased the response latencies exclusively under the condition of modality uncertainty. The extent of the lesion-induced decrease in cortical cholinergic fiber density correlated highly with the differences between uni- and bimodal response latencies. These results demonstrate a lesion-induced decrease in processing capacity and a preservation of response accuracy at the cost of response latency, i.e., a speed-accuracy tradeoff. Cortical acetylcholine is suggested to mediate the regulation and allocation of processing resources.
Client Referral, Ridership, and Financial Tracking [CRRAFT] Transit Management System: CRRAFTing a Bridge to Coordinated Interagency Transportation

From the 1990s on, a growing number of federal and state human service programs have identified transportation as an allowable, often vital, support service for clients. State human services agencies in New Mexico are improving clients ‘transportation options either by funding the expansion of local transit operators’ service areas and hours, or the starting up of new transit systems. Agencies providing this new transportation funding require specific reports based on the human service delivery model. Because services are client-based, the reports include the number of unique clients served, number of trips provided to each client, trip purposes, and costs. For New Mexico rural transit systems that operate under FTA Section 5311 guidelines, services and reports are trip based. To bridge the gap between human service agency and rural transit system cultures, the Alliance for Transportation Research Institute of the University of New Mexico developed a web-based software program, the Client Referral, Riders...
Slip Flow Analyses of a Capacitive Pressure-Based Micro Flow Sensor

We present gas flow measurements and slip flow analyses considering velocity slip at the wall in a capacitive pressure-based micro flow sensor. The sensor consists of a pair of capacitors for measuring pressure difference between the inlet and outlet and absolute pressure at the outlet, inlet/outlet reservoirs, and the main microchannel. The main microchannel is 128.0μm wide, 4.64μm deep, and 5680μm long, where the outlet Knudsen number is 0.0137. The sensor was fabricated using wet etching, ultrasonic drilling, Deep Reactive Ion Etching (RIE) and anodic bonding. The capacitance change of the sensor and the mass flow rate of nitrogen were measured as the inlet to outlet pressure ration increased up to 1.24. With the increasing pressure difference, the capacitance change of the differential pressure sensor increases. The TMAC for the channel whose sides are made of silicon dioxide and Pyrex #7740 glass was extracted for nitrogen. The friction factor was also measured and compared with a previous simulation result.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Lipoprotein Physiology in Nondiabetic and Diabetic States: Relationship to Atherogenesis

Abnormalities of plasma lipid and lipoprotein concentrations are common in both insulin-dependent (IDDM) and non-insulin-dependent (NIDDM) diabetes mellitus. In general, individuals with IDDM who are untreated or inadequately treated have elevations in both postprandial and fasting triglyceride levels in association with reduced activity of lipoprotein lipase. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels can rise when insulin deficiency impacts on LDL-receptor function. When patients with IDDM are treated and plasma glucose levels well controlled, plasma very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) triglyceride and LDL cholesterol levels are usually normal. In addition, plasma high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels are normal or elevated in well-controlled IDDM subjects. In NIDDM, increased VLDL triglyceride and reduced HDL cholesterol concentrations are common and are only partially related to glycemic control. Overproduction of VLDL leads to hypertriglyceridemia, which can be exacerbated if lipoprotein lipase activity is also reduced. The regulation of LDL levels is complex; catabolism can be reduced if significant insulin deficiency exists or increased if significant hypertriglyceridemia is present. The reduced levels of HDL cholesterol in NIDDM appear to be related to increased exchange of HDL cholesteryl esters for VLDL triglycerides, although other mechanisms may exist. The roles of insulin resistance, obesity, and independently inherited abnormalities of lipoprotein metabolism in the etiology of dyslipidemia of NIDDM are complex and require further investigation. Finally, the effects of diabetes on glycosylation of apoproteins; on other lipid enzymes, particularly hepatic triglyceride lipase; on lipoprotein surface lipids; and on hepatic uptake of remnants have only just begun to be defined. In view of the marked increase in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in individuals with diabetes mellitus, prompt attention to and aggressive therapy for dyslipidemia should be a central component of care for these patients.
Super-supraglottic swallow in irradiated head and neck cancer patients

Background. After radiotherapy to the head and neck, many patients experience swallowing difficulties. Prelimi- nary work indicates that these patients benefit from the super- supraglottic swallow maneuver. Methods. Lateral videofluoroscopic studies examined oropha- ryngeal swallowing in 9 patients who suffered from dysphagia after radiation to the head and neck. Each patient completed two swallows each of 1 mL or 3 mL liquid barium without a voluntary swallow maneuver and with the super-supraglottic swallow de- signed to close the entrance to the airway early. The videotape of each swallow was digitized and the location of pharyngeal struc- tures marked throughout the swallow. Movement over time plots were generated to measure changes in structural movement re- sulting from the maneuver. Results. The super-supraglottic swallow resulted in changes in airway entrance closure and hyolaryngeal movement. One pa- tient who aspirated without the maneuver stopped aspirating with the maneuver. Two others had aspiration reduced to a trace with the maneuver. Fewer swallow disorders were observed with the maneuver. Conclusion. The super-supraglottic swallow results in im- proved biomechanics of swallow in irradiated head and neck can- cer patients. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Head Neck 19: 535-540, 1997.
TYPE C AMINO COLUMNS FOR AFFINITY AND AQUEOUS NORMAL PHASE CHROMATOGRAPHY: SYNTHESIS AND HPLC EVALUATION

The synthesis of novel stationary phases for the retention of polar compounds and for affinity chromatography was presented. Two amino compounds, 4-diethylamino-2-butyn-1-ol and 3-amino-3-methyl-1-butyne, were bonded to a silica hydride surface using Silica-C and a hydrosilation procedure. The bonding was confirmed using CP – MAS NMR and FTIR techniques. High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) evaluation of the synthesized HPLC stationary phases was performed using the Neue Test. Aqueous Normal Phase (ANP) properties of synthesized amino phases were confirmed using a broad range of polar compounds. Type III-O trypsin inhibitor from chicken egg white was used to test the affinity aspect of the amino bonded trypsin column.
Magnetic phase separation in artificial A -type antiferromagnetic films

We investigate the domain structures in artificial $A$-type antiferromagnetic (AF) film structures composed of AF-coupled $\mathrm{Co}∕\mathrm{Pt}$ multilayers. By tuning the layer thickness or applying a magnetic field, we observed the coexistence of AF domains and ferromagnetic stripe domains. We find that a ferromagnetic phase exists at AF domain boundaries, causing complex mesoscopic domain patterns with surprising reversibility during minor loop field cycling.
Nurse staffing: a structural proxy for hospital quality?

Sgrowing body of literature supports the premise that the quantity and quality of ursing care is an important factor in providing patient safety, particularly with respect to reduction in adverse events and possibly mortality.1'2 The number and quality of studies has grown substantially since the Institute of Medicine concluded in 1996 that there was insufficient evidence to conclude if, and how, nurse staffing affects indicators of hospital quality, such as adverse events and mortality.3 Only recently, however, have such studies been of national scope, with capacity to generalize beyond one state or beyond academic medical centers.4'5 The study reported by Person and colleagues in this issue of Medical Care6strengthens the relationship between nurse staffing and mortality, the latter as an indicator of hospital quality of care. Using a large, nationally representative sample they tested the hypothesis that "nurse staffing ratios are associated with quality of care that is attributable to nursing." Most important, they demonstrated that these ratios had an effect on in-hospital and 30-day mortality independent of patient characteristics, medical treatment, and hospital characteristics. The odds of dying from first-time acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in hospital or by 30-days post hospital were significantly lower in hospitals with richer registered nurse (RN) to average daily census ratios and higher in those with higher licensed practical nurse (LPN) to patient ratios, independent of patient characteristics, medical treatment, and hospital characteristics. This study, like all the nationally-representative studies, suffers the weakness of deriving the nurse staffing ratios from administrative databases and using the hospital as the level of analysis. Indeed, the authors caution us against extrapolating these hospitallevel findings to specific care-giving units to derive mandated ratios for medical-surgical, obstetrical units, and the like. However, in contrast to all other large nationallyrepresentative staffing studies, this one had a detailed database of clinical variables derived from chart review for the target population. This allowed the careful adjustment for individual patient and clinical characteristics, for hospital characteristics (such as a condition-specific technology index), and for derivation of quality indicators for medical treatment of AMI. Thus, the common concern that the role of nursing care cannot be disentangled from the role of medical treatment of the outcome of mortality was largely put to rest in these analyses. What we cannot know from this careful analysis is what specific clinical and organizational processes attributable to nursing might have accounted for the differences in mortality with the 2 models of staffing. The authors conclude that this structural
A high resolution triple axis X-ray diffraction analysis of radiation damage in lysozyme crystals

Abstract We have used high-resolution triple axis X-ray diffraction analyses to monitor the effects of radiation damage by Cu Kα X-rays on the defect structure in hen egg white lysozyme crystals. At long irradiation times (greater than 45 h of X-ray exposure) we observed the expected decrease in peak intensity and increase in the angular extent of the peak breadth. In contrast, the initial stages of irradiation showed relatively complex changes in both the peak breadth and the intensity: during the period from 25 to 45 h of irradiation the angular breadth of the intensity (both the full width at half maximum and the full width at 1% of the maximum intensity) decreased to a minimum value. Some possible reasons for this complex behavior are discussed.
A Method for Analyzing the Effect of Taxes and Financing on Investment Decisions: Reply

O NE of the critical problems faced by those who contemplate investments is the effect of taxes and finance charges on investment decisions. While it is known that these costs reduce the expected annual return available for retiring the investment cost, there is at present no readily applicable method of taking this known reduction into consideration in the decision process. This paper develops a method by which taxes, investment credit, and financing charges can readily be included in the decision model. A more meaningful economic appraisal of investments results. At the outset the requirement is made [1] that: