cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Association of Health Insurance and Disease Impairment With Reported Asthma Prevalence in U.S. Children

Providing health insurance to uninsured children with known asthma can result in improved asthma outcomes, including fewer asthma attacks and less frequent asthma-related hospitalizations and emergency department (ED) visits (Szilagyi et al. 2006). In addition, there may be a large reservoir of symptomatic but undiagnosed asthma in children, ranging from 12 to 17 percent of all children, especially in urban, low-income, and minority populations (Webber et al. 2002; Yeatts et al. 2003a,b; Joseph et al. 2005; Mvula et al. 2005; Quinn et al. 2006; Clark et al. 2010). The Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act (CHIPRA) and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) may lead to a large number of uninsured children becoming insured (Kaiser Family Foundation 2010; Sebelius 2010). Few data explore the relationship between health insurance and asthma diagnosis and outcomes for undiagnosed children. One of the few published studies found that symptomatic children in Bronx, New York schools with an asthma diagnosis were more likely to have health insurance than those without an asthma diagnosis (Webber et al. 2002). Even if insurance status does increase the chance of an asthma diagnosis, whether that diagnosis leads to reduced asthma-related acute care utilization (i.e., acute care for exacerbation of asthma symptoms) is unclear. Previous studies have documented lower rates of ED and physician visits for wheezing, and fewer missed school days among undiagnosed symptomatic children compared with diagnosed asthmatic children (Yeatts et al. 2003b; Joseph et al. 2005; Gerald et al. 2009). It is plausible that enhanced diagnosis may increase asthma-related acute care utilization rather than prevent it. Children with undiagnosed asthma may be under-utilizing acute care services, for reasons related to poor access to care or inadequate knowledge regarding asthma. Another explanation may be that additional utilization of services for children diagnosed with asthma is related less to clinical need than to patient and physician factors (Emanuel and Fuchs). The purpose of this study was to examine the differences in asthma diagnosis and outcomes among children with and without insurance, and to determine the association between health insurance and asthma diagnosis, impairment level, and asthma-related outcomes among children with asthma symptoms. Accounting for factors known to be associated with asthma prevalence (e.g., race/ethnicity), we hypothesized that uninsured children would have a lower reported asthma prevalence than insured children (due to less screening and detection), and that this disparity would be seen primarily in children with intermittent rather than persistent symptoms (because children with persistent symptoms would be more likely to be detected regardless of health insurance status). In addition, we hypothesized that differences in acute care utilization would be modest, given the tendency of greater screening to detect intermittent rather than persistent asthma.
Isolation of Beauveria bassiana (Deuteromycotina: Hyphomycetes) from Alfalfa Field Soil and Its Effect on Adult Sitona hispidulus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

A dilution-plate method for assaying viable Beauveria bassiana propagules in alfalfa field soil was used to determine fungal inoculum density. B. bassiana effect on adult populations of Sitona hispidulus was also investigated by determining the incidence of the fungus in field populations of adults and by exposing adults to known concentrations of B. bassiana in field soil. The 95% CL of inoculum density was between 1,790 and 3,103 colonies per gram of dry soil. The number of infected adults was <10% and did not increase with levels as high as 106 conidia per gram of dry soil.
Correlation between insulin action upon glycolysis and change in intracellular pH.

Abstract In the presence of CO 2 HCO 3 − , insulin both increases intracellular pH and stimulates glycolysis in frog skeletal muscle. When the action of insulin upon intracellular pH is blocked, either by amiloride or by decreasing extracellular sodium fifteen fold, the effect of the hormone upon glycolysis is also blocked.
Role of the Chlamydomonas reinhardtii Coupling Factor 1 γ-Subunit Cysteine Bridge in the Regulation of ATP Synthase

Abstract The γ-subunit of coupling factor 1 (CF1) contains a cysteine bridge that is thought to be involved in the redox control of enzymatic activity. In order to test the regulatory significance of this disulfide bond, genetic transformation experiments with Chlamydomonas reinhardtii were performed. C. reinhardtii strain atpC1 (nit1-305, cw 15, mt−), which is null for the γ-subunit, was transformed and complemented with γ-subunit constructs containing amino acid substitutions localized to the cysteine bridge between Cys198and Cys204. Successful complementation was confirmed by phenotypic selection, Northern blot analysis, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, and cDNA sequencing. CF1ATPase activities of the soluble enzymes were measured in the presence and absence of dithiothreitol (DTT). Mutant CF1enzymes showed no effect of DTT although increased activity was observed for the wild-type enzyme. In vitro, phenazine methosulfate-dependent photophosphorylation assays revealed that wild-type CF1exhibits a 2-fold stimulation in the presence of 25 mM DTT, whereas each of the mutant enzymes has activities that are DTT-independent. Growth measurements indicated that despite the absence of a regulatory disulfide/dithiol, the mutant strains grew with the same kinetics as wild type. This study provides evidence to illustrate the involvement of the γ-subunit in the redox regulation of ATP synthesis in vivo. This work is also the first demonstration in C. reinhardtii of stable nuclear transformation using mutated genes to complement a known defect.
Influence of Sweet Potato Cultivars in Combination with a Biological Control Agent (Nematoda: Heterorhabditis heliothidis) on Larval Development of the Banded Cucumber Beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

Interactions between larvae of the banded cucumber beetle ( Diabrotica balteata LeConte), a resistant cultivar (‘Regal’), a susceptible sweet potato clone (SC-1149-19), and a nematode arthropod parasite, Heterorhabditis heliothidis (Khan, Brooks, and Hirschman 1976) Poinar, Thomas, and Hess 1977, South Carolina strain, were evaluated. Plant resistance in the cultivar Regal was active against younger larvae. Reduced adult weights and fewer emerging adults were observed when second instars were exposed to the parasite on sweet potato tissue, and the eclosion period was longer for second instars and reduced for third instars. Exposure to the resistant cultivar reduced the eclosion period of second instars as compared with larvae exposed to the susceptible clone, whereas no differences were observed among plant entries for third instars. When second instars were exposed to the parasite, the eclosion period was reduced and no differences were noted for third instars. The duration of the eclosion period was negatively correlated with adult weight.
Optimal placement for partially populated system EMI testing

Electrical systems like servers, IO cages, storage appliances, and others can contain many sources of radiated emissions. During product development the demand for hardware can outpace the supply, especially when the sub-components are at the forefront of technology themselves. Necessity may require testing with less than a full configuration. If so, the available hardware should be positioned to maximize emissions rather than minimize them. It is better to overestimate when establishing margins with respect to the regulatory limits. This paper describes a method of finding optimal placements for the limited hardware using genetic algorithms, full-wave models, and far-field calculations.
Botanical-Drug Interactions: A Scientific Perspective

There is a continued predisposition of concurrent use of drugs and botanical products. A general lack of knowledge of the interaction potential together with an under-reporting of botanical use poses a challenge for the health care providers and a safety concern for patients. Botanical-drug interactions increase the patient risk, especially with regard to drugs with a narrow therapeutic index (e.g., warfarin, cyclosporine, and digoxin). Examples of case reports and clinical studies evaluating botanical-drug interactions of commonly used botanicals in the US are presented. The potential pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic bases of such interactions are discussed, as well as the challenges associated with the interpretation of the available data and prediction of botanical-drug interactions. Recent FDA experiences with botanical products and interactions including labeling implications as a risk management strategy are highlighted.
Impact of voice and swallowing problems in the elderly

OBJECTIVES: 1) Evaluate the prevalence and quality-of-life impact of voice and swallowing problems in the elderly; 2) determine treatment trends and barriers to treatment.STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectio...
A polarographic study of chromium(III) in ammonia solvents (Diver's liquids

Abstract Chromium(III) is shown to catalyse the electrolytic reduction of nitrate ion in Divers' liquids containing nitrate ion. The use of Divers' liquids as polarographic solvents is extended to include the ammonia-ammonium thiocyanate system. The half-wave potentials and diffusion currents for several chromium(III) salts in this solvent are reported.
Relaxation response and spirituality: Pathways to improve psychological outcomes in cardiac rehabilitation

Objectives:Studieshaveshownbeneficialeffectsfrompracticing therelaxationresponse(RR).Variouspathwaysfortheseeffectshave been investigated. Previous small studies suggest that spirituality might be a pathway for the health effects of the RR. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that increased spiritual well-being by eliciting the RR is one pathway resulting in improved psychological outcomes. Methods: This observational study included 845 outpatients who completed a 13-week mind/body Cardiac Rehabilitation Program. Patients self-reported RR practice time in a questionnaire before and after the 13-week program. Similarly, data onspiritualwell-being,measuredbythesubscaleofSpiritualGrowth of the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II, were collected. The psychological distress levels were measured by the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised. We tested the mediation effect of spiritual well-being using regression analyses. Results: Significant increases in RR practice time (75 min/week, effect size/ES=1.05) and spiritual well-being scores (ES=0.71) were observed after participants completed the program (Pb.0001). Patients also improved on measures of depression, anxiety, hostility and the global severity index with medium effect sizes (0.25 to 0.48, Pb.0001). Greater increasesinRRpracticetimewereassociatedwithenhancedspiritual
DNA-repair scaffolds dampen checkpoint signalling by counteracting the adaptor Rad9

In response to genotoxic stress, a transient arrest in cell-cycle progression enforced by the DNA-damage checkpoint (DDC) signalling pathway positively contributes to genome maintenance. Because hyperactivated DDC signalling can lead to a persistent and detrimental cell-cycle arrest, cells must tightly regulate the activity of the kinases involved in this pathway. Despite their importance, the mechanisms for monitoring and modulating DDC signalling are not fully understood. Here we show that the DNA-repair scaffolding proteins Slx4 and Rtt107 prevent the aberrant hyperactivation of DDC signalling by lesions that are generated during DNA replication in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. On replication stress, cells lacking Slx4 or Rtt107 show hyperactivation of the downstream DDC kinase Rad53, whereas activation of the upstream DDC kinase Mec1 remains normal. An Slx4-Rtt107 complex counteracts the checkpoint adaptor Rad9 by physically interacting with Dpb11 and phosphorylated histone H2A, two positive regulators of Rad9-dependent Rad53 activation. A decrease in DDC signalling results from hypomorphic mutations in RAD53 and H2A and rescues the hypersensitivity to replication stress of cells lacking Slx4 or Rtt107. We propose that the Slx4-Rtt107 complex modulates Rad53 activation by a competition-based mechanism that balances the engagement of Rad9 at replication-induced lesions. Our findings show that DDC signalling is monitored and modulated through the direct action of DNA-repair factors.
Inhibition of corneal neovascularization by a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ ligand

Abstract Purpose . To determine the efficacy of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ agonist, pioglitazone, in inhibiting corneal neovascularization. Methods . Twenty-six adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups. Each group received intrastromal polymer micropellets containing one of the following: Group 1, no active ingredient ( n =10); Group 2, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) ( n =7); Group 3, VEGF and pioglitazone ( n =9). Neovascularization was evaluated 7 days after pellet implantation. After systemic India ink injection, digital photographs of the eyes were taken. The area and density of neovascularization were measured using imaging software. Results . Mean area of neovascularization was 0·43±0·18 mm 2 for Group 1, 2·87±0·48 mm 2 for Group 2 and 2·10±0·22 mm 2 for Group 3. Statistical analysis showed significant differences between Groups 1 and 2 and Groups 1 and 3. There was no significant difference between Groups 2 and 3. Mean density of neovascularization was 2·16±0·66 for Group 1, 27·14±2·93 for Group 2 and 12·02±2·24 for Group 3. All comparisons between groups were statistically significant ( P Conclusions . Pioglitazone is effective in decreasing the density of angiogenesis in a VEGF-induced neovascular rat cornea model. There is possibility of even greater effect with higher doses of the drug. Pioglitazone is a promising drug for the treatment of ocular neovascularization.
Zyxin-VASP interactions alter actin regulatory activity in zyxin-VASP complexes

Cell-cell and cell-substrate adhesions are sites of dramatic actin rearrangements and where actin-membrane connections are tightly regulated. Zyxin-VASP complexes localize to sites of cell-cell and cell-substrate adhesion and function to regulate actin dynamics and actin-membrane connections at these sites. To accomplish these functions, zyxin recruits VASP to cellular sites via proline-rich binding sites near zyxin’s amino terminus. While the prevailing thought has been that zyxin simply acts as a scaffold protein for VASP binding, the identification of a LIM domain-VASP interaction could complicate this view. Here we assess how zyxin-VASP binding through both the proline rich motifs and the LIM domains alters specific VASP functions. We find that neither individual interaction alters VASP’s actin regulatory activities. In contrast, however, we find that full-length zyxin dramatically reduces VASPmediated actin bundling and actin assembly. Taken together, these results suggest a model where zyxin-VASP complexes occur in complex organizations with suppressed actin regulatory activity.
Clinical Analysis by Microchip Capillary Electrophoresis

Clinical analysis often requires rapid, automated, and high-throughput analytical systems. Microchip capillary electrophoresis (CE) has the potential to achieve very rapid analysis (typically seconds), easy integration of multiple analytical steps, and parallel operation. Although it is currently still in an early stage of development, there are already many reports in the literature describing the applications of microchip CE in clinical analysis. At the same time, more fully automated and higher throughput commercial instruments for microchip CE are becoming available and are expected to further enhance the development of applications of microchip CE in routine clinical testing. To put into perspective its potential, we briefly compare microchip CE with conventional CE and review developments in this technique that may be useful in diagnosis of major diseases.
Preoperative and postoperative pulmonary rehabilitation in lung cancer patients.

The most effective treatment for non-small cell lung cancer is surgery; however, many patients diagnosed with lung cancer have significant underlying chronic lung disease as well as other symptoms related to their cancer that may increase morbidity and mortality risks. Preoperative assessment is essential. An important question is whether the institution of a perioperative pulmonary rehabilitation program for this patient population results in better outcomes, with respect to functional status and decreased morbidity and mortality rates.
Challenges in Development of Targeted Liposomal Therapeutics

Liposomes, phospholipid vesicles with a bilayered membrane structure, have been widely used as pharmaceutical carriers for drugs and genes, in particular for treatment of cancer. To enhance the efficacy of the liposomal drugs, drug-loaded liposomes are targeted to the tumors by means of passive (enhanced permeability and retention mediated) targeting, based on the longevity of liposomes in blood and its accumulation in pathological sites with compromised vasculature, and active targeting, based on the attachment of specific ligands to the liposomal surface to bind certain antigens on the target cells. Antibody-targeted liposomes loaded with anticancer drugs demonstrate high potential for clinical applications. This review highlights evolution of liposomes for both passive and active targeting and challenges in development of targeted liposomal therapeutics specifically antibody-targeted liposomes.
Incidence and treatment of periampullary duodenal cancer in the U.S. veteran patient population.

BACKGROUND Because fewer than 1000 cases of primary adenocarcinoma of the duodenum have been reported, earlier series are limited by local referral patterns and the long periods of time needed for retrospective reviews. METHODS This study reports the outcomes of preiampullary duodenal adenocarcinoma treatments in all hospitals of the Department of Veterans Affairs from 1987 through 1991, using computer and tumor registry records. Patients were grouped by their most aggressive treatment (resection > operative bypass > percutaneous biliary intubation) and survival calculated from the date of this procedure. RESULTS Of 2185 patients with periampullary cancers (1753 pancreatic, 432 other periampullary), 85 were duodenal and thus comprised only 4% of periampullary tumors. Thirty-four duodenal cancers were resected, 44 bypassed, and 7 had biliary intubation, with 30-day mortality rates of 6%, 18%, and 0%, respectively. Mean survival exceeded 1 year in all groups, and resection resulted in a significant increase in mean survival (784 vs. 438 days for nonresection, P = 0.01). The projected 5-year survival rate after resection was 23%. Mean survival after resection of 9 Stage I-II cancers was 668 days, but was similar after 5 resections with nodal or other metastases. Similarly, survival did not correlate with cancer stage in 13 palliated patients. CONCLUSIONS This large study of patients with duodenal cancer provides a unique perspective of disease prevalence and response to surgical treatment. Prolonged survival is common with any treatment, but the longest survivals were after resection. Cancer 1996;77:251-4.
Corporate governance and the financial crisis in Italy

The financial crisis hit Italy harder than many other Eurozone countries. In part this was due to the fact that the crisis came upon a system that was weakened by years of sub-par economic growth. One of the several endogenous factors that explain the stagnation of the Italian economy is the weak corporate governance in the industrial sector and parts of the financial one. A framework that was designed to maintain stability in the ownership of companies and of certain types of banking institution ultimately led to an inefficient allocation of capital and to a lack of investment, which contributed to the loss of competitiveness of Italian firms in a fast globalizing marketplace.
STUDIES ON BIOLUMINESCENCE : XV. ELECTROREDUCTION OF OXYLUCIFERIN.

Oxyluciferin may be reduced to luciferin at cathodes, when an electric current is passed through the solution, or at cathodes formed by metal couples in solution, or at cathodes of oxidation-reduction cells of the NaCl - Pt - Pt - Na2S type. It is also reduced at those metal surfaces (Al, Mn, Zn, and Cd) which liberate nascent hydrogen from water, although no visible hydrogen gas separates from the surface. Molecular hydrogen does not reduce oxyluciferin even though very finely divided but will reduce oxyluciferin in contact with palladium. Palladium has no reducing action except in presence of hydrogen, and apparently acts as a catalyst by virtue of some power of converting molecular into atomic hydrogen. Conditions are described under which a continuous luminescence of luciferin can be obtained. This luminescence may be used as a test for atomic hydrogen. It is suggested that the steady luminescence of bacteria is due to continuous oxidation of luciferin to oxyluciferin and reduction of oxyluciferin to luciferin in different parts of the bacterial cell.
Pharmacokinetics as an aid to optimising compliance with medications.

Most ambulatory therapeutics employ long term administration of oral medications, both for relief of symptoms and for prophylaxis against long term complications of disease. In an ideal world, all diagnoses would be unambiguous, and all patients' adherence to the prescribed regimens would be at or near optimal. In such an idealised setting, clinicians' and investigators' knowledge of biological and pharmacological variance would be sufficient to assess and optimise the outcome of drug therapy. Reality, however, is quite different. Even in those highly selected populations participating in clinical trials, with frequent and close supervision, the medication-taking behaviour of individuals frequently exhibits profound and largely unpredictable variability)'] One major consequence of such variability is increased ambiguity for the clinician. This review will focus on the interpretive dilemma faced by clinicians in practice settings, despite the advent of sophisticated pharmacokinetic analysis and simplified, once-daily regimens.
Sum rule for bremsstrahlung cross section for 6Li in the resonating-group method

Abstract In the method of resonating-group structure, the wave function of 6Li is assumed to have a single channel of alpha and deuteron substructures in the ground state. It is shown that the intercluster exchange of nucleons is an important effect which causes significant change in the root mean square radius and the dipole transition cross section. Due to the lack of symmetry in space coordinates of 6Li, the dipole operator is not identical to the mean square radius operator for this sum rule calculation and is expected to display like behavior in similar systems. It is also shown that the deuteron substructure in this nucleus is substantially larger than the alpha substructure.
Dependence of CT attenuation values on scanner type using in vivo measurements

One of the key measures of response to treatment for patients in multicenter clinical trials is the lung density measured in Hounsfield Units (HU) from Computer Tomography (CT) scans. The purpose of this work is to determine the dependence of CT attenuation values on scanner type by using in vivo measurements made from homogeneous anatomic areas. In vivo measurements were made in areas within the trachea, aorta, fat and muscle regions of CT scans obtained from subjects scanned as part of a multicenter treatment trial. Scans were selected so that exams from all four major manufacturers were included in the study. For each anatomic region of interest, the mean and standard deviation values were computed to investigate attenuation dependence on scanners. For example, trachea mean (standard deviation) measurements for exams from GE, Siemens, Philips and Toshiba scanners were -986 HU(±15), - 993 HU(±9), -988HU(±8), -1046(±10) respectively. Inter-scanner variability was observed for each scanner showing significant differences (all p-values <0.005). Previous work in examining attenuation dependence on scanners has been performed using anthropomorphic phantoms. The novelty of this work is the use of in vivo measurements from homogeneous regions in order to examine scanner effects on CT attenuation values. Our results show that CT attenuation values for the anatomic regions vary between scanners and hence, dependence of CT attenuation values on scanners is observed.
Comparison of Model-Based and Conventional Control: A Summary of Experimental Results

Nonlinear and linear model-based control (MBC) strategies including process model-based control (PMBC), model predictive control (MPC), internal model control (IMC), and advanced conventional control (ACC) have been experimentally compared for flow, temperature, pressure, and composition control. The test systems have nonlinear characteristics and include a pilot scale fluid flow and heat exchanger system, a commercial plasma reactor, and a laboratory scale distillation column. The evaluation criteria includes the effort required for model development and implementation, as well as conventional measures of controlled and manipulated variable activity.
Machine-independent metacode translation

Many systems implement plotter device-independent computer graphics by having a system plot package which outputs a plotter-independent code (here called metacode) and having a translating driver for each plotter which uses this code as input. The translator for this code can often be run with greatest efficiency on the computer which hosts the plotter. In NCAR's configuration, various computers will drive different plotters, making a portable metacode translator a desirable tool. Constructing a metacode translator which can drive the simplest devices and yet provide the potential to use sophisticated plotter hardware features is a stimulating challenge. The design and implementation of such a translator are described.
Bubble size distributions in freely expanded polymer foams

Nucleation and bubble growth are key steps in polymer foam processing. A model that combines heterogeneous nucleation with bubble growth dynamics and is used to estimate the effects of different parameters on bubble (or cell) size distributions in closed-cell foams is presented. The model is based on an expanding influence volume approach where the influence volumes are associated with bubbles such that the nucleation rate is negligible in the influence regions compared to the initial nucleation rate. The influence volumes expand as the bubbles grow. The equations governing the bubble growth are solved using Galerkin method. The initial conditions for bubble growth are obtained from the state of the pre-bubble nuclei (or clusters) at the upper bound of the critical cluster region predicted by the classical nucleation theory. Single bubble growth dynamics predicted by the Galerkin method compare well with the analytical solutions obtained in the initial growth period. The results indicate that the most sensitive parameters to final bubble size distribution are those associated with the nucleation process; growth dynamics can alter the distribution, but these effects are secondary.
Neonatal Fat Metabolism: Developmental Aspects in Isolated Human Adipose Tissue Cells

The in vitro metabolism of a suspension of adipose cells, prepared by collagenase disintegration of 5 to 20 mg samples of subcutaneous (white) adipose tissue, was studied in normal newborns 6 h to 6 days of age in comparison with normal adults. In order to relate results to cell number they were calculated in terms of DNA content. Glycerol release was elevated during the first day of life and then decreased below the level found in adults. Glycerol release was less activated by nor-epinephrine in the neonate. In the adult the free fatty acid (FFA) release was consistent with glycerol release (molar ratio of FFA/glycerol of about 3); in the neonate FFA release was much less which suggests that FFA was either being re-esterified or partially oxidized. Oxygen consumption was essentially the same in the adipocytes of neonates and adults as was its activation by nor-epinephrine. Previous studies using intact adipose tissue fragments indicated an increased glycerol release and alos an increased oxygen consumption in young neonates; comparisons were made on a basis of wet weight. The present study not onlly confirms the previous findings but also shows the increased glycerol release in young neonates to be a property of the individual adipose cell. On the other hand the increased oxygen consumption of neonatal adipose tissue is probably a function of the increased cellularity.
Deadtime of scintillation camera systems--definitions, measurement and applications.

Fast quantitative dynamic studies with scintillation camera systems require deadtime correction. Although such systems are semiparalyzable, they are most conveniently treated either as paralyzable or nonparalyzable. Paralyzing deadtime (τ) is that deadtime during which a system is unable to provide a second output pulse unless there is a time interval of at least τ between two successive events. Paralyzable systems are characterized by Poisson statistics, so that the “true” counting rate N = R e N τ , where R is the observed counting rate. Nonparalyzing deadtime (T) is that deadtime during which a system is insensitive after each observed event. The period of insensitivity is not affected by any additional “true” events before full recovery occurs. For nonparalyzable systems the corrected counting rate N = R / (1 − RT) . A two‐source method protocol is presented for deadtime measurement. The paralyzing deadtime is calculated by a 5‐dimension Newton–Raphson iteration. The nonparalyzing deadtime is calculated by a quadratic equation. Approximation equations are also presented not requiring a computer. Deadtimes are fitted to polynomial equations as dependent variables of measured counting rate. Algorithms incorporating the polynomials are presented for the deadtime correction of histogram curves. Using either the paralyzing or the nonparalyzing approach, precise deadtime corrections are demonstrated.
LENGTH-WEIGHT RELATIONS FOR SEVERAL SPECIES OF PENAEID SHRIMP CULTURED IN PONDS NEAR CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS

Length measurements are relatively easier to obtain than weight measurements. Length-weight relationships provide a means of estimating weight based on length. Linear regressions using the model W = aLb were calculated from paired length and weight measurements (1972 through 1979) of Penaeus duorarum, P. occidentalis, P. setiferus, P. stylirostris, and P. vannamei cultured at the Texas A&M Shrimp Mariculture facility near Corpus Christi, Texas. Length-frequency distributions and regression formulae for predicting weights from lengths are presented for each species.
A management algorithm for the management of symptomatic solitary upper limb osteochodroma

Osteochondromas are the most common benign bone tumour accounting for 20–50 % of benign bone tumours. Upper limb osteochondroma may incidentally present during unrelated radiological investigation, with mass effect symptoms or fracture. A cartilaginous cap size of >1.5 cm is associated with malignant change. We present our experience with upper limb osteochondroma and describe a management algorithm. All diagnoses of osteochondroma since the establishment of the unit were managed according to a standard treatment algorithm. Patients were recalled for review. Clinical, operative, radiological, and histological data were analysed. Surgical or non-surgical clinical pathway was reviewed and outcome measures were recorded and analysed with univariate and categorical tests. There were 16 patients, ten male, with a median age of 34.9 years. Seven presented incidentally. Thirteen were humeral and three were scapular. Six required surgical excision due to cartilaginous cap size >1.5 cm or mass-effect symptoms. There were no complications in the operative cohort. All patients reported no difference in shoulder range of movement and there was no difference in disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand score at final follow-up (p = 0.19). Two patients died of unrelated causes and did not complete full assessment. Upper limb osteochondroma can be safely managed using a standard treatment algorithm. Excisional biopsy of symptomatic osteochondroma is safe and does not negatively affect function of the upper limb.
Effects of cold stress on serum lipids, lipoproteins, and the activity of lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase in rabbits.

Abstract Effects of prolonged stress on lipid metabolism factors were studied for 9 weeks using four groups of young New Zealand rabbits. Two groups (A,B) were rendered atherosclerotic by administering 1% ( w w ) cholesterol. One group (C) was subjected to cold stress together with one of the atherosclerotic groups (B); one group was used as control (N). At the end of treatment serum total cholesterol and total lipids of A and B increased significantly, while in stress group (C) a significant decrease was observed. HDL-C levels were reduced in all experimental groups. Triglycerides did not change in A, while they were reduced in both stress groups (C,B). Serum lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) activity levels of B and C were decreased. Lipoprotein electrophoresis patterns showed a significant redistribution of percentage values in all experimental groups: %LDL-C increased and %VLDL-C decreased in all groups, %HDL-C declined in A and B and did not change in C. The combination of stress and atherosclerosis in rabbits elicits far greater alterations in lipid and lipoprotein profiles than stress or atherosclerosis alone. A stress and atherosclerotic diet combination may be a hazardous one in relation to CHD and atherosclerosis.
Multi-level information-processing explanations of followers' leadership perceptions

The information-processing and person perception literatures imply that leadership perceptions will be based on both affective and cognitive processing strategies. We propose that both affective and cognitive information-processing mechanisms may work at a variety of levels (individual, dyad, and group) to determine followers' perceptions of leaders. Although the role of affective processing in leadership perception has been little investigated, it plays a key role in the rapid formation of a general liking (or disliking) that then sets the basis for more elaborate cognitive and affective processing. Especially interesting is the possibility that the development of mutual liking depends not only upon characteristics of individual followers or leaders but also upon dyadic and group-level influences on affective processing. Cognitive processing is also subject to dyad- and group-level effects, as leader characteristics have the potential to cue different prototypes in dyadic relations. Similarly, groups can influence prototype availability, mood, information used, and other determinants of subsequent leadership perceptions.
Vapor phase reaction of wood with maleic anhydride (I): dimensional stability and durability of treated wood

Reaction between maleic anhydride (MA) and wood specimens was carried out in a vapor phase reaction system. Reaction conditions such as the ratio of supplied MA to wood, initial moisture content, and reaction temperature were optimized. The MA supplied to the reaction system was effectively absorbed by the wood, and a satisfactorily high dimensional stability was achieved even at a low MA/wood ratio. The dimensional stability increased with rising initial moisture content. When the reaction was conducted at an elevated temperature (180°C), high dimensional stability was attained without remarkable weight increase and bulking. The mechanism of dimensional stabilization was discussed on the basis of the dimensional changes at high humidity and during repeated water soaking and drying. It was shown that the dimensional stabilization arises mainly from a decrease of hygroscopicity. When the reaction was conducted at 180°C, the formation of cross-links in the cell wall was apparent. Following the MA treatment, the antifungal property was remarkably enhanced and met the Japanese Industrial Standard K1571. Therefore, MA treatment in the vapor phase is an effective method to attain antifungal properties as well as high dimensional stability with a small amount of nontoxic reagent.
The role of governments in 21st century governance: A concluding essay

Abstract This essay concludes a special symposium on governance issues. All of the symposium articles raise serious questions about whether or not and how well governments in the United States are playing the several important roles they have in the governance process. This essay is about three changes that could lead to more effective, efficient, and equitable governance. Three interrelated ones are discussed: (1) Realizing a sustainable future, a new vision, and (2) initiating new decision making processes needed to deal with complex, inter-connected, conflict provoking issues, (3) requires new leadership.
Prosthetic complications in an implant-retained mandibular overdenture population: Initial analysis of a prospective study

Abstract Statement of Problem. The clinical success of implant-retained, tissue-supported mandibular overdenture prostheses has been documented. However, few studies have evaluated the return visits and associated cost required to maintain these prostheses. Purpose. The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the amount of maintenance required to provide acceptable and satisfactory implant-retained mandibular overdentures in a prospective clinical trial. Material and Methods. Fifty-eight patients received new maxillary and mandibular complete dentures followed by placement of microthreaded/TiOBlast implants in the mandibular left and right canine regions. At 3 months, ball abutments were placed, and the mandibular prostheses were relined to receive Dalla Bona-type ball housings (baseline). Prostheses were prospectively evaluated, and adjustments were made at 3-, 6-, 12-, 24-, and 36-month recall visits and at nonscheduled visits for 9 types of prosthetic complications. Results. Of 58 patients, 6 required no adjustments. The remaining 52 patients made 327 return visits (including 194 nonscheduled visits) for prosthesis and/or abutment adjustments. One hundred and fifteen practitioner hours were required to provide prosthetic solutions to patient concerns at the return visits. The total estimated cost for all professional and laboratory services was $12,624.00 ($218.00 per patient). Conclusion. Although mandibular implant-supported overdentures with Dalla Bona-type ball attachments are an acceptable treatment option for edentulous patients, routine maintenance is required to ensure successful long-term outcomes. (J Prosthet Dent 2002;87:40-4.)
Entrapment of a folded‐over introducer sheath in the lliofemoral artery: An unusual complication of PTCA guiding catheter exchange

An arterial introducer sheath became folded over in the iliac artery during PTCA. This probably resulted from withdrawal of a doubled over Judkins left coronary guiding catheter through the introducer sheath. Nonsurgical, atraumatic removal was accomplished after the acute bend of the introducer sheath had been withdrawn to the site of arterial entrance.
Anomalous dispersion and structure factor of liquid helium

Abstract For small momenta and low but finite temperatures, the temperature variation of the structure factor represents the population of the elementary excitations. If the temperature is above c h / k (24δ 1 ) 1 2 , where c is the sound velocity and δ1 is the first coefficient of the energy dispersion relation, the structure factor will decrease first to a minimum before reaching the first peak. This temperature is estimated to be around 2.78 °K for δ1 ≈ 1.5 A2.
The lateral surface drag coefficient of cylindrical spacecraft in a rarefied finite temperature atmosphere

In the present determination of the free molecule flow drag coefficient for a cylindrical spacecraft flying parallel to its principal axis, the lateral surface effects of thermal motion are explicitly included in terms of the average impact angle of the incident gas momentum vector. Kinetic theory is used to characterize self-shadowing, as well as to obtain an expression for the lateral surface coefficient in terms of the average impact angle of the incident momentum vector and the fractional momentum transfer along the line of impact. It is found that, for a length/diameter ratio of about 5, the lateral surface contribution to the drag coefficient is comparable to that of the front face.
MICOR - A New Orientation and Position Insensitive Data Code Reader

A novel data code reader, employing an angle and position insensitive scanning scheme, is described. It combines an image rotator and a translating scanner with a slit aperture to read graphic bar codes, regardless of their orientation or location within the field of view. A simple prototype reader was built and test results are given.
High-latitude tree growth and satellite vegetation indices: Correlations and trends in Russia and Canada (1982–2008)

[1] Vegetation in northern high latitudes affects regional and global climate through energy partitioning and carbon storage. Spaceborne observations of vegetation, largely based on the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), suggest decreased productivity during recent decades in many regions of the Eurasian and North American boreal forests. To improve interpretation of NDVI trends over forest regions, we examined the relationship between NDVI from the advanced very high resolution radiometers and tree ring width measurements, a proxy of tree productivity. We collected tree core samples from spruce, pine, and larch at 22 sites in northeast Russia and northwest Canada. Annual growth rings were measured and used to generate site‐level ring width index (RWI) chronologies. Correlation analysis was used to assess the association between RWI and summer NDVI from 1982 to 2008, while linear regression was used to examine trends in both measurements. The correlation between NDVI and RWI was highly variable across sites, though consistently positive (r = 0.43, SD = 0.19, n = 27). We observed significant temporal autocorrelation in both NDVI and RWI measurements at sites with evergreen conifers (spruce and pine), though weak autocorrelation at sites with deciduous conifers (larch). No sites exhibited a positive trend in both NDVI and RWI, although five sites showed negative trends in both measurements. While there are technological and physiological limitations to this approach, these findings demonstrate a positive association between NDVI and tree ring measurements, as well as the importance of considering lagged effects when modeling vegetation productivity using satellite data.
Output Error Identification of Hydrogenerator Conduit Dynamics

Two output error model reference adaptive identifiers are considered for estimating the parameters in a reduced-order gate position to pressure model for the hydrogenerator. Gradient and sensitivity function identifiers are discussed for hydroelectric applications, and connections are made between their structural differences and relative performance. Simulations are presented to support the conclusion that the latter algorithm is more robust, having better disturbance rejections and less plant model mismatch sensitivity. For identification from recorded plant data from step gate inputs, the other algorithm fails to converge. A method of checking the estimated parameters is developed by relating the coefficients in the reduced-order model to head, an externally measurable parameter. >
Feeding equivalent concentrations of forage neutral detergent fiber from alfalfa hay, grass hay, wheat straw, and whole cottonseed in corn silage based diets to lactating cows

Diets with similar concentrations of equivalent forage neutral detergent fiber (FNDF) and nonfiber carbohydrates in corn-silage based diets could result in similar responses in ruminal function and animal performance. Four ruminally cannulated multiparous Holstein cows in late lactation were fed corn silage based total mixed rations with equivalent FNDF provided from alfalfa hay, grass hay, straw, or whole linted cottonseed (WCS). Formulated diets consisted of corn silage providing about 130 g/kg FNDF with either alfalfa hay, grass hay or wheat straw that provided about 40 g/kg FNDF. The fourth diet was formulated to consist of about 130 g of FNDF/kg of dietary dry matter (DM) from corn silage and 52 g of neutral detergent fiber (NDF)/kg of dietary DM from WCS, which is equivalent to 174 g of FNDF/kg of DM in the diet if NDF from WCS is 0.84 as forage-like as alfalfa NDF. Treatment periods consisted of 21 d. The FaNDF was about 20–30 g/kg higher than anticipated at the onset of the study, primarily because the aNDF in corn silage was higher than expected. However, FaNDF was similar among the alfalfa hay, grass hay and straw diets, and about 40 g/kg lower, as desired, for the cottonseed diet. The DM intake was similar among treatments, averaging 24.7 kg/d. Milk yield was higher (P<0.05) for the cottonseed and grass hay diets than for the straw diet. However, because of numerical differences in milk fat and protein concentrations, milk energy output was similar among diets. Ruminal pH and total volatile fatty acid concentrations also were similar among diets. The WCS diet resulted in the lowest proportion of acetate and highest proportion of propionate, resulting in the lowest acetate:propionate ratio (P<0.05). Measures of ruminal mat consistency were similar among diets. Organic matter digestibilities among diets were similar, but the straw diet resulted in the highest (P<0.05) digestibility of aNDF and N. Feeding these diets to cows in late lactation provided evidence that alfalfa hay, grass hay, straw (low inclusion level) and WCS can be added on an equivalent FNDF basis to corn-silage based diets.
Weight Loss in Response to Food Deprivation Predicts The Extent of Diet Induced Obesity in C57BL/6J Mice

Inbred C57BL/6J mice have been used to study diet-induced obesity and the consequential physiological effects associated with it. Little is understood about predictive factors that predispose an animal to weight gain. To address this, mice were fed a high fat diet, control diet or normal chow diet. High fat diet fed mice exhibited a large amount of variation in body weights between the mice at the conclusion of the diet protocol. This variation is not present in obese leptin deficient mice, which have less variation in body weight. Several measurements including pre-diet serum hormone levels and pre-diet body weight were analyzed, but had no predictive value regarding weight gain. However, weight loss response due to food deprivation showed a strong positive correlation with high fat diet induced weight gain. These data suggest that adolescent fasting induced weight loss is a useful predictor of diet-induced weight gain.
Multidimensional PR Filter Banks with FIR Filters

Multidimensional perfect reconstruction quadrature mirror filter (QMF) banks with finite impulse response (FIR) filters induced from systems of biorthogonal multivariate scaling functions and wavelets are investigated. In particular, bivariate scaling functions and wavelets with dilation as an expansive integer matrix whose determinant is two in absolute value are considered. Demonstrative quincunxial examples are explicitly given.
Unilateral pleural effusion without clinical ascites in Laennec's cirrhosis.

not evident on physical examination. At autopsy a small amount of ascites was found, as well as a transdiaphragmatic defect which permitted the ascites to pass into the right thorax.'