cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Prevalence of Sex Trafficking of Children and Adolescents in the United States: A Scoping Review.

Topic This scoping review investigated research regarding the magnitude of minor sex trafficking (domestic minor sex trafficking and/or commercial sexual exploitation of children) in the United States, summarizing estimates, methodologies, and strengths and weaknesses of the studies. Method Using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, peer-reviewed articles and the gray literature were accessed via databases searches, reference harvesting, and expert advice. Articles were included if they provided a count or prevalence proportion estimate of trafficked or at-risk minors across or within a region of the United States. Six empirical studies, published from 1999 to 2017, were included in the review. Results Included studies produced count estimates (n = 3) or prevalence proportion estimates (n = 3) for youth at risk of minor sex trafficking (n = 2) or reporting victimization (n = 5). Studies examined sex trafficking risk and victimization in different geographical areas, including across the United States (n = 2), in New York City (n = 1), and in Ohio (n = 1). Further, several studies focused on particular populations, such as street and shelter youths (n = 1) and adjudicated males (n = 1). Sampling methodologies of reviewed estimates included traditional random sampling (n = 1), nationally representative sampling (n = 2), convenience sampling (n = 1), respondent-driven sampling (n = 1), purposive sampling (n = 1), and use of census data (n = 2). Conclusion Little research has estimated the prevalence of minor sex trafficking in the United States. The existing studies examine different areas and populations and use different categories to estimate the problem. The estimates reviewed here should be cited cautiously. Future research is needed on this important topic, including methodologies to produce more representative estimates of this hard-to-reach population.
The place of ad hoc categories within the typology of plural expressions

Abstract In this paper, ad hoc categories are assigned a place among plurals. It is shown that they fall into the same subtypes that other plural expressions do: they may be based on similarity or contiguity and, like other plurals, at least some of their forms tend to involve humans. Ad hoc categories differ from other plurals in that they involve partial rather than complete lists and thus they fill a systematic gap in the typology of plurals.
“Volume collapse” instabilities in deep-focus earthquakes: A shear source nucleated and driven by pressure

Abstract Symmetry-breaking instabilities in high-pressure phase transformation produce the counterintuitive phenomenon of “volume collapse” producing only shear radiation, with little, or no, volumetric component, even under conditions of full isotropy, and explain the mystery of the long-standing observations in deep-focus earthquakes (400–700 km). Due to instability, at a critical “nucleation pressure”, an arbitrarily small densified region in the shape of a “pancake-like” flattened ellipsoidal Eshelby inclusion, grows self-similarly as a “lacuna” (zero particle velocity) with the phase transformation occurring under conditions of equilibrium in uniform strain/stress and at constant potential energy (at the vanishing of the M integral, when the radius-expanding driving force p e k k ∗ overcomes the radius-shrinking self-force). The symmetry-breaking flattened shape favors minimization of the energy needed for the boundary to grow large, while for the accommodation of the large collapsing volume in the very thin inclusion deviatoric stresses are developed to avoid openings and overlaps. It is shown that, if an arbitrarily small flattened densified region is generated planarly, and the pressure exceeds the critical nucleation value, then it will necessarily produce a shear seismic source, with little or no, volumetric component, nucleated and driven to propagate by the pressure. The ellipsoid of phase change forms in the direction that minimizes the interaction energy with the pre-stress field and will be close to the direction of max shear pre-stress in the mantle. The obtained stress/deformation fields of a densified 2D flattened elliptical inclusion constitute a new defect that models the “anticrack” in geophysics and densified shear bands. The instability analysis can be extended to the nucleation and growth of the phase transition from water to a solid ice phase under high pressure, with the discovered instabilities providing insight to other phenomena of dynamic phase transformations, such as failure waves, amorphization, planetary impacts, etc.
A quality improvement project to address the challenges surrounding zoledronic acid use in children

Zoledronic acid (ZA) is an intravenous bisphosphonate used to treat pediatric osteoporosis. Adverse events including hypocalcemia and acute phase reaction (APR) are common following first-infusion. The purpose of this report is to describe implementation of a ZA clinical practice guideline and the subsequent process changes to improve adherence to aspects of the protocol related to safety and efficacy. Quality assurance was evaluated by chart review over a 5-year period to compare the prevalence of hypocalcemia and APR to published data. A quality improvement (QI) initiative consisting of process changes including the addition of an endocrine RN to coordinate infusions and a shift to patient/family self-scheduling of infusions was conducted. The effect of the interventions on safety (completion of pre- and post-infusion bloodwork) and efficacy (receipt of all prescribed infusions) outcomes was evaluated. Seventy-two patients received 244 infusions over the period. The frequency of hypocalcemia (22%) and APR (31%) was consistent with prior reports. 99% of patients received pre-infusion bloodwork, 78% received post-first-infusion bloodwork, and 47% received all prescribed infusions. QI initiatives increased the percentage of patients receiving post-first-infusion bloodwork from 67 to 79% and those receiving all infusions from 62 to 74%, but fell short of the goal of 90%. The implementation of a standardized protocol for ZA use in children was successful in confirming patient eligibility with pre-infusion bloodwork but failed to ensure that patients obtained post-first-infusion bloodwork and received all prescribed infusions. Further efforts to systematize the management of children on ZA are needed.
More than neutrophils: Lin(+)Ly6G(+)IL-5Rα(+) multipotent myeloid cells (MMCs) are dominant in normal murine bone marrow and retain capacity to differentiate into eosinophils and monocytes

Bone marrow is a hematopoietic site harboring multiple populations of myeloid cells in different stages of differentiation. Murine bone marrow eosinophils are traditionally identified by Siglec-F(+) staining using flow cytometry, whereas neutrophils are characterized by Ly6G(+) expression. However, using flow cytometry to characterize bone marrow hematopoietic cells in wild-type mice, we found substantial gray areas in identification of these cells. Siglec-F(+) mature eosinophil population constituted only a minority of bone marrow Lin(+)CD45(+) pool (5%). A substantial population of Siglec-F(-) cells was double positive for neutrophil marker Ly6G and eosinophil lineage marker, IL-5Rα. This granulocyte population with mixed neutrophil and eosinophil characteristics is typically attributable to neutrophil pool based on neutral granule staining and expression of Ly6G and myeloid peroxidase. It is distinct from Lineage(-) myeloid progenitors or Siglec-F(+)Ly6G(+) maturing eosinophil precursors, and can be accurately identified by Lineage(+) staining and positive expression of markers IL-5Rα and Ly6G. At 15-50% of all CD45(+) hematopoietic cells in adult mice (percentage varies by sex and age), this is a surprisingly dominant population, which increases with age in both male and female mice. RNA-seq characterization of these cells revealed a complex immune profile and the capacity to secrete constituents of the extracellular matrix. When sorted from bone marrow, these resident cells had neutrophilic phenotype but readily acquired all characteristics of eosinophils when cultured with G-CSF or IL-5, including expression of Siglec-F and granular proteins (Epx, Mbp). Surprisingly, these cells were also able to differentiate into Ly6C(+) monocytes when cultured with M-CSF. Herein described is the discovery of an unexpected hematopoietic flexibility of a dominant population of multipotent myeloid cells, typically categorized as neutrophils, but with the previously unknown plasticity to contribute to mature pools of eosinophils and monocytes.
Archbishop King’s Some Observations on Taxes, and the ‘Colonial Drain’

In 1715/16 Archbishop William King of Dublin used his experience as a Lord Justice during 1714-15 to write out a detailed case arguing that Ireland already paid more than its fair share of taxes to the Kingdom. In later years King became known as the leader of the Irish ‘nationals’ and his espousal of Irish economic nationalism later became embodied in the writings of Jonathan Swift. The manuscript, Some Observations on the Taxes paid by Ireland, was circulated among some ‘friends’ and in 1726 King even tried to use it to sway the views of Lord Chancellor Peter King in England. It can be considered the first sustained argument about a position that has subsequently become famous as the ‘colonial drain’. King was not well-read in the economics of his day, showing no sign s of reading Davenant and Petty after the 1690’s. The Observations are the fruit of acute observation and concern for Ireland. They deserve wider circulation as a good example of the economic thoughts of a senior administrator concerned about poverty, but involved in an economic policy that he tried to reform and was eventually to abjure.
Incorporating the Measurement of Moral Foundations Theory into Analyzing Stances on Controversial Topics

This paper investigates the correlation between moral foundations and the expression of opinions in the form of stance on different issues of public interest. This work is based on the assumption that the formation of values (personal and societal) and language are interrelated, and that we can observe differences in points of view in user-generated text data. We leverage the Moral Foundations Theory to expand the scope of stance analysis by examining the narratives in favor or against several topics. Applying an expanded version of the Moral Foundations Dictionary to a benchmark dataset for stance analysis, we capture and analyze the relationships between moral values and polarized online discussions. Using this enhanced methodology, we find that each social issue has different "moral and lexical profiles." While some social issues project more authority related words (Donald Trump), others consists of words related to care and purity (abortion and feminism). Our correlation analysis of stance and morality revealed notable associations between stances on social issues and various types of morality, such as care, fairness, and loyalty, hence demonstrating that there are certain morality types that are more attributed to stance classification than others. Overall, our analysis highlights the usefulness of considering morality when studying stance. The differences observed in various viewpoints and stances highlights linguistic variation in discourse, which may assist in analyzing cultural values and biases in society.
Blue-Light-Regulated Expression of Genes for Two Early Steps of Chlorophyll Biosynthesis in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii.

In light:dark-synchronized cultures of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, the genes encoding the enzymes for two early steps of chlorophyll biosynthesis, glutamate-1-semialdehyde aminotransferase (gsa) and [delta]-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (alad), are expressed at high levels early in the light phase, just prior to a rapid burst of chlorophyll synthesis. Induction of gsa mRNA in synchronized cells is totally dependent on light, whereas induction of alad mRNA occurs to approximately one-half the light-induced level even in cells kept in the dark during the light phase and appears to be dependent on the cell cycle or a circadian rhythm. gsa mRNA and alad mRNA accumulation is induced by light that was passed through blue (400–480 nm) or green (490–590 nm) filters but not by light that was passed through orange (>560 nm) or red (>610 nm) filters, indicating the participation of a blue-light photoreceptor system rather than a protochlorophyllide- or rhodopsin-based photoreceptor. Light induction of gsa mRNA accumulation is absent in a carotenoid-deficient mutant, which suggests that a carotenoid-containing blue-light photoreceptor is involved. In contrast, pretreatment of wild-type cells with either of two flavin antagonists, phenylacetic acid and KI, does not prevent the light induction. In the later part of the light phase, the gsa mRNA level decreases more rapidly than that of alad mRNA. Turnover studies indicate that the half-life of alad mRNA is twice that of gsa mRNA. This difference in mRNA stability partially accounts for the more rapid decline in gsa mRNA levels after the peak of light induction is reached. Thus, differential blue-light induction and stability of mRNAs regulates the expression of these two chlorophyll biosynthetic genes.
Effect of heat on spores of rough and smooth variants of Bacillus stearothermophilus.

Abstract Spores of variants of Bacillus stearothermophilus were subjected to activating and lethal temperatures. Spore suspensions which were incubated longer contained a higher percentage of spores of the rough variant. The effect of sublethal heat on spore suspensions containing mixed variants (rough and smooth) was difficult to measure at sublethal temperatures (110 C), since the rough variant was not as heat-resistant. While the rough variant was activated in a shorter time, the smooth variant was not activated; when the smooth variant was activated, the rough was killed. A higher percentage of the smooth variant was forced into dormancy after being held at 50 C for 30 hr than the rough variant. When mixed populations were subjected to a lethal temperature (120 C), the curves only reflected the smooth variant. Since the curves which represented the smooth variant or mixtures containing the smooth variant were not linear, this was thought to be due to activation overbalancing the lethal effect. This research emphasized the importance of variants in explaining differences in spore resistance among spore suspensions of the same strain.
Harmonic evolutions on graphs

We define the harmonic evolution of states of a graph by iterative application of the harmonic operator (Laplacian over $Z_2$). This provides graphs with a new geometric context and leads to a new tool to analyze them. The digraphs of evolutions are analyzed and classified. This construction can also be viewed as a certain topological generalization of cellular automata.
Management of extensive, localized neoplasms of lower abdominal wall

Abstract Good palliation and, in some cases, apparent cures have resulted after surgical treatment of patients with extensive, localized epidermoid carcinoma occurring in the lower abdominal wall or prevesical space. Other localized neoplasms, such as radiation-induced sarcomas, also may be amenable to similar treatment. En bloc pubic resection and the scrotal skin transfer technique were used successfully to facilitate removal of an extensive, recurrent, epidermoid carcinoma in 1 patient and a necrotic radiation-induced fibrosarcoma in another. Principles of management include exploratory laparotomy to rule out the possibility of disseminated disease, and stint dressings and suction catheters placed beneath the scrotal flaps to prevent fluid accumulation.
Mandatory Long-Term Compensation in the Banking System -- And Beyond?

In the wake of the recent financial crisis, executive pay reformers are criticizing the policy of tying compensation to current firm performance. According to these reformers, this practice incentivized corporate managers to behave recklessly, which contributed to the crisis. Yet early last decade, in the wake of the Enron and MCI/WorldCom scandals, many of these same reformers argued that executive pay should be tied more closely to firm performance, to disincentivize questionable practices that came to light in the scandals. Now, these reformers say, pay should be tied to firm long-tem performance — that is, a large portion of a manager’s compensation should not be dispersed until long after the manager has left the firm. However, this proposal appears to suffer serious flaws, just as previous reform proposals did. This paper examines those flaws.
Family Systems, Biopsychosocial Processes, and Lifespan Development: Introduction to Family Response to Alcohol Problems

SUMMARY This volume reviews literature, research programs, and therapy approaches to family response to alcohol. Three articles view the topic from particular points in the lifespan: childhood (Fitzgerald, Puttler, Refior, & Zucker), adolescence and youth (Fischer, Pidcock, & Fletcher-Stephens), and older age (Stelle & Scott). Five articles cover specific topics on families, highlighting (a) processes to involve an alcoholic family member in treatment (Garrett & Landau), (b) couples (Navarra), (c) families with children (Lewis & Allen-Byrd), (d) co-morbidity in families (Mulsow), and (e) spirituality as a family endeavor (Korinek).
Financial Coaching and Financial Therapy: Differences and Boundaries

The purpose of this conceptual paper is to disentangle differences between financial coaching and financial therapy. While financial coaching and financial therapy share many techniques and approaches, financial therapy is a more inclusive practice. Financial therapy (e.g., financial therapists) has the ability to address dysfunctional money attitudes, as well as money disorders, and covers a wider time spectrum of healing a person's past trauma and old pains. Another difference between financial coaching and financial therapy that is discussed in the paper is the arrangement of services and compensation. The paper does not suggest that one approach is better or right. Each approach can be appropriate for particular situations.
On the structure of borosilicate glasses: a triple-quantum magic-angle spinning 17O nuclear magnetic resonance study

Abstract 17O multiple-quantum magic-angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra of borosilicate glasses clearly resolve four oxygen peaks, corresponding to Si–O–Si, B–O–B, Si–O–B and [Si,B]–O–Na linkages respectively. The results suggest that earlier assignment of the B–O–B and Si–O–B resonances is incorrect. In contrast to widely accepted structural models, the high intensity of the Si–O–B resonance demonstrates a much better mixing between the three-coordinated borons and the silica network. The implication of the mixing on the glass structure of other related systems is discussed.
MO‐A(SAM)‐BRC‐04: Four‐Dimensional Dose Calculations

Four‐dimensional (4D) dose calculations can be used to account for respiratory motion. The 4D process consists of generating a treatment plan on a single reference phase of a 4D CT data set, using the same beam configuration to calculate doses on other phases in the data set, deforming the dose grid from the reference phase to the other phases of the data set, and accumulating the dose to the points on the deformed grid. Studies indicating the need for such dose calculations are limited, but suggest that these calculations may be needed for larger (stage III) lungtumors, but not for smaller (stage I) tumors. 4D dose calculations are time‐consuming and resource intensive, but as treatment planning hardware becomes faster, such calculations are feasible in a clinical environment. Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this presentation the participant will be able to answer the following questions: 1. What are 4D dose calculations? 2. Do we need to do 4D dose calculations? 3. Can 4D dose calculations be done on a routine basis in the clinic? 4. What questions remain to be answered?
μ-Calpain, calpastatin, and growth hormone receptor genetic effects on preweaning performance, carcass quality traits, and residual variance of tenderness in Angus cattle selected to increase minor haplotype and allele frequencies.

Genetic marker effects and interactions are estimated with poor precision when minor marker allele frequencies are low. An Angus population was subjected to marker assisted selection for multiple years to increase divergent haplotype and minor marker allele frequencies to 1) estimate effect size and mode of inheritance for previously reported SNP on targeted beef carcass quality traits; 2) estimate effects of previously reported SNP on nontarget performance traits; and 3) evaluate tenderness SNP specific residual variance models compared to a single residual variance model for tenderness. Divergent haplotypes within μ-calpain (CAPN1), and SNP within calpastatin (CAST) and growth hormone receptor (GHR) were successfully selected to increase their frequencies. Traits evaluated were birth BW, weaning BW, final BW, fat thickness, LM area, USDA marbling score, yield grade, slice shear force (SSF), and visible and near infrared predicted slice shear force. Both CAPN1 and CAST exhibited additive (P < 0.001) modes of inheritance for SSF and neither exhibited dominance (P ≥ 0.19). Furthermore, the interaction between CAPN1 and CAST for SSF was not significant (P = 0.55). Estimated additive effects of CAPN1 (1.049 kg) and CAST (1.257 kg) on SSF were large in this study. Animals homozygous for tender alleles at both CAPN1 and CAST would have 4.61 kg lower SSF (38.6% of the mean) than animals homozygous tough for both markers. There was also an effect of CAST on yield grade (P < 0.02). The tender CAST allele was associated with more red meat yield and less trimmable fat. There were no significant effects (P ≥ 0.23) for GHR on any of the traits evaluated in this study. Furthermore, CAST specific residual variance models were found to fit significantly better (P < 0.001) than single residual variance models for SSF, with the tougher genotypes having larger residual variance. Thus, the risk of a tough steak from the undesired CAST genotype is increased through both an increase in mean and an increase in variation. This work confirms the importance of CAPN1 and CAST for tenderness in beef, provides a new effect of CAST on beef tenderness, and questions the utility of GHR as a selection marker for beef quality.
Aqueous alteration of Mars-analog rocks under an acidic atmosphere

[1] We report on laboratory experiments in which we allowed an SNC-analog mineral mixture to react with water under a simulated Mars atmosphere containing the added gases SO2, HCl and NO2. The addition of acidic gases was designed to simulate the atmospheric effects of periods of increased volcanic activity on Mars. The S/Cl ratio in our experimental brines was about 200, compared with an average value of approximately 5 measured in martian fines at the Mars Pathfinder and Viking 1 and 2 landing sites. This suggests that if salts were produced under an atmosphere higher in acidic volatiles than at present, they would have produced evaporite deposits higher in S than is presently found in the martian fines. Erosion of these high-sulfur evaporites and mixing with eroded mafic basalts could have produced the globally homogenous, salt-rich mobile fines that are present on Mars today.
CdZnTe strip detectors for high-energy x-ray astronomy

The scientific objectives and future requirements of high energy x-ray astronomy are discussed and concepts for imaging instruments based on CdZnTe detectors and coded masks are reviewed. An instrument concept based on CdZnTe strip detectors, HEXIS, is described in detail. Technical requirements for large area CdZnTe strip detectors are discussed and recent work at UCSD and WU on the capabilities of CdZnTe strip detectors is described in detail. Studies with small, approximately 50 micron beams demonstrate that crossed strip detectors have good properties for both spatial and spectral measurements.
Is the “maize‐and‐blue” turning green? Sustainability at the University of Michigan

Although popular press and internal media have dubbed the University of Michigan (U of M) a “sustainability leader”, it is not clear whether this label reflects a true commitment to environmental and interrelated social issues or simply a savvy public relations campaign. This case study (1997‐2002) explores these possibilities by analyzing the environmental organizational change process and outcomes at Michigan through my experiences as a student, activist, researcher and employee. I conclude that while the U of M is not an environmental laggard, the recent media attention exaggerates the campus’ progress by ignoring the fact that sustainability efforts are scattered and have not deeply permeated the culture, leadership, policies and practices of the institution. In terms of campus sustainability advocacy, this analysis highlights the importance of coordination and institutional leaders, a “spark” to move environmental issues onto the campus agenda, and tailoring advocacy approaches to stakeholder interests.
Pharmacological treatment for infectious corneal ulcers.

Introduction: Cornea ulceration and infectious keratitis are leading causes of corneal morbidity and blindness. Infectious causes are among the most frequent and most severe. Management strategies for bacterial corneal ulcers have changed significantly over the last decades, however with a more limited progress in the treatment and management of nonbacterial, infectious ulcers. Areas covered: This paper provides an overview of the current principles, strategies and treatment choices for infectious corneal ulcers in adults. Expert opinion: Topical application with a broad-spectrum antimicrobial remains the preferred method for the pharmacological management of infectious corneal ulcers. Increasing reports of clinical failures and in vitro resistance to antibiotics to treat the most common infectious (bacterial) corneal ulcers are increasing concerns. New approaches for improvement in the pharmacological management of corneal ulcers should focus on strategies for a more rational and evidence-based use of cu...
Subspecies-Level Variation in the Phytoextraction of Weathered p,p‘-DDE by Cucurbita pepo

Previous studies indicate that Cucurbita pepo can phytoextract highly weathered persistent organic pollutants (POPs) from soil and translocate large quantities to aerial tissues. To investigate intraspecific variability in uptake potential, a field study was conducted to quantify the phytoextraction of weathered p,p'-DDE by 21 cultivar varieties of summer squash from two distinct subspecies, C. pepo ssp texana and C. pepo ssp pepo. Significant differences exist between the two subspecies, with average root and stem to soil bioconcentration factors (BCF, dry weight ratio of contaminant concentration in the vegetation to that in the soil) of 7.22 and 5.40 for ssp pepo and of 2.37 and 0.454 for spp texana, respectively. The amounts of weathered p,p-DDE extracted from the soil by ssp pepo and ssp texana were 0.301 and 0.065%, respectively, with maximum values within each subspecies of 0.780 and 0.182%, respectively. The quantities of 14 inorganic elements were determined in both the soil and tissues (roots, stems, leaves, and fruit) of all 21 cultivar varieties. Phosphorus concentrations in the tissues of ssp pepo were 14 (fruit)-73% (stems) greater than those of ssp texana. These data support our hypothesis that the unique ability of certain cultivars of C. pepo to phytoextract highly weathered POPs from soil is the result of low molecular weight organic acid exudation as a unique phosphorus acquisition mechanism.
Inhibition of amyloid fibrillogenesis and toxicity by a peptide chaperone

Aggregation of proteins in tissues is associated with several diseases, including Alzheimer's disease. It is characterized by the accumulation of amyloid β peptide (Aβ) in the extracellular spaces of the brain cells, resulting in neuronal death and other pathological changes. α-Crystallin, a small heat-shock protein in lens, and a peptide chaperone having the functional site sequence DFVIFLDVKHFSPEDLTVK of αA-crystallin may inhibit Aβ fibrillogenesis and toxicity. The peptide chaperone (mini-αA-crystallin), having an Aβ interacting domain and a complex solubilizing domain, was shown in previous studies to prevent aggregation of several proteins under denaturing conditions. In this in vitro study, using transmission electron microscopy and thioflavin T binding assay, we show that mini-αA-crystallin arrests the fibril formation of Aβ peptides. Mini-αA-crystallin also suppresses the toxic action of Aβ on rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells. The wide chaperoning capability of the peptide and its ability to inhibit amyloid fibril formation and suppress toxicity suggest that mini-αA-crystallin may serve as a universal chaperone in controlling diseases of protein aggregation, including Alzheimer's disease. (Mol Cell Biochem 267: 147–155, 2004)
Jordan surfaces in simply connected digital spaces

Certain tasks in multidimensional digital image analysis, in particular surface detection and volume estimation, lead us to the study of “surfaces” in the digital environment. It is desirable that these surfaces should have a “Jordan” property analogous to that of simple closed curves in two dimensions-namely, that they should partition the underlying space into an inside and an outside which are disconnected from each other. A version of this property, called near-Jordanness, has been previously defined and has been shown to be useful within a general theory of surfaces in digital spaces. The definition of a near-Jordan surface is global: it demands that all paths from the interior to the exterior cross the surface. This makes it difficult in many practical applications to check whether surfaces are near-Jordan. The work reported in this paper is motivated by the desire for a “local” condition, such that if a surface satisfies this condition at each of its elements, then it is guaranteed to be near-Jordan. In the search for such a condition, we were led to a concept of “simple connectedness” of a digital space, which resembles simple connectedness in ordinary topological spaces. We were then able to formulate the desired local condition for simply connected digital spaces. Many digital spaces, in particular those based on the commonly-studied tessellations of n-dimensional Euclidean space, are shown to be simply connected and thus our theory yields general sufficient conditions for boundaries in binary pictures to be near-Jordan.
Rat microglia exhibit increased density on Alzheimer's plaques in vitro

The relationship of microglia to senile plaques was investigated by culturing glial cells derived from neonatal rat brain on cryostat sections of Alzheimer's disease (AD) or control brain. Rat microglia were identified by their uptake of DiI-acetylated LDL. Plaques were colocalized using Thioflavin-S staining. Although the number of microglia attached to AD tissue sections did not differ significantly from the number on control brain tissue, the density of microglia on senile plaques was significantly greater than on nonsenile plaque areas of the same sections. These results suggest that microglia may have a higher affinity for senile plaques than for nonsenile plaque regions of AD brain tissue and are consistent with the hypothesis that microglia respond to plaques.
Myosin-1a powers the sliding of apical membrane along microvillar actin bundles.

Microvilli are actin-rich membrane protrusions common to a variety of epithelial cell types. Within microvilli of the enterocyte brush border (BB), myosin-1a (Myo1a) forms an ordered ensemble of bridges that link the plasma membrane to the underlying polarized actin bundle. Despite decades of investigation, the function of this unique actomyosin array has remained unclear. Here, we show that addition of ATP to isolated BBs induces a plus end–directed translation of apical membrane along microvillar actin bundles. Upon reaching microvillar tips, membrane is “shed” into solution in the form of small vesicles. Because this movement demonstrates the polarity, velocity, and nucleotide dependence expected for a Myo1a-driven process, and BBs lacking Myo1a fail to undergo membrane translation, we conclude that Myo1a powers this novel form of motility. Thus, in addition to providing a means for amplifying apical surface area, we propose that microvilli function as actomyosin contractile arrays that power the release of BB membrane vesicles into the intestinal lumen.
Lithostratigraphic Revision Within Upper Pennsylvanian Mattoon Formation, Illinois: ABSTRACT

Pennsylvanian strata in the Illinois basin comprise a stratigraphic bridge between the well-studied dominantly terrestrial Appalachian succession and the marine Western Interior basin sequences. Within the Virgilian Series, understanding of this transition has been hampered by uncertainty as to stratigraphic order and a generally poor data base in Illinois. Previous studies in Illinois attempted local correlation by means of limestones and coals, both of which are largely thin and discontinuous. This study shows that black "sheety" shales are the most widespread lithologic units within the Virgilian. As many as six different black shales--associated with the Shumway, Bogota, Effingham, Reisner, Woodbury(?), and "Steel Bridge" limestones, respectively--have been recognized in the upper half of the Mattoon Formation in east-central Illinois. Detailed outcrop examination indicates that the black shales associated with the Shumway, Effingham, and "Steel Bridge" limestones are stratigraphically equivalent. Subsurface data confirm this conclusion. In addition to reducing the number of black shale beds to only four, this correlation shows that the lithology directly below the black shales is more diverse than previously thought. Rocks below the black shale associated with the Shumway-Effingham- "Steel Bridge" limestones include coal, gray shale, fossiliferous limestone, and unfossiliferous limestone. End_of_Article - Last_Page 315------------
Gaining confidence in scientific applications through executable interface contracts.

Interface contract enforcement is intended to help scientists gain confidence in software built from third-party components. Unfamiliar components present increased risk of incorrect or unanticipated usage patterns and unexpected component behavior. Executable interface contracts can address these issues but may incur unacceptable overhead. Research into techniques for performance-driven contract enforcement pursues practical solutions to adapting the level of contract enforcement to performance constraints.
NEUROCHEMICAL CHANGES IN LEIGH'S DISEASE

A series of children with Leigh's disease had normal hepatic pyruvate carboxylase activity, increased cerebral thiamine diphosphate, and decreased cerebral thiamine triphosphate. These thiamine esters were normal in liver. The author suggests that the histologic changes of Leigh's disease, as well as the similar changes of Wernicke's disease, could be due to a deficiency of cerebral thiamine triphosphate.
The Residual Toxicity to Aulocara elliotti of ULV Malathion Extended with Polyester Resin

Vegetation from rangeland aerially sprayed with ULV malathion, malathion + Laminac® EXP-154-2 polyester (4:1), and malathion + plaskon® 9407 polyester (8:1) was clipped and fed daily to caged grasshoppers, Aulocara elliolli (Thomas). Mortality that resulted when grasshoppers started receiving sprayed vegetation the day of spraying and evey day until mortality ceased was between 93 and 99% with no significant difference between malathion formulations. When feeding of sprayed vegetation was delayed, mortality dropped at a rate of ca. 7% per day’s delay. Although inclusion of polyester solutions in the malathion reduced insecticide droplet size, residual insecticidal effectiveness was ot decreased. To the contrary, the malathion + Plaskon 9407 mixture produced significantly greater mortality than malathion alone when grasshoppers were started on grasses that were sprayed 6 or 7 days previously. No masking of insecticidal effectiveness was observed.
Circadian locomotor activity in the Virginia opossum

The locomotor activity of two Virginia opossums was measured under D 24 and LD 12:12 conditions. Ss were inactive during the day and displayed two peaks of activity at night. The length of the activity period was approximately 24 h. Under LD 12:12 the nocturnal cycle was more pronounced than under D 24. The period length and topography of the opossum’s locomotor activity cycle are comparable to those obtained from other nocturnal mammals under similar lighting conditions.
Replication Evidence in Support of the Psychometric Properties of the Devereux Early Childhood Assessment.

The Devereux Early Childhood Assessment (DECA) was developed to assess the social-emotional functioning of preschool children. The developers of the DECA report initial validity and reliability evidence in support of the use of the instrument with 2- to 5-year-old children across the United States. There is further need to collect independent validity and reliability evidence in support of the use of the DECA for its intended uses. DECA data collected from the parents and teachers of 780 kindergarten students (age 5.0 to 5.11) from a rural Midwestern area of the United States were analyzed. The resulting internal consistency, interrater reliability, and factor structure estimates were generally consistent with what was reported by the DECA authors.
Studies of isotopic exchange between gaseous hydrogen and palladium hydride powder

A gas flow apparatus has been constructed and used to study the isotopic exchange reaction occurring between the solid and gas phases in hydrogen (deuterium) gas flows directed through packed-powder beds of ..beta..-phase palladium deuteride (hydride). Spontaneous Raman light scattering is employed to obtain a real-time analysis of the isotopic composition of the gas (H/sub 2/, D/sub 2/, HD) exiting from the bed. A parametric rate-equation model is described which depicts the time-dependent behavior of the isotopic exchange process. The exchange mechanism is assumed to be rate-limited by processes occurring on the surface of the powder. The fundamental kinetic parameter of the model is the isotopic exchange probability, p, which is the probability that an isotopic exchange event occurs during a collision of a gas-phase atom with the surface. Isotope effects between the gas and solid phases are explicitly included in terms of the isotope separation factor, ..cap alpha... Results of the model are compared with the experimental measurements and, using a literature value of ..cap alpha.. = 2.4, good agreement is obtained for p approx. = 10/sup -7/. In view of the importance of the isotope effects in the hydrogen/palladium system and the range of a values reported formore » the ..beta..-phase in the literature, the sensitivity of the model results to a variation in the value of ..cap alpha.. is examined.« less
Epidemic of end-stage renal disease in people with diabetes in the United States population: do we know the cause?

Epidemic of end-stage renal disease in people with diabetes in the United States population: Do we know the cause? Background The number of individuals initiating renal replacement therapy in the United States population grew exponentially over the past two decades. Cases of end-stage renal diseae (ESRD) attributed to diabetes accounted for most of this increase. In this report we examined factors that may account for the increase to determine whether it truly represents an epidemic of ESRD due to diabetes. Methods We reviewed time trends in data of the United States Renal Data system, the Diabetes Surveillance Program of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and diabetes literature. Results Recent growth of the number of individuals with diabetes accounted for less than 10% of the increase in the number of diabetes-related ESRD. Instead, most of it was due to a threefold increase in risk of ESRD in people with diabetes and, therefore, qualifies as an epidemic. Curiously, this epidemic occurred despite widening implementation of effective renoprotective therapies. Individuals with type 2 diabetes, regardless of gender, age, or race, experienced the greatest increase in risk. There is no evidence that diabetic patients have been surviving longer, so the increased risk was not attributable to the high risk associated with long duration diabetes. Conclusion We hypothesize that an epidemic of ESRD has occurred in people with diabetes in the United States population over the last two decades. The nature of the factor responsible for the epidemic and the reasons it affects patients with type 2 diabetes particularly are unknown. Research efforts to identify the putative factor deserve high priority, as does a commitment of resources to provide care for the burgeoning number of patients with ESRD and type 2 diabetes.
Understanding others: a course to learn interactive clinical reasoning.

SUMMARYTeaching future practitioners to use clinical reasoning processes is necessary for entry-level practice. While there are numerous articles addressing some aspects of clinical reasoning, none describe a course solely focused on understanding another person's perspective–interactive clinical reasoning. The article describes an Interactive Clinical Reasoning course for entry-level graduate students–one of four seminars on clinical reasoning embedded in a curriculum that simultaneously uses an infusion model to increase cultural awareness and sensitivity. The underlying philosophy of the course includes using interpersonal intelligence (Gardner, 1985) to “treat a patient's illness experience” (Mattingly, 1992, p. 4). Clients are the experts of their own experience with illness or disability, and students must pay as much attention to their questions and their own reactions as to their interviewee's responses. Readings, videotapes, assignments, and class exercises designed to increase students' intervie...
The economic modeling of strategy process: ‘clean models’ and ‘dirty hands’

We argue that our model of learning in alliances (Khanna, Gulati and Nohria, 1998) is an economic model of strategy process. We discuss implications of this view for the strategy process vs. content debate, for the appropriate testing of models of strategy process, and for the role of economics in helping understand strategy process. We propose that the ‘clean models’ from economics and ‘dirty hands’ of traditional process inquiries offer research designs that are complementary rather than incompatible (Hirsch, Michaels and Friedman, 1987). Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A structural interpretation of the infrared absorption spectra of a-Si:H:O alloys

Abstract We review the ir absorption data for a-Si:H:O alloys. A force constant analysis indicates that the spectral features associated with the incorporation of O in the low concentration regime, C( O ) H ) ≈ 5 at %, involve local bonding configurations in which the O and H-alloy atoms are bonded to the same Si-site. An absorption band at 780 cm−1 is derived from a coupling of Si-H and Si-O-Si motions and provides a unique spectral signature of one of the possible bonding arrangements. We have calculated the vibrational properties of this same bonding configuration for cases in which D, F and Cl-atoms are substituted for the H, and find that coupled mode behavior is qualitatively different for D and F, and absent for Cl.
The Factorial Validity of the Olguin Diagnostic Test of Auditory Perception for Spanish Language-Oriented Children

A factor analysis of scores on the 12 scales of the Olguin Diagnostic Test of Auditory Perception (ODTAP) and of those on two measures from a standardized reading test and on six personal-family-demographic factors revealed six interpretable dimensions for a sample of 95 Spanish language-oriented (SPLO) children in the first and second grades. The ODTAP measure was designed to provide reception (R) (discrimination) and expression (E) (reproduction) scores on each of six scales intended to represent six phonological categories of juncture, consonants, vowels, digraphs, airflow, and intonation. Support was found for the conclusion that a distinction does indeed exist between the receptive and expressive dimensions of auditory perception as measured by the ODTAP.
Dephosphorylation of tau during transient forebrain ischemia in the rat.

The effect of transient cerebral ischemia on phosphorylation of the microtubule-associated protein (MAP) τ was investigated using the rat four-vessel occlusion model. Phosphorylation of τ is proposed to regulate its binding to microtubules, influencing the dynamics of microtubule assembly necessary for axonal growth and neurite plasticity. In this study, τ was rapidly dephosphorylated during ischemia in the hippocampus, neocortex, and striatum. Dephosphorylation of τ was observed within 5 min of occlusion and increased after 15 min in all three brain regions, regardless of their relative vulnerability to the insult. Thus, dephosphorylation of τ is an early marker of ischemia and precedes the occlusion time required to cause extensive neuronal cell death in this model. On restoration of blood flow for a little as 15 min, τ was phosphorylated at a site(s) that causes a reduction in its electrophoretic mobility. The dephosphorylation/phosphorylation of τ may alter its distribution between axon and cell body, and affect its susceptibility to proteolysis. These changes would be expected to influence microtubule stability, possibly contributing to disruption of axonal transport, but also allowing neurite remodeling in a regenerative response.
Scheduling communication in multithreaded programs: experimental results

When the critical path of a communication session between end points includes the actions of operating system kernels, there are attendant overheads. Along with other factors, such as functionality and flexibility, such overheads motivate and favor the implementation of communication protocols in user space. When implemented with threads, such protocols may hold the key to optimal communication performance and functionality. Based on implementations of reliable user-space protocols supported by a threads framework, we focus on our experiences with internal threads' scheduling techniques and their potential impact on performance. We present scheduling strategies that enable threads to do both application-level and communication-related processing. With experiments performed on a Sun SPARC-5 LAN environment, we show how different scheduling strategies yield different levels of application-processing efficiency, communication latency and packet-loss. This work forms part of a larger study on the implementation of multiple thread-based protocols in a single address space, and the benefits of coupling protocols with applications. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.