cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Maternal polycystic ovarian syndrome and early offspring development.

STUDY QUESTION Is maternal polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) associated with developmental delays in offspring? SUMMARY ANSWER Offspring of mothers with PCOS were at higher risk of failure on the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ). WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY There is growing evidence that offspring of mothers with PCOS may be at higher risk for developmental disorders due to potential exposure to hyperandrogenism and insulin resistance. Few studies exist regarding maternal PCOS and early childhood development in the USA. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION The Upstate KIDS Study is a population-based prospective cohort study of infants born between 2008 and 2010 in New York State (excluding New York City), originally designed to study-and finding no impact of-infertility treatment exposure on child development. Children were followed up to 36 months of age. In all, 4453 mothers completed one or more developmental screening instruments for 5388 children (35.5% twins) up to 36 months of age. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS In our study, 458 mothers (10.3%) reported a healthcare provider's diagnosis of PCOS, as well as the related treatment received, on the baseline study questionnaire. Parents completed the ASQ on their child's development at 4, 8, 12, 18, 24, 30 and 36 months of age to assess fine motor, gross motor, communication, personal-social functioning and problem-solving cognitive domains. We used generalized linear mixed models to estimate odds ratios (OR) between PCOS diagnosis and failures in the ASQ adjusted for maternal age, race, BMI, education, marital status, smoking, alcohol consumption, diabetes, insurance and plurality. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Diagnosis of PCOS was associated with increased risk of the offspring failing the fine motor domain (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.77; 95% CI: 1.09, 2.89), largely driven by higher risk in female singletons (aOR = 2.23; 1.16, 4.29). Twins of mothers with PCOS had higher risk of failing the communication (aOR = 1.94; 1.19, 3.18) and personal-social functioning (aOR = 1.76; 1.12, 2.77) domains compared to twins born to mothers without PCOS. Compared to offspring of women without PCOS, offspring of women who reported receiving no treatment for their PCOS had a stronger association with failing the ASQ (aOR = 1.68; 0.95, 2.75) than the association among offspring of women who reported PCOS treatment (aOR = 1.16; 0.79, 1.73). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Further study is needed to confirm the role of maternal PCOS in early offspring development with provider-validated diagnosis of PCOS. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS If confirmed, these findings suggest that offspring of women with PCOS may be at increased risk for developmental delay. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) Supported by the Intramural Research Program of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD; contracts HHSN275201200005C, #HHSN267200700019C). Authors have no competing interests to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER Not applicable.
Quality control

The most important strategic issue which concerns top managers in the 1990s is quality. Quality is defined as the relative absence of defects and is measured by the degree of customer satisfaction with a products' characteristics and features. American businessmen must find a balance between quick-fix approach of the past and a real level of quality in the manufacturing and service sectors. There is a strong correlation between quality and profitability. The benefits in the marketplace include stronger customer loyalty, repeat purchases, less vulnerability to price wars, lower marketing costs, and share improvements. The authors discuss global competition, quality education, quality in the automobile industry, and management philosophies, in particular, total productive maintenance.
China’s precariats

This essay offers a stylized account of the trajectory of precarious labour in China over the past seven decades and identifies the various contested terrains constitutive of its politics. I define...
Principles of Musculoskeletal Repair in Extremity Replantation

Functional replantation relies on the success in the technical performance and intrinsic healing of all components of the injured extremity. The skeletal system forms the foundation upon which the remaining soft-tissue elements survive and act. Strictly adhering to the basic principles of fracture fixation and healing can optimize the initial outcome and can improve the likelihood of success in any revisional surgery. In most cases of extremity replantation, the musculotendinous units will be injured at the level of the tendon, leaving the motor innervation intact. Understanding tendon biology and careful attention to the resulting principles of repair will facilitate post-replant rehabilitation and increase the chance of functional success.
The Role of Mentors of Preservice and Inservice Teachers

This chapter considers teacher mentoring in light of related extant research and the dictates of standards-based teaching reform. A brief review of the state of our knowledge about teacher mentoring, various perspectives on teacher mentoring, and role expectations is followed by a description of promising teacher mentoring practices, a new approach to the preparation of teacher mentors, and suggestions for further research.
Evaluating Alternative Exposure Metrics Used for Multipollutant Air Quality and Human Health Studies

Epidemiologic studies of air pollution have traditionally relied upon surrogates of personal pollutant exposures, such as ambient concentration measurements from fixed-site pollutant monitors. This study evaluates the performance of alternative measured and modeled exposure metrics for multiple particulate and gaseous pollutants, in the context of different epidemiologic studies performed by EPA, Rutgers/Rochester/LBNL and Emory/Georgia Tech researchers. Alternative exposure estimation approaches used, included: central site or interpolated monitoring data, regional pollution levels based on measurements or models (CMAQ) and local scale (AERMOD) air quality models, hybrid models, statistically blended modeling and measurement data, concentrations adjusted by home infiltration rates based on LBNL algorithms, and population human exposure (SHEDS and APEX) model predictions. The Emory/Georgia Tech team examined the acute morbidity effects of ambient traffic-related pollutants (CO, NOx, PM2.5 and PM2.5 EC) and ozone using time series analyses of emergency department (ED) visits and case-crossover analysis of implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) detected ventricular arrhythmias in Atlanta, GA. The Rutgers/Rochester/LBL team examined the associations between PM2.5 mass and its species with myocardial infarction (case-crossover study) and adverse birth outcomes (cohort study) in New Jersey. Initially, the various exposure indicators/metrics were compared in terms of their ability to characterize the spatial and temporal variations of multiple ambient air pollutants across the different study areas. These metrics were then used to examine associations between ambient air pollution and adverse health effects. Next, pollutant–specific relative risks (RRs) obtained from epidemiologic analyses of the alternative exposure metrics were evaluated against those obtained from using a conventional approach (i.e., central site data alone). Pollutant and metric dependent exposure prediction differences were found in some cases, indicating a non-uniform exposure prediction error structure across pollutants. Results suggest the need for additional refinements to methods used to estimate exposures in support of different types of air pollution epidemiologic studies.
Investigating PID Shunting in Polycrystalline Silicon Modules via Multi-Scale, Multi-Technique Characterization

Here we present a method for calculating the TCO sheet resistance of complete thin film modules using EL imaging. The method uses the characteristic decay of the junction voltage over the width of a cell stripe to derive four simple analytic equations for the TCO sheet resistance and the internal and contact resistances. Experimentally, only the module dark JV curve, Jsc-Voc curve, and electroluminescence imaging is required. Unlike previous methods, the internal and contact resistances of the modules are accounted for, and the method does not require curve fitting. The TCO sheet resistances of four 10cm × 10cm amorphous silicon modules are calculated and show excellent agreement with the experimentally measured values.
NEURODEVELOPMENTAL COPY NUMBER VARIANTS AND CLINICAL RISK: A PEDIATRIC RECORD POPULATION STUDY

Background Chromosomal Copy Number Variants (CNVs) associated with schizophrenia also carry etiological risk for neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism and intellectual deficiency. It is not known however what is their risk for any disorders. Here we applied well-replicated ‘neurodevelopmental’ CNVs (NRXN1 del, MYT1L dup, 15q13.3 del/dup, 16p11.2 del/dup, and 22q11.2 del/dup) and interrogated their frequency and overall clinical penetrance for broad categories of disorder in a general pediatric population. Methods Eight selected CNVs were screened utilizing TaqMan within a population sample of 60,644 pediatric patients. CNV carriers were examined with respect to pre-scored digitized pediatric records and compared to records for a 5:1 non-carrier control group matched for each individual CNV. Prevalence for 12 clinical categories were estimated. Results Seven of these CNVs (NRXN1 (del), MYT1L (dup), 22q11 (dup), 16p11 (dele/dup), and 15q11.3 (del/dup)) were detected in the pediatric population at expected rates based on large control population studies. Having any CNV predicted an increase for two of the 12 disease categories after Bonferroni correction: Nervous system (p=1.43×10-5) and mental/neurodevelopmental disorder (p=2.9×10-10), and were associated with greater cost of medical care. Individual CNVs were examined in relation to their matched non-carriers for previously described associated disorders. As anticipated, 15q13.3 deletion was associated with mental/neurodevelopmental disorders, and 16p11 deletion was associated with congenital deficits, CNS disorders and mental/neurodevelopmental disorders. 16p11 deletion carriers showed more circulatory disorders than their matched non-carriers. Finally, in addition to association with mental and congenital defects, a significant association was found between 22q11 duplication and pediatric gastrointestinal reflux (p=0.0037) which was more likely to be present in the presence of developmental delay (interaction p=0.0362). Discussion These findings extend previous clinically based studies providing a high prediction of risk for 16p11.2 deletion, 15q13.3 deletion and 22q11.2 duplications. A broader concept of overall clinical penetrance is important for understanding the pathophysiology of these disorders and may inform genetic counseling. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a CNV association (22q11 duplication) for pediatric GERD, which may represent a delay in vagal nerve maturation, and first report of a 16p11 deletion associated with circulatory disorders.
Backhaul Utilization Trend and Trucks Turnaround Time (TAT) in Indian Logistics System

The purpose of this paper is to provide insights on the validation of the efficiency of TAT and Backhaul in Indian logistics system. Both exploratory and analytical research design was adopted for this research study. Logistics managers in selected sectors were chosen as samples for the study. Cluster sampling method was adopted to derive 186 samples from the Universe. A self-administered structured Questionnaire was used to collect primary data. This research study would contribute to the existing body of knowledge or literature by advancing the understanding of TAT and Backhaul in Indian logistics system. To validate efficiency of TAT and Back Haul in Indian logistics system, the researchers have studied only the selected factors. The study indicated that the factors influencing to validate efficiency of TAT and Backhaul in Indian logistics system undertaken for the study are: cost estimation, forecasting, reduction in procurement cost, avoid wastages, reduce manpower, outbound logistics relations, internal relations between logistics and material manager.
Choice-theoretic foundations of the divisive normalization model

Abstract Recent advances in neuroscience suggest that a utility-like calculation is involved in how the brain makes choices, and that this calculation may use a computation known as divisive normalization. While this tells us how the brain makes choices, it is not immediately evident why the brain uses this computation or exactly what behavior is consistent with it. In this paper, we address both of these questions by proving a three-way equivalence theorem between the normalization model, an information-processing model, and an axiomatic characterization. The information-processing model views behavior as optimally balancing the expected value of the chosen object against the entropic cost of reducing stochasticity in choice. This provides an optimality rationale for why the brain may have evolved to use normalization-type models. The axiomatic characterization gives a set of testable behavioral statements equivalent to the normalization model. This answers what behavior arises from normalization. Our equivalence result unifies these three models into a single theory that answers the “how”, “why”, and “what” of choice behavior.
Predicting chance of liver transplantation for pediatric wait‐list candidates

Information about wait-list time has been reported as one of the single most frequently asked questions by individuals awaiting a transplant but data regarding wait-list time have not been processed in a useful way for pediatric candidates. To predict chance of receiving a DDLT, we identified 6471 pediatric (<18 years), non status-1A, liver-only transplant candidates between 2006 and 2017 from the SRTR. Cox regression with shared frailty for DSA level effect was used to model the association of blood type, weight, allocation PELD and MELD, and DSA with chance of DDLT. Jackknife technique was used for validation. Median (interquartile range) wait-list time was 100 (34-309) days. Non-O Blood type, higher PELD/MELD score at listing, and DSA were associated with increased chance of DDLT, while age 1-5 years and 10-18 years was associated with lower chance of DDLT (P < 0.001 for all variables). Our model accurately predicted chance of transplant (C-statistic = 0.68) and was able to predict DDLT at specific follow-up times (eg, 3 months). This model can serve as the basis for an online tool that would provide useful information for pediatric wait-list candidates.
Indirect Effects of a Cognitive-Behavioral Intervention on Adolescent Weight and Insulin Resistance Through Decreasing Depression in a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objective Depression is linked to excess weight, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes (T2D). We previously reported that in adolescent girls at-risk for T2D with moderately elevated depression, randomization to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) produced greater decreases in depression at post-treament and greater decreases in fasting/2-h insulin at 1 year, compared to health education (HE). The current study is a secondary analysis of this parallel-group randomized controlled trial. We examined whether decreasing depression explained intervention effects on body composition and insulin outcomes. We hypothesized that decreases in depression would be an explanatory mediator and that indirect effects would be strongest at higher levels of baseline depression. Methods Participants were 12-17 years girls with overweight/obesity and family history of T2D randomized to 6-week group CBT (n = 58) or HE (n = 61). Procedures took place at an outpatient pediatric clinic. At baseline, post-treatment, and 1 year, adolescents completed the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale to assess depression symptoms; body mass index (BMI [kg/m2]) was measured from height/fasting weight; insulin resistance was derived from 2-h oral glucose testing. Adiposity was assessed with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at baseline and 1 year. Indirect effects of intervention were tested on 1-year changes in BMI, adiposity, and insulin through decreases in depression. Baseline depression was tested as a moderator of mediation. Results There was an indirect effect of CBT on decreased 1-year fasting insulin via decreases in depression during treatment, among adolescents with more elevated baseline depression. Conclusions Decreasing elevated depression may be one mechanism in the targeted prevention of T2D in at-risk adolescents.
Fixing a God’s Mess: Jewish Tikkun Olam and Interreligious Action

The concept of tikkun olam, often translated as “repairing the world,” has spread widely as a popular name for Jewish social and environmental activism in the last century. This study is not presented as complete history of that term nor as an exploration of its theological implications, but it will partially describe that history and the term’s origin and meaning in Jewish theology. The main focus of this paper will be to demonstrate how a rich and mystical theological myth and concept is used by practitioners of Judaism, specifically in the “lived religion” of interreligious work of Jews (non-theologians) in the Deep South (Jackson, Mississippi), where they are a small minority.
Four New Species of Paraorygmatobothrium (Eucestoda: Phyllobothriidea) From Sharks of the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, with Comments on Their Host Specificity.

Four new species of Paraorygmatobothrium are described from carcharhinid shark species from the Gulf of Mexico and the U.S. coast of the northwestern Atlantic Ocean. Paraorygmatobothrium bullardi n. sp. is described from Carcharhinus brevipinna as its type host, and from Carcharhinus acronotus and Carcharhinus limbatus. Paraorygmatobothrium campbelli n. sp. is described from Rhizoprionodon terraenovae. Paraorygmatobothrium deburonae n. sp. is described from Carcharhinus isodon as its type host, as well as from C. brevipinna, C. limbatus, and R. terraenovae. Paraorygmatobothrium mattisi n. sp. is described from R. terraenovae as its type host, and from C. brevipinna and C. limbatus. These 4 species differ from other species of Paraorygmatobothrium and from each other in bothridial microthrix shape, and in various combinations of features such as the total length of the worm, apical sucker size, bothridial musculature, proglottid number, testes number, and genital pore position. Difficulty in differentiating these 4 species from one another, and from other species of Paraorygmatobothrium, points to limitations in the use of morphology alone to recognize species diversity in this genus. A phylogenetic analysis of Paraorygmatobothrium and related genera, based on partial (D1–D3) 28S rDNA sequence data, confirms that the genus is not monophyletic. Genetic distances of COI revealed that sequence divergence between species of Paraorygmatobothrium is generally at least an order of magnitude larger than COI divergence within a species. Patterns of host use for 3 of the new species are consistent with previous findings that point to a lack of host specificity in Paraorygmatobothrium.
Colitis Cystica Profunda: Presenting With Complete Intestinal Obstruction and Recurrence

An unusual case of colitis cystica profunda is described. The patient presented with intestinal obstruction due to a polypoid mass in the descending colon, which was diagnosed as colitis cystica profunda after the patient underwent colectomy. Three other separate lesions were present in the ascending, transverse, and sigmoid colon. There was no antecedent or associated colonic disease. The disease recurred 1 yr later in the remaining colon and rectum.
Addressing Climate Change Communication: Effective Engagement of Populations for Climate Action in the US and Globally.

Background: Communication about climate change is critical in addressing the greatest public health challenge of our time. Public health professionals must convey the human implications of climate change and educating populations regarding climate change as a threat to the health and wellbeing of people globally. Effective communication to engage individuals, communities, and populations is critical to debate as we focus on the most urgent public health problem of our time. Objective: Public health professionals are aware of the deleterious health consequences related to climate change; however, key segments of the population are not. This paper addressed key concepts related to climate change communication. Methods: Databases were searched including PubMed, CINAHL, and Scopus from 2015 to 2020 to obtain the most recent relevant literature using search terms that included climate change, climate communication, climate action, and climate change engagement. Findings: Climate change communication as viewed through the lens of Six Americas—a national survey that categorized people regarding their beliefs about climate change from those who are Dismissive, Doubtful, Disengaged, Cautious, Concerned, or Alarmed is a valid perspective for engaging populations in climate communication and climate action. Conclusions: Using the framework developed by the George Mason University Center for Climate Change Communication and the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication, we suggest that adopting this framework from a US perspective to a global perspective and surveying across countries and context is imperative to advance global understanding of the impact of climate change on health.
Science Scholars: Integrating Scientific Research Into Undergraduate Medical Education Through a Comprehensive Student-Led Preclinical Elective.

Introduction One of the goals of evidence-based medical education is to familiarize future health care practitioners with the scientific method so they can interpret scholarly literature and commun...
Validation of Bioinformatic Modeling for the Zeta Potential of Vicilin, Legumin, and Commercial Pea Protein Isolate

The zeta potential of a molecule is an important property in the food industry, since the electrostatic potential of a material governs its ability to interact through ionic forces with other molecules in solution. In particular, emulsions that are kept in solutions with a high magnitude of the zeta potential are shown to be more stable over time, as the electrostatic repulsive forces of protein far from its isoelectric point can help prevent oil globule coalescence over time. However, modeling the zeta potential of protein is difficult given the anisotropy of protein molecules, the shifts in amino acid side chain ionization across pH, and understanding at what distance to measure the zeta potential from the molecular surface to accurately capture the shear plane between the particle and solvent under flow. In this work, we use the Poisson-Boltzmann Equation to model the net electrostatic surface potential of pea vicilin and legumin. We then use a weighted average of these globular proteins to predict the measured zeta potential in pea protein. The R2 between the bioinformatically modeled net surface charge and the measured commercial isolate zeta potential is 0.987 between pH 2.50 and 9.50, and this equation predicted the zeta potential of a different commercial pea protein isolate with a standard error of 0.040. This shows that using the Poisson-Boltzmann Equation to solve for the net electrostatic surface potential, it is possible to accurately estimate the zeta potential of pea protein.
The European Union Framework on Immigrant Integration

This Chapter aims to disentangle the European Union (EU) framework on immigrant integration by analysing the EU integration governance, assessing the current state of play and providing guidance for some future steps towards a more inclusive society. First, I provide a definition of integration given by the EU, while highlighting the importance of actions at the local level, in line with the principle of subsidiarity. Then, I lay down a timeline of the key events, plans, and agreements regarding integration policy in the EU. In doing so, I argue that a truly common integration policy in the European Union does not exist (yet), because immigrants’ integration is among the national competencies of Member States, although EU recommendations and good practices can harmonize integration practices across Europe. In the third section, I discuss the Action Plan on Integration and Inclusion 2021–2027, by highlighting some of its key features and limitations. In the fourth section, I assess the current state of play by presenting recent data on the level of integration in Europe and introducing the Migrant Integration Policy Index 2020. I conclude by reflecting on how the Covid-19 pandemic has affected immigrants’ integration and inclusion, discussing how Next Generation EU could impact the integration of immigrants, and providing guidance for policymakers.
Getting good particles: Accurate sampling of particles by large volume in-situ filtration

We deployed the Multiple Unit Large Volume in-situ Filtration System (MULVFS) to simultaneously sample 12 depths between 10 and 900 m during the US GEOTRACES Atlantic and Pacific intercalibration experiments. Sampling was designed to simultaneously compare large (>51 µm) and small (micron or sub-micron to 51 µm) size particulates collected by four classes of 142 mm filter holders against those collected using the main MULVFS filter holder. We evaluated Whatman “QMA,” Pall “Supor” (0.8, 0.45, 0.2 µm), and Millipore “MF” (0.45 µm) filters. Paired QMA filters had best particle loading and uniformity and sample particles to 0.8 µm. Paired 0.8 µm Supor filters sample particles to 0.45 µm and provide the best compromise in terms of sample loading and evenness of particle distribution for elements that require total sample digestion. We also found, under the most benign oceanographic conditions, that many 142 mm single and double baffle filter holders lost of up to 90% of the large particle size fraction, especially in the upper 150 m. We designed and validated a new 142 mm filter holder that solves this problem. We further studied the effect of filtration flow rate on large particle size distribution and chemistry; samples from 500-800 m in the oligotrophic Pacific showed a 50% decrease of > 51 µm Mn, Ba, and Ca (but no effect on P) over a flow velocity range of 0.1 to 1.6 cm s−1. We recommend sampling below 1 cm s−1. The methodology of bottle and in-situ filtration is also discussed.
Pore size regulates mesenchymal stem cell response to Bioglass-loaded composite scaffolds

Composite scaffolds fabricated from synthetic polymers and bioceramics such as bioactive glasses are promising alternatives to autogenous bone grafts for treatment of bone defects. Compared to other bioceramics, we previously demonstrated that bioactive glass (Bioglass 45S®, BG) further enhances the osteogenic program of bone-forming osteoblasts when incorporated into poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLG) macroporous scaffolds. However, cell response is dependent on parameters beyond scaffold composition including pore size and bioceramic availability to cells. We hypothesized that the osteogenic potential of human mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) seeded on BG composite scaffolds was dependent upon pore diameter. Composite BG scaffolds were formed with three pore diameters – 125–300 μm, 300–500 μm, and 500–850 μm – by controlling porogen size. To determine the contribution of pore size to composite scaffold osteogenic potential, we characterized the biophysical properties, bioceramic distribution within the scaffold, and the osteogenic response of MSCs. All composite scaffolds were approximately 2-fold stiffer than the PLG control, and scaffolds with 500–850 μm pore diameters induced the greatest osteogenic response. The enhanced response of MSCs to scaffolds fabricated with large pores resulted from increased presentation of Bioglass along pore surfaces, enabling increased interaction between the cells and bioceramic. These data indicate that cellular behavior is dependent upon both pore size and material composition, confirming that the role of pore size should be considered in the development of new materials designed for bone repair.
METHODS OF MODELING CONSUMPTION SATURATION WITH UNCERTAINTY IN OPTIMAL STOCKPILE PROBLEMS

Economic problems in the optimal management of strategic resource stockpiles can be rigorously studied and solved by formulating them as optimal control problems in continuous time. In these optimal control problems, the proper description of the control constraints and objective function are critical to reflecting a realistic economic model. Existing work in this area often ignores fundamental saturation effects in the economic systems under scrutiny, and the following paper introduces and compares several methods for correcting this common modeling simplification in both deterministic and stochastic contexts.
Fragmentary transfer of P32-labeled parental DNA to progeny phage☆

Abstract The fate and mode of transfer of parental deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in T4 phage have been examined. “Heavy” 5-bromouracil (5-BU) bacteria were infected with P 32 -labeled “light” bacteriophage. The fate of parental phage P 32 was analyzed in a number of ways: 1. 1. Parental and progeny phage were centrifuged in a cesium chloride (CsCl) gradient. The viable phage and P 32 contents were determined in aliquots collected from the gradient. The results showed a coincidence in density of P 32 and viable parental “heavy” phage, and a similar coincidence of P 32 and viable “light” progeny phage. 2. 2. DNA was extracted from “heavy” cells at different times after infection with P 32 -labeled phage and was centrifuged in a CsCl gradient. The density of the P 32 -containing DNA was estimated in fractions derived from the gradient and was compared with DNA extracted from purified progeny and from parental phage. In progeny phage no hybrid DNA of intermediate density, containing parental P 32 , was found. The greater part of the parental P 32 overlapped with the distribution of the ultraviolet (UV)-absorbing material, at a density which indicated that the DNA molecules containing the P 32 were constituted predominantly of newly synthesized DNA. In prematurely opened infected bacteria, the P 32 distribution shifted progressively from the parental density (light) to intermediate positions nearer the final location of dense progeny DNA. 3. 3. Progeny DNA was fragmented by sonication and subsequently analyzed as in (2). After sonication most of the P 32 -containing material was separated from the greater part of the UV-absorbing material. The UV-absorbing DNA banded at a density corresponding to the density found before sonication, whereas the P 32 banded as a symmetrical peak at a position corresponding to a density calculated for hybrid DNA. The mechanism of DNA replication—crossing-over—in phage, and the molecular organization of the highly polymerized phage DNA preparations are discussed.
Endoscopic histological assessment of colonic polyps by using elastic scattering spectroscopy.

Background Elastic-scattering spectroscopy (ESS) can assess in vivo and in real-time the scattering and absorption properties of tissue related to underlying pathologies. Objectives To evaluate the potential of ESS for differentiating neoplastic from non-neoplastic polyps during colonoscopy. Design Pilot study, retrospective data analysis. Setting Academic practice. Patients A total of 83 patients undergoing screening/surveillance colonoscopy. Interventions ESS spectra of 218 polyps (133 non-neoplastic, 85 neoplastic) were acquired during colonoscopy. Spectral data were correlated with the classification of biopsy samples by 3 GI pathologists. High-dimensional methods were used to design diagnostic algorithms. Main Outcome Measurements Diagnostic performance of ESS. Results Analysis of spectra from polyps of all sizes (N = 218) resulted in a sensitivity of 91.5%, specificity of 92.2%, and accuracy of 91.9% with a high-confidence rate of 90.4%. Restricting analysis to polyps smaller than 1 cm (n = 179) resulted in a sensitivity of 87.0%, specificity of 92.1%, and accuracy of 90.6% with a high-confidence rate of 89.3%. Analysis of polyps 5 mm or smaller (n = 157) resulted in a sensitivity of 86.8%, specificity of 91.2%, and accuracy of 90.1% with a high-confidence rate of 89.8%. Limitations Sample size, retrospective validation used to obtain performance estimates. Conclusion Results indicate that ESS permits accurate, real-time classification of polyps as neoplastic or non-neoplastic. ESS is a simple, low cost, clinically robust method with minimal impact on procedure flow, especially when integrated into standard endoscopic biopsy tools. Performance on polyps 5 mm or smaller indicates that ESS may, in theory, achieve Preservation and Incorporation of Valuable Endoscopic Innovations performance thresholds. ESS may one day prove to be a useful tool used in endoscopic screening and surveillance of colorectal cancer.
Some Thermal Stress Design Data for Rocket Grains

Supplementing a previous paper (JET PROPULSION, June 1957) giving preliminary elastic stress concentration factors in internal burning star rocket propellant grains due to pressure differences across the web, similar design data for thermal stresses are presented for the particular case of a steady-state temperature difference across the grain, or for a specified heat flux. After determining the internal temperature using a voltage analogy, the Biot-Muskhelishvili analogy is employed to transform the thermal stress field into an equivalent temperature independent edge dislocation problem. The appropriate displacements are then applied to a series of photoelastic specimens of slotted grains, and the stress rise over tha t existing in a thick walled cylinder of the same web is evaluated experimentally. Following the previous procedure, the data are presented in design chart form.
In Search of an Independent Province for the Treasuries: How Should Public Debt Be Managed?

Abstract We provide a rationale for the growing phenomena of calendars for issues of government bonds and of independent agencies of debt management. In our analysis, both phenomena emerge as a solution to a time-inconsistency bias to issue illiquid bonds. Because debt managers wish to take views on the market to reduce the cost of financing, they must sacrifice some liquidity in the secondary market, as liquidity creation is slow to achieve. Markets expect that behavior and reduce the liquidity premium. We provide some stylized facts on how the United States, France and Italy have tackled this problem.
Abnormal Optokinetic and Perceptual Span Parameters in Cerebellar-Vestibular Dysfunction and Learning Disabilities or Dyslexia

To measure the ocular fixation and sequential scanning dysfunction assumed responsible for the visual reading symptoms which characterize dyslexia or learning disabilities, an optokinetically based...
New Charge Transporting Host Material for Short Wavelength Organic Electrophosphorescence: 2,7-Bis(diphenylphosphine oxide)-9,9-dimethylfluorene

We report the synthesis, crystal structure, and photophysical and electroluminescent properties of a new charge transporting host material for short wavelength phosphor-doped organic light emitting devices (OLEDs) based on 2,7-bis(diphenylphosphine oxide)-9,9-dimethylfluorene (PO6). The PO moiety is used as a point of saturation between the fluorene bridge and the outer phenyl groups so that the triplet exciton energy of PO6 is 2.72 eV, similar to that of a dibromo substituted fluorene, but it is more amenable to vacuum sublimation and has good film forming properties. Computational analysis (B3LYP/6-31G*) predicts the highest occupied molecular orbital and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energies of PO6 to be lower by 1.5 and 0.59 eV, respectively, compared to a similar diphenylamino substituted derivative. In a simple bilayer OLED device, PO6 exhibits structured UV electroluminescence at a peak wavelength of 335 nm and structured lower energy emission with peaks at 380 and 397 nm, similar to the sol...
A Gaussian RBF Network Based Wind Speed Estimation Algorithm for Maximum Power Point Tracking

Abstract This paper proposes a Gaussian radial basis function network (GRBFN) based wind speed estimation algorithm for maximum power point tracking (MPPT) of wind power generation system (WPGS). A specific design of the proposed control algorithm for the WPGS with a doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG) is presented. The aerodynamic characteristics of the turbine are approximated by a GRBFN based nonlinear input-output mapping. Based on this nonlinear mapping, the wind speed is estimated from the measured generator electrical output power while taking into account the power losses in system and the dynamic process of shaft system. The estimated wind speed is then used to determine the optimum DFIG rotor speed for maximum wind power extraction. Then the DFIG rotor speed is controlled with the wind speed change, the maximum power extraction can be achieved. Simulation model of 1MW WPGS is built in MATLB/SIMULINK software. The validity and feasibility of the proposed control algorithm is verified by simulation experiment. The simulation results show that the wind speed can be estimated accurately and WPGS can operate in the optimum operating point without mechanical anemometer.
THE EXPATRIATE ADVISOR AS SENIOR POLICY ANALYST

Few first-hand accounts on advising exist by government advisors working in Third World countries. Other writers suggest that such advising is different from that found in the governments o f the industrialized countries. A framework for comparing expatriate advisors in Africa with senior policy analysts in the United States is developed which finds a great deal of similarity between the two types of advisors. Examples are drawn from the literature (much of it fugitive) about advisors and policy analysts working in Africa, Europe, and the United States.
Tunneling Between Parallel Quantum Wires

Recent developments in fabrication techniques and experimental design have allowed the observation of tunneling conductance between parallel quantum wires of very high quality, in GaAs heterostructures, using the cleaved edge overgrowth technique [1]. To a first approximation momentum is conserved during the tunneling process, except for a momentum boost, ħQ = Bed/c, produced by an applied magnetic field B perpendicular to the plane containing the two wires, where d is the separation between the wires. The differential tunnel conductance G = dI/dV is proportional to the spectral density for creating a hole in one wire and and electron in the other, with total momentum Q and energy E = eV, where V is the voltage difference between the two wires.
Light-triggered proton movements in retinal discs from the frog.

Abstract Illumination of retinal discs from dark adapted frogs caused a rapid and transient alkalinization of the suspension medium, followed by a slower and more prolonged acidification. Pretreatment with valinomycin, gramicidin or a proton conductor did not change this pattern, but the initial proton uptake was prevented by concentrations of a detergent or alcohol that had no effect on the acidification process. The initial transient proton uptake corresponded to a minimum of 5.7 H+ taken up per rhodopsin bleached, with an elevation of this stoichiometry at early times of illumination. It is suggested that bleaching of rhodopsin contained in retinal discs initiates a transmembrane ion flux that is reflected by a net proton entry.
Design and implementation of moment invariants for pattern recognition in VLSI

This paper describes the design of a very large scale integration (VLSI) application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) for use in pattern recognition. The pattern recognition scheme uses Hu1 and Mailra''s2 algorithms for moment invariants. A prototype design was generated that resolved the long delay time of the multiplier by custom designing adder cells based on the Manchester carry chain. Use of the Manchester carry chain effectively incorporated the lookahead carry function into the adder cells. The prototype ASIC is currently being fabricated in 2. 0-mm compiled simulator for metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology (simulated at 20 MHz). The prototype consisted of a 4x8 multiplier and a 12-bit accumulator stage. The present ASIC design consists of a 9x26 multiplier (maximum propagation time of 50 ns) and a 48-bit accumulator stage. The final ASICs will be used in parallel at the board level to achieve the 56 MegaPixels/s [230 million operations per second (MOPs)] necessary to perform the moment invariant algorithms in real time on 512x512 pixel images with 256 grey scales. 2.© (1990) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
t.A.T.u. You! Russia, the global politics of Eurovision, and lesbian pop

The author argues that the success of the Russian pop duo, t.A.T.u., and in particular their participation in the 2003 Eurovision Song Contest, is revealing of the multiple and contradictory ways in which Russia is currently engaging with concepts of the national and the international. Specifically, the essay considers t.A.T.u.’s performance of faux-lesbian pop eroticism as a productive flashpoint of East-West misreading and failed translation that might account for the pop duo’s very different reception in Russia and the West. The controversies and inconsistencies that have followed t.A.T.u are located in the larger context of ongoing debates over the redefinition of post-Soviet Russian national identity and Russia’s emerging role on the global pop cultural stage. From this perspective, it is argued, the t.A.T.u. phenomenon interfaces with aspects of both post-Soviet and international youth cultures, shifts in Russian attitudes toward gender, sexuality, and identity politics, and the contradictory commodification and transnational circulation of distinctive ‘European’ identities that is Eurovision’s stock and trade. Thus, a secondary question addressed by the author concerns the value of Eurovision itself as a subject suitable for serious scholarly engagement.
Correlations in Ising ferromagnets. III: A mean-field bound for binary correlations

An inequality relating binary correlation functions for an Ising model with purely ferromagnetic interactions is derived by elementary arguments and used to show that such a ferromagnet cannot exhibit a spontaneous magnetization at temperatures above the mean-field approximation to the Curie or “critical” point. (As a consequence, the corresponding “lattice gas” cannot undergo a first order phase transition in density (condensation) above this temperature.) The mean-field susceptibility in zero magnetic field at high temperatures is shown to be an upper bound for the exact result.
Contribution of Periodontal Receptors to the Masseteric Silent Period

Quadrant local anesthesia was sequentially administered to the maxillary and mandibular teeth and periodontium in three healthy individuals. After anesthesia the duration of the silent period was shortened. Total anesthesia of all quadrants abolished the silent period in every individual, demonstrating that sensory impulses from periodontal receptors provide a major source of inhibition, and disfacilitation or active inhibition from intact muscle receptors is insufficient to produce a silent period.
Cultures of Power in Post-Communist Russia: An Analysis of Elite Political Discourse

Michael Urban utilises an interpretative framework of discourse analysis to examine the culture of Russian political elites. This is a theoretical study grounded in empirical research. Between May ...
Sensory and reflex physiology underlying cheliped flexion behavior in hermit crabs

1. Hair sensilla and proprioceptors of the hermit crab cheliped were analyzed with respect to a) morphology and anatomy, b) responses to tactile, chemical and joint position or movement stimulation and c) resistance reflexes evoked by proprioceptors. This was part of a larger study to determine the role of these sense organs in cheliped flexion behavior. 2. Hair sensilla on the propus and dactyl are innervated by units which responded to tactile or chemical (glycine) stimuli (Fig. 3). Chemosensory responses were both phasic (Fig. 3) and tonic (Fig. 4). 3. The CP2 chordotonal organ differs from previous descriptions of pereiopod proprioceptors in two respects: a) it does not attach to the stretcher muscle apodeme and is restricted to the side opposite the apodeme (Fig. 2C), and b) it has an accessory nerve with several sensory neurons which seem to detect dactyl movements via contact with closer muscle fibers (Figs. 2D, 7F). This could be the mechanism responsible for a previously-described bender resistance reflex evoked by dactyl closure (Muramoto and Shimozawa, 1970). 4. Resistance reflexes were observed (Figs. 8 and 9) which closely resembled those described for walking legs of crabs. It was concluded that these reflexes do not participate in the ongoing cleaning flexion motor program but, instead, must be centrally inhibited.
Conserved flux in interband tunneling

A derivation of the interband tunneling transmission coefficient is given based on analytical solution of the two-band model and explicit account of the conservation of flux. The conventional estimate is obtained only in limiting cases. In general, the transmission is greater than this estimate, except for carrier energy near a band edge, in which case the transmission goes to zero. Analytical results are obtained for a corrected asymptotic transmission coefficient, and also for the tunneling current density using the conventional estimate of the transmission coefficient.
Observations of energetic neutral oxygen by IMAGE/HENA and Geotail/EPIC

[1] Energetic neutral oxygen emissions from two satellites, IMAGE and Geotail, are examined during a magnetic storm interval on 2001 November 24–25. These two satellite observations provide different viewing perspectives of the energetic neutral emissions from the Earth's magnetosphere. IMAGE has a high inclination orbit while Geotail has a low one. Overlapping energy range of energetic neutral oxygen occurs for HENA on IMAGE and EPIC on Geotail. Quantitative comparison of oxygen energy spectra during this storm period indicates that viewing perspective plays an important role in the total intensity measured. This study constitutes the first quantitative inter-spacecraft comparison of energetic neutral oxygen intensity.
A comparison of the effects of RO15,1788 and chlordiazepoxide on hot-plate latencies, acoustic startle, and locomotor activity.

RO15,1788, (a selective benzodiazepine antagonist) and chlordiazepoxide (an anxiolytic 1,4-benzodiazepine) produced time-dependent and dose-dependent effects on various indices of sensory-motor function. RO15,1788 increased hot-plate latencies at doses (10–60 mg/kg) that had no effect on locomotor activity. Furthermore, the increased hot-plate latencies were observed 15, but not 30, 60, or 120 min after injection of 10 mg/kg RO15,1788. In contrast, chlordiazepoxide (2.5, 5.0, 10.0, 20.0 mg/kg) produced a dose-dependent increase in response times on the hot-plate, which appeared to be related to the depressant effects of this compound on motor activity. CDZ significantly decreased overall motor activity in a dose-related manner, with the two lower doses decreasing activity approximately 75% relative to controls. RO15,1788 (10 mg/kg) also decreased the magnitude of the acoustic startle response measured over 20 stimulus presentations. The startle response was significantly depressed during each of four 5-trial blocks. The magnitude of both the first and the largest response recorded was also decreased by this compound. Chlordiazepoxide (2.5 mg/kg) significantly decreased the magnitude of the startle response only during the first block of five stimulus presentations. These results are discussed in terms of the involvement of benzodiazepine-mediated processes in the modulation of sensory function and behavioral reactivity to biologically-relevant information.