cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A LABORATORY INVESTIGATION OF Macrobrachium rosenbergii NURSERY PRODUCTION1

Three experiments were performed to evaluate the effect of temperature, habitat, and stocking density on the survival and growth of juvenile Macrobrachium rosenbergii. Experiment 1 was initiated with 0.02 g prawns stocked at densities of 900 and 1200 PL/m2 for levels of one and three habitats per tank. Experiment 2 was stocked with 0.01 g prawns at densities of 1200 and 1500 PL/m2 and were maintained at 24 and 28°C. Concurrently, experiment 3 evaluated stocking densities of 150, 300, and 600 PL/m2 at 28°C. Experiments were conducted over a period of 8–10 weeks. Experiments 1 and 2 clearly showed a region where there was a significant increase in mortality rate. It was noted that the onset of the mortality shift, referred to as the breakpoint, generally occurred when the prawns were between 8 and 9 weeks old. The breakpoint was evident at all levels of temperature and habitat, and at stocking densities above 900 prawns/m2. The occurrence of breakpoint did not seem to be related to mean weight or biomass. Percent survival at the end of the experimental periods was generally inversely proportional to the initial stocking density, showing a high of 84% at 150 PL/m2 and a low of 39% at 1500 PL/m2. Overall growth was greater for stocking densities at or below 600 PL/m2 (mean weight gain 0.8–1.0 g) as compared to stocking densities above this point (0.4 g). Growth rate was not significantly different between densities of 1200 and 1500 PL/m2. At 24°C the average survival was 78%, significantly greater than 43% at 28°C. Temperature also significantly increased overall growth, yielding on the average 0.41 g at 28°C versus 0.23 g at 24°C. The number of habitats per tank did not appear to influence survivability, however, growth may be affected by the number of habitats per tank.
Can quantified salivary gland scintigraphy results aid diagnosis of patients with sicca symptoms

Can quantified salivary gland scintigraphy results aid diagnosis of patients with sicca symptoms?
Advances in melanoma therapy

This review discusses several advances in melanoma therapy that have recently occurred or are presently in a developmental stage. We discuss the history and present dogma regarding assessment of the regional lymph nodes and adjuvant therapy for melanoma. Of special interest is radiolymphatic sentinel node mapping of the lymph nodes and adjuvant interferon alfa-2b for thick primary lesions and stage III disease. We also discuss several evolving novel and innovative genetic immunotherapy approaches for patients with stage IV disease.
Clostridium botulinum types A, B, C1, and E produce proteins with or without hemagglutinating activity: do they share common amino acid sequences and genes?

Clostridium botulinum produce the antigenically distinct 150 kD neurotoxin serotypes (e.g., A, B, C1, and E) and simultaneously proteins, A Hn+, B Hn+, C Hn+, and E Hn−, that have high, low, and no hemagglutinating activity. A Hn+ and B Hn+ are serologically cross-reactive. A Hn+, B Hn+, and C Hn+ found as large aggregates (900–220 kD) can be dissociated on SDS-PAGE into multiple subunits, the smallest for A Hn+, B Hn+ is 17 kD and 27 kD for C Hn+. The 116 kD E Hn− does not aggregate. We determined the sequences of 10–33 amino terminal residues of the 17, 21.5, 35, and 57 kD subunits of A Hn+ and B Hn+. Each of these subunits have unique sequences, indicating that the larger units studied are not homomers or heteromers of smaller units. The subunits of A Hn+ and B Hn+ of comparable size have striking sequence identity (e.g., 21.5 kD subunits from the two are identical and 57 kD subunits have 80% identity).In vitro proteolysis of 116 kD E Hn− with different proteases did not impart hemagglutinating activity to the fragments. The 116 kD E Hn− and one of its proteolytic fragments (87 kD) were partially sequenced. Sixty-two base pairs downstream from the termination codon of the cloned 33 kD subunit of C Hn+, there is an initiation codon followed by an open reading frame for at least 34 amino acid residues (Tsuzukiet al., 1990). The derived amino acid sequence of this open reading frame, we found, has 73–84% sequence identity with those of the 17 kD subunits of A Hn+ and B Hn+ and significant identity with the N-terminal of E Hn−. These highly conserved sequences show existence of genetic linkage among the Hn+ and Hn− proteins.
Soft computing and metaheuristics: using knowledge and reasoning to control search and vice-versa

Meta-heuristics are heuristic procedures used to tune, control, guide, allocate computational resources or reason about object-level problem solvers in order to improve their quality, performance, or efficiency. Offline meta-heuristics define the best structural and/or parametric configurations for the object-level model, while on-line heuristics generate run-time corrections for the behavior of the same object-level solvers. Soft Computing is a framework in which we encode domain knowledge to develop such meta-heuristics. We explore the use of meta-heuristics in three application areas: a) control ; b) optimization ; and c) classification . In the context of control problems, we describe the use of evolutionary algorithms to perform offline parametric tuning of fuzzy controllers, and the use of fuzzy supervisory controllers to perform on-line mode-selection and output interpolation. In the area of optimization , we illustrate the application of fuzzy controllers to manage the transition from exploration to exploitation of evolutionary algorithms that solve the optimization problem. In the context of discrete classification problems, we have leveraged evolutionary algorithms to tune knowledge-based classifiers and maximize their coverage and accuracy.
A study of the transfer of amino acids across the endothelium of the rabbit cornea.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine whether the endothelium of the cornea is capable of transporting amino acids from the aqueous humor to the extracellular fluid of the stroma against a concentration gradient. Isolated rabbit corneas, free of epithelium, were placed in a chamber and perfused independently on both surfaces with an artificial aqueous humor. The flux of 14 C-labelled amino acids across the tissue was then determined both from the aqueous to tear side and from tear side to aqueous. The permeability of the endothelium to each amino acid was found to be equal in the two directions. It is concluded that movement against a concentration gradient from aqueous to stroma is, therefore, not possible. These findings are consistent with measured levels of amino acids in the cornea in vivo, and indicate that stromal concentrations higher than those in the aqueous humor are the result of accumulation in the keratocytes rather than of active transport across the endothelium. The boundary cell layer of the cornea, unlike that of the lens, appears to have no active nutritive role in the supply of amino acids from the aqueous humor.
A psychometric study of the prevalence of DSM-III personality disorders among treated opiate addicts.

Using the DSM-III criteria for personality disorders, prevalence rates of these disorders were evaluated, among opiate addicts in treatment, with a psychometric test—the Million Clinical Multiaxial Inventory. We found that 27% of addicts met criteria for multiple personality disorders. While all 11 DSM-III disorders were diagnosed in our sample, the disorders of antisocial (22%), narcissistic (18%), borderline (16%), and dependent (16%) were more frequent among opiate addicts. These rates were compared to two similar studies that used SADS/RDC criteria with addicts, and the similarities and differences were noted. It is suggested that future research compare rates using both structured psychiatric interviews and psychometric tests to determine the extent of instrument variance on prevalence rates estimates.
Biological Effects of Acetamide, Formamide, and Their Monomethyl and Dimethyl Derivatives

(1986). Biological Effects of Acetamide, Formamide, and Their Monomethyl and Dimethyl Derivatives. CRC Critical Reviews in Toxicology: Vol. 17, No. 2, pp. 129-182.
Variations in structural protein expression and endothelial cell proliferation in relation to clinical manifestations of cerebral cavernous malformations.

OBJECTIVE Cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) are associated with hemorrhagic proliferation of endothelial-lined vascular caverns, resulting in hemorrhagic stroke, epilepsy, and other neurological manifestations. We hypothesize that structural protein expression and endothelial cell proliferation markers within CCM lesions are different in the setting of various clinical manifestations. METHODS The percentage of immunohistochemically stained caverns positive for collagen IV, fibronectin, laminin, alpha-smooth muscle actin, myosin, and smoothelin and the percentage of dividing endothelial cells within caverns were determined in 36 excised CCM surgical specimens. These were compared in CCMs with different multiplicity, location, and size in patients of different age, sex, seizure status, and hemorrhage status. RESULTS Comparisons of seven lesion features and clinical manifestations with the fraction of caverns containing the structural proteins studied and endothelial cell proliferation demonstrated no significant differences. A possible exception was the difference (P < 0.05) in the fraction (mean +/- standard deviation) of positively stained caverns for collagen IV between adult (0.63 +/- 0.39) and pediatric patients (0.87 +/- 0.21) as well as fewer caverns with laminin expression in older patients. These trends did not sustain significance with Bonferroni's correction for multiple comparisons. CONCLUSION The fraction of caverns containing the particular structural proteins studied and endothelial cell proliferation within caverns are not correlated with particular lesion features and clinical manifestations that were investigated in CCMs. The possible fewer fractions of caverns containing collagen IV and laminin in adult lesions compared with pediatric lesions may have implications for lesion regression and quiescence with age.
Who's Afraid of Determinism? The Ambivalence of Macro-Historical Inquiry

This paper explores explanatory practices of macro-historical social science in light of philosophical stances on determinism versus indeterminism. Analysis of determinism and its implications show its compatibility with practices emphasizing causal complexity, contingency, and choice. It can, moreover, clarify and contain these practices in ways that extend the priority traditionally given to causal explanation by macro-historical social scientists. Analysis of indeterminism shows, by contrast, that each of its major varieties challenge macro-historical explanatory practices. To embrace indeterminism and follow through its implications would, in effect, terminate the tradition of macro-historical inquiry as pursued by American sociologists and political scientists.
Eye Contact, Facial Expression, Sex, and the Violation of Personal Space:

Two experiments carried out in a public elevator examined how variations in eye contact, facial expression, sex of subject and of experimental confederate affected the violation of personal space. The first experiment “forced” subjects (79 females and 105 males) to violate the personal space of male of female confederates who were either directing their gazes at the subjects or were avoiding eye contact by having their backs to entering passengers. In the first condition the confederates were both male while in the second condition both confederates were female. For male subjects, as eye contact increased from male and female confederates, violations of personal space decreased. Male subjects preferred to violate the personal space of the confederates who had their backs to them, regardless of the sex of the confederates. Female and male subjects responded similarly when the confederates were males. However, when the confederates were females, female subjects preferred to violate the space of the female c...
A potential role for nerve growth factor in regulating the maturation of inhibitory neurotransmission.

Interneurons mediate inhibition in the CNS by releasing GABA, which hyperpolarizes postsynaptic neurons by promoting chloride entry through GABAA receptors. Low levels of intracellular chloride ([Cl−]i) in postsynaptic neurons, maintained by the chloride exporter KCC2, are required for the
Exposure of platelet membrane phosphatidylserine regulates blood coagulation.

Abstract This article addresses the role of platelet membrane phosphatidylserine (PS) in regulating the production of thrombin, the central regulatory molecule of blood coagulation. PS is normally located on the cytoplasmic face of the resting platelet membrane but appears on the plasma-oriented surface of discrete membrane vesicles that derive from activated platelets. Thrombin, the central molecule of coagulation, is produced from prothrombin by a complex (“prothrombinase”) between factor Xa and its protein cofactor (factor Va) that forms on platelet-derived membranes. This complex enhances the rate of activation of prothrombin to thrombin by roughly 150,000 fold relative to factor Xa in solution. It is widely accepted that the negatively charged surface of PS-containing platelet-derived membranes is at least partly responsible for this rate enhancement, although there is not universal agreement on mechanism by which this occurs. Our efforts have led to an alternative view, namely that PS molecules bind to discrete regulatory sites on both factors Xa and Va and allosterically alter their proteolytic and cofactor activities. In this view, exposure of PS on the surface of activated platelet vesicles is a key regulatory event in blood coagulation, and PS serves as a second messenger in this regulatory process. This article reviews our knowledge of the prothrombinase reaction and summarizes recent evidence leading to this alternative viewpoint. This viewpoint suggests a key role for PS both in normal hemostasis and in thrombotic disease.
Effects of applied electric field and microchannel wetted perimeter on electroosmotic velocity

Parameters which affect electroosmotic flow (EOF) behavior need to be determined for characterizing flow in miniature biological and chemical experimental processes. Several parameters like buffer pH, ionic concentration, applied electric field and channel dimensions influence the magnitude of the electroosmotic flow. We conducted numerical and experimental investigations to determine the impact of electric field strength and wetted microchannel perimeter on EOF in straight microchannels of rectangular cross-section. Deviation from theoretical behavior was also investigated. In the numerical model, we solved the continuity and Navier–Stokes equations for the fluid flow and the Gauss law equation for the electric field. Computational results were validated against experimental data for PDMS-glass channels of different wetted perimeters over a range of applied electric fields. Results show that increasing the applied electric field at constant wetted perimeter caused the electroosmotic mobility, the ratio of electroosmotic velocity to applied electric field, to increase nonlinearly. It was also found that increasing the wetted perimeter at constant applied electric field decreased the electroosmotic flow. These findings will be useful in determining the optimum value of the electric field required to produce a desired electroosmotic flow rate in a channel of a particular dimension. Alternately, these will also be useful in determining the optimum channel dimensions to provide a desired electroosmotic flow rate at a specified value of the electric field.
Comparison of ancestral and current-generation inbreeding in an experimental strawberry breeding population.

Progenies from first-generation self, half-sib, full-sib, and cross fertilizations were generated to evaluate the magnitude of inbreeding depression for vegetative and production traits in strawberry. Tests were conducted to determine the linearity of trait mean depression with inbreeding rate (ΔF) over this range of inbreeding values, as an indication of the presence of non-additive epistasis. A control population, for which a similar range of coancestry had accumulated over several cycles of breeding and selection, was also generated to compare the consequences of ancestral and current-generation inbreeding. Trait means for crosses among current-generation half-sibs, full-sibs, and selfs were 2–17%, 3–12%, and 14–45% lower than for unrelated crosses among the same set of parents, respectively. Linear regression of progeny means on current generation ΔF was significantly negative for all traits and explained 17–44% of the variance among progeny means. Mean depression was largely linear over the range of inbreeding rates tested in this population, indicating the absence of epistasis for the traits evaluated. Conversely, (F) regressions of progeny means on pedigree inbreeding coefficients, where coancestry had accumulated over several cycles of breeding and selection, were uniformly non-significant and explained 0–10% of the variance among cross means. Further, multiple regression of progeny means for current-generation relatives on pedigree F failed to improve fit significantly over regression on current-generation ΔF alone for all traits. Together, these results suggest that pedigree inbreeding coefficients are poor predictors of changes in homozygosity when populations are developed through multiple cycles of breeding and selection. They also imply that inbreeding depression will be of minor importance for strawberry breeding populations managed with adequate population sizes and strong directional selection.
Isolation, characterization and amino acid sequence studies of the cyanogen bromide fragments of the H‐2 Dd glycoprotein

The papain-solubilized fragment of the H-2Dd antigen, representing the NH2-terminal 80% of the native glycoprotein, can be fragmented into five polypeptides using CNBr cleavage. These fragments have been isolated, characterized and subjected to amino acid sequence analysis using radiochemical microtechniques. It was possible to align these CNBr fragments by comparison of their NH2-terminal amino acid sequence with the known amino acid sequence of the H-2 Kb molecule. Thus, the NH2-terminal fragment, D, contains 23 residues and is followed by a glycopeptide, fragment C, of 75 residues. Following fragment C are three fragments held together by disulfide bonds: fragment b 4, which has 40 amino acid residues, a second glycopeptide, fragment b 2, of 90 residues, and fragment b 3, a peptide of approximately 55 residues which terminates at the site of papain cleavage. The complete amino acid sequence of the NH2-terminal CNBr fragment, D, has been determined, and this is presented here along with sequence data for the NH2-terminal 30 residues of each of the other four CNBr fragments of the papain fragment of H-2Dd. A total of 146 positions have been examined in the approximately 280-residue H-2D molecule, and a total of 127 residues have been positively determined. Most of the unassigned positions may be tentatively assigned as Asp or Asn, the only amino acids so far not incorporated in radiolabeled form by our metabolic labeling procedures into the H-2 Dd molecule. Comparison of the sequence data obtained for the H-2 Dd molecule to data available for other histocompatibility antigens revealed homologies of approximately 90% with H-2 Kb and H-2 Ld, and approximately 75% with HLA-B 7 and HLA-A2.
Design And Performance Of High-Speed Optically-Addressed Spatial Light Modulators

Optically-addressed spatial light modulators (OASLMs) utilizing a hydrogenated amorphous silicon photodiode as the photosensor and a ferroelectric liquid crystal as the modulator show great promise in high-speed, high-contrast spatial light modulation. We present the initial design, modelling, and performance of such devices. The devices are driven by a square-wave voltage, such that write and read operations take place under reverse bias, and an erase operation occurs under forward bias. Under continuous write-beam illumination the optical modulation is determined by the photoconductivity of the photosensor under forward bias. During chopped write-beam illumination the modulation is produced by the photocurrent produced under reverse bias. We find an increase in the contrast with reduced bias voltage, which is explained in terms of a series capacitance effect. Several polarization-based logic gates are described which utilize a single OASLM devices.
Parent and Child PTSD and Parent Depression in Relation to Parenting Stress Among Trauma-Exposed Children

This study examined the association between parent and child reported posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and parenting stress as well as parent posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), parent depression and child PTSS as predictors of parenting stress. Forty-three children ages 8–12 years and their parents/guardians participated. Semi-structured interviews occurred independently with parents and children about child PTSS. Parents completed a self-report parenting stress measure and participated in interviews about their PTSD and depression. There was a moderate association between parent and child reported PTSS, and there was a stronger association between parent-reported PTSS and parenting stress than child-reported PTSS. Parent depression and parent-reported PTSS predicted parenting distress; whereas parent-reported PTSS predicted parenting stress related to parent–child dysfunctional interaction and difficult child behavior. Results suggest clinicians working with children exposed to trauma need to assess both parent and child reports of child PTSS, as well as parent symptomology and parenting stress.
LIPID PEROXIDES [LP] IN HUMAN PLASMA INCREASE WITH RIBOFLAVIN CONCENTRATION[R] AFTER PHOTOEXPOSURE. ▴ 1889

LIPID PEROXIDES [LP] IN HUMAN PLASMA INCREASE WITH RIBOFLAVIN CONCENTRATION[R] AFTER PHOTOEXPOSURE. ▴ 1889
First-principles investigation of low energy E' center precursors in amorphous silica.

We show that oxygen vacancies are not necessary for the formation of ${E}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ centers in amorphous ${\mathrm{SiO}}_{2}$ and that a single O deficiency can lead to two charge traps. Employing molecular dynamics with a reactive potential and density functional theory, we generate an ensemble of stoichiometric and oxygen-deficient amorphous ${\mathrm{SiO}}_{2}$ atomic structures and identify low-energy network defects. Three-coordinated Si atoms appear in several low-energy defects both in stoichiometric and O-deficient samples where, in addition to the neutral oxygen vacancy, they appear as isolated defects.
An Empirical Test of Environmental Kuznets Curve for Water Pollution

The Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) on water pollution was investigated with both semiparametric and parametric models using watershed level data for the state of Louisiana, USA. The parametric model indicated the turning points within the range $10241–$12993, $6636–$13877, and $6467–$12758 for nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and dissolved oxygen (DO), respectively. However, only the parameters associated with N EKC were found to be significant. Model specification tests rejected parametric models in favor of semiparametric specification for P but not for N and DO.
Annihilation Puzzles for INTEGRAL

Abstract The instrument is operational, the analysis team assembled and the observations have begun. As we are on the precipice of the INTEGRAL era of annihilation radiation science, it is timely to review the findings of the CGRO/OSSE instrument by posing four new puzzles for the INTEGRAL satellite’s SPI and IBIS teams. The puzzles are: (1) Is there a Galactic Center point source? (2) What is the Bulge–Disk ratio? (3) Does the annihilation fountain exist? (4) Is there Gould Belt emission? Answering these four puzzles will not be easy and will likely require dedicated observations beyond those scheduled as part of the Core Program. However, if all four can be definitively answered, annihilation radiation science will have moved very close to being able to account for the production of galactic positrons and will be ready to use positron annihilation to probe the Galaxy.
Transfer of a protein encoded by a single nucleus to nearby nuclei in multinucleated myotubes

Specialized regions of muscle fibers may result from differential gene expression within a single fiber. In order to investigate the range of action of individual nuclei in multinucleated myotubes, C2 myoblasts were transfected to obtain stable cell lines that express a reporter protein that is targeted to the nucleus. Hybrid myotubes were then formed containing one or a few transfected nuclei as well as a large number of nuclei from the parental strain. In order to determine how far the products of a single nucleus extend, transfected nuclei were labeled with [3H]thymidine before fusion and the myotubes were stained to identify the reporter protein. In such myotubes the fusion protein was not confined to its nucleus of origin, but was restricted to nearby nuclei.
Mixed methods designs in marketing research

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to determine the uses of mixed method research designs published in major marketing journals.Design/methodology/approach – This study involved a content analysis of 2,166 articles published between 2003 and 2009 in nine prominent marketing journals.Findings – A total of 34 mixed method studies implemented data‐collection procedures sequentially (79 percent), eight implemented them concurrently (19 percent) and one combined both sequential and concurrent procedures (2 percent). On the whole, priority was skewed more toward quantitative strands, with 27 articles prioritizing quantitative data (63 percent), three articles prioritizing qualitative data (7 percent), and 13 articles prioritizing both equally (30 percent).Research limitations/implications – It is clear that marketing scholars recognize the benefit of mixing qualitative and quantitative research; however, as a discipline we are not demonstrating knowledge of the mixed method literature or procedures, as on...
Understanding the Complexity of Alcohol-Related Intimate Partner Violence in the Lives of Hispanic Men Who Have Sex with Men: Methodological Issues and Considerations

The purpose of this paper is to highlight methodological issues and considerations which will be of use to researchers interested in further understanding the complexity of intimate partner violence in the lives of Hispanic men who have sex with men. We present a brief review of the research on intimate partner violence which highlights intersections of health and behavior risk factors (i.e., alcohol-related-intimate-partner-violence and HIV/AIDS risk) pertaining to gender, ethnicity, and sexuality in this population of males. We then present the reader with a synthesis and critique of several methodological concerns relevant to furthering research in this area including: locating participants, considerations of the impact of local cultural contexts, and impact of researcher positionality. Research recommendations for addressing intimate partner violence as a complex public health concern embedded in “hidden populations” conclude the paper.
Enzymatic Production of Infant Milk Fat Analogs Containing Palmitic Acid: Optimization of Reactions by Response Surface Methodology

Abstract Infant milk fat analogs resembling human milk fat were synthesized by an enzymatic interesterification between tripalmitin, coconut oil, safflower oil, and soybean oil in hexane. A commercially immobilized 1,3-specific lipase, Lipozyme RM IM, obtained from Rhizomucor miehei was used as a biocatalyst. The effects of substrate molar ratio, reaction time, and incubation temperature on the incorporation of palmitic acid at the sn-2 position of the triacylglycerols were investigated. A central composite design with 5 levels and 3 factors consisting of substrate ratio, reaction temperature, and incubation time was used to model and optimize the reaction conditions using response surface methodology. A quadratic model using multiple regressions was then obtained for the incorporation of palmitic acid at the sn-2 positions of glycerols as the response. The coefficient of determination (R 2 ) value for the model was 0.845. The incorporation of palmitic acid appeared to increase with the decrease in substrate molar ratio and increase in reaction temperature, and optimum incubation time occurred at 18h. The optimal conditions generated from the model for the targeted 40% palmitic acid incorporation at the sn-2 position were 3 mol/mol, 14.4h, and 55°C; and 2.8 mol/mol, 19.6h, and 55°C for substrate ratio (moles of total fatty acid/moles of tripalmitin), time, and temperature, respectively. Infant milk fat containing fatty acid composition and sn-2 fatty acid profile similar to human milk fat was successfully produced. The fat analogs produced under optimal conditions had total and sn-2 positional palmitic acid levels comparable to that of human milk fat.
Treatment of infantile phytanic acid storage disease: clinical, biochemical and ultrastructural findings in two children treated for 2 years.

Two patients with infantile phytanic acid storage disease (infantile Refsum disease), one of whom showed the presence of morphologically normal peroxisomes in a liver biopsy, were treated with a low phytanic acid diet for more than 2 years and the effects of treatment on certain clinical, biochemical and ultrastructural parameters were examined. Both patients showed evidence of either an improvement or stabilisation in their clinical condition. Plasma phytanic acid levels decreased to near normal values in approximately 6 weeks after the introduction of the diet; plasma pipecolic acid also declined markedly but the decrease was not so rapid and its level remained abnormal. C26∶C22 fatty acid ratios decreased very slowly and even after 2 years the values remained grossly abnormal. Despite the marked reduction of phytanic acid in the liver, there was an increase in the C26∶C22 fatty acid ratios and this appeared to be paralleled by an increase in inclusion bodies. Our data suggest that some patients with the infantile form of Refsum disease may show some clinical benefit from dietary management and this is reflected biochemically by decreases in the plasma levels of phytanic acid and pipecolic acid.
Surface Diffusion of Sulfur on Nickel (110) and the Effect of Carbon on the Diffusivity

The surface diffusion coefficient of sulfur on the (110) surface of nickel was determined at temperatures of 623, 673 and 723 K by measurement of surface diffusion profiles using an Auger Electron Spectrometer. A half-plane monolayer of segregated sulfur was used as a source and the analysis was done by a Boltzmann-Matano method. The activation energy for surface diffusion of sulfur was determined to be about 106 kJ/mol and pre-exponential D o to be about 6×10 -3 m 2 /s from the Arrhenius plot of D versus 1/T. The presence of carbon on the surface of nickel was shown to decrease the surface diffusion of sulfur. Also, the mechanism of spreading from the half-plane source changed from a classic surface diffusion on clean surfaces to a linear mobility of the sulfur-carbon interface on surfaces covered with carbon.
Carotid revascularization for prevention of stroke: carotid endarterectomy and carotid artery stenting.

Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) has been used for the past several decades in patients with carotid occlusive disease. Large randomized controlled trials have documented that CEA is a highly effective stroke preventive among patients with carotid stenosis and recent transient ischemic attack or cerebral infarction. In asymptomatic patients with carotid stenosis, clinical trial data suggest that the degree of stroke prevention from CEA is less than among symptomatic patients. However, otherwise healthy men and women with an asymptomatic carotid stenosis of 60% or greater have a lower risk of future cerebral infarction, including disabling cerebral infarction, if treated with CEA compared with those treated with medical management alone. More recently, carotid artery stenting has been performed increasingly for patients with carotid occlusive disease. As technology has improved, procedural risks have declined and are approaching those reported for CEA. The benefits and durability of CEA compared with carotid artery stenting are still unclear and are being studied in ongoing randomized controlled trials.
Saving and pension reform in general equilibrium models

In this paper we study saving and pension reform in the context ofgeneral equilibrium models. We discuss some of the reasons for the existence of a social security system. We highlight the key features of the US data that a general equilibrium model of saving and social security should match: the life-cycle profiles of savings, con sumption and hours worked, and the aggregate capital-output ratio and saving rate. We describe the structure of a general equilibrium model, and discuss how its parameters are estimated or calibratedfrom the data. We present the quantitative results from some policy experiments previously computed in the literature, first in the context of stationary demographics and then with an ageing population, and highlight the key policy prescrip tions that we learn from these experiments. We conclude by providing some directions for future research.
Effects of differential request procedures and self-consciousness on trait attributions

Using 20 bipolar traits with a “depends on the situation” response alternative, Nisbett, Caputo, Legant, and Maracek (1973) reported that subjects attributed more traits to others than to themselves. However, Bem and Allen (1974) have pointed out that in situations outside the laboratory we do not use a fixed list of traits in describing ourselves or others but select only those traits that are pertinent to the person. The first purpose of the present study was to determine if subjects would attribute more traits to themselves than to another person if for each they were allowed to generate their own list of applicable descriptors. The second purpose was to investigate the moderating effect of habitual self-reflection on the number of self-descriptors employed by subjects to characterize themselves. As predicted, subjects listed significantly (p < .001) more traits for themselves than for a friend when allowed to generate their own lists. Results replicating Nisbett et al. were found on the list of 20 traits. In addition, high private self-consciousness subjects used significantly (p < .02) more traits to describe themselves than did the low private self-consciousness group.
Effect of hexachlorophere intoxication on learning in rats

Neurotoxicity in the form of hindlimb paralysis is known to be associated with brain lesions characterized by vacuolation of the white matter following hexachlorophene (HCP) intoxication; these paralytic and histopathological effects are reversible with time after discontinuance of HCP exposure. The rates of acquiring a bar-pressing escape and avoidance behavior were measured in female rats after recovery from paralysis following daily oral dosing with HCP (25 mg/kg). Learning deficits were seen as a delay in reaching a 90% escape performance level, as an increase in the number of sessions required to reach a 50% avoidance criterion, as an increase in training time needed to transfer from escape to avoidance responding, and by an increase in the number of sessions needed to reach a maximum level of avoidance behavior over a 35-session period. Peak responding eventually reached a level comparable to controls only after prolonged periods. Brain lesions seen 2-3 months after HCP intoxiciation correlated with the lag in learning ability but not with the maximum avoidance acquisition before sacrifice. These results indicate a long-lasting behavioral deficiency following neurotoxicity which is slowly reversible.
Wronskian and Grammian solutions to a (3 + 1)-dimensional generalized KP equation

Abstract Wronskian and Grammian formulations are established for a (3 + 1)-dimensional generalized KP equation, based on the Plucker relation and the Jacobi identity for determinants. Generating functions for matrix entries satisfy a linear system of partial differential equations involving a free parameter. Examples of Wronskian and Grammian solutions are computed and a few particular solutions are plotted.
Hematopoietic Growth Factors: Defining the Appropriate Clinical Role in Multimodality Cancer Therapy

Laboratory investigations have begun to elucidate the regulatory molecules that control the processes of blood cell growth and differentiation. Recombinant human colony-stimulating factors are examples of biotechnology-produced molecules that have epitomized the translation of such basic scientific investigation into therapeutic advances. Small cell lung cancer, a malignancy that is overall highly sensitive to aggressive myelosuppressive chemotherapy at initial presentation, has been used as a clinical model in which the activity of human colony-stimulating factors has been tested. In this article, the clinical applications of hematopoietic growth factors are reviewed in brief. The appropriate clinical use of these agents may allow novel therapeutic strategies to be developed in a research setting. Similarly, these agents have the potential to improve supportive care and improve certain clinical outcomes in the non-research clinical care of patients. Issues of cost of treatment are raised by these agents, but the true clinical value of hematopoietic growth factors needs to be studied more rigorously, with emphasis on quality of life and redistribution of care costs outside of hospitals before definitive statements can be made.
Physical panoramic pyramid and noise sensitivity in pyramids

Multi-resolution techniques have been used in a wide range of vision applications. Unfortunately, the costly operation of building a proper pyramid strongly reduces its value as a tool for reducing computational cost. A new approach, physical panoramic pyramid, is introduced in this paper. Physical panoramic pyramid measures multiple resolutions simultaneously resulting in multi-resolution panoramic images. No computation is needed to construct these image pyramids. We also analyze general noise sensitivity in image pyramids, including the interaction of the loss of resolution, random background noise and aliasing noise. The paper also discusses the issue of indexing between the neighboring layer the viewpoint variation and the applications of the physical panoramic pyramid.
Stresses associated with diffusion in polyimide and polyacrylics films

When a constrained polymeric thin film is immersed in a liquid medium, its state of stress changes because the diffusion of the liquid into the film causes it to swell. Polyimide and polyacrylics films are used in the laminated structures of inkjet printheads. Swelling behavior of the films in various ink component solutions are of great interest because they are closely related to the delamination problem. Swelling stress at constant strain was measured using an environmental tensile tester at both ambient and elevated temperatures. Two kinds of information were extracted. One is the extent of stress relaxation, which is the amount of stress decay between initial stress and equilibrium stress. The difference in the extent of stress relaxation could result in delamination if two different materials with different swelling characteristics are bonded together and exposed to a swelling agent. The other piece of information was the diffusion coefficients of the liquid agents into the polymer films. The magnitude of the diffusion coefficient indicates the rate of proceeding by the penetrant, i.e., the rate of swelling of the films. The results show that the extent of stress relaxation and diffusivity are different for two films. In addition, the diffusion in polyimide film is Fickian and the diffusion in polyacrylics film is pseudo-Fickian. The changes in mechanical properties after swelling also differ. Among all the ink solutions tested, one component was identified as the most influential and detrimental agent. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2006
A high-performance, integrated magnetics scheme for buck-cascaded push-pull converter

This letter proposes a new integrated magnetics scheme for the buck cascaded current-fed push-pull converter. While integrating the transformer and inductor into a common structure, the proposed scheme also alters the operating characteristics of the basic converter. This leads to several advantages such as, continuous output current, zero voltage switching (ZVS), and zero current switching (ZCS) for the switches of the push-pull stage, and reduced conduction losses. The principle of operation of the proposed scheme is analyzed using the gyrator-capacitor model. Experimental results from a 12 V/5 A proof-of-concept prototype are presented demonstrating the advantages of the proposed scheme.
Geo-location inference from image content and user tags

Associating image content with their geographic locations has been increasingly pursued in the computer vision community in recent years. In a recent work, large collections of geotagged images were found to be helpful in estimating geo-locations of query images by simple visual nearest-neighbors search. In this paper, we leverage user tags along with image content to infer the geo-location. Our model builds upon the fact that the visual content and user tags of pictures can provide significant hints about their geo-locations. Using a large collection of over a million geotagged photographs, we build location probability maps of user tags over the entire globe. These maps reflect the picture-taking and tagging behaviors of thousands of users from all over the world, and reveal interesting tag map patterns. Visual content matching is performed using multiple feature descriptors including tiny images, color histograms, GIST features, and bags of textons. The combination of visual content matching and local tag probability maps forms a strong geo-inference engine. Large-scale experiments have shown significant improvements over pure visual content-based geo-location inference.
Seismicity variations associated with aseismic transients in Guerrero, Mexico, 1995-2006

Primarily aseismic deformation transients in subduction zones, sometimes associated with tremors and low-frequency earthquakes, are a newly recognized mode of deformation. Stressing in the up-dip seismogenic zone is increased episodically due to down-dip transientslips,andeacheventmaymakeitmorepronetofailureinalargethrustearthquake.Itisimportantforseismichazardassessment to search and identify patterns of seismicity variation associated with transients. The Guerrero, Mexico, region is chosen for this study because of long-term continuous geodetic observations and abundant seismicity in the shallow subduction zone. We search the GCMT and NEIC catalogs for earthquakeswithdepths lessthan100kmbetween1995and2006withintheareacoveringthe regionaffected by major transients since 1996. A completeness magnitude of Mc=4.5 is determined for the NEIC catalog used in this study, based on the maximum likelihood method. Three large transients in 1998, 2001–2002 and 2006 are all temporally correlated with high seismic rates in the studied area. In particular, transients are either preceded by a cluster of extensional earthquakes relatively far inland from the trench, or followed by shallow thrustearthquakes closetothe trench.In somecases,such asthe 2001–2002 transient, both typesofactivityare foundbordering the transient. The assembled evidence suggests that transients may serve as a mechanism of stress communication between distant seismicity clusters in shallow subduction zones. © 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Linear programming based state estimation in power systems

The linear programming (LP) approach is discussed as an alternative to the weighted least squares method of estimating the state of power systems. The theory behind the approach is presented, the problems associated with its practical implementation are addressed, and suggestions for overcoming these problems are made. Test results which reveal the viability of the LP state estimators are included. >
Gold Standards?: State Standards Reform and Student Achievement

Proponents of the recent and widely adopted Common Core State Standards argue that high quality curricular standards are critical to students' educational success. Little clear evidence exists, however, linking the quality of such standards to student achievement. I remedy this by connecting data on state-level student achievement from 1994-2011 with measures of the quality of states' curricular standards as judged by two independent organizations at three different moments in time. I show that, within states, changes in the quality of standards have little impact on overall student achievement. Improved standards do, however, raise achievement of 8th graders in low-scoring states, particularly for low-scoring students. Given the known weaknesses of U.S. middle schools, this result suggests that standards may be beneficial in settings where pedagogy would otherwise be poor.
Residential mobility, technology & social ties

This research uses the disruption associated with residential mobility, to develop a deeper theoretical understanding of the role of communication technology in the initiation, maintenances and dissolution of social relationships. Residential mobility is a common yet stressful event. It represents a natural experiment, because it puts people in a situation where some of their previous face-to-face interactions must stop or decline, leaving mediated communication as a way to retain contact. Recent movers, who relocate to unfamiliar locations, also face the sometimes daunting task of meeting new people. This research is focused on understanding how movers use the Internet to cope with these changes in their physical and social environments and the effect such changes have on their psychological well-being.
Simulation-based target test generation techniques for improving the robustness of a software-based-self-test methodology

Software-based self-test (SBST) was previously proposed as an on-chip functional test methodology. Achieving desired full-chip functional fault coverage has always been a challenge because random test program generation (RTPG) alone may not be sufficient. This work investigates the potential of using target test program generation (TTPG) to supplement the RTPG method. The proposed TTPG method utilizes simulation results to develop learned models for the surrounding modules of the block under test. Then, the learned models replace the surrounding modules around the block in the actual test generation process. Because the learned models are much simpler to handle, this method minimizes the cost of functional TPG. For developing the simulation-based learning scheme, we divide the surrounding modules into two categories: Boolean and arithmetic. We apply different techniques for each category and explain their applicability and limitations. The feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed simulation-based TTPG method in the context of supplementing RTPG for achieving high fault coverage in SBST of a RISC pipelined microprocessor design is demonstrated as well
Trends in utilization of lipid- and blood pressure-lowering agents and goal attainment among the U.S. diabetic population, 1999-2008.

Background For patients with diabetes, clinical practice guidelines recommend treating to a low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) goal of <2.59 mmol/L (100 mg/dL) and a blood pressure (BP) target of <130/80 mmHg. This analysis assessed recent trends in the utilization of lipid-lowering and BP-lowering agents, as well as LDL-C and BP goal attainment, in the U.S. adult diabetic population.
New materials for super resolution disc

Using silicide material as a recording layer, we have achieved good results for a Super-RENS disc. By mainly controlling noble-metal and metal mixture ratio, signal quality was greatly enhanced.