cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Learning hidden Markov sparse models

This paper considers the problem of separating streams of unknown non-stationary signals from under-determined mixtures of sources. The source signals are modeled as a hidden Markov model (HMM) where each state in the Markov chain is determined by a set of on (i.e., active) or off (i.e., inactive) states of the sources, with some unknown probability density functions (pdfs) in the on-state. Under the assumption that the number of active sources is small compared to the total number of sources (thus the sources are sparse), the goal is to recursively estimate the HMM state and the over-complete mixing matrix (subsequently the source signals) for signal recovery. The proposed approach combines the techniques of HMM-based filtering and manifold-based dictionary learning for estimating both the state and the mixing matrix. Specifically, we model the on/off state of the source signals as a hidden Markov model. In particular, we consider only a sparse set of simultaneously active sources. Thus, this setting generalizes the typical scenario considered in dictionary learning in which there is a sparse number of temporally independent active signals. To extract the activity profile of the sources from the observations, a technique known as change-of-measure is used to decouple the observations from the sources by introducing a new probability measure over the set of observations. Under this new measure, the un-normalized conditional densities of the state and the transition matrix of the Markov chain can be computed recursively. Due to the scaling ambiguity of the mixing matrix, we introduce an equivalence relation, which partitions the set of mixing matrices into a set of equivalence classes. Rather than estimating the mixing matrix by imposing the unit-norm constraint, the proposed algorithm searches directly for an equivalence class that contains the true mixing matrix. In our simulations, the proposed recursive algorithm with manifold-based dictionary learning, compared to algorithms with unit-norm constraint, estimates the mixing matrix more efficiently while maintaining high accuracy.
Many-body effects in atomic-collision cascades.

Molecular-dynamics simulations have been used to identify two cooperative atom-ejection mechanisms which increase sputtering yield. Their effects are analogous to the ``thermal spike,'' ``shock wave,'' and ``reduced binding energy'' sputtering mechanisms. They are examples of nonlinear, many-body, effects in cascades which go beyond collisions between randomly moving particles.
Growth and protein metabolism in red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) larvae exposed to environmental levels of atrazine and malathion.

Abstract Contaminant exposure can affect development, growth, and behaviour of fish larvae, but its effect on rates of protein synthesis and protein degradation are not known. The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of a single pulsed dose aqueous exposure to environmentally realistic levels of two contaminants, atrazine (0, 40 and 80 μg l −1 ) and malathion (0, 1 and 10 μg l −1 ), on growth and protein synthesis in red drum ( Sciaenops ocellatus ) larvae. Growth was assessed in terms of increase in length, weight, and protein content over an 8-day period following exposure. Rates of protein synthesis were measured by the flooding dose technique 2, 4, and 8 days after initial exposure to each contaminant by bathing larvae in seawater containing l -[2,6- 3 H] phenylalanine. Exposure to atrazine had no effect on larval growth in length, but caused marginally significant declines in growth in weight ( P = 0.05) and protein content ( P = 0.06). However, protein synthesis rates were significantly higher for atrazine-exposed larvae on days 4 ( P = 0.04) and 8 ( P = 0.01), suggesting an increase in rates of protein degradation. On day 8, the efficiency with which synthesised proteins contributed to growth was significantly lower ( P = 0.04) in atrazine-exposed larvae. In contrast, malathion had no significant effects on growth in length or protein content, but there were significant decreases in growth in weight over 8 days. The only other significant effect of malathion was an increase in protein synthesis on day 2 for treated larvae relative to controls. Previous work [Alvarez, M.C., Fuiman, L.A., 2005. Environmental levels of atrazine and its degradation products impair survival skills and growth of red drum larvae. Aquat. Toxicol. 74, 229–241] reported hyperactivity and increased metabolic rate in larval red drum exposed to atrazine, indicating a clear energetic cost. Our results further emphasise the energetic cost of atrazine exposure through elevated rates of protein synthesis and degradation resulting in reduced protein retention efficiency and lower growth rates. Overall, we conclude that exposure to atrazine from surface water run-off can increase the energy requirements and the larval phase duration in red drum larvae, possibly resulting in reduced survival and recruitment in cohorts exposed to atrazine.
Predictors of Patient Satisfaction With Telephone Nursing Services

Patient satisfaction has been shown to be a factor in clinical outcomes, health care quality, and patient follow-through. Thus, a high level of satisfaction is a desired outcome of patient care. This article examines predictors of patient satisfaction with telephone nursing services among a sample of 1,939 respondents, using a conceptual model derived from the literature and preliminary work. The study was conducted in medical offices and call centers of a large national health maintenance organization. Calls were taped and content coded and then matched with caller questionnaire data. In the final multivariate predictive models, patient health status; caller ratings of expectations met by the nurse for listening, clarity, and collaboration; and nurse competence were the strongest predictors of satisfaction. Consistent with the literature, findings suggest that nurses should expand interpersonal communication skills, and systems should reduce barriers to effective listening, clarity, and collaboration wit...
Diminishing Marginal Returns and the Production of Education: An International Analysis.

Abstract Diminishing marginal returns (DMR) to school inputs could explain a wide variety of findings in the research literature. One important example is the influential finding by Heyneman and Loxley that school inputs are the ‘predominant influence’ on achievement in developing nations, where input levels are low, even though the same school inputs have relatively little influence in developed nations, where input levels are higher. However, few studies of education production, including those related to the Heyneman–Loxley hypothesis, use functional forms that allow for DMR, and common tests for DMR appear to be invalid. Various tests are implemented using data from 32 countries. As is commonly found in the literature, the marginal effects of school inputs are frequently negative, precluding DMR. In those cases with positive marginal effects, there is more evidence for DMR than for increasing returns, but constant returns rarely can be rejected. DMR therefore does not appear to explain the differences...
Fluence and helium effects on the tensile properties of ferritic steels at low temperatures

Abstract Tensile specimens of 9Cr-1MoVNb and 12Cr-1MoVW steels with up to 2% Ni and 2 1 4 Cr-1Mo steel were tested at room temperature after irradiation at ~ 50 ° C to displacement-damage levels of up to 25 dpa in the High-Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR). Nickel was added to the ferritic steels to produce helium by a two-step (n, α) reaction with thermal neutrons during irradiation in the mixed neutron spectrum of HFIR. Up to 327 appm He was produced in the steels with 2% Ni. Irradiation caused an increase in the strength of all the steels. With an increase in fluence, there was a decrease in the rate of strength increase, but the strength was still increasing after 20 to 25 dpa. Strength increases were accompanied by a loss of ductility, although the ductility appeared to go through a minimum and was greater at the highest fluences than at intermediate fluences. The results were interpreted to mean that the transmutation helium that was generated during irradiation caused part of the strength increase.
Moving target detection and imaging using an X band along-track monopulse SAR

Moving target detection and imaging results for an X band spotlight synthetic aperture radar (SAR) system that utilizes an along-track monopulse configuration for its data collection is presented. The theoretical foundation of the processing that is used on these data is based on our earlier work in which a two-dimensional signal subspace processing (adaptive filtering) method was used to calibrate the monostatic and bistatic radars of the monopulse SAR system. The blind calibration of the two channels enables the user to null the stationary scene, and detect the moving targets. Next, a measure that we call SAR ambiguity function is used to estimate the relative speed of a detected moving target. The resultant estimate is then used to image the moving target.
EVALUATION OF UPPER RESPIRATORY TRACT (URT) COLONIZATION (CCL) IN HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS (HIV) INFECTED (INF) CHILDREN: 997

HIV-INF children may be predisposed to alteration of normal flora and COL with opportunistic pathogens (PATH), because they are on long term prophylactic and therapeutic antibiotics and under-lying immunodeficiency states. In order to evaluate the frequency and pattern of URT COL, we studied 21 children (mean age 72 mos) for aerobes and fungi by oropharyngeal cultures and correlated with virologic (HIV RNA by PCR), immunologic (quantitative T cells by flow cytometry), and clinical parameters (CDC classification). Unusual PATH were isolated from 15 (71%) cases; 7 (33%) being Pathic BACT, 11(52%) candida, and 3 (14%) mixed; only 2 cases had > 2 isolates. PATH included S. marcescens, P. aeruginosa,Acinetobacter. baumanii, H. influenzae, GABHS, Enterobacter group, and K. pneumoniae and Candida species (C. albicans andtropicalis); S. marcescens and P. aeruginosa were resistant to TMP-SMZ (same patient;CDC class C3; viral load 242400 RNA/ml; CD4 count 6/mm3). BACT COL had significant clinical disease progression (table) than those with neg cultures(P=0.03) and with Nonbact col (P=0.02). Non-colonizers had higher age-adjusted CD4 & CD8 counts and lower viral load compared to colonizers, but insignificantly.
Stable Stationary Harmonic Maps to Spheres

For k ≥ 3, we establish new estimate on Hausdorff dimensions of the singular set of stable–stationary harmonic maps to the sphere Sk. We show that the singular set of stable–stationary harmonic maps from B5 to S3 is the union of finitely many isolated singular points and finitely many Holder continuous curves. We also discuss the minimization problem among continuous maps from Bn to S2.
Study of carcass fats of beef animals. I. The composition of beef brisket fat

The iodine value, titer, and unsaturated fatty acid composition of a number of beef brisket fats have been determined.
The Use of Nasogastric Feeding Tubes in Nursing Homes: Patient, Family and Health Care Provider Perspectives

This anthropological study investigated attitudes of patients, family members, nurses, and physicians toward the use of nasogastric tube feedings in 3 nursing homes. In-depth interviews and participant observation were used to obtain data. Fifty-three percent of the patients, 58% of families, and 70% of the nursing staff approved of the use of tube feedings. Diverse opinions characterized physicians' responses. Findings disclosed inadequate communication among health care providers, patients, and families, and that some families perceive the tubes as being inserted for the convenience of nursing home staff.
Multifunctional roles of urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) in cancer stemness and chemoresistance of pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is almost always lethal. One of the underlying reasons for this lethality is believed to be the presence of cancer stem cells (CSC), which impart chemoresistance and promote recurrence, but the mechanisms responsible are unclear. Recently the poor prognosis of PDAC has been correlated with increased expression of urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA). In the present study we examine the role of uPA in the generation of PDAC CSC. We observe a subset of cells identifiable as a side population (SP) when sorted by flow cytometry of MIA PaCa-2 and PANC-1 pancreatic cancer cells that possess the properties of CSC. A large fraction of these SP cells are CD44 and CD24 positive, are gemcitabine resistant, possess sphere-forming ability, and exhibit increased tumorigenicity, known characteristics of cancer stemness. Increased tumorigenicity and gemcitabine resistance decrease after suppression of uPA. We observe that uPA interacts directly with transcription factors LIM homeobox-2 (Lhx2), homeobox transcription factor A5 (HOXA5), and Hey to possibly promote cancer stemness. uPA regulates Lhx2 expression by suppressing expression of miR-124 and p53 expression by repressing its promoter by inactivating HOXA5. These results demonstrate that regulation of gene transcription by uPA contributes to cancer stemness and clinical lethality.
Differential uses for BSW and MSW educated social workers in child welfare services

Abstract A rationale is offered for deciding how to use BSW and MSW educated social workers in child protective services. Generalist skills taught in BSW programs prepare students for work as hot-line screeners, foster care case managers, and case workers with low-to-moderate risk families, and to recruit, screen, and train foster and adoptive parents. Skills taught in MSW programs are needed for conducting initial investigations, working with high risk families, terminating parental rights, placing children with adoptive families, and by administrative and supervisory staff.
Erythromycin inhibits β2-integrins (CD11b/CD18) expression, interleukin-8 release and intracellular oxidative metabolism in neutrophils

Abstract Macrolides have therapeutic benefits on chronic inflammatory airway diseases. Thus, macrolides are supposed to have variable biological effects apart from antimicrobial activity. Neutrophil adherence and influx with oxidants and cytokines production implicates involvement in airway inflammation. To investigate whether erythromycin (EM) affects neutrophil activity in vitro , lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated neutrophils were continuously incubated for 4 h in the absence or presence of increasing doses of EM from 1 μ g ml −1 to 100 μ g ml −1 in the last 2 h. Leukocyte adhesion molecules Mac-1 and intracellular H 2 O 2 (DCFH) were determined by flowcytometric assay. IL-8 and TNF α in supernatant was measured by ELISA method. The expression of Mac-1 and mean intracellular DCF fluorescence intensity (DCFH) of neutrophils significantly increased after stimulation with LPS. Pretreatment with EM significantly decreased LPS induced Mac-1 expression on neutrophils compared with LPS stimulation only. EM alone (100 μ g ml −1 ) also decreased Mac-1 expression on neutrophils. EM significantly reduced the LPS-increased DCFH. EM alone (100 μ g ml −1 ) also caused a decrease in DCFH. Increasing doses of EM also significantly decreased the IL-8 released by LPS-stimulated neutrophils. In conclusion, EM exerts a direct effect on the neutrophils by downregulating the expression of β 2 -integrin on neutrophils, thus leading to a decrease in the intracellular H 2 O 2 , as well as the production of IL-8. Our conclusion provides an explanation for the clinical efficacy of erythromycin in neutrophil-mediated airway inflammation.
A Simple Method for Following Rigor Mortis Development in Beef and Poultry Meat

Abstract A routine method based on measurement of (post-mortem conversion of adenosine nucleotides to inosinic acid was developed for following the onset of rigor mortis in beef and chicken muscles. Conversion of adenosine nucleotides to inosinic acid was accompanied by a decrease in absorbance at 258 mμ and an increase at 250 mμ.The ratio of the two absorbance measurements changed linearly with the ratio of adenosine nucleotides and inosinic acid. Immediately after slaughter, the absorbance ratio was about 1.2 in both beef and poultry muscles, but gradually dropped to a value of 0.84–0.89 during the onset of rigor mortis as determined by isometric tension development. This value of the absorbance ratio at rigor was confirmed also by comparison with phosphate ester, adenosine triphosphate, and shear force measurements. Besides being simple and rapid, the method is accurate since it indicates indirectly the adenosine triphosphate content of the muscle tissue, the determining factor in rigor mortis.
A model for hydropathy-based peptide interactions

Two peptides are specified when the noncoding DNA strand is read in the 5' to 3', or the 3' to 5' direction, and both peptides form strong complexes with the natural peptide, as found by J. E. Blalock and K. L. Bost with ACTH [1986) Biochem. J. 234, 679-683). We report here that strong hydropathic complementarity (pairing of hydrophobic with hydrophilic residues), the assumed basis of these interactions, is obtained only if the peptide resulting from reading in the 3' to 5' direction is aligned parallel to the natural peptide, or if the peptide derived by opposite reading of the DNA is aligned antiparallel to it. Complementary is abolished in other alignments, including all staggered ones. In the appropriate alignments of the constructs the amino acid residues opposite one another are specified by a pair of complementary codons in the DNA; Blalock and Bost have indeed shown that complementary pairs of codons specify amino acids of opposite hydropathy. A model is proposed to explain how hydropathic complementarity can lead to interaction between peptides. We propose that in the interacting peptides hydrophilic residues of both chains are oriented toward the aqueous solvent, while the hydrophobic ones form the interphase between the two chains. Tight packing is made possible by the stipulation that whenever a hydrophilic residue turns toward the aqueous phase, a space is liberated which can accommodate a hydrophobic residue from the opposing chain. This entropy-driven configuration can lead to strong interactions between portions of peptides consisting of hydropathically complementary residues.
Synthesis and antigenicity of BBGL-2 glycolipids of Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease

Borrelia burgdorferi is the etiological agent for Lyme disease (LD), the most common vector borne disease in the United States. There is no human vaccine against LD currently available. Our approach to a vaccine is based on its surface-exposed glycolipids. One group of these glycolipids termed BBGL-2 consists of 1,2-di-O-acyl-3-O-(α-d-galactopyranosyl)-sn-glycerol congeners having palmitic, oleic, stearic, linoleic, and myristic acids. In order to delineate the immunodominant region(s) of the BBGL-2 components, we embarked on a synthetic project to provide available structurally defined, homogeneous analogs of BBGL-2 that might help identify the best vaccine candidate. The antigenicity of the synthetic glycolipids was examined by dot-blot analysis using mice sera obtained by immunization with killed B. burgdorferi cells, with native BBGL-2 in complete Freund's adjuvant, as well as sera obtained from patients with Lyme disease. We found that the presence of two acyl groups in the glycerol moiety was essential for antigenicity. At least one of these groups must be an oleoyl moiety. Neither the anomeric configuration of the galactose nor the configuration of the glycerol at C-2 was a decisive factor. Based on these findings we designed an 'unnatural' BBGL-2 analog having the structure 3-O-(β-d-galactopyranosyl)-1,2-di-O-oleoyl-dl-glycerol which is easier and less expensive to synthesize than the other BBGL-2 congeners prepared in this study. This substance proved to be antigenic and is considered a candidate vaccine for Lyme disease.
Cloud Nuclei Spectra and Updrafts beneath Convective Cloud Bases in the High Plains

Abstract Air samples and updraft speeds were obtained simultaneously beneath the bases of convective clouds in northeastern Colorado and in South Dakota. Air samples were examined on the ground in a thermal diffusion nuclei chamber in the supersaturation range of 0.1–0.3% and the nuclei spectra determined. Using Twomey's technique, the maximum supersaturation was estimated, thereby estimating the number of cloud nuclei activated. The updraft speeds were plotted against the concentration of activated cloud nuclei for varying storm intensities. The results indicate the dominate variable, in identifying storm intensity, is updraft strength, with 4–5 m sec−1 being the cutoff point between thunderstorm and hailstorms. The data gave no clear indication that cloud nuclei concentrations played a significant role in identifying storm intensity. Since N ∝ V3k/(2k+4), where V is updraft strength, N number of activated nuclei and the values of k obtained from the analyzed air samples ranged from 0.4 to 2.9, it was de...
The study of ternary metal-protein-ligand complexes using bromine-81 magnetic resonance

Bromine-81 magnetic resonance is used to detect the formation of ternary metal-protein-ligand complexes. Mercury is the metal; EDTA and lysine are the ligands; and acid phosphatase, α-chymotrypsinogen, and peroxidase are the proteins which are studied. The halide-ion probe method permits the determinations of the local correlation time and the bromide-ion exchange rate at the metal binding site. The local correlation time becomes longer as additional mass in the form of the ligand is added to the protein segment containing the metal binding site. The bromide-ion exchange rate increases upon formation of the ternary complex, which is consistent with the pattern of hetero-substitution in bromomercury (II) species. The major factors controlling the bromide-ion exchange rate appear to be steric.
Platform for Induction and Maintenance of Transgene-free hiPSCs Resembling Ground State Pluripotent Stem Cells

Cell banking, disease modeling, and cell therapy applications have placed increasing demands on hiPSC technology. Specifically, the high-throughput derivation of footprint-free hiPSCs and their expansion in systems that allow scaled production remains technically challenging. Here, we describe a platform for the rapid, parallel generation, selection, and expansion of hiPSCs using small molecule pathway inhibitors in stage-specific media compositions. The platform supported efficient and expedited episomal reprogramming using just OCT4/SOX2/SV40LT combination (0.5%-4.0%, between days 12 and 16) in a completely feeder-free environment. The resulting hiPSCs are transgene-free, readily cultured, and expanded as single cells while maintaining a homogeneous and genomically stable pluripotent population. hiPSCs generated or maintained in the media compositions described exhibit properties associated with the ground state of pluripotency. The simplicity and robustness of the system allow for the high-throughput generation and rapid expansion of a uniform hiPSC product that is applicable to industrial and clinical-grade use.
Sequence analysis of PG10.2, a gene expressed in the pineal gland and the outer nuclear layer of the retina

Abstract A cDNA (PG10.2) was cloned from rat using RNA fingerprinting by arbitrarily primed PCR (AP-PCR). Initially, a 145-bp DNA fragment was isolated from a pineal-specific band revealed on a sequencing gel. Riboprobes generated from the DNA fragment were used for hybridization histochemical and Northern analyses. Both techniques indicate a gene (8 kb mRNA) expressed only in the pineal gland and the outer nuclear layer of the retina. Two 4-kb cDNA fragments generated by 5′-RACE (rapid amplification of cDNA ends) and 3′-RACE were obtained using a long template PCR-based RACE technique. DNA sequencing revealed a single long open reading frame (ORF) encoding a predicted protein of 1239 amino acids, containing multiple motifs: a typical signal sequence of 20 amino acids at the NH2-terminus, a long extracellular domain with multiple potential glycosylation sites, a 31-amino-acid transmembrane domain near the COOH-terminus and a 109-amino-acid cytoplasmic tail. There are also two domains similar, but not identical, to EGF-like (epidermal growth factor-like) domains located just upstream of the transmembrane domain. These features suggest that this gene may encode a glycoprotein involved in cell adhesion, growth, and differentiation of pineal and retinal photoreceptor cells.
XANES Spectroscopic Characterization of Selected Elements in Deep-Cleaned Fractions of Kentucky No. 9 Coal

The mode of occurrence of various elements in Kentucky No. 9 coal has been examined by XAFS spectroscopic characterization of the elements in float and tailings fractions generated by different flotation tests and chemical leaching methods on the finely ground coal. PIXE spectroscopy was used to determine the elemental concentrations in the same fractions. In this investigation, the elements examined include the lithophile elements, K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, and Mn, and the predominantly chalcophile elements, Fe and As. The lithophile elements, except for K, exist in two distinct forms: an organically associated form that contributes as much as 50% of the occurrence of Ti, V, and Cr in the coal and a mineralogical form consisting of either illite (K, Ti, V, Cr) or calcite (Ca, Mn). In contrast, the two chalcophile elements examined are associated almost exclusively with pyrite and its oxidation products. Evidence is presented for arsenic as arsenate being incorporated in the major pyrite oxidation product, jaros...
Factors facilitating acceptable mammography services for women with disabilities

Abstract Background Prior research has described general barriers to breast cancer screening for women with disabilities (WWD). We explored specific accommodations described as necessary by WWD who have accessed screening services, and the presence of such accommodations in community-based screening programs. Methods We surveyed WWD in the Carolina Mammography Registry to determine what accommodations were needed when accessing breast screening services, and whether or not these needs were met. The sample of 1,348 WWD was identified through a survey of limitations, with a response rate of 45.5% (4,498/9,885). Of the 1,348 WWD eligible for the second survey, 739 responded for a response rate of 54.8%. Results The most frequently needed accommodations were an accessible changing area with a bench (60.0%), oral description of the procedure by the technologist (60.5%), and handicapped/accessible parking (27.6%). Handicapped parking was the need most likely to go unmet (3.1%). Conclusion Most needs are being met by radiology facilities and staff, and the few needs going unmet are related to the physical/built environment. Overall, for WWD who are in screening, the mammography system seems to be more accessible than generally perceived.
Young adults' preferences for premarital preparation program designs: An exploratory study

Although premarriage programs are widely available, relatively few couples seek formal preparation, perhaps because programs are typically structured by providers, not clients. To determine client interests for program format, an exploratory study was conducted with 185 unmarried young adults at a midwestern university. Respondents indicated interest in programs led by a combination of well-trained and respectful providers, therapist-couple formats, and awareness and skill-building emphases.
Import rate of the E1β subunit of human branched chain α-ketoacid dehydrogenase is a limiting factor in the amount of complex formed in the mitochondria

Abstract Components of the mitochondrial branched chain α-ketoacid dehydrogenase multienzyme complex are all encoded by nuclear genes. The functional complex is formed with a known stoichiometric relationship of subunits, but how they enter the mitochondria and form the complex is not defined. Although cytosolic precursors for several of the proteins have been identified, the requirements for import and processing have not been described. Here we demonstrate the similar requirements for in vitro import and processing of the three catalytic subunits unique the this complex. Import was not affected by the amount of endogenous BCKD within the mitochondria. No cooperativity or competition among the subunits for import was found when subunits were used in combination. The relative rates of entry are E1α>E2≥E1β, making E1β the limiting component supporting previously reported observations.
Policy without a plan: English as a medium of instruction in Rwanda

From the time of Belgian colonial rule, French was predominantly the medium of instruction (MOI) in Rwanda. Then, in October 2008, a Rwandan Cabinet resolution called for the immediate implementation of English as the language of instruction in all public schools at all levels – from primary to tertiary. This study reports on ethnographic interview data collected in a larger ethnography of language policy (Hornberger & Johnson 2007, 2011; Johnson 2007, 2009, 2010a, 2010b) study undertaken in Rwanda between September 2011 and June 2012. The interviews, conducted with teachers (n = 8) in two public primary schools and two public secondary schools in Southern Province, Rwanda, reveal (a) the layers and spaces in Rwandan MOI policy and practice, as well as (b) the local realities associated with implementing national language-in-education policy without an articulated plan.
Survival in women with NSCLC: the role of reproductive history and hormone use

Introduction: Although lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in women, few studies have investigated the hormonal influence on survival after a lung cancer diagnosis and results have been inconsistent. We evaluated the role of reproductive and hormonal factors in predicting overall survival in women with non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: Population-based lung cancer cases diagnosed between November 1, 2001 and October 31, 2005 were identified through the Metropolitan Detroit Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Registry. Interview and follow-up data were collected for 485 women. Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to determine hazard ratios (HRs) for death after an NSCLC diagnosis associated with reproductive and hormonal variables. Results: Use of hormone therapy (HT) was associated with improved survival (HR, 0.69; 95% confidence interval, 0.54–0.89), adjusting for stage, surgery, radiation, education level, pack-years of smoking, age at diagnosis, race, and a multiplicative interaction between stage and radiation. No other reproductive or hormonal factor was associated with survival after an NSCLC diagnosis. Increased duration of HT use before the lung cancer diagnosis (132 months or longer) was associated with improved survival (HR, 0.54; 95% confidence interval, 0.37–0.78), and this finding remained significant in women taking either estrogen alone or progesterone plus estrogen, never smokers, and smokers. Conclusion: These findings suggest that HT use, in particular use of estrogen plus progesterone, and long-term HT use are associated with improved survival of NSCLC.
Effect of laser illumination oxidation-reduction cycles upon surface-enhanced Raman scaterring from silver electrodes

Abstract The intensity of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) from thiocyanate and chloride adsorbed on silver electrodes is shown to depend critically on whether the electrode is illuminated during the oxidation-reduction cycle used to pretreat the electrode. The value and magnitude of the photoeffect is dependent upon the type of surface vibrational mode, the adsorbate and the wavelength of the radiation during the ORC. The effects are attributed to the production of SERS active clusters of Ag atoms by photoreduction of the Ag(I) phase films during the ORC.
Benchmarking Firm Capabilities to Turn Undesirable Financial Performance Around in the U.S. Restaurant Industry

This study is designed to address the issue of benchmarking firm capabilities to turn undesirable financial performance around in the U.S. restaurant industry. Following the three-stage learning process of benchmarking, this study finds that if a restaurant firm experiences value loss for the first year after a reasonable stable or well-performing time period, its strategic foci should be placed upon sales and liquidity boosting firm capabilities while holding back cautiously capital expenditure projects and the desire to raise leverage.
Chemical control of potato early blight and its effect on potato yield

Potato early blight infection was reduced significantly by Daconil 2787, Difolatan and Manzate D. Rates of 0.50 1b/A to 1.5 1b/A were effective until inoculum loads increased as the season progressed then the higher rates were significantly more effective than the lower ones. Consistent yield increases in the range of 18 to 39% were demonstrated when early blight was controlled. Statistically significant yield increases were shown in seasons when severe Verticillium wilt or early killing frosts did not shorten the growing season and negate the beneficial effects of early blight control.
789 CONTRASTS IN CAKE OF CHILDHOOD ASTHMA. BY PHYSICIANS AND MOTHERS

Differences between parents and physicians in how asthma should be managed may impact on the treatment of acute episodes. Hence, we studied differences between pediatricians' perceptions and parents' reports of hctre management of childhood asthma. 46 pediatricians from two urban teaching hospitals were asked to estimate the proportion of parents who employed specific management techniques. Appropriateness of management was tested in a random sample of families seeking care for a child with acute asthma (n=148) in an urban emergency room. Pediatricians tended to overestimate the specific medical knowledge possessed by families: pediatricians estimated that 30% of parents could count respiratory rate, whereas only 11% of families possessed this knowledge (p<.001); pediatricians estimated that 48% of patients attended an allergy clinic but only 19% actually did (p<.05). However, families used “common sense” techniques such as rest and giving liquids 30% more often than pediatricians' estimates (p<.001). A larger proportion of families (80%) stated that they understood instructions for home care than was estimated by pediatricians (62%) (p<.001), and smaller proportion of families (11%) used non-prescription drugs than physicians estimated (45%) (p<.05). We conclude that substantial incongruity exists between families' use of asthma hone care techniques and physician perceptions of management by families.
Clinical and ocular histopathological findings in a patient with normal- pressure glaucoma

Objective To study the histopathological changes of eyes from a patient with normal-pressure glaucoma whose clinical and laboratory findings were well documented. Methods Postmortem histopathological findings in a patient with normal-pressure glaucoma who had monoclonal gammopathy and serum immunoreactivity to retinal proteins were examined in comparison with those of an age-matched control subject. Clinicopathological correlations to laboratory findings were examined. Results Clinical and histopathological findings of the patient, including cavernous degeneration of optic nerve and characteristic optic nerve cupping, were similar to those in patients with glaucoma who had high intraocular pressure. In addition, we found immunoglobulin G and immonuglobulin A deposition in the ganglion cells, inner and outer nuclear layers of the retina, and evidence of apoptotic retinal cell death using terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end labeling technique. Conclusions Serum antibodies to retinal proteins and retinal immunoglobulin deposition constitute novel findings in a patient with normal-pressure glaucoma and may contribute to better understanding of the mechanisms underlying glaucomatous optic neuropathy in this disorder.
Rank order statistics for time series models

Some invariance principles are obtained for the one-sample rank order statistics of a ~-mixing or strong mixing type time series. The estimation of the center of symmetry of the time series and tests for serial dependence are considered as applications.
Orgasm Associated Incontinence (Climacturia) Following Radical Pelvic Surgery: Rates of Occurrence and Predictors

Purpose: Orgasm associated incontinence, that is the inadvertent leakage of urine at orgasm, has received little attention in the literature. We evaluated the rate of occurrence of orgasm associated incontinence following radical pelvic surgery as well as its associated factors and predictors.Materials and Methods: From January 2005 to March 2006, 696 patients were evaluated for post-radical pelvic surgery sexual dysfunction. A database was created, and descriptive statistics, chi-square analysis and logistic regression analysis were used to evaluate associated factors and predictors.Results: Of 475 patients 96 (20%) reported orgasm associated incontinence following radical pelvic surgery. The incidence was significantly less in the cystoprostatectomy group than in the open and laparoscopic radical prostatectomy groups (p <0.05). Orgasm associated incontinence was more commonly found within 12 months following surgery vs greater than 12 months (RR 0.81, 95% CI 0.72–0.92, p <0.01) and in patients with orga...
Career Development and African Americans: A Contextual Reappraisal Using the Nigrescence Construct

Abstract This paper discusses the utility of racial identity theory and the nigrescence construct as a framework for understanding the career development attitudes and behaviors of African American people. The relevance of this framework for reinterpreting and elaborating on career development theory is illustrated. Research issues pertaining to the influence of racial identity attitudes on values, perceptions of opportunities, occupational stereotyping, career decision making, and work force diversity are examined.
An Examination of the Unintended Consequences of the Rule-Out Sepsis Evaluation: A Parental Perspective

In order to document unintended consequences of the "rule-out" sepsis (ROS) evaluation, a survey of parents of infants who had undergone such an evaluation at Primary Children's Medical Center in 1997 was conducted. Sixty parents were interviewed. Parental perceptions of the sepsis evaluation and its impact on their families were recorded. Specific data evaluated included parental anxiety, impact on breastfeeding, perceived complications, financial stress, and parental preferences. The majority of parents found the ROS evaluation very stressful. Parental perception of illness increased significantly after being told the infant would require an ROS evaluation, with nearly 30% of parents, after speaking with a physician, believing their infant might die. Breastfeeding problems were reported by 36% of the mothers. Iatrogenic complications were reported by 33%. Although all infants were covered by some form of insurance, 43% of parents reported financial stress. Forty-two percent of parents would have preferred to be treated at home and all parents would prefer an evaluation that could be accomplished in 24 hours. We conclude that unintended consequences of the ROS evaluation included excessive parental anxiety, cessation of breastfeeding, iatrogenic complications, and financial stress. Suggestions to decrease these adverse consequences are given.
Inhibition of yeast phagocytosis and cell spreading by glucocorticoids in cultures of resident murine peritoneal macrophages.

AbstractThis study was initiated to determine whether the inhibition of phagocytosis and cell spreading in cortisol-treated cultures of resident murine peritoneal macrophages are glucocorticoid-directed responses. Phagocytosis of heat-killed Saccharomyces cerevisiae and cell spreading were measured in control and steroid-treated macrophage cultures over 6 days. When the cultures were exposed to testosterone, progesterone, or epicortisol, phagocytosis and cell spreading were similar to controls. In contrast, both macrophage functions were inhibited significantly in cultures treated with cortisol, methylprednisolone, dexamethasone, and triamcinolone acetonide. In addition, the rate of phagocytosis was retarded and phagocytic indices (L. E., yeast particle number/cell) were reduced in glucocorticoid-treated cultures. Dose-response studies with dexamethasone demonstrated that the ED50 for the inhibitory effect on phagocytosis was 20 nM. These results indicate that the inhibition of yeast phagocytosis and cell...
Gain and bandwidth enhancement of ferrite-loaded circular cross-section CBS antenna

This paper develops design guidelines, based on a nonuniform applied magnetic field and nonuniform magnetic field internal to the ferrite material, for ferrite-loaded circular cross-section CBS antenna that improves the gain and the tunable bandwidth by judiciously shaping and positioning of the ferrite specimen within the cavity.
Understanding and improving operating system effects in control flow prediction

Many modern applications result in a significant operating system (OS) component. The OS component has several implications including affecting the control flow transfer in the execution environment. This paper focuses on understanding the operating system effects on control flow transfer and prediction, and designing architectural support to alleviate the bottlenecks. We characterize the control flow transfer of several emerging applications on a commercial operating system. We find that the exception-driven, intermittent invocation of OS code and the user/OS branch history interference increase the misprediction in both user and kernel code.We propose two simple OS-aware control flow prediction techniques to alleviate the destructive impact of user/OS branch interference. The first one consists of capturing separate branch correlation information for user and kernel code. The second one involves using separate branch prediction tables for user and kernel code. We study the improvement contributed by the OS-aware prediction to various branch predictors ranging from simple Gshare to more elegant Agree, Multi-Hybrid and Bi-Mode predictors. On 32K entries predictors, incorporating OS-aware techniques yields up to 34%, 23%, 27% and 9% prediction accuracy improvement in Gshare, Multi-Hybrid, Agree and Bi-Mode predictors, resulting in up to 8% execution speedup.
Exogenous Cushing syndrome with inhaled fluticasone in a child receiving lopinavir/ritonavir

Objective:To describe a case of Cushing syndrome in a child during concurrent use of inhaled fluticasone propionate, nasal mometasone, and a highly active antiretroviral regimen including lopinavir/ritonavir.Case Summary:A 9-year-old boy with HIV infection and asthma developed moon fades, increased facial hair, and increased weight after fluticasone propionate inhalation (1 puff; 220 μg) therapy was begun. His antiretroviraI regimen contained the protease inhibitor combination lopinavir/ritonavir at a dose of 216/54 mg twice daily, and he had been stable for the previous 5 years. He had also been receiving intranasal mometasone for 11 months for the management of allergic rhinitis. Serum Cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone levels were consistent with adrenal suppression, These physical findings and symptoms and laboratory values normalized after discontinuation of the fluticasone propionate. The Naranjo probability scale indicated that a probable interaction occurred between lopinavir/ritonavir and f...
Real-time teleop with non-prehensile manipulation

In this work, we present a framework for teleoperation of manipulation tasks under low bandwidth, high latency conditions. This framework allows us to combine multiple manipulation and walking strategies to quickly adapt to changing mission parameters and conditions. In particular, this framework addresses the challenges of the hose attachment task of the DARPA Robotics Challenge, which encompasses walking with drag, grasping in constrained environments, and complex, close chain manipulation.
Outer membrane proteins of Fusobacterium necrophorum subsp. necrophorum and subsp. funduliforme

Fusobacterium necrophorum, classified into subsp. necrophorum (Fnn) and subsp. funduliforme (Fnf), is frequently associated with necrotic infections of animals and humans. The outer membrane proteins (OMP) of many Gram negative bacteria play an important role in bacterial adhesion and establishment of infection. The OMP profile of F. necrophorum has not been well characterized. We analyzed OMP of bovine strains of Fnn and Fnf and human strains of F. necrophorum. Electrophoretic separations of extracted OMP of Fnn and Fnf strains of cattle showed a total of 19 and 20 protein bands, respectively. The most prominent protein band was 40 kDa in Fnn and 37.5 kDa in Fnf. The four human clinical strains examined had more heterogeneous banding patterns and had different profiles than those of bovine Fnf strains. A total of 11 protein bands in Fnn and 13 protein bands in Fnf were recognized by sera from cattle with liver abscesses. The intensities of many of the bands in Fnn were higher than that of Fnf. We conclude that the two subspecies of F. necrophorum differ in their OMP profiles and the difference may account for differences in their virulence and involvement in the pathogenesis of necrotic infections.
Mid-Proterozoic lamprophyre commingled with late-stage granitic dikes of the anorogenic San Isabel batholith, Wet Mountains, Colorado

More than a dozen composite mafic-granitic dikes crop out along the northern margin of the San Isabel batholith, Wet Mountains, Colorado. The dikes crosscut and contain xenoliths of 1441 Ma granitic dikes and are in turn intruded by, but probably are coeval with, late-stage granitic dikes of the 1360 Ma San Isabel batholith. Only two other mafic representatives of the mid-Proterozoic anorogenic suite are known from Colorado. In the field, the dikes contain up to one-third granitic material by volume. Textures range from a swirling, lacy, mortarlike granite within basalt to subovoid pillows of basalt in granite. Many of the pillows contain small ovoids of the granite. The mutual inclusions and rounded to cuspate liquidlike contacts with minor mechanical mixing strongly indicate that these dikes formed through commingling of mafic and granitic liquids. The mafic dikes have the mineralogy and chemistry of lamprophyres, containing andesine, amphibole, biotite, sphene, and magnetite, with minor quartz and epidote and rare K-feldspar. Chemically, they average average 52% SiO2, and they are enriched in incompatible elements including the light rare earth elements. They are tholeiitic, compositionally similar to within-plate basalts with rift affinity. They partially mixed with the granite to produce intermediate-composition rock with 56% SiO2. The granite is a monzogranite with biotite, hornblende, and sphene. Its mineralogy and chemistry are characteristic of the San Isabel batholith. The lamprophyres may be related to mantle-derived mafic liquids that were hypothesized to have melted lower crust to produce the San Isabel batholith. The lamprophyres may have migrated up around the margin of the batholith and mixed with late-stage granite to form these composite dikes.
Quality Assessment of Weather Data and Micrometeological Flux —Impacts on Evapotranspiration Calculation

Quality assessment and control (correction) of weather data are essential to calculation of accurate and representative reference ET and to avoid biases in data. Simple visual (graphics-based) methods are presented that can be used to screen and correct large amounts of data. In the case of solar radiation, theoretical clear sky solar radiation is compared against for daily and hourly time periods. A simple least-square multiple linear regression method appears to be helpful in identifying components of eddy covariance that need adjustment to close the energy balance. The method offers an alternative to distributing error according to Bowen ratio and it provides corrections (regression coefficients) for H, LE and for soil heat flux.