cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma: a survey of practices.

GOAL To survey physician practices regarding liver transplantation for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). BACKGROUND Many issues surrounding liver transplantation for HCC are controversial and physician practices have not been well characterized. METHODS Transplant physicians and surgeons were electronically surveyed regarding surveillance, diagnosis, selection criteria for deceased and living donor transplantation, and use of adjunctive therapy for HCC. RESULTS Eighty-nine of 174 (51%) physicians completed the survey (39 hepatologists, 41 transplant surgeons, and 9 others). Most respondents were from large US transplant centers. All reported screening for HCC during transplant evaluation, and 98% surveyed patients awaiting transplant. Sixty percent of respondents would biopsy lesions under selective conditions, whereas 32% never biopsy lesions, and 8% biopsy all lesions. Eighty two percent of respondents claimed to adhere to the Milan criteria (single lesion </=5 cm or no more than 3 lesions each </=3 cm without vascular invasion) for patient selection, however, 36% would transplant patients with tumors that invade a small portal branch. Forty one percent of respondents would consider living donor transplantation for patients with tumors exceeding the Milan criteria. Ninety-six percent of respondents treat HCC before transplantation, and 87% would transplant patients down-staged to meet the Milan criteria. CONCLUSIONS There is consistency related to HCC surveillance and treatment in liver transplant candidates. Variations of responses regarding biopsy of lesions, patient selection for deceased donor and living donor transplantation highlight a need for evidence-based guidelines.
Surface banding phosphorus to increase movement into soils

Abstract Phosphorus (P) fertilizer was surface banded (9,600 kg/ha band basis or 144 kg/ha field basis) in late spring. Soil was sampled in late summer and analyzed for P to determine if banding at high concentrations caused P to move into the soil. The 10 to 40 cm and 20 to 30 cm layers below the band contained 5 to 10 times more available P in late summer than the equivalent layers in control plots. Laboratory experiments with slightly compacted soil columns eliminated simple diffusion, diurnal temperature variations, and pH changes in drainage water as the main factors causing the rapid P movement in the field. The curvilinear relationship between depth and P concentration in the laboratory columns is consistent with slow diffusion‐type chemical processes, and the linear relationship in the field is consistent with physical processes, such as passive movement in density currents.
Diagnostic Significance of Detecting Dysgranulopoiesis in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia

We examined whether the detection of dysgranulopoiesis in blood or bone marrow would predict chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in transformation in 31 cases that fulfilled World Health Organization criteria for disease transformation, including 14 in accelerated phase (AP), 10 in myeloid blast crisis (MBC), and 7 in lymphoid blast crisis (LBC). Dysgranulopoiesis was detected in 7 cases, 6 in AP and 1 in MBC, but not in LBC or chronic phase cases. In 3 AP cases, dysgranulopoiesis was identified 2 to 5 months before the morphologic diagnosis of transformation. Two AP cases showed no dysgranulopoiesis in previous blood or marrow smears. For 2 cases (1 AP and 1 MBC), no previous blood or marrow specimens were available. Cytogenetic information was available for 6 of 7 cases with and 22 of 24 cases without dysgranulopoiesis. All cases with dysgranulopoiesis had secondary chromosome abnormalities in addition to t(9;22). In 5 (83%) of 6 cases with dysgranulopoiesis, the secondary chromosome abnormalities included abnormalities of 17p. In contrast, none of the 22 cases of CML in AP or BC but without dysgranulopoiesis showed 17p abnormalities (P = .001). Our findings demonstrated that dysgranulopoiesis was associated strongly with chromosome 17p abnormalities and may indicate the onset of or impending disease transformation.
Delayed increase in neuronal nitric oxide synthase immunoreactivity in thalamus and other brain regions after hypoxic-ischemic injury in neonatal rats

We examined the response of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS)-containing CNS neurons in rats exposed to a unilateral hypoxic-ischemic insult at 7 days of age. Animals were sacrificed at several time points after the injury, up to and including 7 days (Postnatal Day 14). Brain regions ipsilateral to the injury (including cerebral cortex, caudate-putamen, and thalamus) exhibited delayed, focal increases in nNOS immunoreactivity. The increase in nNOS immunoreactive fiber staining was prominent in areas adjacent to severe neuronal damage, especially in the cortex and the thalamus, regions that are also heavily and focally injured in term human neonates with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. In cerebral cortex, these increases occurred despite modest declines in nNOS catalytic activity and protein levels. Proliferation of surviving nNOS immunoreactive fibers highlights regions of selective vulnerability to hypoxic-ischemic insult in the neonatal brain and may also contribute to plasticity of neuronal circuitry during recovery.
Normal vibrational analysis of a rigid rod polymer: poly(p-phenylene terephthalamide)

The authors have analysed the vibrational spectra of poly(p-phenylene terephthalalamide). The structure used is identical to that obtained from X-ray diffraction and all the internal coordinates have been defined. A specific set of non-redundant symmetry coordinates was used in the normal vibrational calculation. Satisfactory assignments were made in the region above 800 cm−1. The authors have estimated the ultimate tensile modulus using diagonal force constants and the dispersion curves associated with PPTA. The modulus value was obtained from the slope of the longitudinal acoustic vibration near the zone centre. A value of 241 GPa was obtained.
Response Sets as Personality Concepts

This study examined behavioral correlates of three response-set measures. High and low extreme scorers were selected on Edwards' SD scale, the Marlowe-Crowne social desirability (NA: need for approval) scale, and Wiggins' acquiescence (Rb) scale. All Ss performed a dart-throwing task which gave them an opportunity to display either socially desirable behavior (refusal to cheat) or approval-motivated behavior (cheating). Acquiescent behavior was assessed from a standardized interview using trivial questions. High SDSs cheated less than low SD Ss and high NA Ss cheated more than low NA Ss on one of several cheating measures employed. Acquiescent interview behavior was strongly related to Rb scores. The results thus offered limited support for the utility of response set measures as personality concepts.
Evaporation of Lava and its Condensation from the Vapour Phase in Terrestrial and Lunar Volcanism

Stable aerosol formation from vapor pressure of hot lava of volcanic eruptions, causing evaporation and condensation from gas phase
Mechanical synthesis of nanocrystalline α-Al2O3 seeds for enhanced transformation kinetics

Abstract The mechanical synthesis of nanocrystalline α-Al 2 O 3 seeds from γ-Al 2 O 3 to enhance the phase transformation kinetics of alumina is described. The effect of milling time on crystallite size, transformation temperature, transformation kinetics, and seed density are reported. It is shown that the transformation rate can be increased by several orders of magnitude by milling the material for short time periods.
Science and behavior therapy: A survey of research in the 1970s

Abstract A representative sample of a decade of contributors to the journals Behavior Therapy, Behaviour Research and Therapy, Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis and the Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry was asked to report on their motivations for conducting studies that had been published in that journal. Results indicated that the primary motivation of behavioral researchers was to build on prior research through gathering and analysis of data to illuminate applied-clinical issues and validate treatment procedures. Few researchers reported consultation arrangements or efforts to replicate as their motivation for research. Most respondents described the training model in which they had received their doctoral education as oriented toward a scientist-practitioner approach rather than one that focused primarily on research, therapy or assessment training. Most respondents noted that their philosophy of behavior therapy at the time of the study in question to be applied behavior analysis or social-learning theory with far less being affiliated with a neobehavioristic mediational S-R model or cognitive behavior modification. These results are discussed within the context of the relevance of clinical research in behavior therapy and professional psychology.
A potent inhibitor of ethylene action in plants.

Ag(I), applied foliarly as AgNO3, effectively blocked the ability of exogenously applied ethylene to elicit the classical “triple” response in intact etiolated peas (Pisum sativumcv. Alaska); stimulate leaf, flower, and fruit abscission in cotton (Gossypium hirsutumcv. Stoneville 213); and induce senescence of orchids (Hybrid white Cattleya, Louise Georgeianna). This property of Ag(I) surpasses that of the well known ethylene antagonist, CO2, and its persistence, specificity, and lack of phytotoxicity at effective concentrations should prove useful in defining further the role of ethylene in plant growth.
Factors Related to Social Competence in Elementary School Among Children of Adolescent Mothers

This study examined factors related to social competence in first grade among children of low-income, adolescent mothers. The sample included 83 mother–child dyads who had participated in a family support program for adolescent mothers. Characteristics of the child, mother, and the child's living context were examined for their relationship to children's social skills and problem behaviors. Several factors had significant bivariate relationships with social competence. Children with higher social skills and lower levels of problem behaviors were more likely to have received higher quality parenting, to have higher academic skills, and to live in neighborhoods with lower poverty rates. Children with higher social skills were less likely to have changed schools. In a path analysis, only academic skills were significantly related to either measure of social competence when other factors were controlled. Quality of parenting was indirectly related to social competence, and the effect was mediated by academic skills. School transience was also related to academic skills in the path analysis.
Sonoporation of cultured cells in the rotating tube exposure system.

Abstract Suspensions of Chinese hamster ovary cells were exposed to ultrasound in the presence of fluorescent dextran to determine the conditions needed for sonoporation with uptake of the large molecules. Albunex®, a gas-body–based ultrasound contrast agent, was added to enhance cavitation. Ultrasound was continuous wave at frequencies of 1.0, 1.68, 2.25, 3.3, 5.3, and 7.15 MHz. Sterile 4.5-mL exposure chambers were rotated at 60 rpm to promote cavitation activity during the 1-min exposures. After exposure, cells were tested for sonoporation by counting fluorescent cells and for cell lysis by counting cells stained by trypan blue. Sonoporation was a sensitive bioeffects indicator that was detected at pressure amplitudes lower than were needed for transient cavitation or cavitation-induced cell lysis. For 10% Albunex, apparent thresholds for sonoporation, which were comparable to the levels required to perturb the gas bodies, were 0.084 MPa (spatial peak negative pressure amplitude) from 1.0–3.3 MHz and 0.27 MPa at 5.3 and 7.15 MHz. Sonoporation decreased slightly if the tube was not rotated. The effects increased for increasing Albunex concentration (with rotation). The plating efficiency of cells exposed to 0.2 MPa at 2.25 MHz and sorted by a flow cytometer was 19% (3.6% standard deviation [SD]) for fluorescent cells, compared to 67% (1% SD) for nonfluorescent exposed cells and 62% (6% SD) for sham-exposed cells. The reduced viability represents an important consideration for possible applications of sonoporation.
Gender, Ethnic Group, and Homelessness as Predictors of Locus of Control Among Job Training Participants

The effect of gender, ethnicity, and homelessness on the locus of control orientations of 113 participants in a job training program in the United States was investigated. It was expected that homeless women of color (Black and Hispanic) would have the strongest perception that powerful others influenced their lives. The Black participants tended to believe more strongly in the influence of chance and powerful others than the White participants did.
The impact of a novel resident leadership training curriculum.

Abstract Background Today's complex health care environment coupled with the 80-hour workweek mandate has required that surgical resident team interactions evolve from a military command-and-control style to a collaborative leadership style. Methods A novel educational curriculum was implemented with objectives of training the residents to have the capacity/ability to create and manage powerful teams through alignment, communication, and integrity integral tools to practicing a collaborative leadership style while working 80 hours per week. Specific strategies were as follows: (1) to focus on quality of patient care and service while receiving a high education-to-service ratio, and (2) to maximize efficiency through time management. Results This article shows that leadership training as part of a resident curriculum can significantly increase a resident's view of leadership in the areas of alignment, communication, and integrity; tools previously shown in business models to be vital for effective and efficient teams. Conclusion This curriculum, over the course of the surgical residency, can provide residents with the necessary tools to deliver efficient quality of care while working within the 80-hour workweek mandate in a more collaborative style environment.
Lineage as Capital: Genealogy in Antebellum New England

The lives of two women and three men in antebellum Massachusetts and New Hampshire demonstrate that genealogical practices buttressed class distinctions and that genealogists researched lineages that best fit their definitions of propriety. Documented seventeenth-century lineages constituted social capital. Yet genealogy showed also that class could be made as well as inherited.
Enforcing the Chinese wall model for tenant conflict of interest in the service cloud

The service cloud provisions the services from different vendors into an application that can respond to tenant requests. Thus, the service cloud model must support provisioning services for the request without incurring a Conflict of Interest (COI) in their message exchange among vendors. Service vendors must disclose their COI classes for storage and analysis by the cloud because as services are provisioned to an application, additional conflict classes may be added, preventing the service from future compositions to avoid COI. In this paper, we present a strategy to centrally store and monitor COI classes for services using principles of the Chinese wall model. We introduce a Security Monitoring Database (SMDB) that encompasses the repositories and resources to audit the COI classes as they are assigned to hosted services. We describe an algorithm to prevent COI before provisioning services and dynamically detect it during runtime using the SMDB information.
(GaAl)As/GaAs heterojunction bipolar transistors with graded composition in the base

The first fabrication and high-speed operation of a three-terminal (AlGa)As/GaAs heterojunction bipolar transistor with graded bandgap base is reported. Cutoff frequencies up to 16 GHz have been achieved in devices fabricated from material made by molecular beam epitaxy. This work demonstrates the feasibility of using a graded (AlGa)As base to enhance the speed of heterojunction bipolar transistors.
Practice Quality Improvement During Residency: Where Do We Stand and Where Can We Improve?

Rationale and Objectives Completing a systems-based practice project, equivalent to a practice quality improvement project (PQI), is a residency requirement by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education and an American Board of Radiology milestone. The aim of this study was to assess the residents' perspectives on quality improvement projects in radiology. Materials and Methods Survey data were collected from 154 trainee members of the Association of University Radiologists to evaluate the residents' views on PQI. Results Most residents were aware of the requirement of completing a PQI project and had faculty mentors for their projects. Residents who thought it was difficult to find a mentor were more likely to start their project later in residency ( P P = .0091). Residents who rated the five surveyed PQI steps (coming up with an idea, finding a mentor, designing a project, finding resources, and finding time) as difficult steps were more likely to not have initiated a PQI project ( P P = .0046 for time). Conclusion We present five practical areas of improvement to make PQI a valuable learning experience: 1) Increasing awareness of PQI and providing ideas for projects, 2) encouraging faculty mentorship and publication, 3) educating residents about project design and implementation, 4) providing resources such as books and funds, and 5) allowing dedicated time.
On the lipids of the egg of the grasshopper, Aulocara elliotti☆

A qualitative and quantitative study was made of the lipids of the egg of the grasshopper species Aulocara elliotti (Thomas) during embryogenesis. Eggs from four wild populations and a fifth population reared in the greenhouse at three population densities were analysed and the results compared with respect to content of triglycerides, diglycerides, free sterols, and steryl esters. Column, thin-layer, and gas chromatography and infrared spectrophotometry were used for separation and identification of component lipids. Each 100 egg sample (0·7–1·0 g fresh weight) contained 28 to 37 mg of triglycerides and about 1 mg of each of the other three classes studied. Only trace amounts of free fatty acids, was esters, and monoglycerides were found. No fatty alcohols could be detected. About 15 mg or more of phospholipid material were present per 100 egg sample. Fatty acid methyl esters of triglycerides, diglycerides, and steryl ester fatty acids were found by gas chromatography to be composed of 12:0, 14:0, 16:0, 16:1, 18:0, 18:1, 18:2, and 18:3 fatty acids. Relative quantitative differences were found between the fatty acid patterns of different wild populations, whereas the eggs from greenhouse-reared grasshoppers, from all densities, differed widely from the wild populations. No direct effect of population density, on the lipids studied, could be demonstrated. The predominant fatty acid in the triglycerides and diglycerides was found to be 18:3, whereas the major fatty acid in the steryl esters of wild populations was 18:2. No change in lipid content throughout diapause could be discerned, but a considerable decrease, particularly in the triglyceride fraction, occurred during the course of post-diapause development. The free sterols consisted of about 95 per cent cholesterol, with campesterol and β-sitosterol making up the remainder. The steryl ester sterols were made up of essentially the same components as the free sterols. No noticeable change occurred in the sterols during either diapause or post-diapause development.
Shortest-path algorithms: Taxonomy and annotation

We have evolved a classification scheme to characterize algorithms for solving shortestpath problems. The algorithms are classified according to (A) the problem type, i.e., the question being asked about the given network; (B) the input type, i.e., the salient features of the given network which impact on the design of the algorithm and selection of data structures; and (C) the type of underlying technique employed to solve the problem. An annotated bibliography of 79 selected references on shortest-path algorithms is included. We have also provided a more complete listing of 222 references carefully culled out of a larger body of literature on shortest-path algorithms through the year 1979.
Mouse CFTR Exhibits Multiple Characteristic Differences from Human CFTR

Currently available murine CF models have failed to replicate CF-like spontaneous obstructive lung disease until challenged with bacteria or LPS. It has been reported that the delF508-mCFTR mutant does not exhibit mistrafficking behavior as seen in delF508-hCFTR, and that mCFTR single channel behavior is distinctly different from hCFTR. We have investigated and compared the channel behavior of mCFTR and hCFTR expressed in Xenopus oocytes using electrophysiology combined with mutagenesis. The results are: (1) GlyH-101 blocked hCFTR with Kd 4.9 µM while GlyH-101 blocked mCFTR with Kd 32 µM at VM=-60 mV. GlyH-101 failed to block R334A and R334C in both hCFTR and mCFTR. (2) GlyH-101 activated mCFTR but not hCFTR in a concentration-dependent manner with Kd 103 µM. GlyH-101 only exhibited the activation effect on R334A-mCFTR. (3) 10 µM VX-770 transiently increased hCFTR ∼30%, while activated mCFTR in a time-dependent manner to > 2 fold. (4) Glibenclamide (Glyb) only inhibited hCFTR (Kd 22 µM at Vm = −120 mV) but also inhibited mCFTR (Kd 18 µM at Vm = −120 mV) and activated mCFTR (Kd 5 µM at Vm = 100 mV). Similar phenomena were seen in both whole cell (TEVC) and inside-out macropatch configuration. (5) Whereas human CFTR opens to the full open state (f) over 98% of the open time, mCFTR occupies the f state 60% of the open time, with the rest spend in the subconductance 1 (s1) or subconductance 2 (s2) at Vm= −100mV. Conclusion: (1) mCFTR channel behavior differs from hCFTR in multiple respects. (2) The differences between mCFTR and hCFTR will provide a tool in identifying the binding sites and mechanism of VX-770 and GlyH-101. (NIH R01-DK 056481).
Internet MBone broadcast management system

The Internet Multicast Backbone (MBone) has seen tremendous growth during the past four years. For the past three and a half years, we have broadcast a weekly seminar on the MBone. The effort to set up and produce each broadcast has grown as we worked to improve the broadcasts and to support more services (e.g., on-demand playback, recording, video effect, etc.) This problem motivated us to develop a system to automate the tasks required to produce a broadcast. The motivation, requirements, and implementation of the system are presented.
Need for Affiliation, Self-Esteem, and Social Distance of Black Americans.

One hundred three undergraduate men at Howard University were administered a projective measure of the need for affiliation, a self-esteem scale, and a modified version of the Bogardus Social Distance Scale that compared the subject's social distance from his own ethnic group with his social distance from the average of 20 other American ethnic groups. High need for affiliation and high self-esteem were related to small social distance between own and other ethnic groups. Low need for affiliation and low self-esteem interacted to produce the largest social distance. Implications for occupational mobility are discussed.
Variational principles for time-dependent transport problems

Abstract When applied to time dependent systems, conventional methods of defining variational integrals usually do not yield extremum conditions. If the appropriate equations of transport have linear, transient solutions, this limitation can be overcome by use of the Laplace transformation. This method yields a basis for comparison of trial functions and a framework for a convergent series of approximations. Dissipation functions obtained in this way take on a minimum value only if the physical fields are uncoupled, exhibiting a property of equipartion otherwise. Examples are used to compare approximate methods of solution.
Policy Subsystems and Regimes: Organized Interests and Climate Change Policy

This research is an examination of the role of organized interests in international climate change policy formation. Systematic survey results are used to demonstrate that organized interests actually engage in the same activities in both the international and domestic arenas. This research demonstrates that the climate change negotiations can be characterized as both a policy subsystem and an international regime. It is further argued that these two concepts are in fact highly analogous, thereby facilitating new cross-discipline research opportunities. The research is based on a web survey of organized interests accredited by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and on interviews and field research at the 8th Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC in New Delhi, India.
Sortase D Forms the Covalent Bond That Links BcpB to the Tip of Bacillus cereus Pili

Bacillus cereus and other Gram-positive bacteria elaborate pili via a sortase D-catalyzed transpeptidation mechanism from major and minor pilin precursor substrates. After cleavage of the LPXTG sorting signal of the major pilin, BcpA, sortase D forms an amide bond between the C-terminal threonine and the amino group of lysine within the YPKN motif of another BcpA subunit. Pilus assembly terminates upon sortase A cleavage of the BcpA sorting signal, resulting in a covalent bond between BcpA and the cell wall cross-bridge. Here, we show that the IPNTG sorting signal of BcpB, the minor pilin, is cleaved by sortase D but not by sortase A. The C-terminal threonine of BcpB is amide-linked to the YPKN motif of BcpA, thereby positioning BcpB at the tip of pili. Thus, unique attributes of the sorting signals of minor pilins provide Gram-positive bacteria with a universal mechanism ordering assembly of pili.
A new surgical procedure in the treatment of prolapse of the uterus and bladder

Abstract Prolapse of the uterus and bladder is usually the result of trauma at childbirth, in which injury and weakness of the urogenital trigone and perineum are the common factors governing the extent of the prolapse. A new surgical procedure for the treatment of the above is described. The operation is not applicable before the menopause and only when the fundus is healthy. The incidence of carcinoma of the cervix at this age justifies its amputation; also, this shortens the elongated uterus and gives a more suitable body for fixation to the rami. The additional support obtained by suturing the fundus to the rami renders this a rational procedure.
Hydrologic history of the Mississippi and Lower Missouri Rivers based upon a refined specific-gauge approach

A refined specific-gauge approach was developed to quantify changes over time in hydrological response on 3260 km of the Mississippi River system using long-term data observed at 67 hydrologic measurement stations. Of these stations, 49 were unrated (stage-only) stations, for which over 2 000 000 ‘synthetic discharges’ were generated based on measured discharge values at nearby rated stations. The addition of these synthetic discharges nearly tripled the number of stations in the study area for which specific-gauge analysis could be performed. In order to maintain spatial homogeneity across such a broad study area, discharges were normalized to multiples of mean daily flow (MDF). Specific-gauge analysis calculates stage changes over time for invariant discharge conditions. Two discharges were analysed: low-flow and flood conditions at each station. In order to avoid the large errors associated with extrapolation of annual rating curves, a new ‘enhanced interpolation’ technique was developed that calculates continuous specific-stage time series, even for rare discharges. Thus enhanced, specific-gauge analysis is a useful reconnaissance tool for detecting geomorphic and hydrologic trends over time. Results show that on the Middle Mississippi River and Lower Missouri River, flood stages increased at all stations in spite of widespread incision of the river bed. On the Lower Mississippi River, both low-flow and flood stages decreased, mainly the result of artificial meander cutoffs in the late 1920s and 1930s, except downstream of Natchez, MS, where net aggradation was observed. On the Upper Mississippi River, the specific-gauge trends were dominated by emplacement of navigational dams and impoundment of slackwater pools. On all four river reaches, these results document hydrologic responses to the different engineering toolkits used on the different portions of the Mississippi River system during the past 75–150 years. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Theory of projection of spurious center of mass and rotational states from many-body nuclear wave functions

Abstract A general procedure for projecting spurious center of mass and spurious rotational states from many-body nuclear wavefunctions is given. The procedure is based on the method of redundant variables. The spurious degrees of freedom are projected by adding well-defined potentials in the redundant variables. It is shown that the center-of-mass motion can be separated for arbitrary single-particle potentials. As a simple example the method is quantitatively carried through for the center-of-mass projection from a deformed oscillator potential. In addition, this procedure is applied to eliminate spurious rotational states which are contained in the intrinsic motion of a microscopic description for deformed nuclei. This description is based on an earlier discussion of nuclear rotational states by Villars. For many-body nuclear wavefunctions obtained in a Nilsson type model estimates of the rotational spuriosity are given.
Congruence between Parents' and Children's Three-Letter Holland Codes

In this study the associations of three-letter Holland codes of 40 parents and their children (20 mothers and daughters, 20 fathers and sons) were analyzed. Implications for school counselors, based on the results, are briefly discussed.
Memristor-based fine resolution programmable resistance and its applications

This paper demonstrates that memristors can be used to form a fine resolution programmable resistance without perturbations by parasitic components. By exploiting the memristor characteristics, fine resolution programmable memristance is achieved by varying the amount of charges flowing or flux across the memristor. Under the same circuit configuration with same or even less amount of parasitics, memristance is reconfigured with fine resolution by controlling the input pulse width and its frequency. This paper shows an example of pulse programmed memristors and their analog circuit applications.
Can there be Random Individuals

Mathematicians, logicians, and others occasionally use the idea of ‘random individuals’ in their expositions, and sometimes even have resort to these for serious theoretical purposes. The object of the present note is to demonstrate the logical impropriety of such procedure.
The Evans-Krylov theorem for nonlocal fully nonlinear equations

We prove a regularity result for solutions of a purely integro-differential Bellman equation. This regularity is enough for the solutions to be understood in the classical sense. If we let the order of the equation approach two, we recover the theorem of Evans and Krylov about the regularity of solutions to concave uniformly elliptic partial differential equations.
Using mRNAs lengths to accurately predict the alternatively spliced gene products in Caenorhabditis elegans

Motivation: Computational gene prediction methods are an important component of whole genome analyses. While ab initio gene finders have demonstrated major improvements in accuracy, the most reliable methods are evidence-based gene predictors. These algorithms can rely on several different sources of evidence including predictions from multiple ab initio gene finders, matches to known proteins, sequence conservation and partial cDNAs to predict the final product. Despite the success of these algorithms, prediction of complete gene structures, especially for alternatively spliced products, remains a difficult task. Results: LOCUS (Length Optimized Characterization of Unknown Spliceforms) is a new evidence-based gene finding algorithm which integrates a length-constraint into a dynamic programming-based framework for prediction of gene products. On a Caenorhabditis elegans test set of alternatively spliced internal exons, its performance exceeds that of current ab initio gene finders and in most cases can accurately predict the correct form of all the alternative products. As the length information used by the algorithm can be obtained in a high-throughput fashion, we propose that integration of such information into a gene-prediction pipeline is feasible and doing so may improve our ability to fully characterize the complete set of mRNAs for a genome. Availability: LOCUS is available from http://ural.wustl.edu/software.html Contact: stormo@genetics.wustl.edu
Secure secret reconstruction and multi-secret sharing schemes with unconditional security

In Shamir's t, n secret sharing SS scheme, the secret s is divided into n shares by a dealer and is shared among n shareholders in such a way that any t or more than t shares can reconstruct this secret; but fewer than t shares cannot obtain any information about the secret s. In this paper, we will introduce the security problem that an adversary can obtain the secret when there are more than t participants in Shamir's secret reconstruction. A secure secret reconstruction scheme, which prevents the adversary from obtaining the secret is proposed. In our scheme, Lagrange components, which are linear combination of shares, are used to reconstruct the secret. Lagrange component can protect shares unconditionally. We show that this scheme can be extended to design a multi-secret sharing scheme. All existing multi-secret sharing schemes are based on some cryptographic assumptions, such as a secure one-way function or solving the discrete logarithm problem; but, our proposed multi-secret sharing scheme is unconditionally secure. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Understanding Bone responses in B-mode Ultrasound Images and Automatic Bone Surface extraction using a Bayesian Probabilistic Framework

The registration of preoperative CT to intra-operative reality systems is a crucial step in Computer Assisted Orthopedic Surgery (CAOS). The intra-operative sensors include 3D digitizers, fiducials, X-rays and Ultrasound (US). Although US has many advantages over others, tracked US for Orthopedic Surgery has been researched by only a few authors. An important factor limiting the accuracy of tracked US to CT registration (1-3mm) has been the difficulty in determining the exact location of the bone surfaces in the US images (the response could range from 2-4mm). Thus it is crucial to localize the bone surface accurately from these images. Moreover conventional US imaging systems are known to have certain inherent inaccuracies, mainly due to the fact that the imaging model is assumed planar. This creates the need to develop a bone segmentation framework that can couple information from various post-processed spatially separated US images (of the bone) to enhance the localization of the bone surface. In this paper we discuss the various reasons that cause inherent uncertainties in the bone surface localization (in B-mode US images) and suggest methods to account for these. We also develop a method for automatic bone surface detection. To do so, we account objectively for the high-level understanding of the various bone surface features visible in typical US images. A combination of these features would finally decide the surface position. We use a Bayesian probabilistic framework, which strikes a fair balance between high level understanding from features in an image and the low level number crunching of standard image processing techniques. It also provides us with a mathematical approach that facilitates combining multiple images to augment the bone surface estimate.
Viscosity reduction and reformation of structure in orange concentrate as affected by homogenization within commercial taste evaporators

Experiments were undertaken to determine, if homogenization would reduce viscosity of bulk orange concentrate during commercial production and if a structure built-up during storage. Homogenizers, installed within two Taste evaporators at separate citrus processing plants, were cycled “on” for homogenized samples and “off” for controls. In four replicates, homogenization significantly reduced viscosity 19% average. Samples were stored 6 months under tank farm conditions. Structure increased in 5 of 8 samples, but homogenized samples remained significantly lower in viscosity. This confirmed earlier pilot plant results under commercial operations.
From Poor Performance to Success under Stress: Working Memory, Strategy Selection, and Mathematical Problem Solving under Pressure.

Two experiments demonstrate how individual differences in working memory (WM) impact the strategies used to solve complex math problems and how consequential testing situations alter strategy use. In Experiment 1, individuals performed multistep math problems under low- or high-pressure conditions and reported their problem-solving strategies. Under low-pressure conditions, the higher individuals' WM, the more likely they were to use computationally demanding algorithms (vs. simpler shortcuts) to solve the problems, and the more accurate their math performance. Under high-pressure conditions, higher WM individuals used simpler (and less efficacious) problem-solving strategies, and their performance accuracy suffered. Experiment 2 turned the tables by using a math task for which a simpler strategy was optimal (produced accurate performance in few problem steps). Now, under low-pressure conditions, the lower individuals' WM, the better their performance (the more likely they relied on a simple, but accurate, problem strategy). And, under pressure, higher WM individuals performed optimally by using the simpler strategies lower WM individuals employed. WM availability influences how individuals approach math problems, with the nature of the task performed and the performance environment dictating skill success or failure.
How Critical are Critical Reviews? The Box Office Effects of Film Critics, Star Power, and Budgets:

The authors investigate how critics affect the box office performance of films and how the effects may be moderated by stars and budgets. The authors examine the process through which critics affect box office revenue, that is, whether they influence the decision of the film going public (their role as influencers), merely predict the decision (their role as predictors), or do both. They find that both positive and negative reviews are correlated with weekly box office revenue over an eight-week period, suggesting that critics play a dual role: They can influence and predict box office revenue. However, the authors find the impact of negative reviews (but not positive reviews) to diminish over time, a pattern that is more consistent with critics’ role as influencers. The authors then compare the positive impact of good reviews with the negative impact of bad reviews to find that film reviews evidence a negativity bias; that is, negative reviews hurt performance more than positive reviews help performance, but only during the first week of a film’s run. Finally, the authors examine two key moderators of critical reviews, stars and budgets, and find that popular stars and big budgets enhance box office revenue for films that receive more negative critical reviews than positive critical reviews but do little for films that receive more positive reviews than negative reviews. Taken together, the findings not only replicate and extend prior research on critical reviews and box office performance but also offer insight into how film studios can strategically manage the review process to enhance box office revenue.
A Multi-Stage Longitudinal Comparative Design Stage II Evaluation of the Changing Lives Program: The Life Course Interview (RDA-LCI).

The study reported in this article, a Multi-Stage Longitudinal Comparative Design Stage II evaluation conducted as a planned preliminary efficacy evaluation (psychometric evaluation of measures, sh...
The Effect of Chili, Curry and Black Pepper Powders in Diets for Broiler Chicks

Abstract Several levels of chili powder, curry powder and black pepper were fed to male Arbor-Acre Indian River cross, broiler chicks from 0–4 weeks of age. It was concluded that curry, chili and black pepper powders at 6, 12 and 1.5% or more of diet, respectively, were all detrimental to the growth of broiler-type chicks, when added to a corn-milo-soybean meal type diet. Those spices added no flavoring to the meat.
Disparities in Identification of Comorbid Diagnoses in Children With ADHD

Aims. This study explores disparities in identification of educationally relevant comorbidities and medication prescribing practices for children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and either comprehensive neurodevelopmental evaluations or evaluations limited by insurance to behavior management with medication. Methods. This study was a retrospective chart review of 5- to 10-year-old children with ADHD diagnosed at the initial evaluation. Data collected included demographics, rates of comorbid conditions, medication management, and educational interventions. Results. The 2 groups were similar in age, educational supports, and medication management. The group with insurance permitting comprehensive evaluations was more likely to be Caucasian, have higher parental education levels, and have more comorbid conditions identified with academic impact. Conclusions. School-aged children with ADHD are likely to receive similar educational and medication management despite differences in evaluatio...
Overexpression of a serine carboxypeptidase increases carpel number and seed production in Arabidopsis thaliana

Seed production is an ultimate component of crop yield. Increasing seed production has long been a pursuit for crop breeders and is an indisputable measure of food safety. Advances in biotechnology can provide novel means to achieve increased seed production by genetic engineering. Overexpression of ECS1 (Extra Carpels and Seeds), a gene encoding a serine carboxypeptidase, partially suppresses the leaf phenotypes of mutant bri1-5, a weak allele of brassinosteroid-insensitive 1 (BRI1). Moreover, overexpression of ECS1 increases the number of carpels and seeds per fruit (silique) in Arabidopsis thaliana. Most of the ECS1-overexpressing lines have three-carpel siliques instead of two-carpel siliques found in wild type, while some even have four-carpel siliques. Wild-type plants have an average seed number of 66.2 ± 3.6 per silique, whereas ECS1-overexpressing lines contain 88.1 ± 4.1 seeds per silique. The total seed weight per silique increases by about 33% in ECS1-overexpressing plants due to the increased total number of seeds. In addition, ECS1 overexpression enhances the multi-carpel phenotypes in clavata3-2 and causes severely fasciated stems in det2 mutants. To the best of our knowledge, it has not been previously shown that overexpressions of genes that encode serine carboxypeptidases are implicated in reproductive development or produce an increased carpel and seed numbers in any plant species.
Personality Tendencies and Sustained Attention in Preschool Children

Resume Les rapports des etudes des differences dans l'activite attentive des jeunes enfants contiennent des temoignages en conflit a l'egard du facteur causal ou facteurs qui gouvernent l'etendue de l'attention; on a suggere l'intelligence, l'ǎge, le sexe, et le nombre d'enfants dans la famille pour expliquer les differences notees. Cette etude-ci contient de l'evidence qui montre que la vraie cause fondamentale de la difference dans le comportement attentif des enfants de l'ǎge prescolaire se trouve dans les differences de personnalite. Les sujets de cette etude ont ete trente-six enfants, ǎges de trois, quatre et cinq ans. Le degre de relation existant entre les tendances de personnalite des sujets et leur etendue d'attention ont ete trouves au moyen de la comparaison des donnees des traits introvertis et extrovertis, determinee par l'Echelle d'Evaluation de la Personalite de Marston, et les donnees sur l'attention soutenue, mesuree par une experience faite par l'auteur. Une relation constante se montre...
Examining multiple sublethal contaminants on the gray treefrog (Hyla versicolor) : Effects of an insecticide, herbicide, and fertilizer

We examined the single and interactive effects of an insecticide, an herbicide, and a fertilizer on gray treefrog (Hyla versicolor) tadpoles. Tadpoles were reared in mesocosms from hatching through metamorphosis and were exposed to the presence or absence of as many as three contaminants. Tadpoles did not appear to be more susceptible to single versus multiple contaminants, which may result from positive changes in food resources that compensate for the effects of other contaminants.
Assessment of Modal-Pushover-Based Scaling Procedure for Nonlinear Response History Analysis of Ordinary Standard Bridges

The earthquake engineering profession is increasingly utilizing nonlinear response history analyses (RHA) to evaluate seismic performance of existing structures and proposed designs of new structures. One of the main ingredients of nonlinear RHA is a set of ground motion records representing the expected hazard environment for the structure. When recorded motions do not exist (as is the case in the central United States) or when high-intensity records are needed (as is the case in San Francisco and Los Angeles), ground motions from other tectonically similar regions need to be selected and scaled. The modal-pushover-based scaling (MPS) procedure was recently developed to determine scale factors for a small number of records such that the scaled records provide accurate and efficient estimates of "true" median structural responses. The adjective "accurate" refers to the discrepancy between the benchmark responses and those computed from the MPS procedure. The adjective "efficient" refers to the record-to-record variability of responses. In this paper, the accuracy and efficiency of the MPS procedure are evaluated by applying it to four types of existing Ordinary Standard bridges typical of reinforced concrete bridge con- struction in California. These bridges are the single-bent overpass, multi-span bridge, curved bridge, and skew bridge. As compared with benchmark analyses of unscaled records using a larger catalog of ground motions, it is demonstrated that the MPS procedure provided an accurate estimate of the engineering demand parameters (EDPs) accompanied by significantly reduced record-to-record variability of the EDPs. Thus, it is a useful tool for scaling ground motions as input to nonlinear RHAs of Ordinary Standard bridges. DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE) BE.1943-5592.0000259. © 2012 American Society of Civil Engineers. CE Database subject headings: Bridges; Nonlinear analysis; Ground motion; Seismic design; History. Author keywords: Ordinary Standard bridge; Nonlinear analysis; Ground motion; Selection and scaling; Seismic design.