cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
THE FINE STRUCTURE OF THE NUCLEUS AND NUCLEAR ASSOCIATIONS OF DEVELOPING CARPOSPORANGIA IN POLYSIPHONIA NOVAE‐ANGLIAE (RHODOPHYTA)1

SUMMARY A high degree of activity of the nuclei in the developing carposporangia of the red alga Polysiphonia novae-angliae Taylor is described. Profiles of the nucleus are greatly convoluted, resulting in a much increased surface area. Regions where endoplasmic reticulum substitutes for the nuclear envelope are frequently observed. Various cytoplasmic reserves are associated with the nucleus during carposporangium maturation. Lipid bodies, fibrillar bodies, and striated vesicles (or cylindrical bodies) may occur within the nucleoplasm beneath areas of the nuclear envelope substituted by ER. Granules of Floridean starch are observed in proximity to the outer surface of these same areas as well as the nuclear membrane. The homologous nature of the nuclear envelope with the ER is stressed. The role of the nucleus as being actively involved in the synthesis of materials is suggested.
Autism Symptom Topography and Maternal Socioemotional Functioning

Researchers examining the relationship of autism symptomatology and maternal stress have defined symptomatology in terms of level of severity, frequency of occurrence, or symptom type. In the present study, the relationship of maternal perceptions of these dimensions, along with a fourth, symptom diversity, and negative and positive indices of maternal socioemotional functioning was evaluated. Results indicate that each of these symptom dimensions was correlated with most of the measures of negative socioemotional status, together accounting for a substantial portion of the variance in these outcomes. The dimensions were especially robust predictors of negative but not positive maternal outcomes. The need for a systematic multidimensional assessment to evaluate autism symptomatology and its social impact was discussed.
GEFeS: Genetic & evolutionary feature selection for periocular biometric recognition

In this paper, we introduce the concept of genetic & evolutionary feature selection (GEFeS) for periocular biometric recognition. Our results show that GEFeS dramatically reduces the number of features needed for periocular recognition as well as increases recognition accuracy.
Performance of a phoswich detector array for light particles and heavy ions

Abstract A phoswich array consisting of 48 ΔE - E elements with sufficient granularity ( ΔΘ = ± 2.5°) to handle high multiplicity events has been built and used in several experiments. The full angular coverage is a 35° × 35° square cross section of the 4 π sphere. Unit charge resolution for Z ≤ 10 and mass resolution for Z = 1 particles has been achieved with a ±5% energy resolution. Experimental details and the performance of the array are presented and discussed.
Oil production responses to price changes: an empirical application of the competitive model to OPEC and non-OPEC countries

Abstract Falling oil prices over the last decade, accompanied by over-production by some OPEC members and the growth of non-OPEC supply, warrant further empirical investigation of the competitive model to ascertain production behavior. A supply function, based on a modification of Griffin's model, is estimated using data from 1973–1997. The sample period, unlike Griffin's, however, includes phases of price increase (1970s) and price decrease (1980s–1990s), thus providing a better framework for examining production behavior using the competitive model. The OPEC results do not support the competitive hypothesis; instead, a negative and significant price elasticity of supply is obtained. This result offers partial support for the target revenue theory. For most of the non-OPEC members, the estimates support the competitive model. OPEC's loss of market share and the drop in the share of oil-based energy should signal adjustments in price and quantity based on a competitive world market for crude oil.
MAGNETIC-FIELD ALIGNMENT OF CHOLESTERIC LIQUID-CRYSTALLINE DNA

In moderately high fields (3.5 and 6.4 T) the cholesteric phase of liquid-crystalline DNA aligns with its twist axis parallel to the applied field. Thus when the field is applied in the plane of a thin sample, the well-known 'fingerprint' texture is observed with striations of width \ensuremath{\sim}1.1 \ensuremath{\mu}m orienting perpendicular to the field. In a 9.4 T field, the cholesteric aligns, still with the twist axis on average parallel to the field, but locally distorted into longer wavelength stripes. The orientation of these larger stripes is parallel to the magnetic field, thus perpendicular to the fingerprint striations. The field stabilizes the stripes, and upon removal from the magnet, the stripes anneal away. The time scale for relaxation of the stripes to an aligned fingerprint texture is several days. Defect sites present in the field-stabilized stripe structure persist and become quite mobile (in the presence of a concentration gradient) after the stripes have annealed away.
Measurement of Particle and Gas Temperatures in a Slightly Luminous Premixed Flame

Particle and gas temperatures were independently measured above a 7.0-cm-diam flat, premixed ethylene-air flame. The mixture ratio (F/A = 0.144) and gas velocity (10 cm/sec NTP) were chosen to yield a faintly luminous flame in which soot deposition occurred far from chemical equilibrium. Thus, heat input to the particles due to surface chemical reaction was as large as possible consistent with accurate measurement. Soot cloud emission was measured relative to a tungsten lamp between 4138 and 10 000 A. The soot cloud extinction was similarly measured for an approximate flame path of 50 cm. Soot particles, sucked through a small quartz probe, were caught in vacuum on a cool electron microscope target. The particles were about 100 A across at the 6-mm level, growing to 400 A at 12 mm above the burner. The particle temperature, derived from the spectral distribution of the soot cloud emission, was found to be 1714 ± 60°K at the 12-mm level. The gas temperature, measured by the Na D-line reversal method, was 1775 ± 20°K. Chemiluminescent effects were absent. It is concluded that even in this case where the particle size was one-tenth the mean free path, and where the particles were being heated by surface reaction, the particle temperature equals the gas temperature within the quoted limits of uncertainty.
A BEHAVIORALLY BASED FRAMEWORK FOR MULTICRITERIA DECISION-MAKING UNDER UNCERTAINTY IN THE URBAN TRANSPORTATION CONTEXT

A decision framework is presented for a class of multicriteria decisionmaking (MCDM) problems, arising in the context of urban transportation planning, where the set of options is finite, impacts are uncertain, and risk attitudes and value trade-offs cannot be established or assessed a priori. The characteristics of the decision environment and behavioral aspects of individual decisionmaking and judgement are synthesized in a set of basic considerations underlying the design of the methodology and specifying its features. The focus of the paper is on those basic considerations and their integration into the decisionmaking framework. The framework consists of three phases: (1) elimination by aspects which reduces the set of pareto-optimal options, (2) pair-wise comparisons which yield a partial semi-order, and (3) a global comparison which uncovers the most preferred option. (Author/TRRL)
Insights into the structure, distribution and function of the cardiac chloride channels

This review describes the properties and distribution of the three major types of chloride currents that have been studied in cardiac tissue. These include a cAMP- and protein kinase A-dependent current, a calcium-activated current and a swelling-induced current. The study of cardiac anion currents is a less mature field than the study of cardiac cation currents. Consequently, less is known regarding the structure, molecular identity and physiological role of anion currents in comparison to cardiac cation currents. Where known, the available molecular and structural information is also discussed. Although there is no proven physiological role for cardiac chloride currents, the possible clinical electrophysiological roles of cardiac chloride currents are discussed.
The origin of the serum alkaline phosphatase in normal rats

Abstract The serum alkaline phosphatase in normal rats fasted for 18 h is of bony origin. The serum alkaline phosphatase in fasted rats and bone alkaline phosphatase migrate identically on polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, their electrophoretic migration rates are equally slowed by neuraminidase digestion and they have similar Michaelis constants, pH optima and ratesoif urea and heat denaturation. The serum alkaline phosphatase activity in fed rats is higher than in fasted rats, and the increase is due to alkaline phosphatase of intestinals origin. The bone and intestinal alkaline phosphatases in sera migrate similarly on polycrylamide gel electrophoresis but can be distinguished by electrophoresis after digestion with neuraminidase.
“Persisters”: Survival at the Cellular Level

Rather than being slowly eroded and destroyed, countless numbers of varied forms of life adapt to the diverse aspects of an ever changing environment. However, the amount of variation is maintained at a practical optimum, as too much variation would make the population ill-adapted in a stable environment, while too little variation would render it unable to adapt to environmental stresses. This principle is perhaps well exemplified by a phenomenon described for microbial cells termed “persistence” where in the face of antibiotics bacterial populations avoid extinction by harboring a subpopulation of drug-insensitive dormant cells. Although this phenomenon poses a major obstacle for the treatment of infectious diseases, persistence has been underappreciated for some time as a mechanism for bacteria to evade antibiotics. But the mechanisms of bacterial persistence are becoming clearer and so are ways to combat them. This article highlights the phenomenon of survival and persistence in cells as diverse as microbial and human and summarizes the recent advances that have taken us one step closer to understanding what persistence is all about.
Incremental impacts of the tax reform act of 1986 on western beef cattle ranch values

The Tax Reform Act of 1986 has been shown to greatly impact after-tax net farm incomes for sole proprietor agricultural enterprises. Capitalization of these income reductions into land values of a typical Western beef cattle ranch is assessed in this article. Total effects of the Act may decrease the value of a typical ranch by 40%.
An Introduction to Cultural Issues Relevant to Assessment with Native American Youth

A review of issues surrounding the assessment of Native American youth is presented to inform and guide school psychologists. A description of schooling experiences of many Native American students is included along with examples of Native American cultural factors that may conflict with European-American values often infused in school systems. Expected behaviors of a service provider necessary to gain trust with Native Americans are outlined. The necessity of using measures to ascertain language barriers and acculturation level is discussed and examples provided. The validity of social-emotional and cognitive tests for Native American students is examined with relation to their standardization with a non-Native American population. A recommended evaluation procedure concludes with a broadly defined process designed to clarify steps towards a culturally competent assessment.
Über Pterinchemie 23. Mitteilung [1]. Radikalbildung während der Oxydation von Tetrahydrofolsäure und 5,6,7,8‐Tetrahydropterin

EPR. investigations show the existence of one-electron oxidation of 5,6,7,8-tetrahydropterine and tetrahydrofolic acid resulting in unstable cationic radicals of red color which are trapped at liquid nitrogen temperature.
Outcome of antenatally diagnosed sacrococcygeal teratomas: single-center experience (1993-2004).

Abstract Aims Sacrococcygeal teratomas (SCTs) are the commonest neonatal tumors with an incidence of approximately 1:30,000. There are few large single-center series and even fewer describing both their antenatal and postnatal course. We report the outcome of all fetuses investigated at a tertiary fetal medicine center with this diagnosis. Method Demographic details were obtained from a prospectively maintained database. Patient records were examined for additional data including antenatal and postnatal interventions. Data were described as median (range). Results Forty-one SCTs were diagnosed antenatally during the period 1993 to 2004. Twelve were excluded from subsequent analysis (single antenatal visit or attending for second opinion [n = 6] and termination of pregnancy [n = 6]). Twelve underwent fetal intervention (laser vessel ablation [n = 4], alcohol sclerosis [n = 3], cyst drainage [n = 2], amniodrainage [n = 2], vesicoamniotic shunt [n = 1]) for fetal hydrops and polyhydramnios to aid in delivery and to prevent obstructive uropathy developing in the fetus. Of these, 3 died in utero and 9 survived to be born (median gestational age, 33 weeks [27-37 weeks]). A further 3 died in the neonatal period. There are 6 long-term survivors (50%) from this group. Seventeen infants, without intervention, were born at median gestational age 38 weeks (26-40 weeks). One infant with severe cardiac anomalies died on the day of birth. All surviving infants had definitive excisional surgery at a median of 2 days (1-16 days). Current median follow-up of survivors is 39 months (8-86 months). There have been no recurrences. One child has mild constipation, and 3 are awaiting cosmetic revision of their scars. Conclusions The overall survival of antenatally diagnosed SCT is approximately 77%, with the development of hydrops and others requiring in utero intervention carrying a poor prognosis. Otherwise, the outcome after surgical excision is excellent.
Delayed Position-Feedback Controller for the Reduction of Payload Pendulations of Rotary Cranes:

In this paper, we show that, in rotary cranes, it is possible to reduce payload pendulations significantly by controlling the crane's translational and rotational degrees of freedom. Such a control...
Cucumber beetle seasonality in coastal South Carolina.

In 1985 and 1986, adult striped cucumber beetles (STRCB) of both sexes became active in April at Charleston, S.C., and first-generation adults appeared in mid-June or mid-July. Overwintering STRCB were reproductive immediately after migration to host plants. Reproductivity of female STRCB declined in October, and more males than females were found throughout the season. Overwintering spotted cucumber beetles (SPCB) became active and oviposited on suitable hosts in late winter, and first-generation adults appeared in May; SPCB females entered diapause in October. Sex ratio of SPCB fluctuated during the year, with mostly females in winter and a greater proportion of males in summer. Densities of banded cucumber beetles (BCB) were lower during both years than the other species. Spring and early summer populations of BCB were low and gradually increased during the season. Reproductivity of BCB females did not decline in the fall, and more males than females were found. Densities of all three species were higher on zucchini squash than cucumber.
Renal renin extraction and biochemical characterization

Abstract 1. 1. A method for extraction of renal renin with high and reproducible yield was described. 2. 2. About 90% of the total renal renin activity was found in the supernatant at 105,000 g for 60 min. 3. 3. The molecular weight of extracted renin of 3 different species was about 45,000 dalton. 4. 4. The isoelectric point of renal renin of pig, dog and mouse was 5.10, 5.46 and 5.94, respectively. 5. 5. Acid treatment of renal renin resulted in the change of its isoelectric point and inactivation of enzymatic activity.
Land fragmentation under rapid urbanization: A cross-site analysis of Southwestern cities

Explosive population growth and increasing demand for rural homes and lifestyles fueled exurbanization and urbanization in the western USA over the past decades. Using National Land Cover Data we analyzed land fragmentation trends from 1992 to 2001 in five southwestern cities associated with Long Term Ecological Research (LTER) sites. We observed two general fragmentation trends: expansion of the urbanized area leading to
Counseling Supervisors' Assessment of Race, Racial Identity, and Working Alliance in supervisory Dyads

The authors investigated the role of race, racial identity attitudes and working alliance in counseling supervision using data obtained from supervisors in supervisory dyads. Results revealed the strongest working alliance for supervisor-supervisee pairs with high racial identity development and the weakest working alliance for pairs with low racial identity development. Los autores investigaron el papel que juegan la raza, las actitudes de identidad racial y la alianza de trabajo en la supervision de consejeria, empleando datos obtenidos de supervisores involucrados en diadas de supervision. Los resultados revelaron que la alianza de trabajo mas solida se da en parejas de supervisor-supervisado con un desarrollo alto de identidad racial, y la alianza de trabajo mas debil en parejas con un desarrollo bajo de identidad racial.
NEUTRON PICK-UP FROM THE EVEN CALCIUM ISOTOPES.

Abstract The (3He, α) reactions have been performed at 13.0 MeV bombarding energy from a target consisting of approximately equal amounts of the five stable even calcium isotopes. Angular distributions for the strongest l n = 3(1 f 7 2 ) , l n = 2( ld 3 2 ) , and l n = 0(2 s 7 2 ) transitions were measured and analysed using the distorted-wave Born approximation. Optical-model parameters were obtained from 13.0 MeV 3He elastic-scattering measurements. An isospin term in the neutron bound-state potential was used in the analysis. Spectroscopic factors were extracted and are compared with other reported values.
Parties, parliament and political dissent in Tunisia

The Ben Ali regime (1987‐present) has disappointed the many who believed that the post‐Bourguiba era would bring substantial political pluralisation to Tunisia. While the regime claims to have taken significant steps toward democracy, close examination of the current political landscape reveals a very different picture. The press is neither free nor plural. The ruling party continues to monopolise politics while the opposition languishes. Opposition deputies entered parliament in 1994, but parliament's marginal political role minimises the significance of its newly plural make‐up for democratisation. Similarly, Ben Ali has raised the policy‐making profile of the Economic and Social Council, the composition of which is quite plural; still, its effective power over policy is insubstantial. Ironically, Ben Ali's reforms appear to be making the ruling party's exercise of power more efficient. By allowing more voices to be heard in politically weak institutions in debates that are neither open nor reported to ...
Islam and ethnicity: The Northern Afghanistan perspective

(1982). Islam and ethnicity: The Northern Afghanistan perspective. Central Asian Survey: Vol. 1, No. 2-3, pp. 71-83.
Calcein as a Fluorescent Marker of Otoliths of Larval and Juvenile Fish

Abstract Calcein is a fluorescent compound that can bind with alkaline earth metals, such as calcium. Upon binding, an increase in fluorescence under ultraviolet light results. Therefore, calcein was evaluated as potentially useful for creating a fluorescent mark in the otoliths of larval and juvenile fish. Such a mark was produced in the sagittae of larvae and juveniles of three species of estuarine fishes after a 2-h immersion in a solution of 125 mg/L in seawater. The mark was easily distinguished under ultraviolet epifluorescent microscopy. This technique provides an alternative to the use of tetracycline in age and growth studies.
Inertial Navigation Aiding by Stationary Updates

Sensor-aided inertial navigation has successfully been used for decades for localization of a roving body. When the rover is known to be stationary, artificial “stationary” measurements (i.e., zero velocity and/or zero angular rate) may be imposed. This corrects the velocity, attitude, and inertial measurement unit (IMU) biases, which decreases the rate of drift of the position and attitude. Implementation requires reliable automated tests to detect periods when the vehicle is stationary. Due to cost concerns, methods that use sensors that are already on the vehicle are preferred. This paper reviews existing stationary detection methods and proposes a new frequency domain approach, using only IMU data, to detect stationarity, with specifications and analysis for land vehicles. The performance of this new approach is evaluated in both theory and practice. In addition, this paper presents analytic and numeric evaluations of the observability of the inertial navigation system (INS) error states with stationary updates. Improvements in localization performance in an INS with stationary detection and aiding is shown experimentally.
The pedantic 21st century freshman engineering student

This paper reviews many of the observed characteristics and study habits of first-year students in Iowa State University's electrical engineering programme (Ames, Iowa, USA). The studying and problem-solving practices of the students are discussed to identify salient traits, strengths and weaknesses, and critical symptoms thereof, which can affect learning in technical fields, as well as life-long learning. The effects the Internet and the use of computer games have on student thinking and problem-solving approaches are also discussed. †Here, we make use of the word pedantic in a most neutral and academically oriented sense, i.e. to be concerned with or engage in the trivial aspects of learning.
The Use of Short Tandem Repeat Profiling to Characterize Human Bladder Cancer Cell Lines

Purpose: Cross-contamination of cell lines is a serious but often unrecognized problem. We describe the authentication of a panel of transitional cell carcinoma cell lines using the short tandem re...
Regulation and Function of IKK and IKK-Related Kinases

Members of the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) family of dimeric transcription factors (TFs) regulate expression of a large number of genes involved in immune responses, inflammation, cell survival, and cancer. NF-kappaB TFs are rapidly activated in response to various stimuli, including cytokines, infectious agents, and radiation-induced DNA double-strand breaks. In nonstimulated cells, some NF-kappaB TFs are bound to inhibitory IkappaB proteins and are thereby sequestered in the cytoplasm. Activation leads to phosphorylation of IkappaB proteins and their subsequent recognition by ubiquitinating enzymes. The resulting proteasomal degradation of IkappaB proteins liberates IkappaB-bound NF-kappaB TFs, which translocate to the nucleus to drive expression of target genes. Two protein kinases with a high degree of sequence similarity, IKKalpha and IKKbeta, mediate phosphorylation of IkappaB proteins and represent a convergence point for most signal transduction pathways leading to NF-kappaB activation. Most of the IKKalpha and IKKbeta molecules in the cell are part of IKK complexes that also contain a regulatory subunit called IKKgamma or NEMO. Despite extensive sequence similarity, IKKalpha and IKKbeta have largely distinct functions, due to their different substrate specificities and modes of regulation. IKKbeta (and IKKgamma) are essential for rapid NF-kappaB activation by proinflammatory signaling cascades, such as those triggered by tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS). In contrast, IKKalpha functions in the activation of a specific form of NF-kappaB in response to a subset of TNF family members and may also serve to attenuate IKKbeta-driven NF-kappaB activation. Moreover, IKKalpha is involved in keratinocyte differentiation, but this function is independent of its kinase activity. Several years ago, two protein kinases, one called IKKepsilon or IKK-i and one variously named TBK1 (TANK-binding kinase), NAK (NF-kappaB-activated kinase), or T2K (TRAF2-associated kinase), were identified that exhibit structural similarity to IKKalpha and IKKbeta. These protein kinases are important for the activation of interferon response factor 3 (IRF3) and IRF7, TFs that play key roles in the induction of type I interferon (IFN-I). Together, the IKKs and IKK-related kinases are instrumental for activation of the host defense system. This Review focuses on the functions of IKK and IKK-related kinases and the molecular mechanisms that regulate their activities.
Book Reviews: Ethnology

Life Cycles in Atchalan: The Diverse Careers of Certain Guatemalans. ALEXANDER MOORE. Education and Innovation in a Guatemalan Community: San Juan la Laguna. JAMES D. SEXTON.
Geometrically non-linear behavior of structural systems with random material property: An asymptotic spectral stochastic approach

Abstract An asymptotic spectral stochastic approach is presented for computing the statistics of the equilibrium path in the post-bifurcation regime for structural systems with random material properties. The approach combines numerical implementation of Koiter’s asymptotic theory with a stochastic Galerkin scheme and collocation in stochastic space to quantify uncertainties in the parametric representation of the load–displacement relationship, specifically in the form of uncertain post-buckling slope, post-buckling curvature, and a family of stochastic displacement fields. Using the proposed method, post-buckling response statistics for two plane frames are obtained and shown to be in close agreement with those obtained from Monte Carlo simulation, provided a fine enough spectral representation is used to model the variability in the random dimension.
CompMoby: Comparative MobyDick for detection of cis-regulatory motifs

The regulation of gene expression is complex and occurs at many levels, including transcriptional and post-transcriptional, in metazoans. Transcriptional regulation is mainly determined by sequence elements within the promoter regions of genes while sequence elements within the 3' untranslated regions of mRNAs play important roles in post-transcriptional regulation such as mRNA stability and translation efficiency. Identifying cis-regulatory elements, or motifs, in multicellular eukaryotes is more difficult compared to unicellular eukaryotes due to the larger intergenic sequence space and the increased complexity in regulation. Experimental techniques for discovering functional elements are often time consuming and not easily applied on a genome level. Consequently, computational methods are advantageous for genome-wide cis-regulatory motif detection. To decrease the search space in metazoans, many algorithms use cross-species alignment, although studies have demonstrated that a large portion of the binding sites for the same trans-acting factor do not reside in alignable regions. Therefore, a computational algorithm should account for both conserved and nonconserved cis-regulatory elements in metazoans. We present CompMoby (Comparative MobyDick), software developed to identify cis-regulatory binding sites at both the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels in metazoans without prior knowledge of the trans-acting factors. The CompMoby algorithm was previously shown to identify cis-regulatory binding sites in upstream regions of genes co-regulated in embryonic stem cells. In this paper, we extend the software to identify putative cis-regulatory motifs in 3' UTR sequences and verify our results using experimentally validated data sets in mouse and human. We also detail the implementation of CompMoby into a user-friendly tool that includes a web interface to a streamlined analysis. Our software allows detection of motifs in the following three categories: one, those that are alignable and conserved; two, those that are conserved but not alignable; three, those that are species specific. One of the output files from CompMoby gives the user the option to decide what category of cis-regulatory element to experimentally pursue based on their biological problem. Using experimentally validated biological datasets, we demonstrate that CompMoby is successful in detecting cis-regulatory target sites of known and novel trans-acting factors at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. CompMoby is a powerful software tool for systematic de novo discovery of evolutionarily conserved and nonconserved cis-regulatory sequences involved in transcriptional or post-transcriptional regulation in metazoans. This software is freely available to users at http://genome.ucsf.edu/compmoby/ .
Determination of total fluorine in blood at trace concentration levels by the Wickbold decomposition method with direct potentiometric detection

The Wickbold decomposition method in combination with differential potentiometric detection via fluoride ion-selective electrode has been applied to analysis of total fluorine in biological matrices. The performance of the method has been evaluated for determination of total fluorine in rat blood. Total mineralization of the biological sample is achieved by combustion of the sample in oxygen/hydrogen flame and subsequent absorption of the resulting fluoride in aqueous absorption medium. The fluoride is then quantified by highly selective automated differential static potentiometry with fluoride ion-selective electrode. Total fluorine determination has been evaluated in terms of sample carryover, reproducibility, precision, as well as feasibility to routine analysis of alternative biological matrices. Our results indicate that, up to 100ppm fluorine in blood, the method does not suffer from sample carryover. Limits of quantitation of 0.5ppm and limits of detection of 0.24ppm fluorine in 0.5g blood samples were achieved by elimination of inherent limitations of fluoride ion-selective electrode detection via automated differential static potentiometric measurements. The Wickbold decomposition method was found to be suitable for routine total fluorine determination in blood samples despite its relatively low throughput and high operator skill requirements.
A PILOT STUDY OF GROUP MINDFULNESS-BASED COGNITIVE THERAPY (MBCT) FOR COMBAT VETERANS WITH POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD)

BACKGROUND: "Mindfulness-based" interventions show promise for stress reduction in general medical conditions, and initial evidence suggests that they are accepted in trauma-exposed individuals. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) shows substantial efficacy for prevention of depression relapse, but it has been less studied in anxiety disorders. This study investigated the feasibility, acceptability, and clinical outcomes of an MBCT group intervention adapted for combat posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). METHODS: Consecutive patients seeking treatment for chronic PTSD at a VA outpatient clinic were enrolled in 8-week MBCT groups, modified for PTSD (four groups, n = 20) or brief treatment-as-usual (TAU) comparison group interventions (three groups, n = 17). Pre and posttherapy psychological assessments with clinician administered PTSD scale (CAPS) were performed with all patients, and self-report measures (PTSD diagnostic scale, PDS, and posttraumatic cognitions inventory, PTCI) were administered in the MBCT group. RESULTS: Intent to treat analyses showed significant improvement in PTSD (CAPS (t(19) = 4.8, P Language: en
Effect of Patient Socioeconomic Status and Body Mass Index on the Quality of Breast Cancer Adjuvant Chemotherapy

Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and the use of intentionally reduced doses of chemotherapy in the adjuvant treatment of breast cancer. Patients and Methods Patients with breast cancer treated with a standard chemotherapy regimen (n = 764) were enrolled in a prospective registry after signing informed consent. Detailed information was collected on patient, disease, and treatment, including chemotherapy doses. Zip code level data on median household income, proportion of people living below the poverty level, and educational attainment were obtained from the US Census. Doses for the first cycle of chemotherapy lower than 85% of standard were considered to be reduced. Univariate analyses and multivariate logistic regression were performed to identify factors associated with the use of reduced first cycle doses. Results In univariate analysis, individual education attainment, zip code SES measures, body mass index, and geographic region ...
Assessment of Environmental and Economic Impacts of Pesticide Use

Worldwide, about 2.5 million tons of pesticides are applied each year with a purchase price of $20 billion (PN, 1990). In the United States approximately 500,000 tons of 600 different types of pesticides are used annually at a cost of $4.1 billion (including application costs) (Pimentel et al., 1991).
Content-centric Information Protection in Cloud Computing

Information security has become increasingly important as organizations migrated systems to third-party infrastructure providers. Once migrated, however, previously transparent network topologies, information paths, and systems infrastructure became more opaque. This loss of control when coupled with storage of corporate and personally sensitive information lead to significant increases in potential vulnerability. In this paper, we present experimental evidence demonstrating the feasibility of using content-centric networks with integrated policy-based usage management. We describe a nation-spanning content network developed within Amazon and Rackspace infrastructures and collect performance statistics to show the suitability of various confidentiality strategies in these kinds of large heterogeneous systems. In doing this, we first consider the current state of the art in network information security as well as some of the shortcomings of current designs, and propose a taxonomy of network-enabled usage-control architectures that can solve sensitive information transmission problems. We then close with a description of our content-centric network, a discussion of our experience using this system to manage real-time sensitive information flow over commercial cloud systems, and experimental evidence demonstrating the feasibility of the approach.
Who won the 2008 Olympics? A multicriteria decision of measuring intangibles

It often happens that at the end of Olympics games the medals won by more than one country are many and close in total number as in the 2008 games where China won 100 medals with many gold ones and the United States won 110 medals but with a lesser number of gold medals. The question is: Although it is often done arbitrarily, is there a way to quantify the values of gold, silver and bronze medals legitimately to resolve this concern? This short exposition shows that there is by using the author’s theory for the measurement of intangibles, the Analytic Hierarchy Process.
An approximate max-flow min-cut theorem for uniform multicommodity flow problems with applications to approximation algorithms

A multicommodity flow problem is considered where for each pair of vertices (u, v) it is required to send f half-units of commodity (u, v) from u to v and f half-units of commodity (v, u) from v to u without violating capacity constraints. The main result is an algorithm for performing the task provided that the capacity of each cut exceeds the demand across the cut by a Theta (log n) factor. The condition on cuts is required in the worst case, and is trivially within a Theta (log n) factor of optimal for any flow problem. The result can be used to construct the first polylog-times optimal approximation algorithms for a wide variety of problems, including minimum quotient separators, 1/3-2/3 separators, bifurcators, crossing number, and VLSI layout area. It can also be used to route packets efficiently in arbitrary distributed networks. >
Quantitative characterization and process optimization of low-temperature bonded copper interconnects for 3-D integrated circuits

Three-dimensional (3-D) integrated circuits can be fabricated by bonding previously-processed device layers using metal-metal bonds that also serve as layer-to-layer interconnects. Bonded copper interconnect test structures were created by thermocompression bonding, and the bond toughness was measured using a four-point bend test. The effects of bonding temperature, chamber ambient and copper thickness on bond quality were evaluated to optimize the bonding process. A new copper surface cleaning method using glacial acetic acid was employed to obtain high toughness bonds(/spl sim/17 J/m/sup 2/) at low bonding temperatures (<300/spl deg/C).
In Defense of Boring

On the one hand, we seek to build software-intensive systems that are innovative, elegant, and supremely useful. On the other hand, computing technology as a thing unto itself is not the place of enduring value, and therefore, as computing fills the spaces of our world, it becomes boring. And that's a very good and desirable thing. The Web extra at http://youtu.be/o8Ze4sVkBxE is an audio podcast of author Grady Booch reading his On Computing column, in which he discusses how the purpose of good software is to make the complex appear simple.
Getting Better and Getting Worse Transitions in Functional Status among Older Americans

This article examines change over 2 years in ability to perform 21 specific functions among Americans 70 years of age and over. Health change in old age is two-directional. Ability to perform specific functions improves for some and deteriorates for others. In addition, many individuals experience both types of functioning change at the same time—improvement in the ability to perform some functions and deterioration in ability to perform others. The covariates of functional improvement differ from those of functional loss. The return to functioning is most likely to occur when the overall functional status of the individual is higher, when the loss has been recent, and when the impairment is not severe. Decline in ability to perform specific functions is more likely when general health and functioning levels are lower and when a person has had a stroke, has arthritis, or has visual or auditory impairment. Age, race, and sex are related to the likelihood that functioning will deteriorate, but they have lit...
An analysis of the volatile oil of Lomatium Suksdorfii

The volatile oil of the fruits of Lomatium Suksdorfii (Wats.) Coulter and Rose, obtained by steam distillation, was found to consist of over 90 per cent terpene hydrocarbons among which α - and β -pinene, d -limonene, and d - β -phellandrene were identified. Isovaleric acid was identified as a component of the oil, and both acetic acid and isovaleric acid were found in the aqueous portion of the steam distillate.
Concurrent Group Treatment for Hepatitis C: Implementation and Outcomes in a Methadone Maintenance Treatment Program

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is highly prevalent among current and former drug users. However, the minority of patients enrolled in drug treatment programs have initiated HCV treatment. New models are needed to overcome barriers to care. In this retrospective study, we describe the implementation and outcomes of 42 patients treated in a concurrent group treatment (CGT) program. Patients participated in weekly provider-led group treatment sessions which included review of side effects; discussion of adherence and side effect management; administration of interferon injections; brief physical examination; and ended with brief meditation. Of the first 27 patients who initiated CGT, 42% achieved a sustained viral response. In addition, 87% (13/15) of genotype-1 infected patients treated with direct acting antiviral agent achieved an undetectable viral load at 24 weeks. The CGT model may be effective in overcoming barriers to treatment and improving adherence and outcomes among patients enrolled in drug treatment programs.
Local Citation Analysis of National Science Foundation and National Institutes of Health Grant Applications: Meeting the Needs of Researchers

Supporting and meeting the research needs of faculty members is a priority at the University of Kansas because of the necessity for external grant-funding. For this study, the authors analyzed the citations from successful National Institutes of Health (NIH) and National Science Foundation (NSF) grant applications submitted between 2005 and 2013. The purpose was to identify the types of resources used by researchers and determine if KU Libraries are currently providing access. In addition to access, the authors analyzed the age, format, whether journals were provided in a journal package or aggregator, subject area, and open access status. Overall, the authors found KU Libraries’ collection provides substantial support for researchers who submitted successful NSF and NIH grant applications.
Characterization of head stability induced signal fluctuation

An experimental procedure to measure head-instability-induced noise has been developed. The procedure uses a separate head to provide a noise-independent timing reference. The ordinary disk and head noises are also removed. The nonstationary autocorrelation function, which provides a look at noise in relation to the readback signal, is used. The autocorrelation function is calculated, and the noise power and the correlation at signal peaks are extracted for further study. It is found that the noise magnitude is largest near the signal peak, and the noise correlation is not -1 at positive and negative peaks. >
Characteristics of bariatric surgery in an integrated VA Health Care system: Follow-up and outcomes

Abstract Background. Since the 1991 NIH consensus conference, obesity surgery has been increasingly accepted as a form of therapy for morbid obesity. Approximately 40% of Veteran patients are obese and would potentially benefit from the operations. Methods. Records were reviewed for all obesity operations performed at the Veterans Administration Greater Los Angeles Health Care System between January 1997 and April 2002. Morbidity, mortality, weight loss, and extent of follow-up were the outcomes measures assessed. Results. Forty-six [11 Female (24%), 35 Male (76%)] patients underwent Roux-Y gastric bypass during the 63-month period we reviewed. There was one death from pulmonary hypertension unexpectedly encountered in the operating room. There was a single major complication: an anastomotic leak successfully treated with intravenous antibiotics. The Computerized Patient Record System contained extensive weight loss information, with dozens of weight measurements for these patients before and after surgery. Weight loss was sustained in all but 2 patients during the follow-up period. The only patients lost to follow-up were those referred from medical centers outside the boundaries of our integrated health care system. Conclusion. (1) The VA population has the opposite male/female ratio of populations reported in most weight loss studies. Because the health risks attributable to obesity are greater in males, the VA represents an important population to study that may benefit significantly from weight loss surgery. (2) Extensive clinical information available in the computerized medical record combined with frequent accession of health care resources by our patients resulted in a database rich in follow-up data for a population where long-term outcomes are traditionally difficult to obtain. (3) There was very low surgical morbidity and mortality in a high-risk population. This contrasts with the results of most volume-outcome studies and occurred in a low-volume hospital by a high-volume surgical and medical team. (4) Distinct patterns of weight loss were observed.
Early infant multivitamin supplementation is associated with increased risk for food allergy and asthma.

Objective. Dietary vitamins have potent immunomodulating effects in vitro. Individual vitamins have been shown to skew T cells toward either T-helper 1 or T-helper 2 phenotypic classes, suggesting that they may participate in inflammatory or allergic disease. With the exception of antioxidant protection, there has been little study on the effect of early vitamin supplementation on the subsequent risk for asthma and allergic disease. The objective of this study was to determine whether early vitamin supplementation during infancy affects the risk for asthma and allergic disease during early childhood. Methods. Cohort data were analyzed from the National Center for Health Statistics 1988 National Maternal-Infant Health Survey, which followed pregnant women and their newborns, and the 1991 Longitudinal Follow-up of the same patients, which measured health and disease outcomes. Patients were stratified by race and breastfeeding status. Factors that are known to be associated with alteration of risk for asthma or food allergies were identified using univariate logistic regression. Those factors were then analyzed in multivariate logistic regression models. Early vitamin supplementation was defined as vitamin use within the first 6 months. Results. There were >8000 total patients in the study. The overall incidence of asthma was 10.5% and of food allergy was 4.9%. In univariate analysis, male gender, smoker in the household, child care, prematurity ( Conclusions. Early vitamin supplementation is associated with increased risk for asthma in black children and food allergies in exclusively formula-fed children. Additional study is warranted to examine which components most strongly contribute to this risk.
A virus-induced gene silencing method to study soybean cyst nematode parasitism in Glycine max

Bean pod mottle virus (BPMV) based virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) vectors have been developed and used in soybean for the functional analysis of genes involved in disease resistance to foliar pathogens. However, BPMV-VIGS protocols for studying genes involved in disease resistance or symbiotic associations with root microbes have not been developed. Here we describe a BPMV-VIGS protocol suitable for reverse genetic studies in soybean roots. We use this method for analyzing soybean genes involved in resistance to soybean cyst nematode (SCN). A detailed SCN screening pipeline is described. The VIGS method described here provides a new tool to identify genes involved in soybean-nematode interactions. This method could be adapted to study genes associated with any root pathogenic or symbiotic associations.
Nontraumatic clostridial myonecrosis: An infectious disease emergency

A 64-year-old man presented with a history of four days of lower abdominal pain and 12 hours of cutaneous discoloration, bullae formation, and swelling of the soft tissues of abdominal wall and right thigh. Myonecrosis of abdominal wall and an adenocarcinoma of the cecum were found at operation. Cultures of blood and fluid from the bullae yielded Clostridium septicum . Non-traumatic clostridial myonecrosis is a fulminant, usually fatal disease that is most often the result of bacteremia from an occult gastrointestinal lesion. Ulceration of the colon or terminal ileum is the most common predisposing condition, and is usually due to gastrointestinal or hematological malignancy. Patients often present with nonspecific complaints, including pain at the affected site and fever. The disease progresses rapidly to include bronze discoloration, edema, and hemorrhagic bullous lesions of the skin, subcutaneous emphysema, and myonecrosis. Presumptive diagnosis often can be made by Gram stain of the bullous fluid that reveals gram-positive bacilli and a paucity of leukocytes. Favorable outcome depends on prompt institution of appropriate antimicrobial therapy and surgical debridement of involved soft tissues, as well as correction of the underlying disorder. This disease should be considered to be a medical-surgical emergency.