cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Measuring welfare from ambulatory surgery centers: A spatial analysis of demand for healthcare facilities

This paper studies competition between healthcare facilities, particularly between hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers (ASC's), in the market for outpatient surgery. The goal is to answer questions about the existence and magnitude of welfare gains earned from the use of ASC's. These questions are relevant to current policy debates about the usefulness of ASC's. I calculate welfare by specifying a multinomial logit model of consumer demand for healthcare facilities, and estimating structural elements of demand functions. Total elimination of ASC's results in between 10.2 and 28.1 minutes of welfare loss per patient surgery.
Software aging and multifractality of memory resources

We investigate the dynamics of monitored memory resource utilizations in an operating system under stress using quantitative methods of fractal analysis. In the experiments, we recorded the time series representing various memory related parameters of the operating system. We observed that parameters demonstrate clear multifractal behavior. The degree of fractality of these time series tends to increase as the system workload increases. We conjecture that the H¨ older exponent that measures the local rate of fractality may be used as a quantitative measure of software aging. We propose a simple proactive computer crash avoidance strategy based on the online fractal analysis of system memory resource observations.
More Counterexamples to the Alon-Saks-Seymour and Rank-Coloring Conjectures

The chromatic number $\chi(G)$ of a graph $G$ is the minimum number of colors in a proper coloring of the vertices of $G$. The biclique partition number ${\rm bp}(G)$ is the minimum number of complete bipartite subgraphs whose edges partition the edge-set of $G$. The Rank-Coloring Conjecture (formulated by van Nuffelen in 1976) states that $\chi(G)\leq {\rm rank}(A(G))$, where ${\rm rank}(A(G))$ is the rank of the adjacency matrix of $G$. This was disproved in 1989 by Alon and Seymour. In 1991, Alon, Saks, and Seymour conjectured that $\chi(G)\leq {\rm bp}(G)+1$ for any graph $G$. This was recently disproved by Huang and Sudakov. These conjectures are also related to interesting problems in computational complexity. In this paper, we construct new infinite families of counterexamples to both the Alon-Saks-Seymour Conjecture and the Rank-Coloring Conjecture. Our construction is a generalization of similar work by Razborov, and Huang and Sudakov.
Chemokine modulation of the tumor microenvironment

Coverage on: Shields, J.D., Kourtis, I.C., Tomei, A.A., Roberts, J.M. & Swartz,M.A. (2010). Induction of lymphoidlike stroma and immune escape by tumors that express the chemokine CCL21. Science. E Pub, March 25, 2010; and Kim, M.Y., Oskarsson, T., Acharyya, S.,Nguyen, D.X., Zhang, X.H., Norton, L. & Massague, J. (2009). Tumor self-seeding by circulating cancer cells. Cell, 139,1315-1326.
Coupling of Transient Fields, Circuits, and Motion Using Finite Element Analysis

The transient analysis of a coupled electro-mechanical system is undertaken. The system consists partly of spatial regions, which may support magnetic fields, that are modelled by finite elements. The regions may be attached to external electrical sources and circuits, and may also be capable of rigid body motion with respect to one another. A method for coupling the electric circuit transient equations, transient magnetic field finite element equations, and the transient mechanical motion equations is described. Only the external source variation is assumed to be known; all other field, circuit, and mechanical motion quantities are treated as unknowns and calculated. Equations for transient analysis of a general, 2-dimensional, planar, non-linear, voltage-excited system are derived in detail. The Galerkin formulation, time-discretization, and linearization of these equations are presented. The resulting global system of coupled electro-mechanical equations is assembled and investigated. Included are exam...
Optimal control of piecewise deterministic nonlinear systems with controlled transitions: viscosity solutions, their existence and uniqueness

The paper studies viscosity solutions of two sets of Hamilton-Jacob-Bellman (HJB) equations (one for finite horizon and the other one for infinite horizon) which arise in the optimal control of nonlinear piecewise deterministic systems where the controls could be unbounded. The controls enter through the system dynamics as well as the transitions for the underlying Markov chain process, and have access to both the continuous state and the current state of the Markov chain. The two HJB equations associated with this problem are coupled partial differential equations, as a result of which their Hamiltonian structures are different from the standard ones. The paper establishes the existence and uniqueness of their viscosity solutions, and derives explicit structures for the optimum controllers by using such viscosity solutions.
Evaluating Guideline-Recommended Antibiotic Practices for Childhood Respiratory Infections: Is It Time to Consider Case-Based Formats?

Objective. We sought to better understand barriers to adherence to published guidelines for respiratory infections among community providers. Methods. A case-based survey was developed and emailed to all members of the state pediatric society. Providers chose their preferred management for acute otitis media, acute bacterial sinusitis, and community-acquired pneumonia. An “answer key” and a follow-up questionnaire were distributed to assess reevaluation of current practices. Results. We received 173 completed surveys (15% response rate). While most responders followed guideline recommendations (6 of the 10 questions with ≥65% choosing recommended antibiotic), discrepancies existed in several cases. After receiving the answer key, respondents said they reviewed the guidelines (69%), adjusted their practice (26%), used cases for teaching (9%), and discussed guidelines with colleagues (21%). Conclusions. The majority of respondents followed published guidelines, but there was a tendency to overuse azithromyc...
Methods of Formation of Organic Particles of Controlled Sizes

Abstract There are basically three types of particle-producing polymerization methods: emulsion, dispersion, and suspension. All three methods involve a particle of polymer stabilized by a dispersing agent of some type. In emulsion polymerization the monomer is insoluble in the polymerization medium (usually water) and the polymerization occurs within a surfactant micelle. Suspension polymerization involves the use of the monomer droplets in water and is carried out with an initiator that is soluble in the monomer. The resulting polymer particles are stabilized by a polymeric suspending agent. Dispersion polymerization differs from the other forms of heterogeneous polymerization described above in that the monomer is soluble in the polymerization medium and the polymer is not. As the polymerization proceeds, the growing chains become insoluble and precipitate from the solution. Flocculation is prevented by the presence of an amphipathic graft or block copolymer. The average particle size achieved in this ...
Visual discrimination at varying distances in spanish goats

Abstract Four Spanish goats were trained to visually discriminate between two 3.4 × 3.4-cm white letters, X and O, on a black background, projected one at a time on a Caramate projector. The goats were placed in a test box containing two response panels and a bowl to receive a reward (oats). The goats were trained to press one panel when an “X” was projected and the other panel when an “O” was projected. Symbols were presented in random order with 1–3 blanks randomly inserted between each symbol. The goats were rewarded with 1 g of whole oats when a correct choice was made. Incorrect choices were punished by a time-out of 20 s. Behavior was shaped over 54–118 twenty-minute training trials (20 discriminations per trial) before the goats reached criterion of 75% correct responses in the last 6 trials. Each time criterion was reached, the distance away from the stimulus was sequentially increased to 0.10, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.00, 1.25, 1.50, 1.75, 2.00 and then 2.50 m. Speed of learning and response to increasing distance varied among individuals. Two goats failed to discriminate effectively at distances greater than 1.50 m, while the other two failed at distances greater than 2.00 m.
TCRβ enhancer activation in early and late lymphoid progenitors

Abstract An earlier report from our laboratory indicates that the activation of the T cell receptor (TCR) β enhancer (Eβ) is not always an indicator of T lineage potential in bone marrow-resident pre-lymphocytes. In order to more precisely investigate the consequences of Eβ activation in lymphopoiesis, a genetic reporter animal, in which the expression of green fluorescent protein (GFP) is controlled by Eβ, was used to examine two well-defined lymphopotent populations. Adoptive transfer experiments suggest that primitive lymphoid precursor populations (specifically, hematopoietic stem cells) consist of two discrete-populations discernible by Eβ-GFP activation, although the two populations display no overt differences in lineage potential. In contrast, subsets of more differentiated pre-lymphocytes (specifically, common lymphoid progenitors), while also discernible by Eβ-GFP activation, display different capacities for reconstituting lymphoid compartments. Interestingly, late lymphoid progenitors containing inactive Eβ elements generated both T and B cells in vivo , in accord with the original description of this population; however, progenitors containing active Eβ elements displayed an unexpected bias toward the B lineage. Our findings suggest that Eβ activation is an indicator of B lineage specification in late, but not early lymphoid precursors.
Binocular rivalry of equiluminant targets

We describe a stimulus pattern designed for use in test probe investigations of binocular rivalry. The pattern consists of a contour-free disk that is identical in luminance in both eyes surrounded by a dimmer annulus in one eye and a brighter annulus in the other. Temporal characteristics of rival alternations can be controlled by manipulating luminance of the annuli. Sensitivity to probes inserted in the rival region can be measured uncontaminated by differences in the adaptation state of the eyes or pattern masking.
Peasants in Revolt — Egypt 1919

From March until late April 1919 Egypt suffered one of the great peasant revolts of her history and of the 20th century.1 Contemporaries viewed it as having international importance because it was the result of thirty years of European domination, and its resolution would be likely to affect all Western colonial empires.2 For us, it marks the emergence of Egyptian liberalism and the construction of the modern state.3.The insurrection began when four leaders of the Egyptian national movement were arrested on 9 March 1919. They were then exiled to Malta for insisting that the Egyptian delegation (wafd) to the Versailles Conference be recognized, so that it could demand that Egypt be accepted as an independent national state.
Report from the Spring AGU Meeting—Remote sensing: The NOSS system and ocean applications

The session was conceived as an introduction to the National Oceanic Satellite System (Noss), scheduled for launch in mid-1986. The meeting was directed toward oceanographers with little experience in remote sensing but with an interest in its potential applications to their problems. The first part of the session dealt with the four primary sensors under consideration: the colorimeter, discussed by F. Vukovich; the scatterometer, by V. Delnore; the Large-Antenna Multifrequency Microwave Radiometer (Lammr), T. Schmugge; and the radar altimeter, J. Marsh. The speakers briefly discussed the heritage of the sensors, the variables measured, and the design as it now stands.
Iliorenal artery bypass grafting to facilitate endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair

Effective endovascular repair of an infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) requires adequate proximal and distal landing zones to allow secure endograft attachment. We report a patient with an infrarenal AAA originating 3 mm below the left renal artery with cardiac morbidity that precluded open AAA repair. Left renal artery relocation with retroperitoneal iliorenal bypass grafting was performed to lengthen the proximal landing zone, which facilitated successful endovascular AAA repair. Postoperative surveillance after 3 years showed aneurysm reduction with a patent iliorenal bypass graft. This case underscores the utility of a combined open and endovascular approach in treatment of a challenging aortic aneurysm.
Distribution of silver-stained nucleolus-organizing regions in the chromosomes of the Equidae

The distribution of silver-stained nucleolus-organizing regions (NORs) in fibroblast chromosomes from all seven extant species of Equidae are described. There are variations in the number and locations of silver-stained NORs in different species but most of the cells in an individual of any speies had only 2 to 4 silver-stained NORs. In Equus przewalskii and E. caballus NORs were detected on up to three different chromosomes. In E. asinus 11 different chromosomes were observed to possess NOR sites. E. hemionus kulan and E. hemionus onager had NORs on 2 large metacentric pairs and a small acrocentric pair. In E. grevyi and E. burchelli NORs were located on 3 to 4 different pairs. E. zebra hartmannae had silver-staining over the telomere regions of the short arms of the chromosomes 1, 3 and 4. A comparison of G-banded chromosomes and silver-stained NORs has revealed one autosome with conserved G-band patterns and possessing a silver-staining NOR in all the species except E. asinus. Variations in the number and multichromosomal locations of NORs in various species could have evolved by pairing and exchanges between non-homologous chromosomal heterochromatin having similar satellite DNA sequences.
High-Field EPR Study of Resonance-Delocalized [Fe2(OH)3(tmtacn)2]2+

High-frequency EPR data are reported for the Fe(II/III) valence delocalized dinuclear complex [Fe2(OH)3(tmtacn)2]2+. A full-matrix diagonalization approach is used to derive the spin-Hamiltonian parameters for this ST = 9/2 complex. At high fields (up to 14.5 T) and high frequencies (189−433 GHz) fine structure peaks due to resonances between the Kramers doublets (Ms = 9/2, 7/2, ...) are observed. The spacing of the fine structure reveals that the axial zero-field splitting (ZFS) parameter D is +1.08(1) cm-1; a very small rhombic ZFS (|E| ≤ 0.01 cm-1) is suggested by line broadening of these interdoublet resonances. Simulations reveal that g is close to 2.00, and very nearly isotropic: gx = gy = gz = 2.00(2). This complex is a model for the valence-delocalized [Fe2S2]+ pairs found in larger iron−sulfur clusters, such as the cofactors from the nitrogenase system. This work indicates that HFEPR is a viable technique for the study of high-spin centers in proteins.
Digital forensics on a virtual machine

This poster presents a four-phase investigation methodology to acquire, authenticate and analyze a virtual machine. During a simulated investigation, sensitive information about a suspect's activities was obtained from a virtual machine by applying the four-phase investigation methodology. This methodology can be used to investigate a suspect's virtual machine to identify and obtain evidence about a suspect's activities in a virtual machine.
Democracy and the political culture orientations of ordinary citizens: a typology for the Arab world and beyond

Using recent survey data from Jordan, the Palestinian Territories and Algeria, the authors examine the interrelationship among six normative and behavioural orientations emphasised in the literature on democratic transitions: support for gender equality, tolerance, interpersonal trust, civic participation, political interest and political knowledge. Factor analysis indicates that these orientations form two distinct and independent conceptual clusters, one involving gender equality and tolerance, described as a pluralism dimension; and the other involving interpersonal trust, civic participation, political interest and political knowledge, described as an involvement dimension. The dichotomisation and juxtaposition of these two independent dimensions creates a four-category typology of the political culture orientations of ordinary citizens: democratic – high on both dimensions; indifferent – high on the pluralism dimension and low on the involvement dimensions; activist – low on the pluralism dimension and high on the involvement dimensions; and parochial – low on both dimensions. In addition to offering this typology as a way to map norms and behaviour patterns that are important for democracy, the study compares the distribution of Jordanian, Palestinian and Algerian citizens across the four categories of political orientation and offers insights about the reasons for differences among the three countries.
Non-Resonant Breakdown of the Franck-Condon Approximation as Seen in Vibrational Branching Ratios

We consider vibrational branching ratios in the valence photoionization of N2, CO, and XCN, with X=F, Cl, Br, and I. Non-resonant geometry dependence of the matrix elements is seen to lead to the breakdown of the Franck-Condon approximation. The geometry dependence can be due to changing molecular orbitals or changing nodal positions in the continuum wave functions.
Fixation of epigenetic states in a population

Multiple steady-state levels of autoregulatory transcription factors constitute alternative epigenetic states, and could help specify the heritable phenotype of an organism. In this work, the inheritance of autoregulatory transcription factors through sexual reproduction is modeled to determine the conditions under which different alternative epigenetic states become fixed in a population. The influence of transient environmental perturbations on the fixation of states is discussed in the context of speciation.
INFLUENCE OF PROPYLTHIOURACIL ON THE THYROXINE-THYROTROPIN INTERPLAY

Normal and thyroidectomized rats were treated with propylthiouracil and thyroxine. The intact animals given 2 μg. thyroxine per day exhibited goiter and increased thjTotropin along with greater than normal protein-bound iodine in the scrum. After thyroidectomy, 2 μg. thyroxine per day produced normal concentrations of both thyrotropin and protein-bound iodine; in similar animals treated with propylthiouracil thyrotropin was again normal but protein- bound iodine was twice normal. Propylthiouracil thus appeared to have an extra-thyroidal action on injected thyroxine as indicated by marked increase in protein-bound iodine.
Effects of Isoflurane, Halothane, and Chloroform on the Interactions and Lateral Organization of Lipids in the Liquid-Ordered Phase

The first quantitative insight has been obtained into the effects that volatile anesthetics have on the interactions and lateral organization of lipids in model membranes that mimic "lipid rafts". Specifically, nearest-neighbor recogntion measurements, in combination with Monte Carlo simulations, have been used to investigate the action of isoflurane, halothane, and chloroform on the compactness and lateral organization of cholesterol-rich bilayers of 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC) in the liquid-ordered (l(o)) phase. All three anesthetics induce a similar weakening of sterol-phospholipid association, corresponding to ca. 30 cal/mol of lipid at clinically relevant concentrations. Monte Carlo lattice simulations show that the lateral organization of the l(o) phase, under such conditions, remains virtually unchanged. In sharp contrast to their action on the l(o) phase, these anesthetics have been found to have a similar strengthening effect on sterol-phospholipid association in the liquid-disordered (l(d)) phase. The possibility of discrete complexes being formed between DPPC and these anesthetics and the biological relevance of these findings are discussed.
Shallow groundwater mercury supply in a Coastal Plain stream.

Fluvial methylmercury (MeHg) is attributed to methylation in up-gradient wetland areas. This hypothesis depends on efficient wetland-to-stream hydraulic transport under nonflood and flood conditions. Fluxes of water and dissolved (filtered) mercury (Hg) species (FMeHg and total Hg (FTHg)) were quantified in April and July of 2009 in a reach at McTier Creek, South Carolina to determine the relative importance of tributary surface water and shallow groundwater Hg transport from wetland/floodplain areas to the stream under nonflood conditions. The reach represented less than 6% of upstream main-channel distance and 2% of upstream basin area. Surface-water discharge increased within the reach by approximately 10%. Mean FMeHg and FTHg fluxes increased within the reach by 23–27% and 9–15%, respectively. Mass balances indicated that, under nonflood conditions, the primary supply of water, FMeHg, and FTHg within the reach (excluding upstream surface water influx) was groundwater discharge, rather than tributary transport from wetlands, in-stream MeHg production, or atmospheric Hg deposition. These results illustrate the importance of riparian wetland/floodplain areas as sources of fluvial MeHg and of groundwater Hg transport as a fundamental control on Hg supply to Coastal Plain streams.
Oriented films of mesoporous MCM-41 macroporous tubules via pulsed laser deposition

All-silica mesoporous MCM-41 molecular sieve films consisting of oriented macroporous tubules have been prepared utilizing pulsed laser deposition and a series of post-hydrothermal treatments. The molecular sieve films were deposited on polished silicon wafer substrates with the pores oriented perpendicular to the surface of the substrate.
Planning Algorithm for Multiple Satellite Clusters

A generalized planning methodology for satellite clusters is proposed. The methodology utilizes Hamilton ‐ Jacobi‐Bellman optimality (minimum time or minimum fuel ) to generate quickly a set of maneuvers from an initial stable formation to a e nal stable formation. Maneuvers are selected from the original set based on the maneuver time, fuel, and collision proximity. The e nal maneuvers are calculated by optimizing the switch times using a realisticset of orbital dynamics. The algorithm is developed to be distributed and scaleswell as the number of satellites increases. A minimal level of communication is used because only switch times and collision proximity information are distributed from the planner. An example with four satellites maneuvering in an eccentric orbit (e=0.2) is presented. Results show that optimal cluster maneuvers (minimum time or minimum fuel ) can be generated within minutes, and most of the computational implementation can be accomplished in parallel. I. Introduction S ATELLITE clusters are envisioned as an enabling technology for defense- and science-based missions. NASA’ s Origins program is planning a series of missions that perform spaceborne interferometry to image far off planets for possible life forms. 1 The U.S. Air Force is planning a distributed space-based, synthetic aperture radar mission within the next few years, possibly followed by a full deployment. 2 In each case, clusters of satellites hold the promise of increasing performance and reliability through distribution, while decreasing cost. The latter is a key aspect that will rely on levels of autonomous control algorithms and software currently being developed.
BONE MARROW MESENCHYMAL STEM CELLS ARE PROGENITORS IN VITRO FOR INNER EAR HAIR CELLS

Stem cells have been demonstrated in the inner ear but they do not spontaneously divide to replace damaged sensory cells. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) from bone marrow have been reported to differentiate into multiple lineages including neurons, and we therefore asked whether MSCs could generate sensory cells. Overexpression of the prosensory transcription factor, Math1, in sensory epithelial precursor cells induced expression of myosin VIIa, espin, Brn3c, p27Kip, and jagged2, indicating differentiation to inner ear sensory cells. Some of the cells displayed F-actin positive protrusions in the morphology characteristic of hair cell stereociliary bundles. Hair cell markers were also induced by culture of mouse MSC-derived cells in contact with embryonic chick inner ear cells, and this induction was not due to a cell fusion event, because the chick hair cells could be identified with a chick-specific antibody and chick and mouse antigens were never found in the same cell.
Functionalization of carbon nanofibers with elastomeric block copolymer using carbodiimide chemistry

Abstract Surface functionalization of carbon nanofibers (CNFs) with aminopropyl terminated polydimethylsiloxane [(PDMS-NH 2 )] and other organic diamines was achieved using carbodiimide chemistry. The carbodiimide chemistry provides faster reaction rate so that the reaction occurs at lower temperature compared to amidation and acylation–amidation chemistry. CNF functionalized with PDMS-NH 2 fibers were further functionalized with oligomer of polyimide (6FDA-BisP) using imidization reaction. The formation of block copolymer on the surface of CNF is proposed as an effective method to engineer the interphase between the fiber and the polymer, which is essential to modulate and enhance the properties of the nanocomposite. The efficiency of the carbodiimide chemistry to functionalize amine terminated groups on CNF and the functionalization of block copolymer was characterized using thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and UV–vis spectroscopy.
Physical activity for children: what are the US recommendations?

Summary Data from three US nationwide surveys, the Pediatric Nutrition Surveillance System (PedNSS), the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III), and the Practice Partner Research Network (PPRNet), have found that obesity is steadily increasing among American children. At the same time, statistics indicate that children and adolescents are becoming more inactive, especially as they get older. Childhood obesity and physical inactivity have similar health risks that can ultimately lead to serious health consequences. Moderate physical activity is recommended for everyone. Physical activity should include aerobic fitness, muscle strength, and endurance, as suggested by national policy. The Kid’s Activity Pyramid is a teaching tool for health care professionals, educators, parents, and children themselves, to be used to encourage daily physical activity. Children need to be on the move every day to develop and maintain strong bones and muscles and sustain a healthy weight.
Blind spectral weighting for robust speaker identification under reverberation mismatch

Room reverberation poses various deleterious effects on performance of automatic speech systems. Speaker identification (SID) performance, in particular, degrades rapidly as reverberation time increases. Reverberation causes two forms of spectro-temporal distortions on speech signals: i) self-masking which is due to early reflections and ii) overlap-masking which is due to late reverberation. Overlap-masking effect of reverberation has been shown to have a greater adverse impact on performance of speech systems. Motivated by this fact, this study proposes a blind spectral weighting (BSW) technique for suppressing the reverberation overlap-masking effect on SID systems. The technique is blind in the sense that prior knowledge of neither the anechoic signal nor the room impulse response is required. Performance of the proposed technique is evaluated on speaker verification tasks under simulated and actual reverberant mismatched conditions. Evaluations are conducted in the context of the conventional GMM-UBM as well as the state-of-the-art i-vector based systems. The GMM-UBM experiments are performed using speech material from a new data corpus well suited for speaker verification experiments under actual reverberant mismatched conditions, entitled MultiRoom8. The i-vector experiments are carried out with microphone (interview and phonecall) data from the NIST SRE 2010 extended evaluation set which are digitally convolved with three different measured room impulse responses extracted from the Aachen impulse response (AIR) database. Experimental results prove that incorporating the proposed blind technique into the standard MFCC feature extraction framework yields significant improvement in SID performance under reverberation mismatch.
A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY OF UMBILICAL SONOGRAPHY IN CALVES

The purpose of this study was to assess the usefulness of diagnostic ultrasound for the detection of umbilical defects in calves. The medical records of 25 calves having undergone an ultrasound examination and for which a final diagnosis was available were reviewed retrospectively. Ultrasound was accurate (p = 0.05) for the diagnosis of umbilical defects in calves. Overall sensitivity (0.89) and specificity (0.83) were similar. Ultrasound was a better predictor of abnormal (PV' = 0.94) than normal PV- = 0.71) structures. Ultrasound was a good predictor (p < 0.05) of disease and normalcy in all umbilical region subdivisions except the umbilical vein (p = 0.16). Specificity was greater than sensitivity in all areas except the umbilical stalk. Sensitivity was lowest (0.50) for detection of umbilical herniae and lesions in the umbilical vein. When multiple umbilical areas were affected, ultrasound identified all lesions in 4 of 7 calves. Criteria determined to be subjectively useful in the sonographic diagnosis of infection in umbilical remnants were gas andlor echogenic fluid in the lumen and a thickened, hypoechoic wall.
The roots of cancer: Stem cells and the basis for tumor heterogeneity

Recent studies of prostate cancer and other tumor types have revealed significant support, as well as unexpected complexities, for the application of concepts from normal stem cell biology to cancer. In particular, the cell of origin and cancer stem cell models have been proposed to explain the heterogeneity of tumors during the initiation, propagation, and evolution of cancer. Thus, a basis of intertumor heterogeneity has emerged from studies investigating whether stem cells and/or non-stem cells can serve as cells of origin for cancer and give rise to tumor subtypes that vary in disease outcome. Furthermore, analyses of putative cancer stem cells have revealed the genetically diverse nature of cancers and expanded our understanding of intratumor heterogeneity and clonal evolution. Overall, the principles that have emerged from these stem cell studies highlight the challenges to be surmounted to develop effective treatment strategies for cancer.
Making Education Count: The Nurse's Role in Asthma Education Using a Medical Home Model of Care

Asthma care for patients who have limited health literacy is very costly. The resources to help patients who have lower health literacy levels are very few are not well identified. Significant gains in asthma control, self-efficacy in managing asthma, and improvement in overall costs of care for this patient population can be achieved when health literacy challenges are addressed. This research suggests that one-on-one education with an asthma educator that specifically addresses health literacy levels and care designed around the National Asthma Guidelines can produce significant reductions in the cost for asthma care through decreased emergency department visits and hospitalizations, and improved self-management of asthma exacerbations.
Brain Actin-associated Protein Phosphatase 1 Holoenzymes Containing Spinophilin, Neurabin, and Selected Catalytic Subunit Isoforms

We previously characterized PP1bp134 and PP1bp175, two neuronal proteins that bind the protein phosphatase 1 catalytic subunit (PP1). Here we purify from rat brain actin-cytoskeletal extracts PP1(A) holoenzymes selectively enriched in PP1gamma(1) over PP1beta isoforms and also containing PP1bp134 and PP1bp175. PP1bp134 and PP1bp175 were identified as the synapse-localized F-actin-binding proteins spinophilin (Allen, P. B., Ouimet, C. C., and Greengard, P. (1997) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 94, 9956-9561; Satoh, A., Nakanishi, H., Obaishi, H., Wada, M., Takahashi, K., Satoh, K., Hirao, K., Nishioka, H., Hata, Y., Mizoguchi, A., and Takai, Y. (1998) J. Biol. Chem. 273, 3470-3475) and neurabin (Nakanishi, H., Obaishi, H., Satoh, A., Wada, M., Mandai, K., Satoh, K., Nishioka, H. , Matsuura, Y., Mizoguchi, A., and Takai, Y. (1997) J. Cell Biol. 139, 951-961), respectively. Recombinant spinophilin and neurabin interacted with endogenous PP1 and also with each other when co-expressed in HEK293 cells. Spinophilin residues 427-470, or homologous neurabin residues 436-479, were sufficient to bind PP1 in gel overlay assays, and selectively bound PP1gamma(1) from a mixture of brain protein phosphatase catalytic subunits; additional N- and C-terminal sequences were required for potent inhibition of PP1. Immunoprecipitation of spinophilin or neurabin from crude brain extracts selectively coprecipitated PP1gamma(1) over PP1beta. Moreover, immunoprecipitation of PP1gamma(1) from brain extracts efficiently coprecipitated spinophilin and neurabin, whereas PP1beta immunoprecipitation did not. Thus, PP1(A) holoenzymes containing spinophilin and/or neurabin target specific neuronal PP1 isoforms, facilitating efficient regulation of synaptic phosphoproteins.
Tumor necrosis factor α decreases 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptors in osteoblastic ROS 17/2.8 cells

Bone remodeling is a complex process regulated by systemic hormones, local cytokines, and growth factors. One cytokine, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), is known to have potent inhibitory effects on osteoblast matrix protein production and to stimulate osteoclast recruitment. We have previously shown that TNF-alpha inhibits 1,25-(OH)2D3-stimulated synthesis of bone gla protein (BGP), an abundant and osteoblast-specific matrix constituent. We hypothesized that the mechanism of TNF-alpha action included inhibition of intracellular 1,25-(OH)2D3 receptor (VDR) number or function. To test this, the osteoblastic cell line ROS 17/2.8 was cultured in the presence or absence of TNF-alpha (100 ng/ml), and binding of [3H]1,25-(OH)2D3 to 0.3 M KCl extracts of cytosol was measured by equilibrium assay. Specific [3H]1,25-(OH)2D3 binding decreased 70%, 25 h after addition of TNF-alpha. The decrease in [3H]1,25-(OH)2D3 binding was seen by 18 h, was sustained throughout the 72 h culture period, and was greater in low-density cultures. Scatchard analysis confirmed that TNF-alpha (100 ng/ml for 24 h) caused a decrease in the number of binding sites without change in VDR affinity. Northern analysis with a VDR riboprobe revealed that the decrease in VDR occurred without a change in the 4.4 kb steady-state VDR mRNA [VDR/cyclophilin mRNA signal ratio: control, 2.25; TNF-alpha, 2.24 (24 h), 2.17 (40 h), n = 2 flasks/time point]. These results suggest that TNF-alpha action on osteoblastic cells includes an inhibitory effect on VDR number at a point distal to the synthesis of VDR mRNA.
The Relationship Between Type of Sanction, Story Content, and Children's Judgments Which are Independent of Sanction.

Summary Thirty-two children were presented 18 stories containing either a good, neutral, or negative act which was followed by either a reward or punishment. It was predicted that Ss' responses would be influenced by the sanctions. It was also predicted that the type of story (good, neutral, or bad) would influence the extent to which a child judged the act independent of the effects of the sanction (reward or punishment). These predictions were supported. Ss made more positive responses to acts followed by reward than to those followed by punishment. However, an examination of a Content × Sanction interaction found the sanction of reward relatively ineffective for the stones with negative content.
“I’m Trying to Get My A”: Black Male Achievers Talk About Race, School and Achievement

This study seeks to challenge deficit views on Black male education by highlighting the perspectives of academically successful Black males in a secondary school setting. Employing interpretive qualitative methods, I present the narratives of academically successful Black males, emphasizing their reflections on race, school and academic achievement. In particular, this study highlights the educational dispositions and expectations of Black males, including the influences of their support systems on their academic trajectories. One support system comprised of parents, including the academic expectations held of their sons as well as their racial socializing practices. Another support system included their teachers, particularly those who demonstrated pedagogical, expectation and relational characteristics seen as enabling Black male success.
Asynchronous control of discrete event simulation

Traditionally, discrete-event simulations have been controlled in a synchronous manner. The synchronization is achieved through a data-structure, normally referred to as an events-list. Manipulations on this list can often be very expensive and can thus detract from the attractiveness of simulation as a problem-solving tool. An alternative to this situation is asynchronous simulation which has found considerable exposure in the literature of distributed simulation. Asynchronous simulations do not always process events in their natural order of occurrence. As a result the events-list and the associated costs may be eliminated. This paper explores the possibilities for asynchronous control of traditional simulations. It lays down the requirements for an effective asynchronous algorithm, and proposes a framework for simulations with such an algorithm.
Using redundancy to repair video damaged by network data loss

With rapid progress in both computers and networks, real- time multimedia applications are now possible on the Internet. Sine the Internet was designed to support traditional applications, multimedia applications on the Internet often suffer from unacceptable delay, jitter and data loss. Among these, data loss often has the largest impact on quality. In this paper, we propose a new forward error correction technique for video that compensates for lost packets, while maintaining minimal delay. Our approach transmits a small, low-quality redundant frame after each full-quality primary frame. In the event the primary frame is lost, we display the low-quality frame, rather than display the previous frame or retransmit the primary frame. To evaluate our approach, we simulated the effect of network data loss on MPEG video clips and repaired the data loss by using redundancy frames. We conducted user studies that experimentally measured users' opinions on the quality of the video streams in the presence of data loss, both with and without our redundancy approach. In addition, we analyze the system overhead incurred by the redundancy. We find that video redundancy can greatly improve the perceptual quality of video in the presence of network data loss. The system overhead that redundancy introduces is dependent on the quality of the redundant frames, but a typical redundancy overhead will be approximately 10% that of the original frames.
Growth and Survival of Hatchery-Reared American Oysters Set on Three Types of Cultch and in Bon Secour Bay, Alabama

Abstract Hatchery-reared American oysters (Crassostrea virginica) were set on three types of cultch (Mylar(R) sheets, crushed oyster shells, and whole oyster shells) and were observed for 157 days in indoor raceways. Greatest growth was observed in the cultch-free oysters originally set on Mylar(R). The least growth was observed in oysters set on crushed oyster shell. The growth of hatchery-reared oysters, set on whole oyster shells, was significantly greater than that of oysters on a natural reef. Hatchery-reared oysters were planted on 14 December 1978 in two 0.5-hectare plots in Bon Secour Bay, Baldwin County, Alabama. The accumulative mortality on both plots averaged about 99% after 3 months; 7 months later, no planted hatchery-reared oysters were found on the plots.
A comparison of a technical and a participatory application of social impact assessment

Results of independent applications of a technical and a participatory approach to SIA are compared for an assessment of impacts of the proposed removal of hydroelectric dams to recover threatened and endangered salmon in the Pacific Northwest of the United States. The analysis focuses on empirical differences and similarities between the technical social analysis report (SAR) and the participatory interactive community forum (ICF) in terms of indicators used, projection of impacts, and types of social impacts identified in two communities. The SAR used a more homogeneous set of social structures and indicators to make expert-based projections. The ICF did not limit indicators to those aggregated across the region, but revealed residents' perceptions of impacts to their communities. A combination of the two approaches would provide robust findings of social impacts.
Feasibility Assessment of the Integration of Microfluidics and NEPCM for Cooling Microelectronics Systems

The growing demand for microelectronic systems to be smaller and faster has increased the energy released by these devices in the form of heat. Microelectronic systems such as laptop computers and hand held devices are not exempted from these demands. The primary traditional technologies currently used to remove heat generated in these devices are fins and fans. In this study, traditional methods were compared to more novel methods like cooling using forced convection in microfluidic channels and stagnant nanoparticle enhanced phase change materials (NEPCM). For this study, the difference between the surface temperature of a simulated microelectronic system without any cooling and with a particular cooling method was compared for several cooling scenarios. Higher ΔT values indicate more effective cooling. The average ΔT values for fans, fins, NEPCM and microchannels with water were 2°C, 5°C, 3°C and 4°C respectively. These results suggest that, separately, microchannel cooling and NEPCM are promising methods for managing heat in microelectronic systems.Even more interesting than NEPCM or microchannel cooling alone is the potential cooling that can be achieved by combining the two methods to achieve multimode cooling first by the phase change of the NEPCM and then by circulating the nanofluid (melted NEPCM) through microchannels. A feasibility assessment, however, reveals that the combination of the two methods is not equal to the sum of the parts due to the viscosity and associated pumping power requirements for the melted phase change material. Nonetheless, the combination of the method still holds promise as a competitive alternative to existing thermal management solutions.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Articulation Proficiency in Twins and Singletons from Families of Twins

Two hundred sixty-three twins and 94 singletons from families of twins were administered the 1960 version of the Templin-Darley Screening Test of Articulation for three to eight year olds. Mean sco...
Selection of controls for clinical research studies in ophthalmology.

• Ophthalmologists are becoming increasingly aware of the need for welldesigned, controlled studies to investigate etiology and treatment of ocular conditions. While patients with the conditions of interest, or with characteristics that place them at high risk of eventual development of such conditions, may be readily identified in the ophthalmology clinic, identification of appropriate controls to be used for comparison may be quite difficult. In this article, epidemiologic principles for selection of controls for retrospective (case-control) and prospective (cohort) studies are reviewed. Two related studies, a case-control study in which multiple control groups were employed and a 15-year cohort study of all cases and controls, provided an opportunity to compare controls selected at random from an ophthalmology practice with controls selected at random from the general population. Participation rates were higher among office patients selected for study, both in the case-control study and in the cohort study. In the cohort study, office controls were more likely to lose visual acuity and to develop new degenerative eye conditions. These differences between control groups selected from two different sources emphasize the need for careful evaluation of potential groups of controls with respect to biases that each may bring to interpretation of clinical research findings.
Quantification of inducible SOS-like photoprotective responses in human skin

To document and quantify inducible photoprotective effects in human skin, explant cultures were treated once with thymidine dinucleotide (pTT) or diluent alone or UV-irradiated. Both pTT and UV increased the melanogenic protein levels on days 1–5 and comparably increased melanocyte dendricity and epidermal melanin content. Explants treated with pTT or UV but not with diluent alone showed initial inhibition of epidermal proliferation followed by mild reactive hyperplasia; melanocyte proliferation was minimal. To determine whether pTT and UV provide comparable protection against subsequent UV-induced DNA damage, explants were pTT- or diluent-treated or UV-irradiated. All explants were then irradiated with the same UV dose 72 hours later. Compared to diluent alone, pTT or UV pretreatment decreased the number of epidermal cells positive for cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) 50% immediately post-irradiation. In pTT- and UV- versus diluent-pretreated explants, the rate of CPD removal was also more rapid, approximately 80 vs 45% of the initial burden within 72 hours. These data confirm and quantify comparable SOS-like responses in human skin after pTT or UV irradiation, attributable to both increased epidermal melanin and increased DNA repair rate, in the case of pTT in the absence of initial damage.