cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Intergroup theories and world views: Epistemological implications

This essay critically examines research in education from the perspectives of intergroup theories and philosophical world views in order to assess the implications of taking diverse approaches. Intergroup theories which stress the importance of experiences external to organizations would seem to agree with world views that accept contexts as important to representation of person and situations in research. The compatibility of methodologies which stem from world views that accept the integrity of parts with those which are embedded in the idea of the importance of contexts are questioned. The diversity of issues important to those holding the different views are explored through the comparison of two empirical studies, each stemming from a different perspective. The questions, conclusions, and recommendations of the two studies are all found to differ dramatically in attribution and prescription, resulting in a description of different meanings. The essay is particularly concerned with the understanding which may be lost by not considering intergroup theories or contexts in the study of minority groups.
Electronic structure and doping in BaFe 2 As 2 and LiFeAs: Density functional calculations

We report density functional calculations of the electronic structure and Fermi surface of the ${\text{BaFe}}_{2}{\text{As}}_{2}$ and LiFeAs phases including doping via the virtual-crystal approximation. The results show that contrary to a rigid-band picture, the density of states at the Fermi energy is only weakly doping dependent and that the main effect of doping is a change in the relative sizes of the electron and hole Fermi surfaces as required by Luttinger's theory. This is partly a consequence of a change in As height with doping, in particular a shift of As toward Fe as holes are introduced in the Fe plane, as might be expected from simple ionic considerations. The main effect of doping is therefore a reduction in the degree of nesting of the Fermi surface. This provides a framework for understanding the approximate electron-hole symmetry in the phase diagrams of the Fe-As based superconductors.
A Chemical Engineering View of Cnidarian Symbioses

Chemical engineering theory proves useful in predicting selective constraints on algal-cnidarian symbioses. Scleractinian corals are used as a model for understanding how the architecture of polyps and colonies affects the transport of material between the host and symbiotic algae, and the environment. Transport properties of the symbiosis are described by mathematical functions involving molecular diffusion and forced convection (water motion). Metabolic rates (photosynthesis and aerobic respiration) measured under manipulated regimes of water motion provide evidence that the physical state of the boundary layer (laminar or turbulent) surrounding the symbiosis directly affects both symbiotic algae and coral. However, the algae's photosynthetic rate is affected by changes in the ambient flow regime to a lesser degree than the symbiotic association's aerobic respiration rate, indicating a buffering effect of the host tissue. Two mathematical models presented explore the relationship of size and shape of contracted and expanded polyps on maximal rates of gas or nutrient exchange: the size/shape spectrum of scleractinian polyps is understandable in terms of how diffusion limits delivery of metabolites to coral and algae. Polyps of differing size are not geometrically similar; the shape changes observed are consistent with keeping fluxes of dissolved substances to these symbiotic associations “diffusionally similar.” Expanded polyps possess diffusive boundary layers of considerable depth which limit delivery of metabolites to the algae. The mass transfer characteristics and size range of scleractinian polyps lie within the range where theory predicts an optimal polyp wall thickness should occur.
Substituting ornithine for arginine in total parenteral nutrition eliminates enhanced tumor growth.

Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) may enhance the growth of some tumors: this enhanced growth is associated with an increase in the erythrocyte polyamine levels. The effect of arginine in TPN on tumor growth was compared with ornithine using rats with a transplantable Ward colon tumor. The relationship of circulating arginine, ornithine, glutamine, and polyamines with tumor growth was investigated. For rats fed chow ad libitum, increasing tumor weights were associated with a linear decrease in the plasma arginine levels which was consistently lower than that of age-matched non-tumor bearing (NTB) rats; ornithine and lysine levels were not affected. Subsequent experiments suggest that plasma glutamine levels were also lower in tumor bearing rats. Pair-fed NTB rats had reduced arginine but not glutamine levels in plasma. TPN regimens with arginine or with ornithine substituted for arginine at two levels (equimolar [Orm-Em] or isonitrogenous [Orn-IN]) were given to colon tumor bearing rats for 8 days. The final tumor weight of rats which received the arginine-containing regimen (19.8 ± 5.7 g, n = 4) (P < 0.05) was significantly greater than the tumor weight of rats fed chow ad libitum (12.1 ± 3.3 g, n = 6). The final tumor weights of Orn-EM (11.2 ± 2.6 g, n = 4) or Orn-IN (11.6 ± 0.8 g, n = 6) were similar to the chow-fed controls. The plasma arginine levels were elevated, compared with the control, when arginine was present in the regimen. The plasma arginine levels of rats which received Orn-EM or Orn-IN were lower than the controls. The plasma ornithine levels were not affected by arginine in the regimen but were elevated with increasing levels of ornithine in TPN. Plasma glutamine levels were decreased when arginine was present in the regimen but were elevated when ornithine was substituted for arginine. Erythrocyte putrescine was increased when either arginine or ornithine was included in the TPN regimens. These results demonstrate that while arginine in a parenteral regimen stimulates tumor growth, substituting ornithine for arginine in TPN does not enhance the growth of a transplantable colon tumor. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Can MFTs Address Spirituality with Clients in Publically Funded Agencies

Many marriage and family therapy (MFT) trainees and therapists working toward licensure are accumulating hours in publically funded treatment centers. The increasingly diverse clientele in the U.S. likely will be served in the public sector, especially as many states are providing more funding for county agencies and increased tuition reimbursement and/or loan forgiveness for students and graduates who work for these organizations. MFTs may feel ill-equipped to address spiritual issues in therapy at these sites, especially when grappling with ethical concerns. This article delineates a case example in which an MFT attends to spiritual issues when working with a family in a county mental health center. The authors illustrate how a therapist can navigate the ethical dilemmas of this case when working from a Bowenian perspective.
‘Du hast jar keene Ahnung’: African American English dubbed into German

This paper explores the translation of sociolinguistic variation by examining the ways that African American English (AAE) is dubbed into German. In discussing this ubiquitous yet poorly studied area of language use, I show that ideas about language as an index to social groupings are transferable to the degree that the ideas overlap in the cultures in question. In the case of German, if the character being dubbed is young, male and tied to the street cultures of the urban inner city, then AAE is dubbed using a form of German that has links to the urban youth cultures of north-central Germany. The transferability of sociolinguistic variation is important to issues related to cross-cultural communication and the ideologies that may play a role in the outcomes of that communication as well as to linguistic creativity and language style more generally.
2 W cw OPO in mid-IR pumped by OPSL laser intra-cavity radiation

The design and experimental testing of an Optical Parametric Oscillator generating 2 Watts of continuous wave radiation at 3.5 micron is presented. The oscillator uses a KTA (Potassium Titanyl Arsenate) crystal as the nonlinear medium, pumped by the 1.06 mm intracavity radiation of an Optically Pumped Semiconductor Laser (OPSL). A review of the nonlinear characteristics of KTA is presented, and design criteria for the OPSL intra-cavity pumped OPO are given. The experimental results are presented and discussed.
Holding the line on hepatic fat

When chronically elevated, insulin increases hepatic lipogenesis and VLDL synthesis. However, the hormone reduces liver lipids when acutely elevated. Work in this issue of Cell Metabolism (Najjar et al., 2005) suggests a new mechanism for the inhibition of the rate-limiting enzyme in liver, fatty acid synthase.
Structure and morphology of the 60/40 poly(p‐oxybenzoate‐co‐ethylene terephthalate) copolymer

The copolyester composed of 60 mol% p-hydroxybenzoic acid and 40 mol% ethylene terephthalate has been studied extensively by earlier workers. However, some confusion exists particularly with respect to the nature of the thermal transitions and the possible presence of additional phases. In the present study we have examined this copolyester and found that it is possible to separate the material into soluble and insoluble fractions with significantly different ratios of p-hydroxybenzoic acid to ethylene terephthalate. In fact, the soluble PET-rich fraction is blocky in nature, while the PHBA-rich fraction is more random. The multiple thermal transitions can now be readily interpreted in terms of a heterogeneous composition which tends to segregate and phase separate.
The effect of the interfacial strength on the mechanical properties of aluminum films

Abstract The effect of the substrate on the mechanical properties of a deposited film was demonstrated to be dependent on the interfacial adhesion strength. Three different techniques, namely the micro-indentation, microscratch and load relaxation rests, were used to investigate the mechanical properties of a model system, which was comprised of 1μm aluminum films deposited on Si substrates where one of the samples had a deliberately weakened adhesion strength. It showed clearly that the weakened interfacial adhesion was responsible for the decreases in the composeite hardness, contact stiffness and scratch resistance and the increase in the relaxation rate of the aluminum film as well. The observed results are explained qualitatively in terms of the confinement of the yield zone by the film-substrate interface. The involvement of interfacial cracks is also demonstrated and discussed.
Characterization of inhomogeneous transparent thin films on transparent substrates by spectroscopic ellipsometry: refractive indices n(λ) of some fluoride coating materials

By incorporation of an achromatic three-reflection quarterwave retarder to a spectroscopic ellipsometer and application of appropriate calibration and error correction procedures, it has been possible to characterize real thin-film fluoride optical coatings that are inhomogeneous. The refractive index and its dispersion with wavelengths greater than 300-700 nm as well as the depth profile of voids in the film have been determined for AlF(3), CeF(3), HfF(4), LaF(3), ScF(3) and YF(3) films on vitreous silica substrates.
Mixed Müllerian Tumors of the Female Genital Tract

Malignant mixed mullerian tumor (MMMT) and mullerian/mesodermal adenosarcoma are 2 of the most common mixed mullerian tumors of the female genital tract. MMMT is a biphasic neoplasm, composed of morphologically malignant epithelial and stromal components. MMMT should be distinguished from endometrioid adenocarcinoma with spindle cell elements, "dedifferentiated" endometrioid carcinoma, and combined adenocarcinoma and neuroendocrine carcinoma. Adenosarcoma is also biphasic; it is composed of morphologically benign or low-grade appearing epithelial components and malignant stromal components. The differential diagnosis of adenosarcoma includes MMMT, endometrial stromal tumor containing endometrioid glands, benign endometrial or endocervical polyp, adenofibroma, adenomyoma, including atypical polypoid adenomyoma, botryoid embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (sarcoma botryoides), and endometriosis, including polypoid endometriosis. Gross and microscopic features, including immunophenotype, should permit discrimination of the various entities.
The effects of Na+ and K+ on the citrate activation of prothrombin and on the esterase activities of thrombokinase

Abstract 1. 1. Thrombin evolved more slowly and after a prolonged lag period when human prothrombin was incubated at 25° in 0.77 M potassium citrate than in 0.77 M sodium citrate. Thus, it seemed possible that thrombokinase (activated Factor X, activated Stuart Factor, autoprothrombin C) might be inhibited by K+ or accelerated by Na+. The rates of hydrolysis of three ester substrates by bovine thrombokinase were studied, therefore (37°, 0.25 M Tris-HCl buffer, pH 8.0, 0.02 M ester) in the presence and absence of low and high concentrations of NaCl and KCl and citrate. The hydrolysis of p- toluenesulfonyl- l -arginine methyl ester, benzoyl- l -arginine methyl ester and benzoyl- l -arginine ethyl ester was inhibited much more by low concentrations of K+ than by the same concentrations of Na+. In the presence of high concentrations of Na+, but not of K+, the rates of all three reactions were 1.5–2 times the controls (no salts added). It was concluded that prothrombin, human or bovine, is activated faster in sodium than in potassium citrate solution because high concentrations of Na+ accelerate the actions of thrombokinase, human of bovine, much more than high concentrations of K+ do. 2. 2. Both potassium and sodium salts had complex effects on the reactions of thrombokinase with esters. The rates fell to minimum values and then increased again as the salt concentrations were continuously increased. At all times, however, rates in the presence of the potassium salts were much lower than rates in the presence of the sodium salts. In contrast, the trypsin -p- toluenesulfonyl- l -arginine methyl ester reaction was unaffected by up to 1.5 M NaCl or KCl, and while 2.5 M salts slightly accelerated the rates, there were no significant differences in the effects of the cations on this reaction. 3. 3. Low concentrations of KCl, potassium citrate, potassium oxalate, K2SO4 and potassium phosphate produced the same inhibitions of the rates of hydrolysis of p- toluenesulfonyl- l -arginine methyl ester by thrombokinase, but the corresponding sodium salts had much smaller effects. None of the anions tested, therefore, significantly affected the reaction. The differences in the effects of low concentrations of the cations persisted throughout the range of pH tested, 6.5 through 9.0, using Tris-HCl buffers (plus 0, 0.15 and 0.45 M NaCl or KCl) and 0.2 M sodium or potassium phosphate buffers. Rates in the presence of K+ averaged 68% of rates in the presence of Na+. 4. 4. It was concluded that two opposing effects operate when thrombokinase hydrolyzes esters. The inhibitions found were probably due to an inhibitory effect of K+. The accelerations found might have been due to an acceleratory effect of cations or to a non-specific effect of high salt concentrations on a step in the reactions or on the state of association or configuration of the enzyme.
Pathogenesis of Hyper IgE Syndrome

Hyper IgE syndrome (HIES) is a rare primary immunodeficiency characterized by the triad of elevated IgE and eosinophilia, eczema, and recurrent skin and pulmonary infections. The autosomal dominant (AD) form of HIES results from mutations in STAT3 and is characterized by disordered inflammation, connective tissue, and skeletal abnormalities. Tissue-specific STAT3 deficiency in animals, cytokine and transcriptional array data, and careful clinical phenotyping have explained some of the pathophysiology of the immunologic and non-immunologic abnormalities of AD-HIES. In depth study of the role of STAT3 mutations in specific aspects of HIES may lead to better understanding and new approaches to treatment of conditions intrinsic to HIES that are common in the general population, such as staphylococcal infections, scoliosis, osteoporosis, bronchiectasis, and arterial aneurysms. As the genotypes of STAT3 deficiency are further characterized, genotype–phenotype correlations may emerge that will be informative regarding specific molecular interactions. Autosomal recessive forms of hyper IgE (AR-HIES) have also been reported. A single case of homozygous deficiency of the signal protein Tyk2 has been reported as well as a recessive syndrome with some features overlapping AD-HIES, but for which the genetic etiology is unknown. Better understanding of the pathophysiology and mechanisms of dominant and recessive hyper IgE syndromes will shed light on somatic and immune biology and may improve quality of life and survival for HIES patients.
New way of handling dimensional measurement results for integrated circuit technology

The production of state-of-the-art integrated circuits requires better dimensional metrology than is currently available. The reliance on precision alone will not deliver the needed, close to atomic level performance. Without thorough analysis of the accuracy and precision performance of the metrology tools it is impossible to fulfill the requirements dimensional metrology has to meet. WIth the implementation and use of the existing, internationally accepted and recommended guidelines for evaluating and expressing the results and uncertaintly of measurements these problems can be minimized and ultimately overcome. These guidelines spell out the proper way of dealign with measurment results and their use will uncover substantial hidden problems that hold back the performance of current metrology tools. Possibilities for further improvements will also present themselves. This paper describes the present and preferred way of handling dimensional measurement results for integrated circuit technology and gives a detailed list of possible errors and sources measurement inaccuracy and uncertainty found in scanning electron microscopes.
Measurement Methods for Atomic Fluorescence and Laser-Enhanced Ionization Spectrometries with a Copper-Vapor Pumped Dye Laser

Several correction methods for several types of spectral and electrical interferences with a copper-vapor pumped dye laser system are presented. A tunable pulsed dye laser pumped with a copper vapor laser was used to excite the atomic fluorescence of Li, Na, In, and Fe and the atomic ionization of Li, In, and Fe. Correction methods used involved either modulation of the pulsed laser output and subsequent subtraction of noise or electrical bandwidth limitation of the signals to enhance the signal to high-frequency laser noise ratio. These methods are shown to provide a significant reduction in high-frequency interference, a major noise source with this type of pump laser. These three correction methods are shown to provide a significant improvement in the detection power of both laser-enhanced ionization and fluorescence methods. Limits of detection are presented for each correction method.
Wide Area Augmentation System-Based Flight Inspection System

The Federal Aviation Administration's augmentation to the global positioning system for civil aviation is called the wide area augmentation system. This paper introduces the wide area augmentation system-based flight inspection system. This system is better optimized than the current flight inspection systems in terms of accuracy, cost, and efficiency. Although they meet the Federal Aviation Administration's flight inspection system accuracy requirements, the current flight inspection systems are either higher cost or less efficient. The innovative use of the wide area augmentation system with a radar altimeter and a television positioning system without a requirement for an inertial navigator makes it possible for the wide area augmentation system-based flight inspection system to have low cost and high efficiency in flight inspection for instrument landing system calibration. The wide area augmentation system-based flight inspection system meets the Federal Aviation Administration's accuracy requirements for CAT III ILS calibration and also provides firm integrity algorithms. The performance of the wide area augmentation system-based flight inspection system is confirmed with tests using flight data taken in collaboration with the Federal Aviation Administration.
A new hybrid optimization algorithm

We develop a new optimization algorithm that combines the genetic algorithm and a recently proposed global optimization algorithm called the nested partitions method. The resulting hybrid algorithm retains the global perspective of the nested partitions method and the local search capabilities of the genetic algorithm. We also present a detailed application of the new algorithm to a NP-hard product design problem and it is found empirically to outperform a pure genetic algorithm implementation, particularly for large problems.
X-ray Structural Studies of Prussian Blue Analog Heterostructures on Poly(ethylene terephthalate) Supports

Abstract We have used X-rays to study the structure of photomagnetic, heterostructured films of nickel hexacyanochromate and cobalt hexacyanoferrate Prussian blue analogs on poly(ethylene terephthalate) solid supports. The nature of the interface between supporting polymer and Prussian blue analog is investigated and either positive or negative ions will bind to the surface depending upon pre-treatment. For heterostructured films fabricated using layers of a few hundred nanometers, each layer retains a crystal structure similar to that in the homogeneous phase, while heterostructured films that layer nanometer scale layers result in a solid solution of the two compounds that may have bond deformation. Regardless of layering thickness, these sequential adsorption films are polycrystalline.
Comparison of cellular lipids of serum-free strain L mouse fibroblasts.

Abstract Littlefield strain L mouse fibroblasts were adapted to grow in a completely chemically defined medium as serum-free monolayer and suspension cultures. Both cell cultures had a minimum doubling time of approximately 72 h. The growth rate and cellular lipid composition of these cells were compared with previously reported data on other strains of serum-free L cells grown in semi-synthetic media. Any variation probably could be explained on the basis of cell subline and/or the type of media used.
Comparison of Peroxy Radical Concentrations at Several Contrasting Sites.

Abstract The importance of the peroxy radicals in gas phase atmospheric chemistry has prompted the development of a number of methods for their measurement. These have resulted in several reports of H02 and R02 levels around the globe. The chemical amplifier has been used for measurements in seven intensive measurement campaigns over the last few years. The measured levels tell a great deal about the tropospheric chemistry of these radicals and also tell much about our understanding of the processes that create and destroy them. The results of these measured levels at sites that differ greatly in oxidant precursor concentration as well as photochemical activity are compared. A steady-state model has been developed to help explain the radical observations, and its use is discussed.
RF plasma deposition and in-situ property enhancement of Bi2Sr2Can−1CunOx thin films

Abstract An atmospheric pressure, inductively coupled, argon-oxygen RF plasma process has been used to prepare, in-situ, superconducting Bi2Sr2Can−1CunOx thin films. Film properties have been enhanced by exposing the grown film, in-situ, to the same argon-oxygen plasma used for its deposition. This is achieved by switching off the atomized precursor nitrate solution to the plasma torch. Tc's of 76 K and Jc's of 1.3 × 105 A/cm2 at 60 K and zero field have been achieved in the in-situ, Bi2Sr2Ca1Cu2Ox films. Bi2Sr2Ca2Cu3Ox films with Tc's of 100 K and Jc's of 1 × 105 A/cm2 at 77 K and zero field have also been grown. The effects of film exposure to the plasma for different time periods and RF power levels are discussed. The effects of deposition parameters, such as substrate temperature, bismuth content, solution concentration and phase control, are analyzed. Finally, the critical current behavior of the films under a external magnetic field of up to 5 T is reported.
Modeling Research of Exposure to Oil Aerosols During Oil Spills

ABSTRACT When oil is spilled at sea, aerosols containing oil or chemical dispersants (when they are used to combat the oil spill) can be formed from wind/wave interactions, wave/ship interactions, and some other attendant cleanup operations. This may result in oil aerosol exposure to response workers or the nearby public. In this paper, a modeling approach is proposed to study the resultant aerosol concentrations around an oil spill site. This computational modeling is developed by integrating aerosol formation with aerosol transportation equations. Using this model, several hypothetical scenarios can be generated. From computational iterations, it is seen that this exposure may be negligible in most situations, but under extreme conditions, a cause for concern.
ACE: alfalfa cultivar expert.

With the rapid proliferation of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) cultivars, forage specialists have found it increasingly difficult to match desired criteria with specific cultivars using standard publications. An expert system called ACE (Alfalfa Cultivar Expert) was developed to provide a rapid, simple way for occasional computer users to select alfalfa cultivars that meet their desired criteria. A database of cultivar characteristics for about 450 cultivars was created by compiling data from seed company representatives, forage specialists, and county agents. The expert system component of ACE uses this database to provide advice on alfalfa cultivar selection (...)
Alveolar Macrophage Antioxidants Prevent Hydrogen Peroxide-mediated Lung Damage

Since alveolar macrophages (AM) contain large amounts of antioxidants, we hypothesized that AM may be effective scavengers of H2O2 and reduce H2O2-mediated injury. We found that addition of AM to perfusates decreased lung weight gain in isolated rat lungs perfused with the H2O2-generating system of beta-D-glucose and glucose oxidase (G/GO) and that AM were as effective as the addition of erythrocytes or catalase in reducing injury. The ability of AM to protect isolated lungs corresponded with their ability to reduce H2O2 concentrations in vitro. By comparison, azide-treated AM had decreased catalase activity, did not prevent injury to lungs perfused with G/GO, and ineffectively decreased H2O2 in vitro. Mechanical disruption or stimulation of AM by phorbol myristate acetate or zymosan did not alter the AM H2O2-scavenging ability. We conclude that AM can scavenge H2O2 and limit oxidant-mediated injury.
Are You Minority Enough? Language Ability Affects Targets' and Perceivers' Assessments of a Candidate's Appropriateness for Affirmative Action

In the present study, we focus on Spanish language ability as a predictor of the extent to which Latinos are viewed by both others and themselves as full-fledged minorities. Study 1 shows that perceivers viewed Latinos described as Spanish speakers as more appropriate for race-based affirmative action than Latinos who were unable to speak Spanish (controlling for intellectual competence evaluations). Moreover, the affirmative action advantage that the Spanish-speaking Latinos had over the non-Spanish-speaking Latinos was explained by perceivers viewing the Spanish speakers as having greater minority status. The results of Study 2 suggest that Spanish-speaking ability is related to self-perceptions of minority status among Latinos. Like their perceivers in Study 1, Latinos who have less Spanish-speaking ability feel less Latino and report reluctance to apply for race-based assistance in the form of academic minority scholarships.
Elasto-plastic analysis of an aluminum alloy matrix reinforced with silicon carbide fibers packed in a hexagonal array

Abstract The micromechanical analysis of a composite with a matrix of an aluminum alloy (A1 6061 T6) reinforced with fibers of silicon carbide was performed using the nonlinear finite element program CALSAP. The fibers were packed in a hexagonal array and the fiber volume fraction (V/O) was 36%. The matrix was assumed to have elasto-plastic material behavior, and the applied load was uniaxial tensile and transverse to the longitudinal axis of the fiber. The computation of the stress-strain distribution, the initiation of plastic yielding the propagation of plastic zones, and prediction of crack initiation within the matrix were performed. The results of the elasto-plastic analysis were compared with those obtained using the finite element program MARC and they are in close agreement.
Public Speech: The DeGarmo Lecture for 1993

he State is constituted by law; the public by public speech. But "What makes public speech public?" Two views are contrasted: the forum view by which speech is public only if it is truth functional, and the idea of umbilical narratives in which speech is public when placed in some community of memory. Offered instead is the auditory principle, namely that speech is public when what is said by A is heard by B as candidate for B's speech. This principle is explored and applied and currently popular fallacies of public speech are exposed.
Are there ethnicity-based differences in the evaluation of individuals with abnormal liver biochemistries?

Background/Aims Recent studies suggested NAFLD is less infrequent in African Americans (AA) than in Caucasians but it is unclear if this difference is biological or due to under-recognition/under-referral. This study examined if there is an ethnicity-based difference in obtaining liver biochemistries or evaluating abnormal liver biochemistries by primary care physicians. Methods This study consisted of 45,016 AA and 49,660 Caucasians seen at our primary care clinics over a 3-year period. From these two groups, we identified patients with elevated aminotransferases (AA: 3676, Caucasians: 4644) and elevated bilirubin (AA: 1295, Caucasians: 1199) based on predefined criteria. Subsequently, we assessed the proportion of patients in each group who had liver-specific evaluation (viral serologies, abdominal imaging or GI clinic visit). Results Among patients with elevated aminotransferases, compared to Caucasians, AA did not have lower testing for viral hepatitis (26% vs. 25%), imaging (16% vs. 13%) or GI clinic visits (17% vs. 17%). Similarly, we did not observe clinically significant difference in the evaluation of elevated bilirubin between AA and Caucasians (viral serologies: 22% vs. 22%; imaging: 25% vs. 27%; GI clinic: 15% vs. 21%). Conclusions Under-recognition and under-referral are not likely to explain the reported ethnic differences in the prevalence of NAFLD.
Encryption in mobile wireless mesh networks

Wireless mesh networks (WMNs) are growing in popularity because of their inherent robustness, versatility, and ease of deployment in situations such as natural or man-made disasters. Another area of potential use for these networks is in physical security systems where they can potentially improve mobile communications, communications with remote locations, temporary communications, and geolocation applications. Since these physical security systems may employ a mobile WMN to transport sensitive or classified information, questions arise as to whether end-to-end encryption would work within a very dynamic WMN. We could not find published data or results concerning this. Therefore, we set out to find whether end-to-end encryption will continue to work through an ever-changing WMN. We examined the behavior of end-to-end encryption when the path through the wireless network changes (that is, when routing is forced through a different intermediate node or nodes) and when traversing a radio frequency (RF) shadow. We especially wished to determine whether a tunnel, as used in software virtual private networks (VPNs) or hardware encryption devices, would survive RF shadow transits and mesh network topology changes. This paper presents an introduction to WMNs, their applicability to physical security systems, our end-to-end encryption experiments, analysis of the results, and our conclusions.
Pregnancy in a nonimmunosuppressed transplant recipient

A 30-year-old woman with a living related six-antigen-matched kidney allograft conceived 10 years posttransplantation. She had discontinued her immunosuppression medications 3 years previously. The allograft functioned well throughout gestation, which was complicated by preeclampsia, leading to induction at 35 weeks and delivery of a 2,175-g male.
Balancing Ischemic Efficacy and Bleeding Risk in the Upstream Management of Non-ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Pharmacologic treatment of non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (ACS) has customarily focused on preventing or reducing ischemic complications through the use of potent antiplatelet and antithrombotic medications. From initial presentation in the emergency department, through hospitalization and possible intervention, preventing ischemia-related major adverse cardiac events (MACE), including death, recurrent myocardial infarction, urgent revascularization, and stroke, are the principal focus of health care providers. However, such reductions in ischemic events have come at the price of an increased risk of major bleeding, which is also associated with adverse clinical outcomes. Thus, attempts to improve anti-ischemic efficacy must be balanced against the increased risk of hemorrhage after ACS therapy is initiated. The objective of this article is to review evidence for a dual-risk stratification approach that centers on both ischemia and bleeding risks. The authors focused on the coherence of clinical trial data with respect to tools for reducing the risk of MACE as a result of early treatment, while maintaining awareness that such interventions can increase later bleeding risk.
Density functional theory and atoms-in-molecules investigation of intramolecular hydrogen bonding in derivatives of malonaldehyde and implications for resonance-assisted hydrogen bonding.

A density functional theory (DFT) and atoms-in-molecules (AIM) analysis has been applied to the intramolecular hydrogen bonding in the enol conformers of malonaldehyde and its fluoro-, chloro-, cyano-, and nitro-substituted derivatives. With the B3LYP/6-311++G(2d,p) method, good agreement between the DFT geometries and published experimental structures has been found. The donor−acceptor distance was also varied in a series of constrained optimizations in order to determine if energetic, structural, and topological trends associated with intermolecular hydrogen bonding remain valid in the intramolecular case. At very short donor−acceptor distances (<2.24 A), the hydrogen is symmetrically located between donor and acceptor; at distances longer than this, the hydrogen bonding is no longer symmetric. The AIM methodology has been applied to explore the topology of the electron density in the intramolecular hydrogen bonds of the chosen model systems. Most AIM properties for intramolecular hydrogen bond distance...
Imaging Cell Wall Architecture in Single Zinnia elegans Tracheary Elements

The chemical and structural organization of the plant cell wall was examined in Zinnia elegans tracheary elements (TEs), which specialize by developing prominent secondary wall thickenings underlying the primary wall during xylogenesis in vitro. Three imaging platforms were used in conjunction with chemical extraction of wall components to investigate the composition and structure of single Zinnia TEs. Using fluorescence microscopy with a green fluorescent protein-tagged Clostridium thermocellum family 3 carbohydrate-binding module specific for crystalline cellulose, we found that cellulose accessibility and binding in TEs increased significantly following an acidified chlorite treatment. Examination of chemical composition by synchrotron radiation-based Fourier-transform infrared spectromicroscopy indicated a loss of lignin and a modest loss of other polysaccharides in treated TEs. Atomic force microscopy was used to extensively characterize the topography of cell wall surfaces in TEs, revealing an outer granular matrix covering the underlying meshwork of cellulose fibrils. The internal organization of TEs was determined using secondary wall fragments generated by sonication. Atomic force microscopy revealed that the resulting rings, spirals, and reticulate structures were composed of fibrils arranged in parallel. Based on these combined results, we generated an architectural model of Zinnia TEs composed of three layers: an outermost granular layer, a middle primary wall composed of a meshwork of cellulose fibrils, and inner secondary wall thickenings containing parallel cellulose fibrils. In addition to insights in plant biology, studies using Zinnia TEs could prove especially productive in assessing cell wall responses to enzymatic and microbial degradation, thus aiding current efforts in lignocellulosic biofuel production.
Task Demands Moderate Stereotype Threat Effects on Memory Performance

Previous research has demonstrated that older adults' memory performance is adversely affected by the explicit activation of negative stereotypes about aging. In this study, we examined the impact of stereotype threat on recognition memory, with specific interest in (a) the generalizability of previously observed effects, (b) the subjective experience of memory, and (c) the moderating effects of task demands. Older participants subjected to threat performed worse than did those in a nonthreat condition but only when performance constraints were high (i.e., memory decisions had to be made within a limited time frame). This effect was reflected in the subjective experience of memory, with participants in this condition having a lower ratio of "remember" to "know" responses. The absence of threat effects when constraints were minimal provides important boundary information regarding stereotype influences on memory performance.
Lower frequency of peritoneal carcinomatosis in patients with pancreatic cancer diagnosed by EUS-guided FNA vs. percutaneous FNA

Abstract Background Studies have suggested an increased risk of peritoneal seeding in patients with pancreatic cancer diagnosed by percutaneous FNA. EUS-FNA is an alternate method of diagnosis. The aim of this study was to compare the frequency of peritoneal carcinomatosis as a treatment failure pattern in patients with pancreatic cancer diagnosed by EUS-FNA vs. percutaneous FNA. Methods Retrospective review of patients with non-metastatic pancreatic cancer identified 46 patients in whom the diagnosis was made by EUS-FNA and 43 with the diagnosis established by percutaneous FNA. All had neoadjuvant chemoradiation. Patients underwent restaging CT after completion of therapy, followed by attempted surgical resection if there was no evidence of disease progression. Results There were no significant differences in tumor characteristics between the two study groups. In the EUS-FNA group, one patient had developed peritoneal carcinomatosis compared with 7 in the percutaneous FNA group (2.2% vs. 16.3%; p Conclusions Peritoneal carcinomatosis may occur more frequently in patients who undergo percutaneous FNA compared with those who have EUS-FNA for the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. A concern for peritoneal seeding of pancreatic cancer via percutaneous FNA is warranted. EUS-guided FNA is recommended as the method of choice for diagnosis in patients with potentially resectable pancreatic cancer.
Discrete-time point process filter for image-based target mode estimation

The tracking and prediction of a maneuvering target can be improved by using additional (and unconventional) measurements of its apparent features (target modes), typically provided by an image sensor-processor. A model for the image-based observation channel in discrete time is presented, and a multidimensional point process filter for target mode estimation is obtained by making use of discrete-time point process theory. The filter's utilization is illustrated by simulation examples. >
Adverse impact of regional lymph node involvement in osteosarcoma

Abstract Background Metastatic dissemination in osteosarcoma occurs haematogenously, though regional lymph node involvement is rarely reported. We investigated incidence, patient characteristics and survival for patients with osteosarcoma and regional lymph node involvement at diagnosis. Methods We identified 2748 cases of high-grade osteosarcoma with available information regarding regional lymph node involvement in the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results database from 1973 to 2009. Demographics were compared using chi-squared tests or t -tests. Overall survival was estimated using Kaplan–Meier method and compared with log-rank tests. Multivariate analysis of overall survival was performed using Cox proportional hazards methods. Results There were 74 patients (2.7%) with regional lymph node involvement at diagnosis of whom 19 (0.7%) were pathologically confirmed. Patients with regional node involvement were more likely to have extraskeletal tumours, distant metastases, tumours arising outside the lower extremity ( p p = 0.033). Five-year overall survival in those with and without regional node involvement was 10.9% (95% confidence interval (CI) 4.6–20.4) and 54.3% (95% CI 52.2–56.4; p p Conclusion This analysis confirms that regional node involvement is a significant adverse prognostic factor that is independent of metastatic status, extraskeletal origin, age and tumour site.
Inflammation, immune reactivity, and angiogenesis in a severe combined immunodeficiency model of rheumatoid arthritis.

Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mice were engrafted with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovium and evaluated to determine whether RA synovial morphology and function were maintained in the RA-SCID grafts. The four major components of RA synovitis, inflammation, immune reactivity, angiogenesis, and synovial hyperplasia persisted in RA-SCID grafts for 12 weeks. Retention of chronic inflammatory infiltrates was demonstrated by histological evaluation and by immunohistology for CD3, CD20, and CD68. Staining for CD68 also revealed that the grafts had undergone reorganization of the tissue, possibly as a result of fibroblast hyperplasia. Immune and inflammatory components were confirmed by the detection of human immunoglobulins and human interleukin-6 in serum samples obtained from grafted animals. Human blood vessels were detected by dense expression of CD31. Small vessels persistently expressed the vitronectin receptor, αvβ3, a marker of angiogenesis. All vessels expressed VAP-1, a marker of activated endothelial cells. Finally, the grafts retained the ability to support immigration by human leukocytes, as demonstrated by the functional capacity to recruit adoptively transferred 5- (and −6)-carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester-labeled T cells. T cells entering the RA-SCID grafts became activated and produced interferon-γ, as detected by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analysis. These studies demonstrate that the RA-SCID model maintains many of the phenotypic and functional features of the inflamed RA synovium.
Terrestrial Vegetation Dynamics and Global Climate Controls in North America: 2001–05

Abstract Monthly composite data from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) satellite sensor was used to reconstruct vegetation dynamics in response to climate patterns over the period 2001–05 for North America. Results imply that plant growth over extensive land areas were closely coupled to El Nino–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) effects on regional climate. Areas strongly tied to recent (2002–03) ENSO climate effects were located mainly in northwestern Canada, interior Alaska, the northern Rocky Mountains of the United States, and throughout northern Mexico. Localized variations in precipitation were detected as the predominant controllers of monthly values for the MODIS fraction absorbed of photosynthetically active radiation (FPAR) over these regions.
Educational Equity and Adequacy for Disadvantaged Minority Students: School and Teacher Resource Gaps Toward National Mathematics Proficiency Standard

ABSTRACT This study addresses the issue of educational inadequacy and inequity for disadvantaged minority students. It estimates desired national standards and examines interrelated gaps in key school–teacher resources and mathematics achievement by linking national education data sets (National Assessment of Educational Progress [NAEP], Common Core of Data, and Schools and Staffing Survey). Although poor minority students’ chances to meet the national mathematics proficiency standard are undermined by the lack of their access to qualified teachers and adequate school funding, it turns out that the adequacy-based (absolute) gaps are much larger than the equity-based (relative) gaps. Meeting the NAEP Grade 8 mathematics proficiency standard requires substantial increases in per-pupil education spending (from $6,493 to $7,197 in year 2000 dollars) and in-field mathematics teaching rate (from 49% to 91%) across the nation. Research and policy implications are discussed.
Deployment of a rational swarm routing algorithm in ad hoc networks of mobile hosts

Mobile ad hoc networks are characterized by many small processors that work together to perform complex tasks with no outside help. These systems are rapidly deployable and can be used to create wireless sensor networks. The challenge lies in developing a protocol that allows the processors to automatically set up multi-hop communication paths among themselves. If the nodes are mobile then the network topology changes when nodes move out of wireless range and nodes may have to reestablish broken paths. The rational swarm protocol developed at the University of Virginia attempts to discover several paths between a source and destination by tracking the quality of each path to minimize the expensive need to perform route discovery when a path breaks. This thesis project deployed rational swarm onto a real system of small Sun SPOTs to serve as a proof of implementation. A graphical user interface allows a user to control and display the system to demonstrate its capabilities to a large audience.
Impact of gestational age at delivery on the economics of triplet pregnancy

Objective: To establish the charges associated with triplet pregnancies managed at a single tertiary center, over a 5-year time period, and to evaluate the impact of prematurity on these charges.Methods: All triplet pregnancies that reached at least 20 weeks gestation and received prenatal and neonatal care at our center from 1992 to 1996 were included. Charges for these mothers and neonates were extracted from two separate hospital billing computer systems, encompassing all inpatient, outpatient, technical, and professional charges. Linear regression was used to evaluate the relationship between gestational age at delivery and total charges.Results: Fifty-five triplet pregnancies were included, resulting in the admission of 149 liveborn neonates. The median gestational age at delivery was 32.1 weeks. The mean charges per triplet mother were: $6,899 (professional), $3,959 (hospital outpatient), and $32,686 (hospital inpatient). The mean charges per neonatal sibling set were: $20,107 (professional) and $12...