cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Diet, Age, and Sex on the Nicotinic Acid Content of the Tissues of Chickens

Abstract THERE are wide differences among the values reported for the nicotinic acid content of chicken tissues. For example, Mclntire, Waisman, Henderson and Elvehjem (1941) found the nicotinic acid content of light and dark meat to be 73 and 61 micrograms per gram, respectively whereas Dann and Handler (1942) reported values of 151 and 72 micrograms per gram respectively for these tissues. This variation may have been caused, in part, by the analytical methods used (Dann and Handler, 1941), but the diet, age and sex of the chickens may also have been important contributing factors. Anderson, Teply and Elvehjem (1944) in a study of the effect of nicotinic acid intake on coenzyme I in chicken tissues, found that storage of nicotinic acid in the breast and leg muscles was correlated with the intake of the vitamin. They fed three levels: A synthetic basal diet containing 3 micrograms of nicotinic acid per . . .
The effect of photoperiod on the levels of seven endogenous gibberellins in the long-day plant Agrostemma githago L.

The following seven gibberellins (GAs) have been identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in shoots and leaves of the long-day plant Agrostemma githago: GA53, GA44, GA19, GA17, GA20, GA1, and 3-epi-GA1. The levels of these compounds were measured, using selected ion monitoring, during photoperiodic induction. The levels of GA44, GA19, GA17, and GA20 all increased to a peak at eight long days (LD), followed by a decline, while the levels of GA1 and 3-epi-GA1 did not reach a peak until 12 LD. The level of GA53 remained steady over the first 10–12 LD. Later in the LD treatment the levels of GA53, GA44, GA19, and GA17 increased again. The rate of metabolism of all GAs except GA53 was higher after 12–16 LD than under short days. These data thus provide indirect evidence for an effect of photoperiodic induction on GA turnover in A. githago.
Three-dimensional mixed mode I+II+III singular stress field at the front of a $${\varvec{(}}\mathbf{111 }{\varvec{)}[}\bar{\mathbf{1 }}\bar{\mathbf{1 }}\mathbf 2 {\varvec{]}\times [}\mathbf 1 \bar{\mathbf{1 }}\mathbf 0 {\varvec{]}}$$ ( 111 ) [ 1 ¯ 1 ¯ 2 ] × [ 1 1 ¯ 0 ] crack weakening a diamond cubic mono-crystalline plate with crack turning and step/ridge formation

A heretofore-unavailable mixed Frobenius type series, in terms of affine-transformed x-y coordinate variables of the Eshelby–Stroh type, is introduced to develop a new eigenfunction expansion technique. This is used, in conjunction with separation of the z-variable, to derive three-dimensional mixed-mode I+II+III asymptotic displacement and stress fields in the vicinity of the front of a semi-infinite through-thickness $$(111)[\bar{{1}}\bar{{1}}2]\times [1\bar{{1}}0]$$ crack weakening an infinite diamond cubic mono-crystalline plate. Crack-face boundary conditions and those that are prescribed on the top and bottom (free, fixed or lubricated) surfaces of the diamond cubic mono-crystalline plate are exactly satisfied. Explicit expressions for the mixed mode I+II+III singular stresses in the vicinity of the front of the through-thickness crack, are presented. Most important mixed modes I+II+III response is elicited even though the far-field loading is only mode I or II or III or any combination thereof. Finally, atomistic modeling of cracks requires consideration of both the long range elastic interactions and the short range physico-chemical reactions, such as bond breaking. The Griffith-Irwin approach does not take the latter into account, and nano-structural details such as bond orientation must be accounted for. A new mixed-mode I+II+III crack deflection criterion elucidates the formation of steps and/or triangular ridges on the crack path. The planes of a multiply deflected crack are normal to the directions of broken bonds. Additionally, the mixed-mode (I+II+III) crack deflection and ridge formation are found to be strongly correlated with the elastic stiffness constants, $${c}^{\prime }_{14}$$ and $${c}^{\prime }_{56}$$ , of the diamond cubic single crystal concerned.
Influence of dosing volume on the neurotoxicity of bifenthrin

Abstract Pyrethroids are pesticides with high insecticidal activity and relatively low potency in mammals. The influence of dosing volume on the neurobehavioral syndrome following oral acute exposure to the Type-I pyrethroid insecticide bifenthrin in corn oil was evaluated in adult male Long Evans rats. We tested bifenthrin effects at 1 and 5 ml/kg, two commonly used dose volumes in toxicological studies. Two testing times (4 and 7 h) were used in motor activity and functional observational battery (FOB) assessments. Four to eight doses were examined at either dosing condition (up to 20 or 26 mg/kg, at 1 and 5 ml/kg, respectively). Acute oral bifenthrin exposure produced toxic signs typical of Type I pyrethroids, with dose-related increases in fine tremor, decreased motor activity and grip strength, and increased pawing, head shaking, click response, and body temperature. Bifenthrin effects on motor activity and pyrethroid-specific clinical signs were ∼ 2-fold more potent at 1 ml/kg than 5 ml/kg. This difference was clearly evident at 4 h and slightly attenuated at 7 h post-dosing. Benchmark dose (BMD) modeling estimated similar 2-fold potency differences in motor activity and pyrethroid-specific FOB data. These findings demonstrate that dose volume, in studies using corn oil as the vehicle influences bifenthrin potency. Further, these data suggest that inconsistent estimates of pyrethroid potency between laboratories are at least partially due to differences in dosing volume.
Mineral species as functions of pH and oxidation-reduction potentials, with special reference to the zone of oxidation and secondary enrichment of sulphide ore deposits

Abstract A series of diagrams has been prepared showing some stability and solubility relations among lead, zinc, and copper minerals found in the zones of oxidation and secondary enrichment of sulphide ore deposits. The stability and solubility relations are expressed as functions of pH and oxidation-reduction potential. These diagrams show theoretical equilibrium relations, and are sufficiently similar to relations found in the natural system to imply that the synthetic approach may be useful in the interpretation of field relations. The diagrams suggest the existence of relationships not previously reported, and provide plausible explanations for some known phenomena. A definition of the boundary between the “zone of oxidation” and “zone of secondary enrichment” is proposed.
Above- and belowground response of Populus grandidentata to elevated atmospheric CO2 and soil N availability

Soil N availability may play an important role in regulating the long-term responses of plants to rising atmospheric CO2 partial pressure. To further examine the linkage between above- and belowground C and N cycles at elevated CO2, we grew clonally propagated cuttings of Populus grandidentata in the field at ambient and twice ambient CO2 in open bottom root boxes filled with organic matter poor native soil. Nitrogen was added to all root boxes at a rate equivalent to net N mineralization in local dry oak forests. Nitrogen added during August was enriched with l5N to trace the flux of N within the plant-soil system. Above— and belowground growth, CO2 assimilation, and leaf N content were measured non-destructively over 142 d. After final destructive harvest, roots, stems, and leaves were analyzed for total N and 15N.
Algebraic structures with exotic operations

A procedure for producing non‐standard examples of groups, rings, and vector spaces is introduced.
The Star Formation History of Damped Lyα Absorbers

The local power-law relationship between the surface densities of neutral hydrogen gas and star formation rate (SFR) can be used to explore the SFR properties of damped Lyα (DLA) systems at higher redshift. We find that while the SFR densities for DLA systems are consistent with luminous star-forming galaxies at redshifts below z ≈ 0.6, at higher redshifts their SFR density is too low for them to provide a significant contribution to the cosmic star formation history (SFH). This suggests that the majority of DLAs may be a distinct population from the Lyman break galaxies (LBGs) or submillimeter star-forming galaxies that together dominate the SFR density at high redshift. It is also possible that the DLAs do not trace the bulk of the neutral gas at high redshift. The metallicity properties of DLAs are consistent with this interpretation. The DLAs show a metal mass density lower by 2 orders of magnitude at all redshifts than that inferred from the SFH of the universe. These results are consistent with DLAs being dominated by low-mass systems having low SFRs or a late onset of star formation, similar to the star formation histories of dwarf galaxies in the local universe.
Herpes simplex virus type-2 stimulates HIV-1 replication in cervical tissues: implications for HIV-1 transmission and efficacy of anti-HIV-1 microbicides

Herpes Simplex virus Type-2 (HSV-2) increases the risk of HIV-1 acquisition, yet the mechanism for this viral pathogen to regulate the susceptibility of the cervicovaginal mucosa to HIV-1 is virtually unknown. Using ex vivo human ectocervical tissue models, we report greater levels of HIV-1 reverse transcription, DNA integration, RNA expression, and virions release in HIV-1/HSV-2 co-infected tissues compared with HIV-1 only infected tissues (P<0.05). Enhanced HIV-1 replication was associated with increased CD4, CCR5, and CD38 transcription (P<0.05) and increased number of CD4+/CCR5+/CD38+ T cells in HIV-1/HSV-2 co-infected tissues compared with tissues infected with HIV-1 alone. Tenofovir (TFV) 1% gel, the leading microbicide candidate, demonstrated only partial protection against HIV-1, when applied vaginally before and after sexual intercourse. It is possible that mucosal inflammation, in particular that induced by HSV-2 infection, may have decreased TFV efficacy. HSV-2 upregulated the number of HIV-1-infected cells and elevated the concentration of TFV needed to decrease HIV-1 infection. Similarly, only high concentrations of TFV inhibited HSV-2 replication in HIV-1/HSV-2-infected tissues. Thus, HSV-2 co-infection and mucosal immune cell activation should be taken into consideration when designing preventative strategies for sexual transmission of HIV-1.
The cockroaches (Blattaria) of Christmas Island (Indian Ocean)

Abstract The following species of cockroaches have been recorded from Christmas Island: Balta notulata (Stal), Blattella lituricollis (Walker), Margattea nimbata nimbata (Shiraki), Metanocticola christmasensis Roth, Panesthia angustipennis angustipeinnis (Illiger), Periplaneta americana (Linnaeus), Pycnoscelus surinamensis (Linnaeus), Supella (Supella) longipalpa (Fabricius) (with a query), Temnopteryx fulua (Brunner) (with a query). Lobopterella dimidiatipes (Bolivar) and Scabina latiusvittata (Brunner) are recorded from Christmas Island for the first time. Keys are given for adults and nymphs.
Formation of Block Copolymers by Transformation of Cationic Ring-Opening Polymerization to Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization (ATRP)

Transformation of cationic ring-opening polymerization to atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) to form AB and ABA type block copolymers was performed. Syntheses of AB type block copolymers initiated by polyTHF (poly(tetramethylene glycol)) containing one bromopropionyl end group were successful for styrene, methyl methacrylate (MMA), and methyl acrylate (MA). Block copolymers were characterized by GPC, 1H NMR spectroscopy, and thermal analysis (DSC). An ABA type triblock copolymer formed from a telechelic bifunctional polyTHF backbone that contained bromopropionyl groups at both ends was clearly formed in the case of successive ATRP of MMA. The triblock copolymer was characterized by GPC, 1H NMR, and DSC. In the case of styrene and MA, the formation of triblock copolymers was significantly slower.
Causal models and the assessment-treatment relationship in behavior therapy

The relationship between causal models in behavior therapy and strategies for designing intervention programs on the basis of assessment data is considered. The evolution away from simple univariate causal models is noted and complex causal models for behavior disorders are stressed. However, complex causal models currently preclude empirically based functional analytic and keystone target behavior assessment strategies for intervention design. Future directions for intervention design involving a combination of diagnostic, functional, analytic, and keystone strategies and markers for causal paths are discussed.
Separate epignathi of the mandible and the nasopharynx with cleft palate: Case report

Abstract Separate epignathi of the mandible and nasopharynx in the same patient are described. The case seems to be the seventh reported in which resection of an epignathus resulted in long-term survival.
Spatial and Temporal Variability in Size at Maturity of Walleye Pollock in the Eastern Bering Sea

Abstract Size at maturity is incorporated into stock assessments of walleye pollock Theragra chalcogramma. For eastern Bering Sea walleye pollock, however, this important biological variable has not been examined since 1976 and possible interannual and geographic variations have never been evaluated. Maturity condition and fish length data were collected from 10,197 walleye pollock aboard factory trawlers during winter 2002 and 2003. We also analyzed a smaller, previously unanalyzed data set on maturity collected annually by National Marine Fisheries Service scientists during eight echo integration-trawl surveys over 1989-2002. Length at 50% maturity (L 50) was estimated by year and area by logistic regression using maximum likelihood methods. Spatial (within subareas) and temporal (interannual) variability were found. For instance, fish matured at the smallest lengths north of the Pribilof Islands and in the years 1989, 1991, and 1995 and at the largest lengths in the southeastern Bering Sea and in the y...
Creatinine: A precursor of methylguanidine

Intraperitoneale Zufuhr von14CH3-Kreatinin in Ratten erhoht deren 24-h-Ausscheidung von radiomarkiertem Methyl-Guanidin im Urin, wahrend Tiere, die andere radiomarkierte potentielle Vorlaufer erhalten hatten, keine erhohte Ausscheidung zeigten. Diese in-vivo-Konversion von Kreatinin zu Methyl-Guanidin konnte nicht der Aktion gastrointestinaler Bakterien zugeschrieben werden, da die Ausscheidung von Methyl-Guanidin sowohl in antibiotikabehandelten als auch in sterilen Ratten ubereinstimmte.
Finite element simulation of composite ship structures with fluid structure interaction

A finite element tool for structural analysis of a composite multi-hull structure is developed. Two-way fluid structure interaction (FSI) is implemented by coupling finite element analysis (FEA) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD). FEA models have been developed using sandwich construction having composite face sheets and foam core. Two types of analysis were performed; i) hydrodynamic and ii) blast load. In the hydrodynamic case, fluid domain is modeled and wave motion is simulated based on Sea State 5. FSI module is then used to connect FEA with CFD code, CFX. Dynamic response of the hull in time domain is generated. A critical area with high stress gradient is chosen and a sub model is developed with refined mesh. Force and displacement boundary conditions are transported from the global model. Interlaminar stresses and shear stress distribution at the core and girder are then determined. Materials failure criteria for composites and foam are applied on the sub model and structural integrity of each component is checked. In the blast analysis, a sphere is modeled in the fluid domain as a high pressure blast source. Pressure distribution in the hull and global dynamic response are extracted and simulated with respect to time.
A Fine Balancing Act of Type III Polyketide Synthase

In this issue of Chemistry & Biology, a novel Aldol-Switch mechanism is proposed for the biosynthesis of type III polyketides, which include many antioxidants found in colorful fruits [1]. Based on structural and mutagenesis studies, the Aldol-Switch mechanism suggests that electronic effects balance between two competing cyclization specificities in Type III polyketide synthases. A novel hypothesis is also used to explain stilbenecarboxylate biosynthesis.
Microbial biosignatures in evaporite deposits: Evidence from Death Valley, California

Abstract We report on a microstratigraphic layering of mineral types that correlates with layering of the microbial community. Environmental Scanning Electron Microscopy–Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy analysis showed that in the upper layers of the community, dominated by cyanobacteria, gypsum (CaSO 4 ·2H 2 O) and bassanite (CaSO 4 ·H 2 O) give way to rosickyite, a rare form of sulfur ( γ -sulfur; monoclinic symmetry), which is not thermodynamically predicted to be stable at Earth surface temperatures, reverting to the more common α -sulfur form (orthorhombic symmetry) and yet exists and is stably maintained within the endoevaporitic microbial community implying a biogenic role in its formation. This mineral may be formed by a cycle of microbial dissolution of gypsum to sulfide and re-oxidation of the sulfide to elemental sulfur (rosickyite) within a stable oxygen–sulfide gradient maintained by the organisms and appears specifically in association with the cyanobacterial layer. Cells in the lower region of the pigmented phototroph-dominated layers (i.e., purple and green bacteria) have associated strontianite (SrCO 3 ) and calcite in the form of fine-grained minerals deposited on the cell surfaces and within the extracellular polymers surrounding them. Knowledge of how microbial communities can affect the mineralogy of evaporite deposits on Earth can help us to identify potential markers of the past or present existence of life on extraterrestrial bodies bearing evidence of ancient seas or lakes.
Cover Picture: The Structure of Random Foam (Adv. Eng. Mater. 9/2006)

The cover picture shows some results of simulated metal foam structures. To learn more about the structure of random foams, read the article by Andrew M. Kraynik on page 900. Surface Evolver models of soap froth with a wide range of cell-size distributions are used to investigate random cellular morphology. Geometric properties of foams and foam cells are analyzed. A simple, accurate theory relates the total suface area of foam to the cell-size distribution. The total surface area is approximately equal to the total edge length when both quantities are scaled by average cell volume. Voronoi structures are significantly different from foams, which raises questions over their use for predicting structure-property relationships.
The 3 Untranslated Region of Tobacco Necrosis Virus RNA Contains a Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus-Like Cap-Independent Translation Element

RNAs of many viruses are translated efficiently in the absence of a 5' cap structure. The tobacco necrosis virus (TNV) genome is an uncapped, nonpolyadenylated RNA whose translation mechanism has not been well investigated. Computational analysis predicted a cap-independent translation element (TE) within the 3' untranslated region (3' UTR) of TNV RNA that resembles the TE of barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV), a luteovirus. Here we report that such a TE does indeed exist in the 3' UTR of TNV strain D. Like the BYDV TE, the TNV TE (i) functions both in vitro and in vivo, (ii) requires additional sequence for cap-independent translation in vivo, (iii) has a similar secondary structure and the conserved sequence CGGAUCCUGGGAAACAGG, (iv) is inactivated by a four-base duplication in this conserved sequence, (v) can function in the 5' UTR, and (vi) when located in its natural 3' location, may form long-distance base pairing with the viral 5' UTR that is conserved and probably required. The TNV TE differs from the BYDV TE by having only three helical domains instead of four. Similar structures were found in all members of the Necrovirus genus of the Tombusviridae family, except satellite tobacco necrosis virus, which harbors a different 3' cap-independent translation domain. The presence of the BYDV-like TE in select genera of different families indicates that phylogenetic distribution of TEs does not follow standard viral taxonomic relationships. We propose a new class of cap-independent TE called BYDV-like TE.
Minute Ventilation-Targeted Adaptive Servo Ventilation Protects Renal Function In Acute Decompensated Heart Failure Patients

Introduction: Findings from The Evaluation Study of Congestive Heart Failure and Pulmonary Artery Catheterization Effectiveness (ESCAPE) trial, published in October 2005, suggested that use of swan-ganz catheterization in patients with acute decompensated heart failure was not associated with an improvement in clinical outcomes. However, the temporal trends in national utilization of swan-ganz catheterization among heart failure patients in the post-ESCAPE era are not known. In this study, we aim to determine the temporal trends in use of swan-ganz catheterization among hospitalized heart failure patients between 2004 and 2012. Methods: The 2004-2012 Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS), the largest database of in-patient hospital stays in the US, was used to identify hospitalizations with primary diagnosis of heart failure among patients $16 years using ICD-9 codes 402.xx, 404.xx, and 428.xx. Use of swan-ganz catheterization for monitoring among these patients was identified using the clinical classification software procedure code 204. Primary outcome of interest was annual swan ganz catheterization per 1000 heart failure admissions during the study period. Results: There were 9.2 million hospitalizations with a principal diagnosis of heart failure from 2004 2012 (mean age 72.6 years, 51% were women). The overall rate of utilization of swan-ganz catheterization was 6.2 per 1000 heart failure hospitalizations. There was a significant increase in the proportional utilization of swan-ganz catheterization from 5.7 per 1000 heart failure admissions in 2004 to 8.9 per 1000 heart failure admissions in 2012 (p!0.001 for linear trend). In contrast, among patients who died during hospitalization, a group whose disease severity may be consistent across time, there was a relative decline in proportional utilization of swan ganz catheterization (3.05 per 1000 heart failure admissions in 2004 to 2.54 per 1000 heart failure admissions in 2012 (P-trend 5 0.02). Conclusions: Proportional utilization of swan-ganz catheters among patients hospitalized for heart failure has increased over time in the post ESCAPE era. This increase is likely due to its greater use in patients with less severe disease.
THE ROLE AND FUNCTION OF THE NATIVE TEACHER

The native teacher's present frustration and confusion as to his role and function under the oral-aural approach can be eliminated via his acceptance of a division of teaching labor in which full utilization is made of his fluency in his students' native language. Employing this fluency, usually unavailable to the foreign teacher, the native teacher can attempt clarification of essential contrasts in evaluation of experience as well as in underlying social values distinguishing the target language from the students' native language. Moreover, that fluency can immediately alert the native teacher to typical student substitution of structures of the native language in their target language utterances. And by his sensitizing of the foreign teacher to instances of this common resort to silent translation, the native teacher can enhance the value of the foreigner's teaching performance. Furthermore, it is by such day-to-day cooperative teaching activity that the native teacher can not only increase his own fluency but can best serve his students as inspiring exemplar of both the possibility of learning the target language and the necessity of seizing on every occasion to speak it.
Imaging and other biomarkers in early clinical studies: one step at a time or re-engineering drug development?

In this issue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology, the clinical and imaging aspects are described for the first-in-human study of AG-013736, an oral inhibitor of angiogenesis. As for all initial human studies, there are some interesting twists, such as unexpected toxicity at low doses. However, perhaps the most important finding was that magnetic resonance imaging technology for blood-flow measurement can be standardized to yield consistent results in an early clinical trial at three separate institutions. This consistency is a key requirement for the adoption of imaging technology by drug developers.
Peripheral Magnetic Resonance Angiography with a Multi-Compartment Curved Leg Wrap for Thigh Compression

A curved urethane rf-welded leg wrap with multi-compartment inflation was developed for optimal thigh compression to suppress venous enhancement during peripheral magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). In 49 patients with suspected peripheral vascular disease, bilateral thigh leg wraps were inflated to 60 mm Hg just prior to mask imaging of 3D bolus chase peripheral MRA at 1.5 T using 45 mL gadolinium contrast agent. The time from contrast arrival in the abdominal aorta to venous enhancement in the calf was measured by repeating the calf station at ∼30 second intervals until venous contamination was observed. The mean time to venous enhancement with thigh compression was 108 ± 35 s, ranging from 40 to 181 s. In 64 out of 98 legs (65%), veins did not enhance even after repeating the calf station 3 times. In 10 legs (10%), venous enhancement was identified on the first phase of the calf station including 2 legs with cellulitis. However, the enhancing veins tended to be superficial and did not substantially i...
Canine cyclic motor activity of stomach and small bowel: The vagus is not the governor

Abstract The influence of the vagus nerve on gastric cyclic motor activity and small bowel migrating motor complexes is controversial. Diaphragmatic vagesection does not alter their occurrence or periodicity, but cervical vagal cooling inhibits both gastric cyclic motor activity and duodenal phase II activity. We have clarified this contradictory data by reversible vagal cooling at the diaphragm level in 5 dogs implanted with strain gages and bipolar electrodes to record gastric and small intestinal cyclic activities. Circulation of coolant through an implanted convectional jacket surrounding the vagal trunks lowered jacket temperature to 2 °–8 °C and maintained this temperature for 3–5 h in each experiment. Vagal denervation during cooling was proven at the end of each trial by abolition of intravenous insulin-stimulated gastric contractions, which promptly appeared with warming. More than 90% of gastric motor cycles persisted during vagal cooling. The mean duration of gastric phase III activity was reduced during cooling but the mean period of gastric motor cycles was unchanged. Duodenal phase II and III activities were unchanged and migrated normally through the small bowel. We conclude that the vagus nerve may modulate the duration of gastric phase III activity but does not govern the initiation of gastric cyclic motor activity or the duration, period, and migration of small intestinal migrating myoelectric complexes. These findings concur with those after truncal vagectomy but are different from observations made with cervical vagal cooling.
Pharmacy workers' perceptions and acceptance of bar-coded medication technology in a pediatric hospital.

Abstract Background The safety benefits of bar-coded medication-dispensing and administration (BCMA) technology depend on its intended users favorably perceiving, accepting, and ultimately using the technology. Objectives (1) To describe pharmacy workers’ perceptions and acceptance of a recently implemented BCMA system and (2) to model the relationship between perceptions and acceptance of BCMA. Methods Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians at a Midwest U.S. pediatric hospital were surveyed following the hospital’s implementation of a BCMA system. Twenty-nine pharmacists' and 10 technicians’ self-reported perceptions and acceptance of the BCMA system were analyzed, supplemented by qualitative observational and free-response survey data. Perception-acceptance associations were analyzed using structural models. Results The BCMA system’s perceived ease of use was rated low by pharmacists and moderate by pharmacy technicians. Both pharmacists and technicians perceived that the BCMA system was not useful for improving either personal job performance or patient care. Pharmacy workers perceived that individuals important to them encouraged BMCA use. Pharmacy workers generally intended to use BCMA but reported low satisfaction with the system. Perceptions explained 72% of the variance in intention to use BCMA and 79% of variance in satisfaction with BCMA. Conclusions To promote their acceptance and use, BCMA and other technologies must be better designed and integrated into the clinical work system. Key steps to achieving better design and integration include measuring clinicians’ acceptance and elucidating perceptions and other factors that shape acceptance.
Relations between winter precipitation and atmospheric circulation simulated by the geophysical fluid dynamics laboratory general circulation model

General circulation model (GCM) simulations of atmospheric circulation are more reliable than GCM simulations of temperature and precipitation. Thus, some researchers are developing empirical relations between observed atmospheric circulation and observed temperature and precipitation to translate GCM estimates of future atmospheric circulation into estimates of future regional temperature and precipitation. Developing climate-change scenarios in this manner assumes, at least, that relationships between atmospheric circulation and surface climate variables, such as temperature and precipitation, are properly simulated by GCMs. In this study, temporal correlations between 700 hPa height anomalies (700 hPa anomalies) over North America simulated by the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL) GCM and GFDL-GCM-simulated (GFDL-simulated) winter precipitation at eight locations in the conterminous United States are compared with corresponding correlations in observations. The objectives are to (i) characterize the relations between atmospheric circulation and winter precipitation simulated by the GFDL GCM for selected locations in the conterminous USA, (ii) determine whether these relations are similar to those found in observations of the actual climate system, and (iii) determine if GFDL-simulated precipitation is forced by the same circulation patterns as in the real atmosphere. Results indicate that the GFDL GCM simulates relations between 700 hPa anomalies and local winter precipitation that are similar to relations found in observed data for most of the locations analysed in this study. Results also indicate that at regional scales GFDL GCM simulations of the relations between 700 hPa anomalies and winter precipitation are most similar to observed relations for locations near oceanic sources of atmospheric moisture. These results suggest that the GFDL GCM may not adequately simulate variations in advection of atmospheric moisture into the interior parts of the USA and/or that this moisture is not adequately converted into precipitation in the interior parts of the country. This problem may be due, in part, to (i) the inadequate representation of topography in the GFDL GCM, (ii) stronger-than-observed mean winter zonal winds simulated by the GFDL GCM and the consequent more west-to-east paths of air flow and storm systems across North America, (iii) the relative weakness of important synoptic patterns in GFDL simulations, such as the Pacific North American circulation pattern, and (iv) the occurrence of ‘spectral rain’. In addition, for some locations, the GFDL-simulated relationships between precipitation and 700 hPa anomalies can be quite different from observed relations. The differing relationships suggest that GFDL-simulated changes in regional precipitation in response to changes in atmospheric circulation could differ from changes that would occur in the actual climate system.
Suicide Ideation and Attempts in Children With Psychiatric Disorders and Typical Development

Background: Children and adolescents with psychiatric disorders are at increased risk for suicide behavior. Aims: This is the first study to compare frequencies of suicide ideation and attempts in children and adolescents with specific psychiatric disorders and typical children while controlling for comorbidity and demographics. Method: Mothers rated the frequency of suicide ideation and attempts in 1,706 children and adolescents with psychiatric disorders and typical development, 6–18 years of age. Results: For the typical group, 0.5% had suicide behavior (ideation or attempts), versus 24% across the psychiatric groups (bulimia 48%, depression or anxiety disorder 34%, oppositional defiant disorder 33%, ADHD-combined type 22%, anorexia 22%, autism 18%, intellectual disability 17%, and ADHD-inattentive type 8%). Most alarming, 29% of adolescents with bulimia often or very often had suicide attempts, compared with 0–4% of patients in the other psychiatric groups. Conclusion: It is important for professional...
An efficient hierarchical VBR video coder over ATM networks

ATM, which has been recommended by the ITU as the transfer mode in broadband ISDN, supports the transmission of variable bit-rate (VBR) traffic via statistical multiplexing and assigns priorities to the transmitted signals. A new DCT-based hierarchical coding technique is developed for VBR video over ATM networks. Since the low DCT frequencies are more visually important than the high frequencies in a video frame, the coefficients are divided into a primary and secondary layer. The coefficients at the primary layer are coded by the MPEG standard, while those at the secondary layer are further divided into several subvectors, each of which is coded by vector quantization (VQ) technique. We present a bit rate allocation algorithm which determines how to allocate a given quota of bits among the subvectors at the secondary layer. Experimental results show that the hierarchical coding scheme produces high quality video signals with low bit rates in terms of the mean value of the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). In addition, the burstiness of both the primary and secondary layers is significantly reduced, thereby facilitates video transmission over ATM networks.
Space-based networking technology developments in the Interplanetary Network Directorate Information Technology Program

We present advanced technology developments in space networking achieved under the Interplanetary Network Directorate Information Technology Program. Progress has been made in three primary areas: (1) distributed on-board scheduling as it applies to communications; (2) middleware services; and (3) communications protocols. Demonstrations of these capabilities have been provided using a simulation environment capable of providing a realistic representation of the underlying space communications network environment.
EZH2-shRNA–mediated upregulation of p21waf1/cip1 and its transcriptional enhancers with concomitant downmodulation of mutant p53 in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Purpose Enhancer of zeste homologue 2 (EZH2), a component of the chromatin modification protein complex, is upregulated in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), whereas loss of p53 and its downstream target, p21 waf1/cip1 , is also observed frequently. We sought to investigate the role of the p53-p21 waf1/cip1 pathway in relation to EZH2-mediated inhibition of PDAC. Methods The PANC-1 cell line was utilized in chromatin immunoprecipitation, gene profiling, Western blot, cell invasion, cell proliferation, and tumor xenograft assays. Results Western blot analysis with antibodies that recognize both wild-type and mutant p53 did not show any alterations in band intensity; however, antibody that detects only mutant p53 showed a band of significantly lesser intensity with EZH2 knockdown. Western blot analysis further revealed a significant upregulation of p21 waf1/cip1 . Gene expression profile analysis indicated significantly enhanced transcripts of transcriptional inducers of p21 waf1/cip1 , with downregulation of mutant p53 transcript, corroborating the Western blot analysis. PANC-1 cells expressing EZH2-short hairpin RNA displayed markedly attenuated growth in SCID mice. Conclusion Downregulation of mutant p53 with concomitant enhanced expression of p21 waf1/cip1 and its transcriptional trans-activators may contribute toward EZH2-mediated suppression of PDAC.
TapDance: end-to-middle anticensorship without flow blocking

In response to increasingly sophisticated state-sponsored Internet censorship, recent work has proposed a new approach to censorship resistance: end-to-middle proxying. This concept, developed in systems such as Telex, Decoy Routing, and Cirripede, moves anticensorship technology into the core of the network, at large ISPs outside the censoring country. In this paper, we focus on two technical obstacles to the deployment of certain end-to-middle schemes: the need to selectively block flows and the need to observe both directions of a connection. We propose a new construction, TapDance, that removes these requirements. TapDance employs a novel TCP-level technique that allows the anticensorship station at an ISP to function as a passive network tap, without an inline blocking component. We also apply a novel steganographic encoding to embed control messages in TLS ciphertext, allowing us to operate on HTTPS connections even under asymmetric routing. We implement and evaluate a TapDance prototype that demonstrates how the system could function with minimal impact on an ISP's network operations.
Nonlinear prices and welfare

Focuses on the comparison of price and quantity rationing in terms of their capacities to allocate scarce goods. Effect of the price system on income redistribution; Correlation of quantity rationing with nonlinear price schedule; Factors attributing the quantity of rationing. (Из Ebsco)
Delay in chemotherapy administration impacts survival in elderly patients with epithelial ovarian cancer

Abstract Objectives The objective of this study was to characterize chemotherapy treatment patterns in elderly patients with epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) and their impact on overall survival (OS). Methods We identified patients age ≥65years with stage II–IV EOC who underwent cytoreduction from 2003 to 2011. Relevant clinical variables were extracted and correlated with OS. Statistical analyses were performed using logistic regression, Kaplan–Meier methods, and multivariable Cox proportional hazard models. Results One hundred and eighty-four patients were included in the analysis. The average age was 73years with American Society of Anesthesiology Physical Status Class 2 or 3. Approximately 78% underwent primary debulking surgery (PDS). OS for the entire cohort was 3.3years. One hundred and fifty-seven patients received adjuvant chemotherapy, of which 70% received initial platinum-based doublet therapy; 67.5% of patients were able to complete the intended six cycles of chemotherapy; of these, 34% experienced a dose reduction and 45% experienced one or more dose delays. Any dose delay was associated with a decrease in overall survival (p=0.02) and remained significant even after controlling for age, stage, and residual disease and number of chemotherapy cycles received (p=0.029). Conclusions Elderly EOC patients frequently required chemotherapy dose reductions and delays in chemotherapy administration. Multivariate analysis confirmed that dose delays are an independent factor associated with decreased OS.
Detection of cervical high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions from cytologic samples using a novel immunocytochemical assay (ProEx™ C)

BACKGROUND. Routine liquid-based cytology (LBC) provides excellent sensitivity for the detection of cervical high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL); however, its specificity is low. Consequently, many women who have atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US) or low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) cytology undergo unnecessary colposcopy. The authors hypothesized that a novel immunocytochemical assay (ProEx™ C) that can be performed on LBC slides had a significantly higher positive predictive value (PPV) for biopsy-proven HSIL compared with routine LBC. METHODS. The ProEx™ C immunocytochemical assay utilizes a cocktail of monoclonal antibodies directed against proteins associated with aberrant S-phase cell cycle induction (topoisomerase IIA, minichromosome maintenance protein 2). The ProEx™ C reagents were validated in the authors' laboratory for staining and scoring reproducibility, open-vial stability, and accuracy before a retrospective analysis using these reagents was performed on 317 residual cytology samples. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and negative predictive value (NPV) for the detection of biopsy-proven HSIL were determined. RESULTS. The ProEx™ C assay was validated successfully in the authors' cytology laboratory. Using biopsy-proven HSIL as an endpoint, the ProEx™ C assay yielded a sensitivity of 85.3%, specificity of 71.7%, PPV of 44.6%, and NPV of 94.8%. Compared with the routine LBC results in the same cohort, the ProEx™ C sensitivity for biopsy-proven HSIL was 70.6% greater than HSIL+ cytology (50% vs. 85.3%). ProEx™ C also showed a 114% increase in PPV relative to ASC-US cytology (21.1% vs. 44.6%). CONCLUSIONS. The ProEx™ C immunocytochemical assay can be integrated into a clinical cytology laboratory and may increase the PPV of LBC for biopsy-proven HSIL. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
Barriers to Collaborative Governance in New Zealand Fisheries: Pt I

Recurrent ecological crises in fisheries throughout the world make it imperative that a fundamental re-alignment of institutional arrangements occurs in order to promote sustainability. Collaborative institutional arrangements that provide incentives for collective action are seen as a more effective way to solve this problem than the more traditional hierarchical regulatory or market led approaches used in the past. While the merits of devolved collaborative governance have been stressed in recent fisheries literature, this paper is the second in a series of two which attempt to critically examine the barriers which impede collaboration in fisheries, using a New Zealand case study. This paper presents a typology of collaboration in New Zealand fisheries, and outlines three barriers to collaboration: the bio-physical attributes of the resource, community factors and institutional barriers. We conclude the arguing that the success of devolved collaboration has so far been contested and highly uneven in the New Zealand setting.
Germanium supersaturation during the crystallization of amorphous Te-Ge-Sn thin films

The structure and phase relations of Te–Ge–Sn thin films are examined with application to erasable optical storage media. Free energy data from the literature predict that the region of the Te–Ge–Sn phase diagram between Ge, Sn, and the TeGe–TeSn pseudobinary consists of one two-phase field [α–Ge and Te50 (GexSn1−x)50] and one three-phase field (α–Ge, β–Sn, and TeSn). Electron diffraction from five different Te–Ge–Sn films annealed at 623 K experimentally confirms this prediction. One composition from the two-phase field is deposited as a tri-layer film with the structure 150 nm SiO2/75 nm Te36.3Ge47.4Sn16.3/150 nm SiO2 on a grooved disk substrate, and the microstructure resulting from low-power (12 mW) CW and higher-power (∽50 mW) pulsed laser exposure is studied by transmission electron microscopy and electron diffraction. Of particular significance is that laser-induced crystallization produces a single-phase structure consisting of the Te–Ge–Sn compound phase which is supersaturated with respect to the excess Ge. This supersaturation leads to a disordering of the equilibrium NaCl-type structure of this phase. Crystallization of a micron-sized amorphous spot on a ∼200 ns time scale occurs by a diffusionless process. The fast erase times required by a phase-change optical recording application can thus be achieved in off-stoichiometric compound compositions by way of a nonequilibrium crystallization process.
Evidence of bias in estimates of influenza vaccine effectiveness in seniors

Methods We evaluated a cohort of 72527 persons 65 years of age and older followed during an 8 year period and assessed the risk of death from any cause, or hospitalization for pneumonia or influenza, in relation to influenza vaccination, in periods before, during, and after influenza seasons. Secondary models adjusted for covariates defined primarily by diagnosis codes assigned to medical encounters. Results The relative risk of death for vaccinated persons compared with unvaccinated persons was 0.39 [95% confidence interval (95% CI), 0.33–0.47] before influenza season, 0.56 (0.52–0.61) during influenza season, and 0.74 (0.67–0.80) after influenza season. The relative risk of pneumonia hospitalization was 0.72 (0.59–0.89) before, 0.82 (0.75–0.89) during, and 0.95 (0.85–1.07) after influenza season. Adjustment for diagnosis code variables resulted in estimates that were further from the null, in all time periods. Conclusions The reductions in risk before influenza season indicate preferential receipt of vaccine by relatively healthy seniors. Adjustment for diagnosis code variables did not control for this bias. In this study, the magnitude of the bias demonstrated by the associations before the influenza season was sufficient to account entirely for the associations observed during influenza season.
Toward better refinement of comparative models: Predicting loops in inexact environments

Achieving atomic-level accuracy in comparative protein models is limited by our ability to refine the initial, homolog-derived model closer to the native state. Despite considerable effort, progress in developing a generalized refinement method has been limited. In contrast, methods have been described that can accurately reconstruct loop conformations in native protein structures. We hypothesize that loop refinement in homology models is much more difficult than loop reconstruction in crystal structures, in part, because side-chain, backbone, and other structural inaccuracies surrounding the loop create a challenging sampling problem; the loop cannot be refined without simultaneously refining adjacent portions. In this work, we single out one sampling issue in an artificial but useful test set and examine how loop refinement accuracy is affected by errors in surrounding side-chains. In 80 high-resolution crystal structures, we first perturbed 6–12 residue loops away from the crystal conformation, and placed all protein side chains in non-native but low energy conformations. Even these relatively small perturbations in the surroundings made the loop prediction problem much more challenging. Using a previously published loop prediction method, median backbone (N-Cα-CO) RMSD’s for groups of 6, 8, 10, and 12 residue loops are 0.3/0.6/0.4/0.6 A, respectively, on native structures and increase to 1.1/2.2/1.5/2.3 A on the perturbed cases. We then augmented our previous loop prediction method to simultaneously optimize the rotamer states of side chains surrounding the loop. Our results show that this augmented loop prediction method can recover the native state in many perturbed structures where the previous method failed; the median RMSD’s for the 6, 8, 10, and 12 residue perturbed loops improve to 0.4/0.8/1.1/1.2 A. Finally, we highlight three comparative models from blind tests, in which our new method predicted loops closer to the native conformation than first modeled using the homolog template, a task generally understood to be difficult. Although many challenges remain in refining full comparative models to high accuracy, this work offers a methodical step toward that goal.