cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abnormal first-trimester ductus venosus blood flow: a risk factor for adverse outcome in fetuses with normal nuchal translucency.

Objectives First-trimester nuchal translucency thickness (NT) is a potent tool for assessment of fetal risks of aneuploidy and other adverse outcomes. When NT is increased, Doppler assessment of the ductus venosus (DV) enhances the prediction specificity for Down syndrome. This study assessed abnormal Doppler DV waveform as a predictor of adverse outcome when the NT is normal. Methods This was a case–control study of 2505 consecutive patients undergoing NT screening in our certified first-trimester screening program. First-trimester Doppler assessment of DV was performed and atrial systolic velocity was rated as antegrade (normal) or absent/reversed (DV-RAV; abnormal). Each case with normal NT (< 95th percentile) and DV-RAV was matched with two controls with respect to maternal age within 1 year, NT within 0.2 mm, crown–rump length within 3 mm, and closest calculated aneuploidy risk. Outcomes for paired variables were compared using t-test and Chi-square test. Results Forty-seven (1.9%) patients had normal NT and DV-RAV. After exclusion of three cases with obvious first-trimester anomalies and two with incomplete outcome data, 42 remained for analysis. Adverse outcome included cardiovascular defects (n = 6), fetal growth restriction (n = 3), renal anomaly (n = 2), aneuploidy (n = 3) and multiple defects (n = 3), in a total of 11/42 cases (26.2%). Cardiac abnormalities, renal abnormalities and perinatal death were all significantly more common in the study group (all P < 0.05). Conclusions Abnormal first-trimester DV Doppler findings appear to predict adverse outcome independently of a normal NT. These patients need detailed mid-trimester assessment of fetal anatomy with formal echocardiography, and subsequent follow-up. Copyright © 2007 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Duality in fuzzy multi-criteria and multi-constraint level linear programming: a parametric approach

This paper presents a parametric approach for duality in fuzzy multi-criteria and multi-constraint level linear programming (MC2LP) which extends fuzzy linear programming approaches. First, the MC2-simplex method is used to solve the crisp prima-dual MC2LP pair and then, through these crisp formulations, separate membership functions are constructed for fuzzy primal and dual program by considering the corresponding primal and dual decisions. For each program, a set of fuzzy potential solutions is determined in terms of the membership function and the related optimal solution with a certain range of decision parameters. Finally, using the primal and dual membership functions, a fuzzy weak duality function is obtained for any pair of primal and dual fuzzy potential solutions.
The mechanism of the homogeneous pyrolysis of acetylene

The experimental literature on the pyrolysis of C 2 H 2 is reviewed and summarized. These observations divide naturally into three temperature regimes: (i) T 1800 K, where a fragment chain carried by C 2 H and H drives a polymerization to polyacetylenes. A combined molecular/fragment chain mechanism is developed and applied to the modeling of three shock-tube studies which span the two higher-temperature regimes. The core of the mechanism is a set of 5 mainly molecular reactions whose rates are derived from an application of unimolecular rate theory and detailed balance to recent measurements on the decomposition of vinylacetylene. The combination of this core with consequent fragment radical reactions provides a satisfactory description of most features of the chosen experiments including several-isotope exchange, hydrogenation ot C 2 H 4 , and C 6 H 2 formation-which are almost entirely the result of fragment radical chain reaction. Possible detailed paths for the molecular dimerization are suggested and some possible molecular paths for the Berthelot synthesis of benzene are also proposed
Electron-impact-ionization cross sections for highly ionized chlorinelike ions

Electron-impact-ionization cross sections have been computed for ArII, K III, Sc V, and FeX in a distorted-wave Born exchange approximation. For ArII, the theoretical results are in good agreement with available experimental data. An analytic fit to the data is provided.
Measuring Household Livelihood Security at the Family and Community Level in the Developing World

Abstract This paper highlights one of the recent attempts to measure progress at the family and community level—the household livelihood security approach. The objective of this approach and an experimental household livelihood security index is not national or even large-scale subnational crosscomparison. Instead, it is a participatory, rapid community assessment technique that helps to identify the constraints to peoples' well-being. Its use is to help communities and their partners develop a profile of these constraints and to discuss and design effective programs to overcome the barriers to better health, nutrition, housing, education, and livelihood security. This paper addresses the following themes: (a) introduction, (b) a brief progress measurement history, (c) the household livelihood security approach, (d) the household livelihood security index, (e) how the index is used, (f) future issues, problems and prospects, and (g) conclusions.
Tight-binding view of alloy scattering in III-V ternary semiconducting alloys

The contribution of alloy scattering to the electronic scattering rate at the Brillouin-zone center in 18 III-V ternary semiconducting alloys is calculated in the Born approximation using the semi-empirical tight-binding parameters of Vogl, Hjalmarson, and Dow. Three types of disorder for a ternary alloy of the type ${A}_{x}{B}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}\mathrm{C}$ are included in these calculations. These are (1) ordinary diagonal disorder or disorder in the diagonal tight-binding energies associated with the constituents $A$ and $B$, (2) off-diagonal disorder or disorder in the tight-binding transfer energies between the constituents $A$ and $C$ and the constituents $B$ and $C$, and (3) redistribution disorder which takes into account the fact that the diagonal tight-binding energy of constituent $C$ is different in substance $\mathrm{AC}$ than in substance $\mathrm{BC}$. The latter two types of disorder are taken into account for the first time by our calculations, and we show that all three types of disorder can make roughly equal and sometimes competing contributions to the alloy scattering rate. Scattering rates appropriate for both conduction-band and valence-band scattering are presented and chemical trends in these rates for the alloys considered are predicted.
Assessment Strategies for Minority Groups

There has been a growing awareness, during the last three decades, of the unique problem of psychological assessment of ethnic minority children, of the need for developing techniques for their assessment, and of the obligation of the psychological profession to assume its responsibility more seriously to that end. Psychological assessment has far-reaching ramifications for minority children-their education, employment opportunities, social status, and development of a sense of dignity and pride. Hence it is imperative that it be accurate, fair, and valid (Oakland, 1982). Psychological testing, one of the most commonly used assessment techniques, has been an extremely controversial issue of our times. It runs counter to the basic belief of American society that all persons be treated equally. The psychological tests have hitherto failed to take into account the full impact of the environment on the development of human abilities and have consequently not succeeded in measuring them accurately. Hence on the basis of the test results some members of society, minority groups in particular, who
Comparison of dose decrement from intrafraction motion for prone and supine prostate radiotherapy

Abstract Background and purpose Dose effects of intrafraction motion during prone prostate radiotherapy are unknown. We compared prone and supine treatment using real-time tracking data to model dose coverage. Material and methods Electromagnetic tracking data were analyzed for 10 patients treated prone, and 15 treated supine, with IMRT for localized prostate cancer. Plans were generated using 0mm, 3mm, and 5mm PTV expansions. Manual beam-hold interventions were applied to reposition the patient when translations exceeded a predetermined threshold. A custom software application (SWIFTER) used intrafraction tracking data acquired during beam-on model delivered prostate dose, by applying rigid body transformations to the prostate structure contoured at simulation within the planned dose cloud. The delivered minimum prostate dose as a percentage of planned dose (Dmin%), and prostate volume covered by the prescription dose as a percentage of the planned volume (VRx%) were compared for prone and supine treatment. Results Dmin% was reduced for prone treatment for 0 ( p =0.02) and 3mm ( p =0.03) PTV margins. VRx% was reduced for prone treatment only for 0mm margins ( p =0.002). No significant differences were found using 5mm margins. Conclusions Intrafraction motion has a greater impact on target coverage for prone compared to supine prostate radiotherapy. PTV margins of 3mm or less correlate with a significant decrease in delivered dose for prone treatment.
MicroRNA-30c targets cytoskeleton genes involved in breast cancer cell invasion

Metastasis remains a significant challenge in treating cancer. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying metastasis is needed to develop more effective treatments. Here, we show that human breast tumor biomarker miR-30c regulates invasion by targeting the cytoskeleton network genes encoding twinfilin 1 (TWF1) and vimentin (VIM). Both VIM and TWF1 have been shown to regulate epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Similar to TWF1, VIM also regulates F-actin formation, a key component of cellular transition to a more invasive mesenchymal phenotype. To further characterize the role of the TWF1 pathway in breast cancer, we found that IL-11 is an important target of TWF1 that regulates breast cancer cell invasion and STAT3 phosphorylation. The miR-30c-VIM/TWF1 signaling cascade is also associated with clinical outcome in breast cancer patients.
The Public Health Risk of Animal Organ and Tissue Transplantation into Humans

Xenotransplantation—the use of animal organs or tissues for transplantation into humans—may overcome the severe problem posed by organ shortages. However, it also has the potential to compromise public health through the spread of novel viral diseases between species. Fundamental questions regarding the relative risks of viruses from potential donor species and different sources of donor material must be addressed. Policy developers must consider whether there are significant differences between xenografts and the unsterilized biological products derived from animals that are now commercially available. A national system for virus screening, discovery, detection, and diagnostics is necessary and will require infrastructural changes.
Two Models for Predicting Subject Circulation: A Contribution to the Allocation Problem

It is shown that different sets of variables can account for nearly equal amounts of variance when predicting book circulation by subject. Proportion of variance (R2) for two basic models containing various combinations of 21 variables were tested. The first, called the shelf list model, treated the number of library books, whose subjects match those of academic departments, as a control variable. As such, it accounted for 6Wo of the variance, thus entering the equation first. With this model, four separate significant sets emerged, each accounting for approximately thb same amount of variance (10%). They were (1) number of faculty, hardhoft, masters enrollments; (2) masters enrollments, upper-level majors, hardhoft; (3) credit hours X total enrollments, hardhoft; (41 tipper-level majors, total majors, enrollments lower. In the second, shelf list was constrained by defining the dependent variable as the proportion of shelf list circulated. With this model, three separate significant sets emerged. These were (5) masters enrollments and hardhoft (20% variance); (6) hard-soft and Ph.D. program (16%); (7) upper-level majors, and credit hours × total majors (15%). In each of the tests, no other variables were significant. Of the 21 variables, 10 did not appear in any of the 7 sets. Any of the seven sets could be used in an allocation formula. The deciding criterion for choosing a set may depend on the convenience of collecting data for each of the variables in the set.
IEEE TC-10: Update 2006

There is a need throughout the world for uniform test methods for devices used to generate, measure, and analyze waveforms. Technical Committee 10 (TC-10), the Waveform Generation, Measurement, and Analysis Committee of the Instrumentation and Measurement (I&M) Society, is tasked to develop standards to address these needs. To date, standards have been developed for digitizing waveform recorders, analog-to-digital converters, and transitions, pulses, and related waveforms. A standard for digital-to-analog converters is in progress.
Comparison of daptomycin, vancomycin, and ampicillin-gentamicin for treatment of experimental endocarditis caused by penicillin-resistant enterococci.

Infections with enterococci that are resistant to multiple antibiotics are an emerging clinical problem. We evaluated the antibiotic treatment of experimental enterococcal endocarditis caused by two strains with different mechanisms of penicillin resistance. Enterococcus faecalis HH-22 is resistant to aminoglycosides and penicillin on the basis of plasmid-mediated modifying enzymes; Enterococcus raffinosus SF-195 is susceptible to aminoglycosides but is resistant to penicillin on the basis of low-affinity penicillin-binding proteins. Animals infected with strain HH-22 received 5 days of treatment with the following: no treatment; daptomycin (20 mg/kg of body weight twice daily [b.i.d.], intramuscularly [i.m.]), vancomycin (20 mg/kg b.i.d., intravenously), or ampicillin (100 mg/kg three times daily, i.m.) plus gentamicin (2.5 mg/kg b.i.d. i.m.). Although vancomycin was superior to ampicillin-gentamicin (P less than 0.01), daptomycin was significantly better than all other treatment regimens (P less than 0.01) in reducing intravegetation enterococcal densities, although no vegetations were rendered culture negative by this agent. Animals infected with strain SF-195 received 5 days of no therapy, ampicillin, ampicillin-gentamicin, vancomycin, or daptomycin (all at the dosage regimens described above). Daptomycin, vancomycin, and ampicillin-gentamicin each lowered intravegetation enterococcal densities significantly better than did ampicillin monotherapy or no treatment (P less than 0.01); moreover, these three treatment regimens rendered significantly more vegetations culture negative than did ampicillin monotherapy or no treatment (P less than 0.05). Serum daptomycin levels remained above the MICs and MBCs for both enterococcal strains throughout the 12-h dosing interval used in the study. Daptomycin and vancomycin were both active in vivo in these models of experimental enterococcal endocarditis caused by penicillin-resistant strains, irrespective of the mechanism of resistance. This activity correlated with the unique cell wall sites of action of these agents (binding to lipoteichoic acid and pentapeptide precursor, respectively) compared with the sites of action of beta-lactams (penicillin-binding proteins). Beta-Lactamase production by strain HH-22 precluded in vivo efficacy with ampicillin-gentamicin combinations. In contrast, this combination was active in vivo against strain SF-195, which exhibited intermediate-level penicillin resistance (MIC, 32 micrograms/ml), likely reflecting the ability of high-dose ampicillin to achieve enough binding to low-affinity penicillin-binding proteins to cause augmented aminoglycoside uptake.
“Composite” precipitates in an AlLiZr alloy

Presentation d'une nouvelle microstructure pour l'alliage Al-2,34% poids Li-1,07% poids Zr contenant une distribution extremement fine de Al 3 Zr qui sert comme sites preferentiels de germination/croissance pour les precipites δ'
‘Blessed is Whoever is Not Offended by Me’: The Subversive Appropriation of (Royal) Messianic Ideology in Q 3–7

Jesus is never explicitly identified as the ‘messiah’ or christos in Q. The conspicuous absence of this particular term—so frequently used in the Pauline letters and the Gospels—is often taken to mean that the Q community was uninterested in, unaware of and/or rejected kerygmatic traditions which understood Jesus as a ‘messianic’ figure. Yet a careful analysis of the literary structure of Q 3–7 demonstrates that the redactor of Q both appropriated and subverted ‘traditional messianic expectations’ of a popular warrior-king by framing Jesus' baptism, temptation and Inaugural Sermon within announcement and confirmation passages that serve to both affirm and qualify Jesus' relationship to ‘messianic’ traditions. Located within a text dominated by the theme of eschatological reversal, the literary structure of Q 3–7 serves as a rhetorical defense in the redactor's construction of a new identity for Jesus.
Synthesis of the manganese-monocarbollide dianion [1-NHBut-2,2,2-(CO)3-closo-2,1-MnCB10H10]2−: Reactions with transition metal cations

Abstract Reaction of [Mn(NCMe)3(CO)3][PF6] with Li3[7-NHBut-nido-7-CB10H10] in THF (THF = tetrahydrofuran) affords the twelve-vertex manganacarborane dianion [1-NHBut-2,2,2-(CO)3-closo-2,1-MnCB10H10]2−, isolated as the bis-[N(PPh3)2]+ salt (5a). This species reacts with {Pt(dppe)}2+ (dppe = Ph2PCH2CH2PPh2) to afford the bimetallic complex [1-NH2But-2,3-{Pt(dppe)}-2,2,2-(CO)3-closo-2,1-MnCB10H9] (7) which has an Mn–Pt bond. In contrast, with {Cu(PPh3)}+ the anion of 5a yields a CuMnCu trimetallic compound [1-{NH(But)Cu(PPh3)}-2,3,7-{Cu(PPh3)}-3,7-(μ-H)2-2,2,2-(CO)3-closo-2,1-MnCB10H8] (8) in which one of the Cu centers is bonded to Mn, whilst the other is attached to the pendant NHBut group. Upon treatment with Ag+, compound 5a is oxidized giving the very unusual Mn(III)-carbonyl complex [1,2-μ-NHBut-2,2,2-(CO)3-closo-2,1-MnCB10H10] (9a) in which the carborane ligand formally acts as an eight-electron donor to manganese. The novel structural features of compounds 7, 8, and 9a have been confirmed by X-ray diffraction studies.
Perceptual supports for one-to-one correspondence in the conservation of number

This study compared provoked and spontaneous one-to-one correspondence along with two tasks having more perceptual support for correspondence. These four levels of correspondence appeared in a conservation of number condition and two conservation-related conditions (a partially static array or a static array). There were two sets of stimuli (toy animals or corks) in each condition, In opposition to Piaget’s predictions, the four levels of correspondence did not differ in difficulty for kindergarteners. There was a strong order effect (p < .OOl) in the direction of increasing conservation over the eight trials. There was some evidence that the standard conservation condition was easier than the other two conditions. Implications for Piaget’s theory are discussed. If each object in one group can be paired with an object in a second group and there are no objects left over, the two groups have the same number of objects. This concept, called one-to-one correspondence, is basic to the development of conservation, according to Piaget (1952). Eventually, children can maintain the correspondence despite changes in physical arrangement. In spite of the importance Piaget attaches to correspondence, very little is known about this concept. This is especially surprising when one considers the sizable literature on other abilities related to conservation, e.g., compensation, reversibility. Piaget (1952) claims that the closer the one-to-one correspondence between the elements of two sets, the more likely the child is to notice and maintain the equivalence. Thus, he states that provoked correspondence, e.g., sets of flowers and vases, eggs and egg cups, is easier than spontaneous correspondence, e.g., identical chips which have no natural relationship. However, he offers no evidence for this claim. The few studies which have examined this claim are marred by methodological problems. Dodwell (1960) found that provoked correspondence was easier than spontaneous, but the testing was different for the two. In the provoked task, eggs were bunched up and the children were asked whether there were the same number of eggs and egg cups. In the spontaneous
A Comparison of Accuracy of Selected Models for Predicting Academic Performance of Junior College Transfer Students

AbstractThe possibility of increasing prediction accuracy of academic performance of junior college transfer students was explored through use of curvilinear models and models that provided for interaction effects among predictor variables. Also, categorical prediction accuracies of selected regression models and discriminant models were compared. Curvilinear models and models that provided for possible interaction effects did not increase prediction accuracy in practical magnitudes beyond that of linear regression models. A multiple regression model, which predicted averages that correlated .60 with actual averages and had a standard error of .60, produced categorical prediction accuracies similar to discriminant models. In the case of success-failure predictions, approximately 75 percent of the students predicted to succeed were observed to succeed, and 51 percent of the students predicted to fail were observed to fail for both regression and discriminant models.
Robust performance measures for high yield bond funds

Abstract We examine performance measures for high yield bond mutual funds, which are a considerable percentage of taxable bond investments, but have not been widely studied. High yield funds exhibit persistence in their monthly returns, so we calculate Sharpe ratios using methods that incorporate the serial correlation of returns. We find that high yield fund rankings using raw returns and conventionally calculated Sharpe ratios are different from those using trailing standard deviations and robust standard errors. High yield fund rankings based on robust Sharpe ratios also differ from those computed using multi-index Jensen's alphas and information ratios. When measured by risk-adjusted returns, high yield bond fund managers do not add much value.
Canonical Thurston Obstructions

Abstract We refine Douady and Hubbard's proof of Thurston's topological characterization of rational functions by proving the following theorem. Let f : S 2 → S 2 be a branched covering with finite postcritical set P f and hyperbolic orbifold. Let Γ c denote the set of all homotopy classes γ of nonperipheral, simple closed curves in S 2 − P f such that the length of the unique geodesic homotopic to γ tends to zero under iteration of the Thurston map induced by f on Teichmuller space. Then either Γ c is empty, and f is equivalent to a rational function, or else Γ c is a Thurston obstruction.
Coronary Sinus Rhythm in the Polysplenia Syndrome

A leftward and superior P wave axis, the so-called coronary sinus rhythm, was found in nine of 12 patients with the typical polysplenia syndrome. These nine patients had the usual developmental abnormalities of the sinus venosus, including absence of the renal to hepatic portion of the inferior vena cava, other associated cardiovascular lesions, visceral heterotaxia, and multiple spleens. The absence of the superior portion of the inferior vena cava complicated cardiac catheterization in all patients, making it impossible to perform from the inguinal approach in four. The finding of coronary sinus rhythm in a patient with congenital heart disease and visceral heterotaxia should alert the clinician to consider the diagnosis of polysplenia and the attendant constellation of anomalies. In contrast, the asplenia syndrome, which has many similar developmental defects, except that absence of the superior portion of the inferior vena cava is very rare, has a very low incidence of this atrial arrhythmia. In a critically ill infant who has coronary sinus rhythm, with congenital heart disease and heterotaxia, it might be expedient to approach cardiac catheterization from the upper extremity.
Arrangement of the ribosomal RNA genes in Schizosaccharomyces pombe

In most eukaryotic cells, the genes for the ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs) occur as tandemly repeated units arranged in head-to-tail arrays within the chromosome. The transcription unit for the 18 S, 5.8 S and 25 S rRNAs alternates with a non-transcribed ‘spacer’ region within each repeat [ 11. The 5 S RNA genes are usually organized in separate, tandemly repeated clusters; however, those of the yeasts Saccharomyces cerevisiae [2] and Torulopsis utilis [3] are located within the ribosomal DNA (rDNA) repeating unit. This is not a universal characteristic of lower eukaryotes as the 5 S RNA genes of Neurospora crassa are not located in the major rDNA unit nor do they. appear to be tightly clustered (4,5]. 2.1. Plasmids Escherichia coli HBt [ 1 l] was the bacterial strain used for the preparation of plasmid DNA. The plasmid pJHC11, which contains more than one repeating unit of the S. cerevisiae rDNA, has been described [ 121. pJHC88, which was created by the same procedure, contains S. cerevisiae rDNA EcoRI fragment B. pYM21 and pYM124 contain Hind111 fragments of S. pombe DNA inserted into pBR322 and were isolated on the basis of hybridization to S. pombe 5 S RNA [ 131. pYM3.2 contains a 214 basepair (bp) S. pombe HpaI-TaqI fragment inserted into pBR322 between the BamHI and C/a1 sites.
Holographic Cosmology 3.0

We begin by reviewing the results on the decay of unstable D-branes in type II string theory, and the open–closed string duality proposal that arises from these studies. We then apply this proposal to the study of tachyon driven cosmology, namely cosmological solutions describing the decay of unstable space filling D-branes. This naturally gives rise to a time reversal invariant bounce solution with positive spatial curvature. In the absence of a bulk cosmological constant the universe always begins with a big bang and ends in a big crunch. In the presence of a bulk cosmological constant one may get non-singular cosmological solutions for some special range of initial conditions on the tachyon.
Electoral Reform in France.

Since the separation of church and state in 1905 the paramount question of French internal politics has been that of electoral reform. No other question has been so much discussed in parliament and in the country, or has been the subject of so many reports, books, brochures and magazine articles. It has occupied a leading place in the ministerial declarations of the last five cabinets and has caused the downfall of one. It was one of the paramount issues in the parliamentary elections of 1910 and an overwhelming majority of the deputies in the present chamber were chosen upon programs which pledged them to the support of electoral reform. Furthermore, the present chamber, elected in 1910, has on four different occasions by large majorities voted in favor of electoral reform and on July 10, 1912, it passed a bill by a vote of 339 to 217 embodying the more important reforms demanded by the country. But so far the senate has refused its concurrence.
Genetic analysis of Schizosaccharomyces pombe 7SL RNA: a structural motif that includes a conserved tetranucleotide loop is important for function

Abstract We have studied the effects of mutations in a 6-base segment of Schizosaccharomyces pombe 7SL RNA, which lies within a 35-nucleotide domain whose sequence and secondary structure are conserved in RNAs from many divergent organisms, including the 7SL component of human signal recognition particle (SRP). Surprisingly, many changes in this region can be tolerated under normal growth conditions. An exception is the lethality of several mutations at positions 159 and 160, 2 nucleotides previously shown to be protected from RNase digestion by the 19-kDa canine SRP protein. Nucleotide 160 is, in addition, the most highly conserved base in a consensus sequence for the most common tetranucleotide loop in ribosomal RNAs. Mutations that are likely to affect the stability and/or conformation of the RNA give rise to a conditional phenotype: when osmolarity of the medium is raised, the RNAs become partially or completely defective in function at high temperature.
Osteoblast-like cell (MC3T3-E1) proliferation on bioerodible polymers : an approach towards the development of a bone-bioerodible polymer composite material

An osteogenic cell line (MC3T3-E1) was used to study the potential of bioerodible polymers and ceramics to support osteoblast growth for a proposed bone-polymer composite for skeletal tissue repair. MC3T3-E1 cells were seeded on to 50:50 poly(lactide-co-glycolide), hydroxyapatite, 50:50 hydroxyapatite/poly(lactide-co-glycolide), and the poly(anhydride), poly(bis(p-carboxyphenoxy) propane surfaces. Cell attachment and growth on these surfaces was found to be highest on poly(lactide-co-glycolide), the least on hydroxyapatite and hydroxyapatite/poly(lactide-co-glycolide) combinations gave intermediate values. The order of adhesion and growth of MC3T3-E1 cells on the polymer and ceramic systems was poly(lactide-co-glycolide) is greater than hydroxyapatite/poly(lactide-co-glycolide) which is greater than hydroxyapatite. Negligible growth was found on poly(bis(p-carboxyphenoxy) propane. High alkaline phosphatase activity for the cells grown on poly(lactide-co-glycolide) and hydroxyapatite/poly(lactide-co-glycolide) confirmed retention of the osteoblast phenotype. This in vitro evaluation suggests that poly(lactide-co-glycolide) and hydroxyapatite/poly(lactide-co-glycolide) combinations may be candidate biomaterials for the construction of a cell-polymer matrix for skeletal tissue regeneration.
Behavioral problems among children whose mothers are abused by an intimate partner

Abstract Objectives: To determine the association between children’s exposure to maternal intimate partner violence (IPV) and behavior problems as measured by the parent report version of the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Methods: The study population was comprised of 167 2- to 17-year-old children of Seattle women with police-reported or court-reported intimate partner abuse. The CBCL normative population served as the comparison group. Risk of behavior problems was calculated among the exposed children, in the presence and absence of a history of reported child maltreatment, relative to the normative population. Multiple logistic regression served as the primary method of analysis. Results: Children exposed to maternal IPV were more likely to have borderline to clinical level scores on externalizing (i.e., aggressive, delinquent) behavior (RR=1.6, 95% CI: 1.2, 2.1) and total behavioral problems (RR=1.4, 95% CI: 1.1, 1.9) compared to the CBCL normative sample after adjusting for age and sex. Children who were exposed to maternal IPV and were victims of child maltreatment were more likely to receive borderline to clinical level scores on internalizing (i.e., anxious, depressed) behaviors (RR=2.6, 95% CI: 1.5, 3.6), externalizing (i.e., aggressive, delinquent) behaviors (RR=3.0, 95% CI: 1.9, 4.0) and total behavioral problems (RR=2.1, 95% CI: 1.2, 3.2) compared to the CBCL normative sample after adjusting for age and sex. Conclusions: Exposure to maternal IPV is significantly associated with child behavioral problems both in the presence and absence of co-occurring child maltreatment. Appropriate attention to the mental health of children living in households with IPV is needed.
Demographic and Attitudinal Differences between Negro and White Neighbors

Summary.-This study quantified a number of racial discrepancies which are relevant and germane to any organized attempt at neighborhood integration, as such discrepancies could only complicate or impede the integrative process if left unattended. Data were collected by conducting personal interviews with 240 Negro and 249 white women living in transition areas. Median education for Negro and white respondents was identical-although the latter tended to be less well-educated than their husbands, whereas, if anything, the reverse was true among Negroes. White women were less often employed than Negro women-and the former had fewer children, despite the fact that, as a group, they were older than the latter. Negroes were better satisfied with the area than were whites as well as more optimistic about future property values. Relatedly, there was evidence of agitation by real estate firms attempting to "panic" residents (especially whites) into selling their homes. Finally, whites were substantially more conservative in their thinking than Negcoesat least where one major issue (viz., campus unrest) was concerned. Residential segregation is unquestionably one of America's most urgent social problems. Often, no more than a few years elapse between the time when the first Negro family moves into an all white neighborhood to the time when some critical ratio of blacks to whites is exceeded, and the area degenerates into another black ghetto. As pointed out by che Commission on Race and Housing: "To be a neighbor . . . is more symbolic of equal status than to be a co-worker, fellow student, or fellow organization member . . . Racial discrirnination in the modern world is plainly in recreat, but it will make its last stand, without doubt, in the neighborhood" (Commission on Race and Housing, 1958, pp. 3-41. As noted by Simpson and Yinger ( 1965, pp. 544-545) intergroup relations is a complex and multifaceted problem which, all too often, we have tried to untangle with oversimplified theories and strategies rather than by conducting relevant, systematic research. Too often neighborhood integracion programs fail because efforts are expended in a rather spontaneous, capricious and sometimes misdirected manner. Considerably greater efficiency would be possible if problems were identified, priorities set, and endeavors directed on the basis of specific, quantitative information as to the namre and direction of demographic and attitudinal discrepancies between Negro and white residents. The present study represents an attempt to provide concerned officials with objective data about residents of their communities in order that administrative decisions having to do with racial integration might be made on a more factual than exigent or judgmental basis.
Induction of proinflammatory cytokines by a soluble factor of Propionibacterium acnes: implications for chronic inflammatory acne.

Although many cytokines have been implicated in the development and persistence of inflammatory immune responses, it is unknown if any of these are important in inflammatory acne. This study investigated the production of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-8 (IL-8), IL-1 beta, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) by human monocytic cell lines, ThP-1 and U937, and by freshly isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells from acne patients. Both Propionibacterium acnes and supernatants obtained from 72-h P. acnes cultures could induce significant concentrations of IL-1 beta, TNF-alpha, and IL-8 by both cell lines and by peripheral blood mononuclear cells as determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. There was no significant difference between acne and non-acne subjects. Endotoxin quantification and addition of polymyxin B to assays indicated no lipopolysaccharide (LPS) contamination. P. acnes supernatant was fractionated into components with molecular weights of 50%, suggesting that the soluble stimulating factor may be a secreted form of peptidoglycan-polysaccharide.
Can Nitrogen Fertilization Aid Restoration of Mature Tree Productivity in Degraded Dryland Riverine Ecosystems

Restoration of riparian forest productivity lost as a consequence of flow regulation is a common management goal in dryland riverine ecosystems. In the northern hemisphere, dryland river floodplain trees often include one or another species of Populus, which are fast-growing, nutrient-demanding trees. Because the trees are phreatophytic in drylands, and have water needs met in whole or in part by a shallow water table, their productivity may be limited by nitrogen (N) availability, which commonly limits primary productivity in mesic environments. We added 20 g N m−2 in a 2-m radius around the base of mature Populus fremontii along each of a regulated and free-flowing river in semiarid northwest Colorado, USA (total n = 42) in order to test whether growth is constrained by low soil N. Twelve years after fertilization, we collected increment cores from these and matched unfertilized trees and compared radial growth ratios (growth in the 3-year post-fertilization period/growth in the 3-year pre-fertilization period) in paired t tests. We expected a higher mean ratio in the fertilized trees. No effect from fertilization was detected, nor was a trend evident on either river. An alternative test using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) produced a similar result. Our results underscore the need for additional assessment of which and to what extent factors other than water control dryland riverine productivity. Positive confirmation of adequate soil nutrients at these and other dryland riparian sites would bolster the argument that flow management is necessary and sufficient to maximize productivity and enhance resilience in affected desert riverine forests.
Quantum contributions to cosmological correlations

The ``in-in'' formalism is reviewed and extended, and applied to the calculation of higher-order Gaussian and non-Gaussian correlations in cosmology. Previous calculations of these correlations amounted to the evaluation of tree graphs in the in-in formalism; here we also consider loop graphs. It turns out that for some though not all theories, the contributions of loop graphs as well as tree graphs depend only on the behavior of the inflaton potential near the time of horizon exit. A sample one-loop calculation is presented.
A negative association between video game experience and proactive cognitive control

Some evidence demonstrates that video game experience has a beneficial effect on visuospatial cognition. In contrast, other evidence indicates that video game experience may be negatively related to cognitive control. In this study we examined the specificity of the influence of video game experience on cognitive control. Participants with high and low video game experience performed the Stroop task while event-related brain potentials were recorded. The behavioral data revealed no difference between high and low gamers for the Stroop interference effect and a reduction in the conflict adaptation effect in high gamers. The amplitude of the medial frontal negativity and a frontal slow wave was attenuated in high gamers, and there was no effect of gaming status on the conflict slow potential. These data lead to the suggestion that video game experience has a negative influence on proactive, but not reactive, cognitive control.
Asymptotic Derivation of Shear Beam Theory from Timoshenko Theory

A systematic reduction of Timoshenko beam theory to shear beam theory is presented and compared to a parallel reduction to Euler–Bernoulli theory. The agreement between Timoshenko and shear theories is seen to improve as the ratio of Young’s modulus to shear modulus increases, as the mode number increases, and as the beam becomes fatter, which are the opposite trends for agreement between Timoshenko and Euler–Bernoulli theories.
Small Molecule MYC Inhibitor Conjugated to Integrin-Targeted Nanoparticles Extends Survival in a Mouse Model of Disseminated Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma (MM) pathogenesis is driven by the MYC oncoprotein, its dimerization with MAX, and the binding of this heterodimer to E-Boxes in the vicinity of target genes. The systemic utility of potent small molecule inhibitors of MYC-MAX dimerization was limited by poor bioavailability, rapid metabolism, and inadequate target site penetration. We hypothesized that new lipid-based MYC-MAX dimerization inhibitor prodrugs delivered via integrin-targeted nanoparticles would overcome prior shortcomings of MYC inhibitor approaches and prolong survival in a mouse model of cancer. An Sn 2 lipase-labile prodrug inhibitor of MYC-MAX dimerization (MI1-PD) was developed and decreased cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in cultured MM cell lines alone (p<0.05) and when incorporated into integrin-targeted lipid-encapsulated nanoparticles (p<0.05). Binding and efficacy of nanoparticles closely correlated with integrin expression of the target MM cells. Using a KaLwRij metastatic MM mouse model, VLA-4 targeted nanoparticles (20nm and 200nm) incorporating MI1-PD (D) NPs conferred significant survival benefits compared to respective NP controls, targeted (T) no-drug (ND) and untargeted (NT) control nanoparticles (T/D 200: 46 days vs. NT/ND: 28 days, p<0.05 and T/D 20: 52 days vs. NT/ND: 29 days, p=0.001). The smaller particles perfomed the better of the two sizes. Neither MI1 nor MI1-PD provided survival benefit when administered systemically as free compounds. These results demonstrate for the first time that a small molecule inhibitor of the MYC transcription factor can be an effective anti-cancer agent when delivered using a targeted nanotherapy approach.
The Art of Authority: Exhibits, Exhibit-Makers, and the Contest for Scientific Status in the American Museum of Natural History, 1920–1940

In the 1920s and 1930s, the growing importance of habitat dioramas at the American Museum of Natural History forced staff members to reconsider what counted as scientific practice and knowledge. Exhibit-makers pressed for more scientific authority, citing their extensive and direct observations of nature in the field. The museum's curators, concerned about their own eroding status, dismissed this bid for authority, declaring that older traditions of lay observation were no longer legitimate. By the 1940s, changes inside and outside the museum had destroyed any lingering notions that what exhibit-makers garnered from observing raw materials constituted scientific knowledge.
Effect of Urea and Diammonium Citrate on Fecal Components of Chicken Hens

Abstract Uric acid and creatine concentrations in excreta increased in hens fed urea or diammonium citrate (DAC) compared with excreta of hens fed corn-soybean meal diets. Nitrogen retention was reduced by more than 50% by adding urea or DAC to the diet at 4% crude protein equivalent.
Reactions to Participating in Dating Violence Research: Are Our Questions Distressing Participants?

In recent years, there has been increased research focus on dating violence, producing important information for reducing these violent relationships. Yet Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) are often hesitant to approve research on dating violence, citing emotional distress of participants as a possible risk of participation. However, no known research has examined the reactions of research participants to questions about dating violence. The current study examined the reactions among college students to completing a self-report measure on dating violence. Results showed that participants reported numerous positive experiences as a result of their research participation, with only mildly increased negative emotional reactions evident for some. Findings are discussed in relation to IRB proposals and appropriate informed consent for research participants.
Planning online degree programs: the stakeholders' perspectives

This qualitative case study applied the lens of the negotiation of power and interests to the planning process for an online degree program. The major findings of the study were: 1) stakeholders bring to the planning process conflicting perspectives of what constitutes an effective planning process, and 2) the actual planning process followed is negotiated among the stakeholders to negotiate the process.
High-resolution determination of soft tissue deformations using MRI and first-order texture correlation

Mechanical factors such as deformation and strain are thought to play important roles in the maintenance, repair, and degeneration of soft tissues. Determination of soft tissue static deformation has traditionally only been possible at a tissue's surface, utilizing external markers or instrumentation. Texture correlation is a displacement field measurement technique which relies on unique image patterns within a pair of digital images to track displacement. The technique has recently been applied to MR images, indicating the possibility of high-resolution displacement and strain field determination within the mid-substance of soft tissues. However, the utility of MR texture correlation analysis may vary amongst tissue types depending on their underlying structure, composition, and contrast mechanism, which give rise to variations in texture with MRI. In this study, we investigate the utility of a texture correlation algorithm with first-order displacement mapping terms for use with MR images, and suggest a novel index of image "roughness" as a way to decrease errors associated with the use of texture correlation for intra-tissue strain measurement with MRI. We find that a first-order algorithm can significantly reduce strain measurement error, and that an image "roughness" index correlates with displacement measurement error for a variety of imaging conditions and tissue types.
Continuous self-avoiding walk with application to the description of polymer chains.

We develop the continuous self-avoiding walk (CSAW) methodology for investigating temperature dependent thermodynamic properties of finite polymer chains without imposing a lattice. This leads to a new concept: the free energy theta temperature, T_(θF), at which the free energy is proportional to chain length. Above T_(θF), the polymer chain-solvent mixture leads to a single phase, whereas below T_(θF) the polymer solvent system has a positive surface tension with a tendency to phase separation to form a globular phase. For finite chains this coil-globule transition lies above the geometric theta temperature at which the distribution describes a Gaussian coil. CSAW provides the basis for a new approach to predict globular properties of real polymers.
Intimate Work: A Typology of the Social Support That Workers Provide to Their Network Members

Although the job and career functions of workers' networks have been well documented, there is little understanding of the social support that workers provide to their network members. This article addresses this gap by developing a typology of social support that workers provide to their network members. Drawing on interview data from 40 employees, the author identifies six types of social support that vary in terms of their intimacy, emotional energy expended, nonemotional resources required, frequency of expression, and function. The author concludes by discussing the implications of this typology for our understanding of workplace intimacy and the benefits of informal networks in work organizations.
A QUANTITATIVE STUDY OF THE HUMAN HYPOPHYSIS CEREBRI, OR PITUITARY BODY*

While the general size and appearance of the normal human hypophysis is generally well known, this organ has become of such clinical importance that more accurate data are necessary especially on the limits of normal variability, not only of the organ as a whole but also of the size and histological appearance of its various parts. It may be well to recall that the pituitary body is a complex structure composed of pars anterior (pars distalis), pars nervosa (processus infundibuli or pars posterior), pars intermedia (juxtaneuralis or pars infundibularis) and pars tuberalis (an epithelial extension along the under surface of the tuber cinereum or floor of the third brain ventricle). Most of these are shown in Figure 1, as seen in horizontal section. These various portions apparently differ functionally and must, therefore, be evaluated independently. While there are thousands of weights of the main portion of the gland as a whole, there are no accurate figures on the mass of the various subdivisions.