cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A RET mutation with decreased penetrance in the family of a patient with a “sporadic” pheochromocytoma

We present the case of a 38-yr-old man with a sporadic, multifocal pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma who was discovered to carry a Y791F germline mutation in exon 13 of the RET proto-oncogene. This mutation was found in his 65-yr-old mother and his 86-yr-old maternal grandmother. Neither of them had either biochemical evidence of pheochromocytoma or medullary thyroid carcinoma. The patient had a prophylactic thyroidectomy, which revealed mild C-cell hyperplasia. This case brings to discussion several issues: (1) the benefit of screening patients with apparently sporadic pheochromocytomas for genetic mutations; (2) the management of patients and families with “lower-risk” RET mutations; and (3) the possibility that lower-penetrance RET mutations may contribute to the list of causes of familial pheochromocytomas.
Chapter 15 Time in psychology

Publisher Summary This chapter explains the psychological research that over the past century has produced a substantial body of information about the experience of time. Humans and other animals can learn to anticipate the end of regular temporal intervals, probably using special biological timing mechanisms. Although biological timers may play a role in time perception, the registration of internal and external changes and memory for the contents of an interval probably explain most of humans' impressions of the magnitude of brief temporal durations. Our chronological sense of the past is the product of an ability to use what is remembered about an event to reconstruct its location in time, impressions of some quality of memories, such as their vividness, and a process that establishes temporal links among related events. Humans are able to have a sense of their place in time because they possess mental representations of recurrent time patterns. These representations can take several forms, including images and ordered verbal lists.
A note on forward price and forward measure

The forward measure is convenient in calculating various contingent claim prices under stochastic interest rates. We demonstrate that caution needs to be drawn when the forward measure is used to price contingent claims that involve multiple cash flows. We also derive partial different equations for the forward price to demonstrate how forward contracts can be used for dynamic hedging and how hedges can be conducted if the payoff of a contingent claim depends on the forward price.
The Establishment of Principles of Human Relations That May Be Used in the Integration of All-White or All-Negro Camps to Interracial Camps

Abstract The problem of this study was to derive and validate principles of human relations that may be used in the change from all-white or all-Negro camps to interracial camps and to determine the workability of each principle by applying it to a selected group of five interracial camps. Data for the study were obtained from the literature related to human relations and camping. Statements from the literature were formulated into principles. Each principle was validated by documentary analysis and by a jury of experts.
Low-frequency dynamic hysteresis in exchange-coupled Ni 81 Fe 19 / I r 22 Mn 78 bilayers

The dynamics of hysteresis, including the training effect, the field sweep rate dependence, and the field strength dependence of the exchange bias and coercivity, is experimentally investigated in exchange-coupled ${\mathrm{Ni}}_{81}{\mathrm{Fe}}_{19}{/\mathrm{I}\mathrm{r}}_{22}{\mathrm{Mn}}_{78}$ bilayers in the low-frequency range. The dependence of the exchange field and the coercivity with the number of measurement cycles is well described by a power-law function in which the index varies with the ${\mathrm{Ir}}_{22}{\mathrm{Mn}}_{78}$ thickness. We have also found that the exchange bias depends upon the sweep rate according to a power law. This ``training effect'' and the dynamic response of the exchange biasing can be explained by a thermal fluctuation model in which the antiferromagnet is assumed to be composed of grains which undergo thermal fluctuations.
Evaluating the physiological and behavioral response of a male and female gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) during an introduction.

Prolonged stress responses can lead to infertility and death; therefore monitoring respective indicators like stress-related hormones and behaviors is an important tool in ensuring the health and well-being among zoo-housed animal populations. Changes in social structure, such as the introduction of a new conspecific, can be a source of stress. In April 2010, a sexually mature female western lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) was brought to Lincoln Park Zoo (LPZ; Chicago, IL) from the Chicago Zoological Park (Brookfield, IL) for a breeding recommendation from the Gorilla Species Survival Plan. Fecal glucocorticoid metabolites (FGMs) were monitored in two gorillas prior to, during and immediately following the social introduction. Reproduction events, such ovarian cyclicity and pregnancy, were monitored using behavior and fecal progestagen metabolite (FPM; female) and fecal androgen metabolite (FAM; male) analyses. Mean (± standard error) FGM concentrations for the male were elevated (P = 0.002) during the introduction (20.61 ± 0.83 ng/g) compared to the pre- and post-introduction phases (11.31 ± 0.48 ng/g and 12.42 ± 0.65 ng/g, respectively). For the female, mean FGM concentrations were lower (P < 0.001) during the post-introduction (17.91 ± 1.07 ng/g) than during the pre- and introduction phases (30.50 ± 3.42 and 27.38 ± 1.51 ng/g, respectively). The female maintained normal FPM cyclicity throughout the study and became pregnant in the post-introduction phase. These results suggest the importance of both behavioral and physiological monitoring of zoo animals and demonstrate the potential stress that can occur during social introductions. Zoo Biol. 33:394-402, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals Inc.
The ltk gene family encodes novel receptor-like kinases with temporal expression in developing maize endosperm

We describe the isolation and characterization of maize cDNAs that are transcribed from a small gene family and encode a novel group of receptor-like kinases (RLKs). The distinctive extracellular domain of these novel RLKs includes a unique number and arrangement of leucine-rich repeats (LRRs), a proline-rich region (PRR), a putative protein degradation target sequence (PEST), and a serine-rich region (SRR). The intracellular domain contains a putative serine/threonine protein kinase. To distinguish them from other reported RLKs, these novel RLKs were termed leucine-rich repeat transmembrane protein kinases (LTKs). Based on analysis of available deduced protein sequences, LTK1 and LTK2 were predicted to be 92.1% identical, while LTK2 and LTK3 were predicted to be 97.5% identical. Though the three LTK proteins showed high homology, the region that most distinguished LTK1 from LTK2 and LTK3 was found in the extracellular domain, in the SRR. To differentiate between expression of the individual ltk genes, we used the reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in combination with restriction enzyme analysis. While ltk1 transcripts were constantly present in all tissues tested, ltk2 and ltk3 transcripts were only detected in the endosperm. Furthermore, transcript levels for both ltk1 and ltk2 showed modulation during endosperm development, peaking at 20 days after pollination. These results suggest that members of the ltk gene family mediate signals associated with seed development and maturation.
On the performance of the proportional delay differentiation

While DiffServ is gaining ground, QoS related operations have been constantly changing. The proportional differentiation model, as a special case of DiffServ, was suggested to enforce controllable and consistent QoS differentiation. The article investigates the delay differentiation perspective of the proportional model. It first derives the properties of the average delay differences among service classes. Second, simulations and analysis are applied to reveal more fundamental facts of two typical delay differentiation mechanisms. Last, their short-term and long-term delay differentiation performances are evaluated.
Chainbuilding: A New Building for the New New School

Until a souring national and local economy led them to scale back their plans in 2008, The New School in New York City had been designing a new, 500,000-ft2 “signature building” intended to embody what administrators were calling The new New School, a university committed to progressive, interdisciplinary, urban, global education. The building was to offer glimpses of the horizon of academic infrastructure and media and their potential impact—structural, pedagogic, and symbolic—on the university and its communities. Although the building will not be realized in the form presented to the public in spring 2008, the design deliberations that generated that proposal offer valuable insights into how a university might reembody its ideals in a time of intense globalization and mediatization. Complementing Robert Kirkbride’s paper on the pedagogical practice of chainmaking and its historical relationship to learning spaces, we examine in this paper how media can be instrumental in wayfinding, how they can help to organize a building into various “processual” paths that reflect different approaches to learning, and how their presence in learning spaces can enhance teaching and learning. We also discuss how the building can serve as a mediator within the community, reflecting the institution’s identity and its pedagogical philosophy.
Antioxidant inhibition of cholesterol oxidation in a spray-dried food system during accelerated storage

Spray-dried egg yolk was used to evaluate antioxidant inhibition of cholesterol oxidation during accelerated (Cu +2 and heat) storage. Liquid yolk was treated with equimolar amounts of BHA (0.01%, w/w of lipid), ascorbyl palmitate (0.023%), or a tocopherol blend (0.023%). Yolk batches were spray-dried, stored at 60 ± 2°C for up to 28 days, and analyzed for cholesterol oxidation products (COPs) using gas chromatography. COP levels generally increased during storage with 7-ketocholesterol predominant. Significant antioxidant effects were manifest in decreased levels of 7-ketocholesterol, 7α- and 7β-hydroxycholesterol ; while cholestane-triol and cholesterol-5,6-epoxide levels were not affected. All antioxidants showed significant inhibitive effects relative to the control, and tocopherols were more effective than ascorbyl palmitate.
Normalized SPH with stress points

Smoothed particle hydrodynamics is extended to a normalized, staggered particle formulation with boundary conditions. A companion set of interpolation points is introduced that carry the stress, velocity gradient, and other derived field variables. The method is stable, linearly consistent, and has an explicit treatment of boundary conditions. Also, a new method for finding neighbours is introduced which selects a minimal and robust set and is insensitive to anisotropy in the particle arrangement. Test problems show that these improvements lead to increased accuracy and stability. Published in 2000 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Toward real-time object manipulation in dynamic environments

In most interactive applications of virtual characters such as computer games and VR training, existing motion planners are not capable of computing grasping motions in real time, especially in realistic dynamic environments. This work proposes a learning-based motion planner that achieves improved performance by integrating the ability to reuse learned reaching and grasping skills on new tasks. Extensive tests show that our approach, the Attractor-Guided Planner (AGP), greatly improves the planning time and solution quality when comparing to traditional sampling-based motion planners.
Weed Management in Glyphosate-Resistant and Non-Glyphosate-Resistant Soybean Grown Continuously and in Rotation

Management inputs that maximize economic return from the early soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] production system have not been evaluated fully. Field studies were conducted near Stoneville, MS (33°26' N lat.), to determine the effect of rotating maturity group (MG) IV and V glyphosate [N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine]-resistant (GR) and non-GR cultivars on weed populations, soybean seed yields, and net returns from nonirrigated plantings. Eight management systems, each containing a MG IV or MG V GR or non-GR cultivar grown continuously or in rotation with each other, and two weed management treatments [pre-emergent followed by postemergent weed management (PRE + POST) and postemergent-only weed management (POST)] were grown each year. Glyphosate-resistant cultivars using POST-only glyphosate was the most economical system each year. Maturity group effect on yield and net return resulted from weather differences during reproductive development. Rotating GR and non-GR cultivars had no consistent effect on weed populations and no significant effect on yield or net return in this 4-yr study. Using GR cultivars resulted in net returns that were greater than those from non-GR cultivars. These results indicate that production systems using either GR or non-GR cultivars grown continuously or in rotation with each other in this region can be utilized effectively with no effect on weed population shifts or reductions in seed yield and net return.
Phaeothamniophyceae classis nova: a new lineage of chromophytes based upon photosynthetic pigments, rbcL sequence analysis and ultrastructure

A new algal class, the Phaeothamniophyceae classis nova, is established from genera formerly classified in the Chrysophyceae (e.g., Chrysapion, Chrysoclonium, Chrysodictyon, Phaeobotrys, Phaeogloea, Phaeoschizochlamys, Phaeothamnion, Selenophaea, Sphaeridiothrix, Stichogloea, Tetrachrysis, Tetrapion and Tetrasporopsis) as well as one genus previously assigned to the Xanthophyceae (Pleurochloridella). HPLC analysis revealed the presence of fucoxanthin, diadinoxanthin, diatoxanthin, β-carotene and heteroxanthin, in addition to chlorophylls a and c, in four genera (Phaeoschizochlamys, Phaeothamnion, Stichogloea, Pleurochloridella). The combination of fucoxanthin and heteroxanthin is known only for these organisms. The rbcL sequences of the same four genera, along with representatives of other chromophyte classes, were analyzed phylogenetically and provided independent support for recognition of the Phaeothamniophyceae as a distinct taxon. These data indicate that the Phaeothamniophyceae are more closely related to the classes Xanthophyceae and Phaeophyceae than to the Chrysophyceae. Electron microscopy revealed that Phaeoschizochlamys, Phaeothamnion and Stichogloea possess electron opaque vesicles at the cell periphery, have a cell wall that often appears laminate, form new daughter cell walls via eleutheroschisis, and have plastids with girdle lamellae and a ring-shaped genophore. The flagellar apparatus of Phaeothamnion zoospores (described in a previous study) is chosen as representative of the new class. The flagella are inserted laterally, basal bodies form an angle of ca. 145° or more, a multi-gyred flagellar transitional helix is present and tripartite flagellar hairs lack lateral filaments. Genera placed in the Phaeothamniophyceae are assigned to the orders Phaeothamniales and Pleurochloridellales, each with a single family.
Cloudiness and Marine Boundary Layer Dynamics in the ASTEX Lagrangian Experiments. Part I: Synoptic Setting and Vertical Structure

Abstract A goal of the Atlantic Stratocumulus Transition Experiment (ASTEX) southeast of the Azores Islands in the east-central Atlantic Ocean during June 1992 was to examine the coupled evolution of cloud, dynamical, and thermodynamical vertical structure in a marine boundary layer (MBL) air mass as it advected from cold to warm water in the trade winds. In two “Lagrangian” observation periods during ASTEX, an unprecedentedly complete view of MBL and cloud evolution was achieved by nearly continuous aircraft coverage of such an air mass for 36–48 hours using three boundary layer aircraft, supplemented by satellite, ship, and balloon observations. During the first Lagrangian period, an accelerated stratocumulus to trade cumulus transition occurred in a clean marine air mass. In the second Lagrangian period, a 200-hPa-deep decoupled modified continental MBL persisted with almost no change in structure. Cumulus rising into intermittent stratocumulus were observed throughout the period. The two contrasting A...
The Determination of the Parameters of Cooling

The fundamental cooling parameters, the cooling constant k, the heat transfer coefficient h, and the ultimate steady state temperature T′, are explained and the methods for their determination are described. The conversion of k to a percentage, r%(T − Ta)/t, provides an understandable number which is useful for comparing the relative rates of cooling of different systems under different conditions. h is indispensable for coefficient calorimetry and T′ can be used to calculate separately the heat input from local generation and from blood circulation.
Information disclosure and openness in adoption: State policy and empirical evidence

Abstract This paper presents the rationale and details of state policy with regard to sealed record statutes and open adoption practice. The empirical work focuses on attitudes toward, and experiences with, openness in adoption in a sample of 1,274 adoptive parents in 743 adoptive homes in New York State. Results indicate that a substantial majority of adoptive parents in the study favor a change in state statutes allowing greater openness in adoption and that mothers are more open to the concept of information disclosure than adoptive fathers. Open adoptions were practiced in only a minority of adoptions in this study. When contact does exist, it is far more likely to be with a birth mother than a birth father. Openness in adoption was found to differ by age, race, and by prior experience with fostering or adoption. Older adoptive mothers were more supportive of open adoption records, while white adoptive fathers and both adoptive mothers and adoptive fathers who had prior experience with fostering or adoptions were less open to the concept of open adoption records. Conclusions are draw and recommendations made for future policy in this area.
Equivalent Circuit Model for a Shaded-Pole Induction Motor: I. One Shading Coil and a Uniform AIR Gap

The rotating coupled circuit equations for a smooth air gap induction motor with two windings at an arbitrary displacement angle are transformed to formulate d-q, forward-backward, and equivalent circuit models. Shaded-pole performance is simulated by setting the auxiliary winding voltage to zero and adding the effect of mmf harmonics. Comparisons to test data show good correlation except for the value of starting torque, a result attributable to the use of an average air gap length when simulating the stepped air gap test motor.
Excimer formation in triplet-triplet annihilation reactions of metal (3ππ*) porphyrins and (3ππ*) phthalocyanines

Abstract The triplet-triplet annihilation of the lowest-lying excited states of porphyrins and phthalocyanines has been investigated by laser flash photolysis. Spectroscopic and kinetic evidence indicates that the lowest-lying triplet dimerizes into excimers at a rate less than diffusion controlled.
Glucose attenuates the effect of combined muscarinic-nicotinic receptor blockade on spontaneous alternation.

Abstract Glucose administration reverses the effects of both muscarinic and nicotinic cholinergic receptor antagonists on memory and other measures. In experiment 1, we found that glucose attenuated impairments on spontaneous alternation after muscarinic (scopolamine, 0.5 mg/kg) or nicotonic (mecamylamine, 5.0 mg/kg) receptor blockade. In experiment 2, we examined whether glucose could reverse the spontaneous alternation impairments produced by combined muscarinic-nicotinic receptor blockade. Scopolamine (0.1 mg/kg) and mecamylamine (2.5 mg/kg) when administered separately did not modify alternation performance, but when coadministered they decreased spontaneous alternation scores. This decrease was attenuated by glucose at 100, 300, 500 and 3000 mg/kg. These findings suggest that glucose may attenuate the behavioral impairment by enhancing cholinergic activity and/or other neurotransmitter systems.
Iron oxide pillared clay with large gallery height: Synthesis and properties as a Fischer-Tropsch catalyst

Abstract New iron oxide pillared montmorillonites have been prepared by the reaction of Na+ montmorillonite with base-hydrolyzed solutions of Fe3+ salts and subsequent thermal conversion of the intercalated polycations. Depending on the hydrolysis conditions used to generate the pillaring solutions, pillared products with basal spacings in the range 18 to 25 A were obtained. Under optimum hydrolysis conditions (base/metal = 2.0 meq/mol, aging time = 23–147 hr) the pillared products contained 6.8–9.8 Fe3+ ions per O20(OH)4 unit cell and exhibited basal spacings of 25–29 A. These latter spacings corresponded to exceptionally large gallery heights of 15–19 A. Upon calcination at 300°C, the spacings decreased to 23–27 A. N2 BET surface areas after outgassing at 350°C were in the range 270 to 350 m2/g. The pillared products are active catalysts that have undergone Fischer-Tropsch synthesis of hydrocarbons at 275°C and 120-psi (CO: H2 = 1 : 2). The hydrocarbon distribution in the C1–C6 range (1.3% conversion) followed Anderson-Schulz-Flory statistics with a chain propagation probability of α = 0.49. X-ray energy dispersive analysis indicated that substantial amounts of the intercalated iron migrated to the edge sites of the clay particles under reaction conditions. The redistribution of iron resulted in a distribution of gallery heights sufficiently heterogeneous to preclude Bragg X-ray scattering along the 001 direction. Iron migration also occurred upon exposure of the pillared products to the ambient atmosphere for prolonged periods (≥3 months).
The assessment of impulsivity and mediating behaviors in hyperactive and nonhyperactive boys.

Twenty boys (6–8 years) rated by their teachers as hyperactive and a matched sample of nonhyperactive boys performed a task that required them to withhold responding for a set time interval in order to be rewarded (DRL 6-second schedule). Half of each group worked on a one-button console while the other half was provided with additional collateral buttons. Results indicated that hyperactive children were relatively unable to perform efficiently on the task, and that this deficit endured regardless of age, IQ, or experimental condition. DRL was thus found to discriminate accurately between teacher-rated and parent-rated hyperactive and nonhyperactive children. Furthermore, a wide variety of self-generated mediating behaviors was observed, and it was determined that a child's DRL performance was related to the kind of mediating behaviors he displayed. Results are discussed in terms of the clinical assessment of hyperactivity and the training of impulsive children.
Factors affecting antimicrobial activity of MUC7 12-mer, a human salivary mucin-derived peptide.

MUC7 12-mer (RKSYKCLHKRCR), a cationic antimicrobial peptide derived from the human low-molecular-weight salivary mucin MUC7, possesses potent antimicrobial activity in vitro. In order to evaluate the potential therapeutic application of the MUC7 12-mer, we examined the effects of mono- and divalent cations, EDTA, pH, and temperature on its antimicrobial activity. Minimal Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) were determined using a liquid growth inhibition assay in 96-well microtiter plates. MUC7 12-mer was added at concentrations of 1.56–50 μM. MICs were determined at three endpoints: MIC-0, MIC-1, and MIC-2 (the lowest drug concentration showing 10%, 25% and 50% of growth, respectively). To examine the effect of salts or EDTA, a checkerboard microdilution technique was used. Fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICi) was calculated on the basis of MIC-0. The viability of microbial cells treated with MUC7 12-mer in the presence of sodium or potassium was also determined by killing assay or flow cytometry. The MICs of MUC7 12-mer against organisms tested ranged from 6.25–50 μM. For C. albicans, antagonism (FICi 4.5) was observed for the combination of MUC7 12-mer and calcium; however, there was synergism (FICi 0.22) between MUC7 12-mer and EDTA, and the synergism was retained in the presence of calcium at its physiological concentration (1–2 mM). No antagonism but additivity or indifference (FICi 0.55–2.5) was observed for the combination of MUC7 12-mer and each K+, Na+, Mg2+, or Zn2+. MUC7 12-mer peptide (at 25 μM) also exerted killing activity in the presence of NaCl, (up to 25 mM for C. albicans and up to 150 mM for E. coli, a physiological concentration of sodium in the oral cavity and serum, respectively) and retained candidacidal activity in the presence of KCl (up to 40 mM). The peptide exhibited higher inhibitory activity against C. albicans at pH 7, 8, and 9 than at pH 5 and 6, and temperature up to 60°C did not affect the activity. MUC7 12-mer peptide is effective anticandidal agent at physiological concentrations of variety of ions in the oral cavity. These results suggest that, especially in combination with EDTA, it could potentially be applied as an alternative therapeutic agent for the treatment of human oral candidiasis.
Sulfate turnover in mucopolysaccharides and glycoproteins of brain.

Abstract The turnover of sulfate in chondroitin sulfate, heparan sulfate, and the sulfated glycopeptides obtained from brain glycoproteins has been meaured in adult rat brain in vivo . The calculated half-time for the turnover of heparan sulfate was 3 days, and that of chondroitin sulfate was 1 week. The disappearance of radioactivity from both mucopolysaccharides followed a linear course for the entire time period of the experiment (18 days), indicating that only one major pool of each of these mucopolysaccharides was present in brain. 90% of the chondroitin sulfate in rat brain was identified as chondroitin 4-sulfate, and both chondroitin 4-sulfate and chondroitin 6-sulfate turned over at approximately the same rate. There was no difference in the turnover of the N - and O -sulfate groups in heparan sulfate. Sulfate-labeled glycoproteins demonstrated a biphasic disappearance of radioactivity, with half-times of 2.5 and 14 days. Evidence is presented which indicates that these two components represent pools of sulfated glycoproteins in brarin having distinctly different rates of metablic activity.
Characteristics of burning Jet A fuel and Jet A fuel-water emulsion sprays

Abstract An investigation has been conducted into the effects of emulsion characteristics on the flame structure of pure Jet A fuel, Jet A fuel and surfactant blend, and Jet A fuel-water-surfactant emulsion sprays burning over an air-blast atomizer in quiescent and swirling surroundings. The effects of surfactant concentration and water concentration on the characteristics of emulsions, flame stability, axial and radial temperature profiles, the total radiation emitted, and the soot concentration are documented. It is concluded that the addition of surfactant alone to fuel changes the flame characteristics very slightly, whereas changes in both surfactant and water concentrations in emulsions affect the flame structure considerably.
Chronic Persistent Cough: Experience in Diagnosis and Outcome Using an Anatomic Diagnostic Protocol

Irwin and co-workers have designed an anatomic approach to the diagnosis and treatment of cough. In their hands, diagnosis was consistently determined and treatment successful almost without exception, if sustained. We reviewed the results of a similar approach in 139 consecutive and unselected patients referred to pulmonary specialists in two community hospitals. Thirty-nine patients demonstrated hyperreactive airways (HA) by carbachol inhalation and/or eucapnic hyperventilation of cold air. Twenty-seven of 78 without HA had postnasal drip, and 13 of 78 had a persistent cough following acute upper airway inflammation. Other less common diagnoses included chronic bronchitis, gastroesophageal reflux, occupational bronchitis, interstitial lung disease, and psychologic causes. We were able to find the cause of cough 88 percent of the time. Treatment adjusted for noncompliance was not always a success. While all patients with HA improved, 8 percent of patients without HA or specific diagnosis did not have an improvement in their cough upon retrospective inquiry. Based on this analysis, we find that the diagnosis and treatment of cough may not be as successful as originally reported using Irwin's approach.
Reproductive mortality in Georgia: a lifestyle and environmental analysis.

Frequencies and rates of maternal mortality in the United States have declined sharply since the turn of the century. During this decline, researchers have closely examined maternal mortality relative to various risk factors. However, maternal death as currently defined and coded on death certificates may not reveal the true extent of the problem of reproductive mortality. In Georgia, an analysis of death certificates of females ages 10 to 49 indicates that deaths due to pregnancy related conditions are not being discovered by traditional underlying cause-of-death maternal mortality classification. Frequencies and rates were calculated showing the difference between the traditional International Classification of Disease codes for maternal deaths (ICD 630–676) and the reproductive mortality definition used in this paper (which emphasizes the Health Field Concept classification of Lifestyle, Environment, Biology and Health Care Delivery System) (Lalonde, M., 1974 and Laframboise, H. L., 1973). The analysis suggests that a revised definition of maternal mortality be employed to take into consideration all risk factors related to reproductive mortality.
Productivity Improvements through the Use of Graphic User Interfaces

The user interface is defined as the link between the computer and the user. With organizations striving to increase productivity, focus must be shifted from the capabilities of the machine to the ability of the user. Research has shown that the use of the graphic user interface leads to a reduced learning curve for the user as well as a resulting efficiency increase. Provides an overview of research findings which support the use of the graphic interface to increase user productivity.
CT imaging in a large part of the world: what we know and what we can learn

This paper describes how cooperation among international organizations, as modeled in Europe, can work to improve imaging safety and standards for children throughout the world. This is demonstrated in the mechanisms employed in a large-scale multi-national study on CT imaging safety practices described elsewhere in this issue of Pediatric Radiology. Here we learn approaches through which CT safety standards have been achieved and the international resources available to help in standardizing safety practices in medical imaging. There are unique strengths of the approach in Europe, which has mandatory requirements on member states to facilitate strengthening of radiation protection. Most countries have national regulatory mechanisms for radiation protection in medicine. International organizations play a significant role in supporting projects in lower-resource countries such that a large proportion of radiologic professionals in low-resource countries are trained through assistance by these organizations. Many of these international organizations make it possible for professionals worldwide to download free training material. Collaboration among international organizations and the Image Gently campaign toward consensus with regard to radiation protection can go further than individual opinions in promoting a higher standard of radiation protection around the world.
Facile Diels-Alder reactions with pyridines promoted by tungsten.

The isoquinuclidine (2-azabicyclo[2.2.2]octane) core is found in numerous molecules of biological and medicinal importance, including the widely investigated Iboga alkaloids and their related bisindole Cantharanthus alkaloids (Sundberg, R. J.; Smith, S. Q. Alkaloids (San Diego, CA, United States) 2002, 59, 281−386). A diverse range of synthetic methods for the stereoselective construction of this architecture is required for the efficient development of related pharmaceuticals. Here, we report a fundamentally new methodology that constructs the isoquinuclidine core directly from pyridines, using a π-basic tungsten complex to disrupt the aromatic stabilization of these otherwise inert heterocycles. By this approach, common pyridines are found to undergo stereoselective Diels−Alder reactions with electron-deficient alkenes under mild reaction conditions, thus providing access to a broad range of functionalized isoquinuclidines. Further, by using the common terpene α-pinene, a single enantiomer of the tungst...
Proterozoic East Gondwana: Supercontinent Assembly and Breakup, Special Publication 206

The Mozambique Belt, which runs the length of eastern Africa, was thought to have formed during the collision of a fully assembled east Gondwana with west Gondwana during the East Africa Orogen (EAO). Subsequent work demonstrated that the elements of the Gondwana super-continent were distributed along the margins of Laurentia in the antecedent super-continent of Rodinia. It was quickly recognized that west Gondwana was an amalgam of cratonic elements assembled in the latter part of the Neoproterozoic during the Brasiliano and “Pan-African” orogenic episodes (ca. 630–500 Ma). East Gondwana was traditionally depicted in Rodinia as a coherent landmass composed of Australia, the East Antarctic eraton, India, Madagascar, and Sri Lanka.
Bryophyte vegetation and ecology along a topographic gradient in montane tundra in Alaska

Analysis of bryophyte vegetation along a topographic gradient in Alaskan montane rundra reveals definite species distribution patterns. Because the bryophyte species distributions do not always correspond to boundaries between vascular vegetation zones, tundra vegetation types based mainly on vascular plants may be imperfectly suited to description of bryophyte vegetation.
Genetic admixture supports an ancient hybrid origin of the endangered Hawaiian duck.

Speciation is regarded primarily as a bifurcation from an ancestral species into two distinct taxonomic units, but gene flow can create complex signals of phylogenetic relationships, especially among different loci. We evaluated several hypotheses that could account for phylogenetic discord between mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and nuclear DNA (nuDNA) within Hawaiian duck (Anas wyvilliana), including stochastic lineage sorting, mtDNA capture and widespread genomic introgression. Our results best support the hypothesis that the contemporary Hawaiian duck is descended from an ancient hybridization event between the mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) and Laysan duck (Anas laysanensis). Whereas mtDNA clearly shows a sister relationship between Hawaiian duck and mallard, nuDNA is consistent with a genetic mosaic with nearly equal contributions from Laysan duck and mallard. In addition, coalescent analyses suggest that gene flow from either mallard or Laysan duck, depending on the predefined tree topology, is necessary to explain contemporary genetic diversity in Hawaiian ducks, and these estimates are more consistent with ancient, rather than contemporary, hybridization. Time since divergence estimates suggest that the genetic admixture event occurred around the Pleistocene–Holocene boundary, which is further supported by circumstantial evidence from the Hawaiian subfossil record. Although the extent of reproductive isolation from either putative parental taxon is not currently known, these species are phenotypically, genetically and ecologically different, and they meet primary criteria used in avian taxonomy for species designation. Thus, the available data are consistent with an admixed origin and support the hypothesis that the Hawaiian duck may represent a young hybrid species.
V2R structure and diabetes insipidus.

For most audiences, the term "diabetes" conjures thoughts of high levels of blood glucose and of the symptoms that characterize diabetes mellitus. In the last few years, a spirited campaign spear-headed by the families of affected individuals has made progress in educating nonprofessional and medical communities about diabetes insipidus (DI), the other disease characterized by polyuria (i.e., diabetes). Much work lies ahead to find better treatments for this affliction, but the progress in molecular biology over the last years made possible the identification of the genetic defects underlying the inherited forms of the disease. Numerous cases of adult-onset DI are triggered by toxic damage to the kidneys that impairs the concentrating capacity of the nephrons by a nonspecific mechanism. In these pages I shall deal mostly with the inherited forms of the disease. Diabetes insipidus is characterized by the inability of the kidneys of affected individuals to produce concentrated urine (Morello and Bichet 2001). The elimination of large volumes of diluted urine (polyuria) and excessive thirst (polydipsia) are the chief symptoms of the disease. Although this condition and the hints that it was a hereditary disease were described at the end of the 19th century, it took almost 100 years to gain molecular knowledge about its etiology. A brief review of the important role played by vasopressin in the maintenance of body fluids will help the reader understand the severity of this disease.
The Relevance of Art Education and the Education of the Nigerian Child: Implications for the Universal Basic Education Policy

This article examines relevant government policy documents on education and culture and discovers that Nigerian education authorities do not ‘discriminate’ against art and culture in its articulation of educational policies per se, but lack of administrative machinery or political will has resulted in the deprivation of the Nigerian child in the process of creative activity in early childhood development. The article argues that lack of creative ability in our educational products is perhaps a major setback in the nation's quest for industrial and technological development. In this article a new art curriculum for elementary schools is. advocated as a means of engaging the young child in order to attain functional educational skills necessary in the world of work.
Structure spaces of approximately finite-dimensional C∗-algebras, II

Abstract Consider the following properties of a topological space: (1) Distinct points have distinct closures ( T 0 separation). (2) Each closed set not the union of two proper closed subsets is the closure of a point. (3) There exists a countable basis. (4) There exists a basis of compact open sets. It is known that the space of primitive ideals of a separable approximately finite-dimensional C ∗ -algebra has properties (1)–(4). We shall show that any space with properties (1)–(4) arises in this way.
Composite edges in the ν=2/3 fractional quantum Hall effect

The quantum Hall effect is due to discontinuities in the chemical potential at certain bulk electron densities. It has been conjectured that the resulting edge states in some fractional Hall gaps can have an intricate composite structure which reflects the correlations in the incompressible bulk fluid. We present direct numerical evidence obtained from exact-diagonalization studies in favor of this conjecture. We show that the states on the \ensuremath{\nu}=2/3 fractional quantum Hall edge constitute a two-component system in which a \ensuremath{\nu}=1/3 droplet of holes is contained within a \ensuremath{\nu}=1 droplet of electrons.
Measuring Land Use Patterns for Transportation Research

Density and land use mix are focused on as the two primary variables for characterization of land use in transportation research. As commonly constructed, these variables do not capture well actual development patterns on the ground, thus obscuring a potentially strong relationship between land use and transportation behavior. To overcome these limitations, parcel-level data and geographic information system software were used to identify and measure attributes of land use. These data are at a level of resolution that closely corresponds to the spatial distribution of development patterns. A method for location of concentrations of medium- to high-density housing and commercial development in suburban areas identified in previous research is described. The method includes the use of metrics derived from landscape ecology to model these development patterns and, specifically, their shapes and their functional and spatial mixes.
Commercial Real Estate Returns

In the commercial real estate market, which is perceived to be relatively inefficient, investors have comparative advantages; hence there are significant costs to diversification. This paper presents for the first time a series of market (or quasi-market) returns for a large data base. This data base is believed to be the most complete commercial real estate data base yet constructed. The paper empirically evaluates the benefits of diversification along various dimensions within the commercial real estate opportunity set. The analysis confirms certain aspects of prior work concerning inflation protection and diversification opportunities while concluding that even investment grade real estate investments are heterogeneous assets.
A generalized inverse method for asymptotic linear programming

Consider a linear program in which the entries of the coefficient matrix vary linearly with time. To study the behavior of optimal solutions as time goes to infinity, it is convenient to express the inverse of the basis matrix as a series expansion of powers of the time parameter. We show that an algorithm of Wilkinson (1982) for solving singular differential equations can be used to obtain such an expansion efficiently. The resolvent expansions of dynamic programming are a special case of this method.
Fatal thrombosis after administration of activated prothrombin complex concentrates in a patient supported by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation who had received activated recombinant factor VII

Excessive bleeding after cardiac surgery has been attributed to perturbations of the hemostatic system as a result of surgical trauma and the use of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Factor concentrates, such as recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) and activated prothrombin complex concentrates (APCCs, Factor Eight Inhibitor Bypass Inhibitor [FEIBA]; Baxter Healthcare Corporation, Deerfield, Ill) have been used with variable success and complications. We describe a case in which a patient supported by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) received two doses of rFVIIa without apparent complication. He then received APCC and subsequently died of massive thrombosis. We discuss the use of factor concentrates in the surgical setting and make recommendations.
Using the new lego MindStorms EV3 robotics platform in CS courses (abstract only)

This workshop will conduct an exploration of the newly released Lego Mindstorms EV3 robot platform and its applicability to the college computer science curriculum. Participants will learn about the EV3 through handouts and hands-on programming exercises. The first part of the workshop will focus on demonstrating EV3 robots as well as the STEM concepts and computing concepts they illustrate. The second part of the workshop will focus in on the new capabilities of the EV3. This workshop will be more detailed than the vendor led workshop. It will be of benefit to participants new to Mindstorms robotics as well as those with NXT/RCX experience who want to see the evolution of the platform and new components featured in the EV3. These include a revision of the controller brick hardware and software, new color and gyroscopic sensors, and increased processing and memory capabilities. The organizers have a combined 20 years of experience using Mindstorms in CS courses (including courses in introductory programming, systems, and artificial intelligence) with Lego and third party programming environments. Participants must bring a Bluetooth-capable laptop (Mac or Windows), and will have a robot, software, and kit to use for the workshop. Participants will receive a promotion code to purchase a 10% discounted Mindstorms kit.
Hypertension in the elderly with coexisting benign prostatic hyperplasia.

The treatment of hypertension in the elderly can be safely achieved with low-dose diuretic therapy. Men with prostatism may benefit from peripheral α-blocking drugs. However, drugs such as doxazosin or terazosin may further lower blood pressure and at times may be associated with orthostatic hypotension, especially if diuretics are given concomitantly. Tamsulosin achieves relaxation of the smooth muscle of the prostate, as do terazosin and doxazosin, but without provoking changes in blood pressure, especially orthostatic hypotension. There appears to be no adverse interaction with any other antihypertensive medication or with low-dose diuretics. To manage such patients with hypertension and prostatism, hydrochlorothiazide 6.25 to 12.5 mg/day and tamsulosin 0.4 mg/day would be an adequate combination. Low-dose diuretics have been shown to be effective in both isolated systolic hypertension as well as fixed diastolic hypertension in the elderly. If other antihypertensives need to be added, then a low dose of a long-acting calcium-entry blocker, a central α-agonist (a transdermal clonidine for better compliance), an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (if renal vascular disease has been ruled out), or an angiotensin II receptor blocker, e.g., losartan or valsartan, should be considered.
Magnesium Deficiency Exacerbates Brain Injury and Stroke Mortality Induced by Alcohol: A 31P-NMR In Vivo Study

Abstract Mimicking in rats the reduced level of dietary magnesium (Mg) intake, seen in present-day Western World populations, short-term (4 weeks) restriction of Mg intake (30–35% normal) resulted in a 40% loss in brain intracellular free Mg 2+ ions ([Mg 2+ ] i ) and significant rises in brain intracellular pH (pHi) and phosphocreatine ([PCr]) but no change in [ATP] or [Pi] as measured by 31 P-NMR spectroscopy. Such Mg-deficient animals (serum Mg fell 65%), when given ED40 stroke doses of ethanol, demonstrated a 100% stroke mortality. These findings indicate that: 1) moderate, short-term Mg deficiency makes the brain vulnerable to hypoxic-lethal stroke insults induced by alcohol administration, and 2) brain [Mg 2+ ] i appears to play an important role in finely regulating brain pHi and [PCr].
Photoaging and stabilization of rigid PVC/wood-fiber composites

Ultraviolet (UV) weathering performance of unpigmented and rutile titanium dioxide pigmented rigid polyvinyl chloride (PVC)/wood-fiber composites has been studied. The composite samples were manufactured by dry-blending PVC, wood fibers, and other processing additives in a high-intensity mixer. The dry-blended compounds were extruded and compression molded into panel samples. The manufactured samples were artificially weathered using laboratory accelerated UV tests. Composite samples were exposed to 340-nm fluorescent UV lamps and assessed every 200 h, for a total of 1200 h of accelerated weathering. Each assessment consisted of a visual examination of surface roughness or erosion, a contact angle measurement, a FTIR collection, and a color measurement. The experimental results indicated that wood fibers are effective sensitizers and that their incorporation into a rigid PVC matrix has a deleterious effect on the ability of the matrix to resist degradation caused ultraviolet irradiation. The light stability of these composites could be improved quite efficiently with the addition of rutile titanium dioxide photoactive pigment during formulation. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 80: 1943–1950, 2001