cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quantification and parametric imaging of renal cortical blood flow in vivo based on Patlak graphical analysis

Patlak graphical analysis was applied to quantify renal cortical blood flow with N-13 ammonia and dynamic positron emission tomography. Measurements were made in a swine model of kidney transplantation with a wide range of normal and abnormal renal blood flows (N = 57 studies) and in 20 healthy human volunteers (N = 45 studies). Estimates of renal cortical blood flow by the Patlak method were compared to those from a two-compartment model for N-13 ammonia. In addition, estimates of renal cortical blood flow by the N-13 ammonia PET approach were compared in 10 normal human volunteers to estimates by the metabolically inert, freely diffusible O-15 water and a one-compartment model. Patlak graphical analysis estimates of renal cortical blood flow correlated linearly with the standard two-compartment model in pigs (y = -0.05 + 1.01x, r = 0.99) and in humans (y = 0.57 + 0.88x, r = 0.93). Estimates of renal cortical blood flow by O-15 water in human volunteers were also linearly correlated with those by N-13 ammonia and the Patlak graphical analysis (y = 0.71 + 0.84x, r = 0.86). Renal cortical blood flow estimates were highly reproducible both with N-13 ammonia and O-15 water measurements in humans. It is concluded that the Patlak graphical analysis with N-13 ammonia dynamic positron emission tomograpic imaging renders accurate and reproducible estimates of renal cortical blood flow. Moreover, the graphical analysis approach is 1,000 times faster than the standard model fitting approach and suitable for generating parametric images of renal blood flow in the clinical setting.
The state of reuse: perceptions of the reuse community

The Ninth Workshop on Institutionalizing Software Reuse (WISR9) was held January 7-9, 1999, bringing together established reuse researchers from academia and industry. On the first day of the workshop, a survey was taken to collect feedback about the reuse community's collective beliefs and disagreements. Preliminary results were then shared with the participants during the last plenary session of the workshop. This article presents the results of the survey, which capture the opinions of an important segment of the reuse community.
Diagnosis of organic depressive disorders.

Abstract Psychiatrists need to “think medically” about their patients, because underlying medical disorders often present with prominent psychiatric signs and symptoms, and referring nonpsychiatric physicians can overlook medical illness in persons with psychiatric symptoms. The authors single out key warning complaints to keep in mind, and describe an approach to diagnosis of concealed medical illness in patients presenting with depressive disorders, based on specific symptoms, general medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests.
“This is a White Country”1: The Racial Ideology of the Western Nations of the World‐System

In this paper I argue that the racial ideology of the Western nations of the world-system has converged over the past twenty years. This new ideology or, as many analysts call it, the “new racism,” includes: (1) the notion of cultural rather than biological difference, (2) the abstract and decontextualized use of the discourse of liberalism and individualism to rationalize racial inequality, and (3) a celebration of nationalism that at times acquires an ethnonational character. I contend that this ideological convergence reflects the histories of racial imperialism of all these countries, the fact that they have all developed real–although different–racial structures that award systemic rewards to their “White” citizens, and the significant presence of the “Other” (Black, Arab, Turk, aboriginal people, etc.) in their midst. I use the cases of Germany, France, the Netherlands, and New Zealand to illustrate my point.
Conflicts of Interests and the Former Client in the Model Rules of Professional Conduct

The work of the Kutak Commission in developing the Model Rules of Professional Conduct is probably the most important work in legal ethics since the Alabama State Bar Association first codified its Canons of Ethics in 1887. In general, the Commission's product is excellent. It is progressive without being radical and conservative without being timid. However, as can be expected in any discussion draft, there are issues not wholly thought through and concepts not clearly expressed. In the spirit of improving the next draft, these mostly critical comments are offered.
Brain Damage and Alcohol Dependence: How One May Influence the Other

Alcohol dependence is associated with brain cell loss and other changes leading to brain damage. The issue of which comes first, damage then dependence or vice versa, has not been established. This article provides an overview of our understanding of putative mechanisms underlying alcohol-induced brain damage and the possible involvement of these processes in alcoholism. Potential pharmacological adjuncts to treatment are discussed based on the effectiveness of anti-oxidant drugs in attenuating alcohol-induced neurodegeneration in an animal model of alcohol dependence and the effect of anti-inflammatory drugs on reducing excessive alcohol drinking.
Altruism and relatedness at colony foundation in social insects.

Cooperative nest initiation in social insects is most easily explained when cooperating females are relatives, as is common in polistine wasps. However, recent research has revealed that unrelated ant queens also initiate colonies together. Reproductive dominance hierarchies are absent among unrelated foundresses, which contrasts with the rigid dominance hierarchies found among related foundresses. New field studies of joint nest founding among non-relatives show that cooperation is favored where colonies are clumped and brood raiding is common, so that attaining a large worker force quickly is critical to colony survival. These studies enrich our understanding of the role of relatedness in social groups.
IDENTIFICATION OF PROCAMBIUM IN THE PRIMARY ROOT OF TRIFOLIUM PRATENSE (FABACEAE)

Histochemical and morphometric analyses were used to identify and define an early stage of procambial differentiation in 1.5-2.0-cm-long primary roots of Trifolium pratense. Esterase activity was used as a histochemical marker for early differentiation of procambium. Morphometric analysis of cell length and width as a function of distance from the root cap junction was performed on the same tissue using brightfield and Nomarski DIC optics
Serum testosterone concentrations in the evaluation of androgen-producing tumors

During a 5-year study period 18 women with a serum testosterone concentrations of greater than 2 ng/ml were evaluated for a possible androgen-producing tumor. All subjects were hirsute and had menstrual irregularities, with the exception of one postmenopausal woman. The majority of the women were obese and 72% were greater than 50% over ideal body weight. Only two of 11 women undergoing operative and histologic evaluation of the ovaries were found to have an androgen-producing neoplasm. Seven additional women with serum testosterone concentration of greater than 2 ng/ml have been followed for over 1 year with no additional evidence of an androgen-producing neoplasm. The poor predictive value of a serum concentration of greater than 2 ng/ml in identification of an androgen-producing neoplasm is partially explained by the apparent prevalence of high testosterone concentrations in chronically anovulatory, hyperandrogenic obese women and by the large coefficient of variation observed in this study when analyzing testosterone concentrations were analyzed over an 8-hour interval (range, 3% to 42%). In the absence of an adnexal mass or rapidly progressive virilization, it is suggested that the use of venography or operative exploration to diagnose an androgen-producing neoplasm be reserved for women with a mean testosterone concentration derived from three daily samples that is at least 2.5 times greater than the upper range of normal in the given laboratory.
A telerehabilitation platform for home-based automated therapy of arm function

Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CI therapy) has been shown to be an effective approach for improving arm function in stroke survivors with mild to severe hemiparesis. Given the time-intensive nature of the intervention, and the inherent costs and travel required to receive in-clinic treatment, the accessibility and availability of CI therapy is limited. To facilitate home-based CI therapy, a telerehabilitation platform has been developed. It consists of a table-top workstation configured with a range of physical task devices (e.g. pegboard, object flipping, threading, vertical reaching). A desktop PC is used to acquire data from sensors embedded in the task devices; display visual instructions, stimuli, and feedback to the patient during tasks; and provide videoconferencing and remote connection capabilities so the therapist can interact with and monitor the patient during at-home therapy sessions. This system has potential to greatly expand access to CI therapy and make it a more realistic option for a larger number of stroke survivors with upper extremity impairment.
Location inference using microblog messages

In order to sense and analyze disaster information from social media, microblogs as sources of social data have recently attracted attention. In this paper, we attempt to discover geolocation information from microblog messages to assess disasters. Since microblog services are more timely compared to other social media, understanding the geolocation information of each microblog message is useful for quickly responding to a sudden disasters. Some microblog services provide a function for adding geolocation information to messages from mobile device equipped with GPS detectors. However, few users use this function, so most messages do not have geolocation information. Therefore, we attempt to discover the location where a message was generated by using its textual content. The proposed method learns associations between a location and its relevant keywords from past messages, and guesses where a new message came from.
Constraint query algebras

Constraint databases are an extension of relational databases. A framework for the constraint data model, constraint query semantics and their declarative specification (constraint calculi) was formulated by Kanellakis, Kuper, and Revesz in 1990. Constraint query algebras (CQAs) form a procedural language layer of constraint databases, underneath high-level declarative calculi; this layer is the appropriate setting for approaching the issues of constraint query optimization and implementation. This work represents the first extensive study of CQA's. We define the semantics of CQA queries via the closure principle, and highlight the importance of CQA data representation, and its desirable properties. We use the example of dense order constraint algebra to show how an appropriate canonical form of constraint tuples can affect the implementation of a CQA. For monotone two-variable linear constraint algebra, we propose to modify the variable elimination algorithm used for computing projections, via pruning, leading to an implementation of projection that is strongly polynomial. We also introduce a notion of variable independence as a restriction on constraint relational schema, and show how it ensures the closure of CQA+aggregation. Multidimensional indexing structures are expected to play an important role in implementing and optimizing CQA's. We illustrate the feasibility of using a multidimensional indexing structure as a back end in querying mechanisms with our implementation of similarity querying far time-series data, a previously unsolved problem. Finally, we consider some possible directions in CQA query optimization. When evaluating queries over (non)linear constraints, we propose to avoid costly symbolic processing with the lazy evaluation of (non)linear constraint algebras. When estimating the cost of different evaluation strategies for CQA expressions, we suggest to use the indexing information for the relation's attributes.
Auditory brainstem implant candidacy in the United States in children 0–17 years old

Abstract Objectives The auditory brainstem implant (ABI) is an option for hearing rehabilitation in profoundly deaf patients ineligible for cochlear implantation. Over the past decade, surgeons have begun implanting ABIs in pediatric patients who are unable to receive cochlear implants due to congenital or acquired malformations of the inner ear. No study has examined the potential population-level demand for ABIs in the United States (US). Herein, we aim to quantify the potential need for pediatric ABIs. Methods A systematic literature review was conducted to identify studies detailing the rates of congenital cochlear and/or cochlear nerve (CN) anomalies. Absolute indications for ABI include bilateral cochlea or CN aplasia (Group A), and relative indications for ABI include bilateral cochlea or CN hypoplasia (Group B). Data was subsequently correlated to the US Census Bureau, the National Health Interview Survey, and the Gallaudet Research Institute to provide an estimation of pediatric ABI candidates. Results Eleven studies documented rates of bilateral findings. Bilateral cochlea aplasia was identified in 0–8.7% of patients and bilateral CN aplasia in 0–4.8% of patients (Group A). Bilateral cochlea hypoplasia was identified in 0–8.7% of patients and bilateral CN hypoplasia in 0–5.4% of patients (Group B). Using population-level sensorineural hearing loss data, we roughly estimate 2.1% of potential implant candidates meet absolute indications for an ABI in the United States. Conclusion Congenital cochlear and cochlear nerve anomalies are exceedingly rare. This study provides the first preliminary estimate of cochlea and CN aplasia/hypoplasia at the population level albeit with limitations based on available data. These data suggest the need for dedicated ABI centers to focus expertise and management.
Inter-firm technology flows and productivity growth

Abstract Technologies enter a firm as the result of its own R&D activity and through such channels as the licensing of others' technologies or the purchasing of never vintages of capital. The empirical evidences reported here suggests that both sources are important factors influencing a firm's productivity growth.
Managing crowdsourced human computation: a tutorial

The tutorial covers an emerging topic of wide interest: Crowdsourcing. Specifically, we cover areas of crowdsourcing related to managing structured and unstructured data in a web-related content. Many researchers and practitioners today see the great opportunity that becomes available through easily-available crowdsourcing platforms. However, most newcomers face the same questions: How can we manage the (noisy) crowds to generate high quality output? How to estimate the quality of the contributors? How can we best structure the tasks? How can we get results in small amounts of time and minimizing the necessary resources? How to setup the incentives? How should such crowdsourcing markets be setup? Their presented material will cover topics from a variety of fields, including computer science, statistics, economics, and psychology. Furthermore, the material will include real-life examples and case studies from years of experience in running and managing crowdsourcing applications in business settings.
Analytical Techniques for Retrieval of Atmospheric Composition with the Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer of the Sample Analysis at Mars Instrument Suite on Mars Science Laboratory

Abstract The Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) instrument suite is the largest scientific payload on the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) Curiosity rover, which landed in Mars׳ Gale Crater in August 2012. As a miniature geochemical laboratory, SAM is well-equipped to address multiple aspects of MSL׳s primary science goal, characterizing the potential past or present habitability of Gale Crater. Atmospheric measurements support this goal through compositional investigations relevant to martian climate evolution. SAM instruments include a quadrupole mass spectrometer, a tunable laser spectrometer, and a gas chromatograph that are used to analyze martian atmospheric gases as well as volatiles released by pyrolysis of solid surface materials ( Mahaffy et al., 2012 ). This report presents analytical methods for retrieving the chemical and isotopic composition of Mars׳ atmosphere from measurements obtained with SAM׳s quadrupole mass spectrometer. It provides empirical calibration constants for computing volume mixing ratios of the most abundant atmospheric species and analytical functions to correct for instrument artifacts and to characterize measurement uncertainties. Finally, we discuss differences in volume mixing ratios of the martian atmosphere as determined by SAM ( Mahaffy et al., 2013 ) and Viking ( Owen et al., 1977 , Oyama and Berdahl, 1977 ) from an analytical perspective. Although the focus of this paper is atmospheric observations, much of the material concerning corrections for instrumental effects also applies to reduction of data acquired with SAM from analysis of solid samples.
Left ventricular shape-luminal pressure relationship. An open-chest study.

Left ventricular dimensions were measured in Cd2+ arrested (presumably diastolic), openchest rats. Aortic pressure was maintained at 137 cm H2O (100 mm Hg) and left-ventricular (luminal) pressures were established and maintained at their chosen values, each by means of reservoir systems. The selected left-ventricular pressures were chosen to be within or to even broaden the range of conceivable diastolic pressures (−3 to 48 cm H2O). After in situ fixation with 4 % formaldehyde and gelatin embedding, the hearts were serially sectioned in the apex base direction to obtain information at 11 levels (10, 20, ... 90, 100%). Tracings of selected sections were made along the edge of the left ventricular lumen and the pericardial surface. Volumes, surface areas, and mean external and internal radii of the left ventricle were derived. To quantify the circularity of sections a form factor (FF) was introduced (FF = 1 for a circular cross-section and less than one for other shapes). Ventricular lengths, radial dimensions, endocardial and epicardial surface areas, and total and luminal volumes increased with the increasing intraventricular pressures; as expected, the wall simultaneously thinned. Though its appearance was altered by the wall thinning, the curving muscle fascicular pattern was present over the entire pressure range examined. Endocardial surface areas increased more than did the epicardial surface areas. The endocardial FF value increased (more circular) at each section level as the pressure increased. The epicardial FF relationship was apparently constant (0.798 ± 0.014) for all section levels from 10 % through 90 %, regardless of luminal pressure. These results, when taken in conjunction with the results of our previous published studies, prompted the following speculation.
Visible and near-infrared absorption of uranium in sodium-silicate glass☆

Abstract The visible and near-infrared absorption spectra were observed for glass-forming compositions in the sodium-silicate-uranium system. Correlation of the observed spectra with the prevailing uranium ion indicated U(IV) was present when the glass had been formed under reducing conditions but not for oxidizing conditions. U(V) was indicated under both oxidizing and reducing conditions. U(VI) was found associated with the UO2++ group and with high sodium contents.
Modern archaeomonads indicate sea-ice environments

Diatoms, radiolarians, silicoflagellates, ebridians and archaeomonads are the primary groups of pelagic organisms in siliceous marine deposits, with only the archaemonads regarded as being absent from modern oceans and sediments. They remain a poorly known group of siliceous nanofossils in Cretaceous to Upper Tertiary marine sediments. We present here the first report, from any modern oceanic environment, of pelagic cysts that conform to the descriptions for Archaeomonadaceae. These cysts occurred in seawater, sea ice and marine-surface sediments, demonstrating the group is still extant. Furthermore, their distribution in modern sediment suggests they may be useful guide fossils for sea-ice environments as they occur abundantly only in polar or near-polar water where sea ice is present. Few other microorganisms seem to have such a close and exclusive association with sea ice, thus archaeomonads deserve increased attention as indicators of ice conditions for deep-water marine environments.
High-dose proton pump inhibitor plus amoxycillin for the treatment or retreatment of Helicobacter pylori infection.

Background: The combination of 120 mg of omeprazole (40 mg t.d.s.) and amoxycillin has been reported to be effective for treating H. pylori infections. Methods: Normal volunteers with H. pylori infection received high-dose omeprazole (40 mg t.d.s.) or lansoprazole (60 mg t.d.s.) plus amoxycillin 750 mg t.d.s. for 14 days. The studies were open label and not randomized as those receiving omeprazole plus amoxycillin had previously failed lower dose omeprazole (20 mg b.d.) plus amoxycillin therapy more than 6 months previously. Those receiving lansoprazole plus amoxycillin had not been previously treated. Four to 6 weeks after ending antimicrobial therapy, H. pylori status was determined by Genta stain of gastric mucosal biopsies. Results: Forty-three volunteers entered the study and 41 completed it. The overall success with high-dose proton pump inhibitor plus amoxycillin was 34.9%. For the individual regimens the per-protocol results were 48% (95% CI=28–69%) with lansoprazole and 12.5% (95% CI=2–38%) with omeprazole. Compliance was >95% for both regimens. Side-effects were experienced by four lansoprazole and three omeprazole subjects, and caused two omeprazole subjects to withdraw. Cure rates were similar among different races and ethnic groups, between men and women, and between smokers and non-smokers. The level of the pre-treatment urea breath test also did not predict outcome. Conclusion: High-dose proton pump inhibitor plus amoxycillin combinations for treatment of H. pylori infection yielded unacceptable results, as the 95% confidence intervals did not include an 80% cure rate. These combinations do not yield consistent results worldwide and cannot be recommended as primary therapy.
Flow cytometric analysis for ploidy level differentiation of 45 hairy vetch accessions

Summary Determining the ploidy of plant germplasm is a necessary step in breeding or genetic studies in species. The purpose of this research was to determine the presence of ploidy level differentiation of hairy vetch (Vicia villosd) germplasm. Flow cytometry and root tip chromosome squashing methods were employed to assess 45 accessions labeled V. villosa available through the USDA germplasm collection. Flow cytometry determined that 43 of the accessions were 2C, one accession was 4C, and one accession was 6C. Analysis of accessions by root tip chromosome counts indicated that all accessions were diploid. The 2C accession contains 14 chromosomes and their chromosomes were approximately one-half and one-third in size as compared to the chromosomes of the 4C and 6C accessions, respectively. The 4C accession was observed to have 16 chromosomes and the 6C accession was observed to have 14 chromosomes. The large-scale differences in DNA amounts were due to chromosomal size variability as opposed to ploidy differences. This revealed the incidence of species misidentification of these two V. villosa accessions to be Vicia pannonica. All the V. villosa accessions were observed to be diploid and have similar DNA amounts. Flow cytometry proved to be useful in the efficient assessment of these accessions.
Clinical reproducibility of dual energy x-ray absorptiometry.

Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry is a technique advocated for the measurement of bone mass throughout the skeleton, and recently it has been used to measure changes in periprosthetic bone mass after joint replacement. The accuracy and precision of the method in clinical patient populations have not been firmly established. This study sought to establish the short-term reproductibility of measurements made with dual energy x-ray absorptiometry of multiple sites in a large sample of elderly patients with rheumatic disease. Reproductibility was assessed in the lumbar spine and in three femoral sites in 69 patients participating in a longitudinal clinical trial. In each patient, absorptiometry was performed twice in the same day at as many as five time points over a 2-year period. The mean (±SD) baseline bone density was 0.783 ± 0.128 g/cm2 for the femoral neck and 1.015 ± 0.218 g/cm2 for the lumbar spine. The correlations between the duplicate baseline measurements of the spine were excellent (r = 0.9936, p < 0.001) and were stable over the 2-year period; the mean difference between the duplicate baseline measurements was 1.82 ± 1.54% and the mean coefficient of variation was 1.29%. Measurements in the femur were much less precise: these values were 3.61 ± 3.14% and 2.55% in the femoral neck, 3.66 ± 4.35% and 2.59% in the greater trochanter, and 5.28 ± 5.61% and 3.73% in Ward's triangle. This study evaluated the short-term reproductibility of dual energy x-ray absorptiometry in a clinical population. The reproductibility of a technique must be taken into account when it is applied longitudinally to follow patients over time. The reproductibility of bone densitometry of the spine in large clinical populations with orthopaedic and rheumatic disease was similar to that reported for in vitro measurements and for very small sample studies of healthy normal subjects. However, the reproductibility of densitometry of femoral sites was much poorer than that for spinal sites. Reproducibility is a significant methodological issue for the use of dual energy x-ray absorptiometry to assess the effect of osteoporosis therapies on the hip as well as the change in periprosthetic bone mass around a hip prosthesis. The poorer reproductibility of the measurements in the femoral sites suggests that a much wider margin of error is required in the interpretation of within-patient change in bone mass over time.
Exaggerated pancreatic polypeptide secretion in pima Indians: Can an increased parasympathetic drive to the pancreas contribute to hyperinsulinemia, obesity, and diabetes in humans?

Vagally-mediated hyperinsulinemia is a common abnormality in various rodent models of genetic and hypothalamic obesity that have a high propensity for type 2 diabetes. We hypothesized that Pima Indians, a population with a high prevalence of hyperinsulinemia, obesity, and type 2 diabetes also have an increased parasympathetic drive to the pancreas. To test this, we measured plasma concentrations of insulin and pancreatic polypeptide (PP), a surrogate marker of pancreatic vagal tone, in lean and obese Pima Indian and Caucasian children (n = 43, 26P/17C, 7 ± 1 y) and adults (n = 92, 61P/31C, 31 ± 5 y). Pima Indian children had ∼2-fold higher fasting insulin and 57% higher fasting PP concentrations than age- and sex-matched Caucasian children (P < .05). Although there was no difference in fasting PP concentration between Pima Indian and Caucasian adults, in response to a mixed meal, Pima Indians had a 51% higher early (30 minutes) PP concentration and 2-fold higher early insulin concentration than Caucasians (P < .05). PP concentrations at 60 minutes and 120 minutes after the meal were also markedly higher in both lean and obese Pima Indians compared with lean and obese Caucasians. These results suggest that Pima Indians may have an increased parasympathetic drive to the pancreas, which could lead to a primary hypersecretion of insulin and contribute to their high propensity for obesity and diabetes, as is the case in various rodent models of obesity.
The metallographic preparation of some plutonium-uranium fuel materials☆

Abstract Unirradiated plutonium-bearing ceramic fuel materials are prepared for ceramographic examination in a dry nitrogen atmosphere, gloved facility. The compartmented box is arranged so that spread of grit and alpha activity is minimized. Photomicrography is done in an open-faced hood enclosure attached to a metallograph stage. In addition to the techniques normally used, support work is done in preparing samples for use on the electron microscope, scanning electron microscope, electron microprobe, dilatometer, and x-ray diffraction instruments. Chemical etchants are included for PuO 2 and mixed uranium-plutonium oxides and nitrides.
How We Teach Character in College: A Retrospective on Some Recent Higher Education Initiatives That Promote Moral and Civic Learning

In the past two decades, colleges and institutions have devoted energies and resources to a wide range of educational programs and initiatives. Although often not labeled as “character” development programs, these initiatives are designed to guide the personal moral values and behaviors of college students relating to pressing contemporary ethical issues and problems. The authors examine some of these ethical development efforts, reasons for their importance to colleges and universities, and ways they have helped to shape the moral atmosphere of college life and the character of their students today.
Molecular Library Synthesis Using Complex Substrates: Expanding the Framework of Triterpenoids

The remodeling of a natural product core framework by means of diversity-oriented synthesis (DOS) is a valuable approach to access diverse/biologically relevant chemical space and to overcome the limitations of combinatorial-type compounds. Here we provide proof of principle and a thorough conformational analysis for a general strategy whereby the inherent complexity of a starting material is used to define the regio- and stereochemical outcomes of reactions in chemical library construction. This is in contrast to the traditional DOS logic employing reaction development and catalysis to drive library diversity.
Understanding the Geospatial Relationship of Neighborhood Characteristics and Rates of Maltreatment for Black, Hispanic, and White Children

The disproportionate number of racial and ethnic minority children in the child welfare system concerns many child welfare professionals. Few studies have investigated how neighborhood processes may contribute to this disparity. This study examined how neighborhood characteristics are associated with rates of child maltreatment for black, Hispanic, and white children. Spatial regression procedures were used to analyze data from 940 census tracts in California. For black children, higher rates of poverty and higher densities of off-premise alcohol outlets were positively associated with maltreatment rates, but increases in population since 1990, a higher percentage of residents who had moved, and a higher percentage of black residents were associated with lower rates. Percentage of female-headed families, poverty, and unemployment were positively related to maltreatment rates among Hispanic children. For white children, the percentage of elderly people, percentage of poverty, ratio of children to adults, and percentage of Hispanic residents were positively associated with neighborhood rates. Reducing neighborhood poverty may reduce rates of child maltreatment for all children, but additional efforts to prevent maltreatment at the neighborhood level may need to be tailored to the specific demographic characteristics to be most effective. Language: en
Body size dependence of euphausiid spatial patchiness

We analyzed size-dependent variations in spatial patchiness of the eight numerically dominant euphausiid species in the California Current System (Euphausia pacifica, Nematoscelis difficilis, Nyctiphanes simplex, Thysanoessa gregaria, Euphausia recurva, Euphausia gibboides, Thysanoessa spinifera, and Euphausia eximia). Patchiness was measured by using a count-based statistic using euphausiid densities and applied to 11 yr of detailed size-specific enumerations from the California Cooperative Oceanic Fisheries Investigations program. We rejected the hypothesis of size-independent patchiness for seven of the eight species. The most common pattern observed was a ‘‘U-shaped’’ curve, showing elevated patchiness in the smallest size classes, a rapid decrease in patchiness of intermediate-sized euphausiids, and a later increase in patchiness of adults following the onset of reproductive maturity. These size-dependent changes parallel ontogenetic changes in spatial dispersion observed for some marine fishes. The initial descending limb of the patchiness curve appears to be caused by turbulent diffusion, while the later ascending limb of the curve is consistent with the onset of predator-induced aggregation behavior. The patterns were surprisingly consistent across years and different reproductive characteristics (egg-brooding vs. broadcast spawning euphausiids).
Evolution of microcomputer-based medical instrumentation

This paper provides a historical review of the evolution of the technologies that led to modern microcomputer-based medical instrumentation. I review the history of the microprocessor-based system because of the importance of the microprocessor in the design of modern medical instruments. I then give some examples of medical instruments in which the microprocessor has played a key role and in some cases has even empowered us to develop new instruments that were not possible before. I include a discussion of the role of the microprocessor-based personal computer in development of medical instruments.
Structural variation in cerium aryloxide complexes templated by hemilabile K+–amine interactions

A series of complexes with the formula K[Ce(OAr)(bdmmp)3] (Ar = –C6H5 (–Ph), –C10H7 (–Naph), –2,4-tBu-C6H3 (–dtbp) and –2,6-Ph-C6H3 (–dpp)) and K[Ce(OAr)2(bdmmp)2] (Ar = –2,6-iPr-C6H3 (–dipp)) (bdmmp = (bis(dimethylamino)methyl-4-phenolate)) are presented. The complexes were obtained through metathesis and protonolysis reactions from K[Ce(OTf)(bdmmp)3] or K[Ce(OtBu)(bdmmp)3] respectively. X-ray diffraction studies provide insight into the effect of the steric profile of the aryloxide ligand on perturbing the templating effect of the K+ ion with the pendent tertiary amine groups of the bdmmp− ligands. Characterization of the various aryloxide derivatives through cyclic voltammetry and variable temperature 1H NMR studies demonstrate the impact of the substituents on the solution dynamics and redox properties. Additionally, an unusual example of a terminal cerium(III) hydroxide complex was isolated and characterized in solid state and in solution using the bdmmp framework.
Factors Affecting Bacterial Loads on Shells of Commercially Washed Eggs

Abstract A total of 36 sample sets were collected from four egg-grading plants in Maryland and southeastern Pennsylvania. Each set included bacterial counts in washwaters, brushes, egg conveyors, and washed and unwashed eggs. Bacterial counts on eggs, in washwater, and on equipment surfaces were unaffected when a water rinse was used in place of a chlorinated rinse following washing. Use of a chlorinated washing compound significantly lowered bacterial counts on conveyors but not in other samples. Thoroughly rinsing equipment at the end of each day's operations markedly reduced bacterial loads on equipment surfaces and in washwaters. When all sample sets were considered, bacterial counts on washed eggs were significantly correlated with counts on equipment surfaces, in washwaters, and on unwashed eggs. Counts in washwaters were correlated with those on equipment surfaces but not with counts on unwashed eggs. The major source of bacteria in washwater was evidently the equipment rather than the eggs. Careful daily cleaning of equipment should maintain low bacteria counts on equipment surfaces and in washwater and consequently reduced bacterial contamination of washed eggs. Use of a sanitizing rinse following washing was of no benefit.
CURRYING THE HEART: CURCUMIN AND CARDIOPROTECTION

Curcumin (diferuoylmethane) is the active ingredient of turmeric (curcuma longa). There has been a surge of research in its anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties, and its cardiovascular ef...
Exposure to strange adults does not cause pregnancy disruption or infanticide in the gray-tailed vole

A widely accepted paradigm in mammalian behavioral biology is that exposure to unfamiliar males causes pregnancy disruption in female rodents (commonly known as the Bruce effect). This behavioral phenomenon has been demonstrated in the laboratory with at least 12 species of rodents, primarily within the genus Microtus, and is supposedly an adaptation that provides male perpetrators with reproductive access to females, and functions, for females, as a counterstrategy to infanticide. However, neither the Bruce effect nor its adaptive significance have been tested experimentally in the field. In a controlled field study, we exposed reproducing female gray-tailed voles (Microtus canicaudus) to treatments in which males were removed and replaced by either unfamiliar males or females, and found no significant differences in intervals between parturitions, number of pregnancies, and juvenile recruitment among the treatment and control animals. Thus, we conclude that neither the Bruce effect nor infanticide occurred differentially as a consequence of the treatments in gray-tailed voles. Multimale mating to confuse paternity, and postpartum estrus resulting in simultaneous pregnancy and lactation may deter infanticide and functionally negate any benefits of pregnancy disruption in gray-tailed voles and perhaps other murid rodents with similar mating systems. In light of our results, we recommend field verification for other species of murid rodents that exhibit the Bruce effect in the laboratory before the results are applied to evolutionary theory.
Physical and functional association of RNA polymerase II and the proteasome

Recent studies from a number of laboratories have revealed a surprising number of connections between RNA polymerase II transcription and the ubiquitin/proteasome pathway. We now find yet another intersection of these pathways by showing that the 26S proteasome associates with regions of the GAL1, GAL10, and HSP82 genes, including the 3' ends, in a transcription-dependent fashion. The appearance of the proteasome on these inducible genes correlates with both the accumulation of transcripts and the buildup of RNA polymerase II complexes in the same region. Furthermore, the 26S proteasome and RNA polymerase II coimmunoprecipitate, and inhibition of 26S proteolytic activity leads to increased read through of a transcription termination site. We suggest that the proteasome is generally recruited to the DNA at sites of stalled RNA polymerase and may act to resolve these complexes.
Northward migration of the Cascadia forearc in the northwestern U.S. and implications for subduction deformation

Geologic and paleomagnetic data from the Cascadia forearc indicate long-term northward migration and clockwise rotation of an Oregon coastal block with respect to North America. Paleomagnetic rotation of coastal Oregon is linked by a Klamath Mountains pole to geodetically and geologically determined motion of the Sierra Nevada block to derive a new Oregon Coast–North America (OC–NA) pole of rotation and velocity field. This long-term velocity field, which is independent of Pacific Northwest GPS data, is interpreted to be the result of Basin–Range extension and Pacific–North America dextral shear. The resulting Oregon Coast pole compares favorably to those derived solely from GPS data, although uncertainties are large. Subtracting the long-term motion from forearc GPS velocities reveals ENE motion with respect to an OC reference frame that is parallel to the direction of Juan de Fuca–OC convergence and decreases inland. We interpret this to be largely the result of subduction-related deformation. The adjusted mean GPS velocities are generally subparallel to those predicted from elastic dislocation models for Cascadia, but more definitive interpretations await refinement of the present large uncertainty in the Sierra Nevada block motion.
Predicting Science Achievement in India Role of Gender, Self-Efficacy, Interests, and Effort

We examined the role of self-reported effort in predicting chemistry and physics achievement after controlling for prior achievement, gender, and mathematics/science self-efficacy and interest. The...
Congenital Dislocation of the Hip

Early diagnosis and treatment are the keys to a successful result in infants with congenital dislocation of the hip. In the neonatal period, a majority of infants with hips that would later be found to be dislocated can be detected and effectively treated. With the use of ultrasonography to supplement clinical suspicion, the number of children with congenital dislocation of the hip diagnosed in the newborn period should be expected to increase. Repeated examination, especially during the first 6 months of life, can be expected to detect those additional children with congenital dislocation of the hip who were not detected in the nursery. The Pavlik harness has been shown to obtain a successful result in most children younger than 6 months of age while holding the incidence of avascular necrosis to nearly zero. Even though these results are encouraging, the problem must be discovered early for the child with congenital dislocation of the hip to be treated optimally. Thus, it is of the utmost importance that the physician have an awareness of this problem. The primary physician must also continue to conscientiously examine the hips of patients on a regular basis even after the initial examination and, when necessary, use the added modalities available to him or her to accurately diagnose questionable hip conditions of patients.
A comparison of filtration rates among pelagic tunicates using kinematic measurements

Salps have higher filtration rates than most other holoplankton, and are capable of packaging and exporting primary production from surface waters. A method of kinematic analysis was employed to accurately measure salp feeding rates. The data were then used to explain how diverse body morphologies and swimming motions among species and lifecycle stages influence salp feeding performance. We selected five species, representing a range of morphologies and swimming styles, and used digitized outlines from video frames to measure body-shape change during a pulse cycle. Time-varying body volume was then calculated from the digitized salp outlines to estimate the amount of fluid passing through the filtering mesh. This non-invasive method produced higher feeding rates than other methods and revealed that body volume, pulse frequency and degree of contraction are important factors for determining volume filtered. Each species possessed a unique combination of these three characteristics that resulted in comparable filtration (range: 0.44–15.33 ml s−1) and normalized filtration rates (range: 0.21–1.27 s−1) across species. The convergence of different species with diverse morphologies on similar normalized filtration suggests a tendency towards a flow optimum.
Effect of molecular weight on high-speed melt spinning of nylon 6

An extensive experimental study of the structure and properties developed in as-spun nylon 6 filaments is reported. Five polymers representing different molecular weights in the range 25,000–73,000 g/mol (viscosity average) were studied. These polymers were melt spun over a range of spinning speeds using an air drag type of drawdown device. Maximum take-up velocities achieved were in the neighborhood of 4000 m/min. The structure and properties of the as-spun filaments were characterized using density, DSC, WAXS, SAXS, birefringence, and tensile tests. The structural characteristics and properties of the filaments are strongly dependent on molecular weight. Generally, higher molecular weight leads to higher modulus and filament tenacity and lower elongation to break in the as-spun filaments. The structural changes with molecular weight are rather complicated; the complications are explained in terms of changes of crystallization rate and attainable crystallinity.
Coronary Artery Disease and Cardiomyopathy

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in patients with type 2 diabetes. Epidemiological studies have shown that diabetes mellitus is a potent independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease.1, 2 It has been recognized for several decades that diabetic patients have a 2 to 3 fold higher risk for CVD than their nondiabetic counterparts. CVD accounts for up to 80% of deaths in patients with diabetes, approximately 75% of which are due to ischemic heart disease. More than 25% of diabetic patients have evidence of CVD at diagnosis. Therefore, the American Heart Association has stated that “diabetes is a cardiovascular disease”.3
Biological Control ofBemisia argentifolii(Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) on Poinsettia with Inundative Releases ofEncarsia formosa(Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae): Are Higher Release Rates Necessarily Better?

The effectiveness of inundative releases of the parasitoid Encarsia formosa for control of Bemisia argentifolii on poinsettia was determined in replicated experimental greenhouses. We evaluated two release rates of E. formosa: a low release rate (1 wasp/plant/week, released in two greenhouses, in spring 1995) and a high release rate (3 wasps/plant/week, released in two greenhouses, in fall 1993), each over a 14-week growing season. Each release trial had one or two control greenhouses in which B. argentifolii developed on poinsettia in the absence of E. formosa. Life-tables were constructed for B. argentifolii in the presence and absence of E. formosa by using a photographic technique to follow cohorts of whiteflies on poinsettia leaves. Weekly population counts of the whitefly were also made. In the absence of E. formosa, egg to adult survivorship of B. argentifolii on poinsettia was 75‐ 81%. At the low release rate, egg to survivorship of B. argentifolii was 5% and parasitism was 13%. At the high release rate, egg to adult survivorship for B. argentifolii was 8% and parasitism was 23%. The net reproductive rates (R0) for B. argentifolii populations in the absence of E. formosa ranged from 18.01‐26.12, indicating a rapidly increasing population. Net reproductive rates for whitefly populations subject to wasp releases were 1.54 for the low release rate greenhouses and 2.11 for the high release rate greenhouses, indicating substantially reduced B. argentifolii population growth. The low release rate provided better control of B. argentifolii than the high release rate. This difference was attributed to higher levels of mortality of whiteflies at the low release rate in the first 5‐6 weeks of the growing period. We suggest that mutual interference may also have affected observed levels of mortality and parasitism. r 1997 Academic Press