cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
What accountable care organizations will mean for physicians.

Accountable care organizations are viewed as an important plank in America’s attempts to control its healthcare spending. However, there has been little discussion about the practical implications for physicians. Rachael Addicott spoke to four commercial ACOs about the performance standards physicians must achieve and the consequences of not meeting them
Resolving New Memories: A Critical Look at the Dentate Gyrus, Adult Neurogenesis, and Pattern Separation

Recently, investigation of new neurons in memory formation has focused on a specific function—pattern separation. However, it has been difficult to reconcile the form of separation tested in behavioral tasks with how it is conceptualized according to computational and electrophysiology perspectives. Here, we propose a memory resolution hypothesis that considers the unique information contributions of broadly tuned young neurons and highly specific mature neurons and describe how the fidelity of memories can relate to spatial and contextual discrimination. See the related Perspective from Sahay, Wilson, and Hen, "Pattern Separation: A Common Function for New Neurons in Hippocampus and Olfactory Bulb," in this issue of Neuron .
Effects of GABA on axonal conduction and extracellular potassium activity in the neonatal rat optic nerve

Abstract GABA depolarizes rat optic nerve axons and modulates axonal conduction through the activation of GABA-A receptors. To address whether an increase of [K+]e plays a major role in GABA actions on the rat optic nerve, we studied the effects of GABA on axonal conduction and [K+]e in the neonatal rat optic nerve in vitro. Double-barrelled K+-sensitive microelectrodes were used to record [K+]e. GABA (10-4-10-3M) increased [K+]e in the neonatal optic nerve. During prolonged application, the [K+]e slowly recovered. The increase in [K+]e induced by GABA was markedly reduced by the GABA-A receptor blocker bicuculline (10-4M). Isoguvacine (10-4M), a GABA-A agonist, mimicked the effect of GABA but produced larger responses at the same concentration. In contrast, baclofen (10-4M), a GABA-B agonist, had no effect on [K+]e. The changes in the compound action potential induced by GABA correlated only partially with the [K+]e changes. Furthermore, the changes in the compound action potential induced by elevation of K+ were far less than those induced by GABA. These results demonstrate that the GABA-evoked accumulation of [K+]e plays a secondary role in GABA actions on the neonatal rat optic nerve.
Quantum computing with magnetic atoms in optical lattices of reduced periodicity

We investigate the feasibility of combining Raman optical lattices with a quantum computing architecture based on lattice-confined magnetically interacting neutral atoms. A particular advantage of the standing Raman field lattices comes from reduced interatomic separations leading to increased interatomic interactions and improved multiqubit gate performance. Specifically, we analyze a $J=3∕2$ Zeeman system placed in ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{+}\text{\ensuremath{-}}{\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{\ensuremath{-}}$ Raman fields which exhibit $\ensuremath{\lambda}∕4$ periodicity. We find that the resulting controlled-NOT (CNOT) gate operations times are in the order of millisecond. We also investigate motional and magnetic-field induced decoherences specific to the proposed architecture.
A modified assay procedure for carboxylic ester hydrolases.

Abstract 1-Naphthol (α-naphthol) released by enzymatic hydrolysis from 1-naphthylacetate and other carboxylic esters can be determined by a condensation reaction with 4-amino-antipyrine and K3Fe(CN)6 in alkaline incubation mixtures. The condensation product has a red color which is soluble in ethyl acetate and other organic solvents. When 4-amino-antipyrine and K3Fe(CN)6 are added at the end of the incubation of the enzyme with the substrate, color formation is instantaneous but enzymatic hydrolysis continues and the color deepens. Though K3Fe(CN)6 was found to have an inhibitory effect on esteratic activity of rat brain microsomes it was insufficient to permit accurate calculation of 1-naphthol release per unit time. 4-Amino-antipyrine in low concentration does not impair enzyme activity. Extraction into ethyl acetate is recommended because the organic solvent effectively terminates enzyme activity by removing the substrate from the aqueous incubation mixture. The extraction furthermore provides clear colored solutions where the incubation mixture is turbid due to contained subcellular particles, tissue homogenates or insoluble lipids. The sensitivity of the method compares well with azo-coupling procedures for the quantitative determination of released 1-naphthol.
The interface of orthogonally oriented twins in YBa2Cu3O7-δ

Twinning on the (110) and the equivalent (110) planes is frequently encountered within one crystal grain in YBa2Cu3O7-δ. Using high-resolution electron microscopy and electron diffraction analysis, we studied the interface and its vicinity where the (110) and (110) twins meet. We found that the crystal lattice of the impinging set of twins rotates around the c axis when they confront the orthogonally oriented twins. Every second one of the impinging twins is pointed, but does not taper off to zero width, yielding a small-angle grain boundary; the other twin forms a coherent boundary with a twin belonging to the orthogonal set. Thus, the interface of the orthogonally oriented twins comprises of an alternation of twin boundaries and grain boundaries. Furthermore, we found that there is a limiting wedge-angle for the tapered twins, and if this angle is exceeded, the tip of the twin splits. The structure of the interface and its vicinity is determined by the equilibrium of elastic strain energy due to the tet...
Leaving a Sexually Coercive Dating Partner: A Prospective Application of the Investment Model:

In the present study, an investment model framework was applied to identify associations between partner verbal sexual coercion and dating relationship outcomes, including relationship commitment and maintenance. Undergraduate women (N= 180) provided self-report data on investment model variables and verbal sexual coercion within their current relationships and returned 6 to 8 weeks later to report on their relationship status. About 28% of the participants endorsed partner verbal sexual coercion. Women in sexually coercive relationships reported greater investment but did not differ from other women in satisfaction, commitment, or later relationship maintenance. Results revealed indirect effects of partner sexual coercion on relationship commitment through greater perceived investment. Sustaining verbal sexual coercion in ongoing dating relationships may represent a type of relationship investment that indirectly promotes subjective commitment. Additional studies of verbal sexual coercion in committed romantic relationships are needed.
Selected Lifetime and Oscillator Strength Measurements in Si II

We have remeasured the lifetimes of the 3s24s and 3s25s2S1/2 levels in Si II using beam foil spectroscopic techniques. Measured values for the lifetimes and oscillator strengths derived from them are presented and compared with previous measurements and theoretical calculations. Agreement with recent theoretical calculations is now quite good: for 3s24s it is excellent and for 3s25s it is satisfactory, although the theoretical uncertainties in that calculation are still somewhat larger than desired.
Moth Traps for the Tobacco Budworm

A nonelectric trap that has an efficiency of ca. 25% for capturing Heliothis virescens (F.) was designed and tested. This trap can be baited with synthetic pheromone or virgin females and is portable, inexpensive, and simple to install and operate.
DAPI direct counting underestimates bacterial abundances and average cell size compared to AO direct counting

We compared estimates of bacterial abundance and of average bacterial cell size based on direct counts of bacterioplankton cells stained with acridine orange (AO) or 4'-6-diamidino-2-phenylidole (DAPI). Estimates of numbers ml−1 of bacteria stained with DAPI were on average 70% (range 57–82%) of bacterial counts made with AO as the stain. Cell volumes estimated from DAPI-stained cells were even less, on average 59% (range 34–80%) of those determined from measurement of AO-stained cells. The combination of lower DAPI values for both cell numbers and cell volumes resulted in overall underestimation of total bacterial biovolume liter−1. DAPI-determined total biovolumes ranged from 25 to 61% of biovolume values obtained via counts and measurements of AO-stained cells in the two data sets. These results can be ascribed to the differential staining of cell components by DAPI and AO. We recommend that DAPI staining be used with caution for estimating bacterial standing stock parameters.
A conceptual model for communicating nutrition

Abstract This paper presents a communication model for planning, implementing, and evaluating nutrition education programs. The theoretical underpinnings of this conceptual model contain elements from four perspectives: “individual differences,” “social categories,” “social relations,” and “pragmatics.” We discuss the model's components and its applications for nutrition education.
Spectroelectrochemical sensing based on attenuated total internal reflectance stripping voltammetry. 3. Determination of cadmium and copper.

The optical and electrochemical properties of metallic films on ITO surfaces resulting from deposition of copper and cadmium were monitored by stripping voltammetry-attenuated internal reflectance spectroscopy. The voltammetric or optical responses of both metals were examined with respect to solution conditions such as pH and presence of dissolved oxygen. The morphologies of these films were also examined using environmental scanning electron microscopy, and the microscopic electrodeposition patterns were found to influence the optical response. The wavelength dependence of the optical response of deposited copper was determined and compared with calculations; optimal performance was at 400 nm for copper. A linear calibration curve was obtained over a range of 1 × 10-7−1 × 10-4 M for copper and compared with that of cadmium. The simultaneous determination of cadmium and copper was demonstrated, and the mechanism of co-deposition is discussed.
Radiographic and electrocardiography-gated noncontrast cardiac CT assessment of lead perforation: modality comparison and interobserver agreement.

Abstract Background Pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator lead extraction may be required because of infection, malfunction, or breakage. The preprocedural identification of lead tip position may help ensure safe performance of the procedure. Objective To analyze the ability of chest radiography and CT imaging to characterize lead tip position and identify perforation in a population of patients who underwent lead extraction. Methods Among patients who underwent lead extraction between November 2008 and April 2011, a nonrandom subset of 50 patients with 116 leads was selected for retrospective analysis. All patients had undergone chest radiography and thin-section electrocardiography-gated noncontrast cardiac CT. Two radiologists independently evaluated the imaging studies, using oblique multiplanar image reconstruction techniques for the CT examinations. Beam hardening artifacts were graded (0–3). Likelihood of perforation on each imaging study was graded on a 5-point scale. Results Among 116 leads, 17 were identified as perforated on CT, 12 leads were equivocal, and 87 were not perforated. Interobserver agreement for CT perforation vs nonperforation was good (κ = 0.71); weighted kappa for the entire 5-point scale was moderate (κ = 0.54). Beam hardening artifacts were common, with a mean value of 2.1. The 2 observers identified perforation on chest radiography with an average sensitivity of 15% compared with CT. The 2 observers did not agree on any cases of chest radiographic perforation (κ = −0.1). Conclusion Electrocardiography-gated noncontrast cardiac CT imaging with oblique multiplanar analysis can identify potential lead perforation with a moderate-to-good level of interobserver agreement. Chest radiography demonstrates poor sensitivity and interobserver agreement compared with CT.
Contribution of twist-four operators to deep inelastic scattering

Abstract We consider a class of twist-four operators and calculate their anomalous dimensions. Combinations of deep inelastic structure functions are calculated which receive contributions only from operators with twist greater than or equal to four. The Q 2 dependence of these moments is predicted. We also discuss the contribution of the operators studied to the structure functions for x ≈ 0 or x ≈ 1.
Adult congenital heart disease: toward prospective risk assessment of a multisystemic condition.

It has long been recognized that manifestations of congenital heart disease extend beyond the cardiovascular system. The extracardiac ramifications of congenital heart disease are multifaceted and bidirectional. The intricate interplay between congenital heart physiology, bi- or univentricular heart function, early and/or ongoing cyanosis, surgical and residual sequelae, and multisystemic effects are increasingly appreciated. Examples include the well-characterized neurological, hematologic, respiratory, skeletal, and hepatic consequences of cyanosis1; thromboembolic complications in surgically palliated univentricular hearts2; and dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system in various forms of congenital heart disease.3 Article p 2320 In the present issue of Circulation , Dimopoulos and associates4 provide original and important insights regarding the relationship between congenital heart disease and impaired renal function. They examine the prevalence of renal dysfunction across a wide-spectrum of adult congenital heart defects and explore implications on overall death rates. ### Heterogeneity of the Study Population A general and common challenge in congenital heart disease research that encompasses a broad spectrum of cardiac disorders is the complexity and marked heterogeneity of the study population. From a methodological perspective, there is often a trade-off between heterogeneity of the patient population and the precision of a given statistical inference. When the objective is to provide a global perspective on a novel association, such as renal dysfunction and death in adults with congenital heart disease, however, heterogeneity of the patient population may be advantageous. The nonrestrictive inclusion criteria enhance generalizability of the findings to a broad target population. Although the reported overall 9.3% prevalence of moderate to severe renal dysfunction must be interpreted within the context of a high-volume referral center, it reflects a wide spectrum of congenital heart disease subtypes. Heterogeneity of the study population also allows exploration of gradients …
Heat and Moisture Transfer and Hygrophysical Changes in Elastoplastic Hollow Cylinder‐food During Drying

: There are many dried foods of hollow cylinder-shapes in the market. Hygrostress cracks form in these foods during drying without a careful process control. The objective of the present work was to develop a simulation method for heat and moisture transfer in hollow cylinder-food coupled with hygrophysical changes. A modified Luikov's model was used for the development together with a virtual work minimization principle, critical tensile stress criterion for crack formation, and critical crack-tip-opening angle criterion for crack propagation. The developed, computerized simulation model was validated through drying experiments of samples made from a starch hydrate.
The Psychometric Paradox of Practice Effects Due to Retesting: Measurement Invariance and Stable Ability Estimates in the Face of Observed Score Changes.

The simple practice effects commonly observed when retaking general cognitive ability tests present a potential paradox. If observed score changes reflect real changes in g, we must revisit our understanding of its stability. Conversely, if observed score changes reflect something other than a true change in the underlying latent construct, this suggests that the assumption of measurement invariance (i.e., that the relation between the constructs and the indicators on the test remains stable) is unwarranted, calling into question many of the useful inferences based on ability test scores. However, using a construct level approach, the current study shows evidence for complete measurement invariance across repeated administrations, including equivalence of ability factor means and variances. These results indicate that the abilities reflected by g and narrow group factors, and the tests' assessment of those sources of variance, remain unchanged.
Multi-sensor analysis techniques for SSME safety monitoring

Two algorithms were developed which utilized multi-sensor analysis techniques to complement the current Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) safety monitoring system. The first algorithm analyzed the accumulative error between actual and predicted values of the engine parameter set, while the second algorithm combined these error terms into a response pattern and correlated each pattern with a standard pattern. These algorithms were applied to twelve SSME anomalous test firings and were found to produce improved failure detection times in eight of those twelve compared to the current engine safety monitoring system. Of the eight detected anomalous test firings, the first algorithm detected all eight, while the second algorithm detected seven of the eight. No false alarms were indicated by either algorithm for twelve nominal test firings. An initial parametric study of these algorithms for optimized parameter selection is presented and algorithm robustness to sensor failure is demonstrated.
The Course and Psychosocial Correlates of Personality Disorder Symptoms in Adolescence: Erikson's Developmental Theory Revisited

Personality disorder symptoms were investigated in a community sample of young people (n = 714) to assess their relationship over time with well-being during adolescence and the emergence of intimacy in early adulthood. Drawing on Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, changes in adolescent well-being were conceptualized as indirect indicators of identity consolidation. Cluster B personality disorder symptoms (borderline, histrionic, and narcissistic symptoms) were conceptualized to represent “identity diffusion”—i.e. maladaptive personality traits that usually resolve during the identity crisis of adolescence. Latent growth models were used in 2 age cohorts to assess (1) interrelationships between Cluster B symptoms, well-being, and intimacy at mean ages 13.8 and 18.6 years; and (2) associations between their developmental trajectories over the next 6 years. As expected, higher personality disorder symptoms were associated with lower well-being during adolescence, and declines in personality disorder symptoms over time were associated with corresponding gains in well-being. Consistent with Erikson's developmental theory, there was an inverse relationship between Cluster B symptoms and intimacy that increased in strength as young people entered adulthood. As an indicator of successful identity consolidation, well-being was significantly associated with intimacy in female adolescents and young adults.
Acute suppurative parotitis associated with orbital and vascular complications: A case report ☆

Abstract Complications arising from acute suppurative parotitis (ASP) are rare but can be morbid. We report the case of a young female who presented with facial swelling, trismus and diplopia. She was found to have ASP complicated by orbital abscess, cavernous sinus thrombosis, carotid arteritis, and cerebral infarction. Cultures from parotid abscess needle aspiration, orbitotomy and blood sampling returned fusobacterium necrophorum. After a lengthy course of antibiotics and anticoagulation, the patient recovered to near-baseline status. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of ASP with such extensive orbital and vascular complications, and highlights the importance of awareness for such events.
Identification and Reduction of P-I Interface Instability and Establishment of 8.5% Stabilized Efficiency for Single Junction a-Si Solar Cells

Our previously reported 7.5% stabilized efficiency single junction a-Si devices had relatively low Voc, around 0.80 volts. Devices with higher Voc tended to exhibit a decrease in Voc upon light soaking. This effect was found to be independent of the properties of the i-layer. Further optimizing the p layer and p-i interface has enabled us to produce single junction devices with a stable Voc of up to 0.86 volts and a 8.5% stabilized device efficiency has been established.
Growth, Doping, Device Development and Characterization of CVD Beta-SiC Epilayers on Si(100) and Alpha-SiC(0001)

Monocrystalline β-SiC films have been chemically vapor deposited on Si(100) and c-SiC(0001) at 1660K-1823K and 0.1 MPa using SiH4 and C2H4 carried in H2. Films grown directly on Si(100) contained substantial concentrations of dislocations, stacking faults and antiphase boundaries (APB); those on α-SiC(0001) contained double positioning boundaries. Both the APBs and the double positioning boundaries were eliminated by using off-axis orientations of the respective substrates. Films produced on Si(100) have also been doped during growth and via ion implantation with B or Al (p-type) or P or N (n-type) at LN, room and elevated temperatures. Results from the former procedure showed the ionized dopant/total dopant concentration ratios for N, P, B and Al to be 0.1, 0.2, 0.002 and 0.01, respectively. The solubility limits of N, P and B at 1660K were determined to be ∼ 2E20, 1E18 and 8E18 cm−3, respectively; that of Al exceeds 2E19 cm−3. High temperature ion implantation coupled with dynamic and post annealing resulted in a markedly reduced defect concentration relative to that observed in similar research at the lower temperatures. Schottky diodes, p-n junctions, and MOSFET devices have been fabricated. The p-n junctions have the characteristics of insulators containing free carriers and deep level traps. The MOSFETs show very good I-V characteristics up to 673K, but have not been optimized.
Storm effects on particulate food resources on an intertidal sandflat

Abstract The influence of storms on particulate food resources on an intertidal sandflat (Cape Henlopen, Delaware, USA) was investigated by contrasting measurements taken during calm conditions and storm conditions. Storms exhibited elevated fluid velocities dominated by an oscillatory component, doubled seston concentrations increasing toward the bed and increased sediment transport rates. We also measured the concentration of sedimentary protein and chlorophyll (as proxies of food resources) inside and outside the feeding areas of two polychaete species, the surface deposit feeder Marenzelleria viridis (Verrill) and the mode-switching facultative suspension feeder Spiochaetopterus oculatus (Webster). During calm conditions, protein and chlorophyll were significantly depleted from feeding areas of the deposit feeder, while only protein was significantly depleted from feeding areas of the mode switcher. Neither protein nor chlorophyll was depleted in storm samples. These data are direct evidence for variable centimeter-scale, food resource gradients in the field. We also measured changes in the composition of the suspended load, bedload and surficial sediments before, during and after the passage of storms. Wave height, suspended solids, suspended particulate organic matter (POM) and bedload transport were increased during storms. There were changes in the quality of the bedload material, with the protein and chlorophyll concentrations being greatest during calm weather. These changes could be attributed to dilution with the bulk sediment during sedimentologically active periods. At the transition from storm conditions to calm conditions, the protein concentration in the surficial sediments increased temporarily by a factor of two, returning to prestorm levels by the next day. This spike was attributed to the deposition of fine-grained material which was resuspended during storms. Field-preserved specimens showed that the deposit feeder Marenzelleria viridis changed its feeding behavior, with gut fullness, and presumably the feeding rate, highest during calm conditions.
Regulation of T cell responses in the developing human fetus.

Although human T cells enter the peripheral lymphoid tissues early during fetal development, the adaptive immune system in the fetus has largely been regarded as functionally immature and unresponsive to stimulation. In this study, we show that depletion of fetal CD4+CD25high T regulatory (TReg) cells, which are present at high frequency in fetal lymphoid tissues, results in vigorous T cell proliferation and cytokine production in vitro, even in the absence of exogenous stimulation. Analysis of CD4+ and CD8+ T cell populations revealed a large subset of cells that expressed the early activation Ag, CD69. We show that this population represents a subset of highly reactive fetal T cells actively suppressed by fetal CD4+CD25high TReg cells during development. These findings indicate that fetal T cells are, in the absence of CD4+CD25high TReg cells, highly responsive to stimulation and provide evidence for an important role for CD4+CD25high TReg cells in controlling T cell responses in utero.
Diagnosing high incidence autism spectrum disorders in adults

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), particularly the high incidence conditions of autism, PDD NOS, and Asperger's Syndrome, have become increasingly popular topics of study in the mental health field. Traditionally, the focus has been on young children and early recognition and diagnosis. However, given that these conditions are life long in nature, continued assessment in not only advisable but essential. This review covers diagnostic issues as they pertain to adults with high incidence ASD. The current state of nosology and diagnosis in adults with ASD is reviewed. A discussion of pragmatic diagnostic issues and future research needs are covered.
Evaluation of Simplified Methods for Estimating Shear Capacity Using JNES/NUPEC Low-Rise Concrete Shear Wall Cyclic Test Data

The simplified methods in current codes for determining the shear capacity of reinforced concrete shear walls had mostly been validated using the test results of single-element shear walls. Recently available JNES/NUPEC test data of reinforced concrete shear walls under multi-directional cyclic loadings provided a unique opportunity to investigate the adequacy of the simplified methods for use in situations with strong interaction effects. A total of 11 test specimens with aspect ratios between 0.47 and 0.87 have been used in the assessment. Two simplified methods from the ACI 349-01 standard [1] and one from the ASCE 43-05 standard [2] have been evaluated. This paper also presents the development of an adjustment factor to consider the aspect ratio and the development of two approaches to consider interaction effects for one of the simplified methods. It concludes with the insights on the applicability of the code methods when interaction effects exist.
Folate metabolic pathways in Leishmania

Trypanosomatid parasitic protozoans of the genus Leishmania are autotrophic for both folate and unconjugated pteridines. Leishmania salvage these metabolites from their mammalian hosts and insect vectors through multiple transporters. Within the parasite, folates are reduced by a bifunctional DHFR (dihydrofolate reductase)‑TS (thymidylate synthase) and by a novel PTR1 (pteridine reductase 1), which reduces both folates and unconjugated pteridines. PTR1 can act as a metabolic bypass of DHFR inhibition, reducing the effectiveness of existing antifolate drugs. Leishmania possess a reduced set of folate‑dependent metabolic reactions and can salvage many of the key products of folate metabolism from their hosts. For example, they lack purine synthesis, which normally requires 10‑formyltetrahydrofolate, and instead rely on a network of purine salvage enzymes. Leishmania elaborate at least three pathways for the synthesis of the key metabolite 5,10‑methylene‑tetrahydrofolate, required for the synthesis of thymidylate, and for 10‑formyltetrahydrofolate, whose presumptive function is for methionyl‑tRNA Met formylation required for mitochondrial protein synthesis. Genetic studies have shown that the synthesis of methionine using 5‑methyltetrahydrofolate is dispensable, as is the activity of the glycine cleavage complex, probably due to redundancy with serine hydroxymethyltransferase. Although not always essential, the loss of several
De-intensification of treatment for human papilloma virus associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma: A discussion of current approaches

Department of Radiation Oncology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina Department of Otolaryngology/Head & Neck Surgery, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Rho-linked genes and neurological disorders

Mental retardation (MR) is a common cause of intellectual disability and affects approximately 2 to 3% of children and young adults. Many forms of MR are associated with abnormalities in dendritic structure and/or dendritic spine morphology. Given that dendritic spine morphology has been tightly linked to synaptic activity, altered spine morphology has been suggested to underlie or contribute to the cognitive disabilities associated with MR. The structure and dynamics of dendritic spines is determined by its underlying actin cytoskeleton. Signaling molecules and cascades important for cytoskeletal regulation have therefore attracted a great deal of attention. As key regulators of both the actin and microtubule cytoskeletons, it is not surprising that the Rho GTPases have emerged as important regulators of dendrite and spine structural plasticity. Significantly, mutations in regulators and effectors of Rho GTPases have been associated with diseases affecting the nervous system, including MR and amyotropic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Here, we will discuss Rho GTPase-related genes and their signaling pathways involved in MR and ALS.
A malaria gametocytocidal assay using oxidoreduction indicator, alamarBlue

Efforts to move from malaria control to eradication will require new approaches to block malaria transmission, such as the development of anti-malarial drugs with gametocytocidal activity. Here fluorescent oxidoreduction indicator alamarBlue is used to develop a screen for gametocyte viability. The fluorescent signal increases linearly with gametocyte number (R(2)=0.99) and determination of the IC(50) of epoxomicin demonstrated the assay was reproducible and sensitive (IC(50) 2.16±0.57 nM, Z'-factor 0.81±0.01). Six anti-malarials were also tested and at 10 μM only primaquine and dihydroartemisinin (DHA) had gametocytocidal activity. This new assay provides an important tool to efficiently screen compounds for gametocytocidal activity.
Population Control I: Birth of an Ideology

Population control, as a major international development strategy, is a relatively recent phenomenon. However, its origins reach back to social currents in the 19th and early 20th centuries, culminating in an organized birth control movement in Europe and the United States. The conflicts and contradictions in that movement's history presage many of today's debates over population policy and women's rights. Eugenics had a deep influence on the U.S. birth control movement in the first half of the 20th century. After World War II private agencies and foundations played an important role in legitimizing population control as a way to secure Western control over Third World resources and stem political instability. In the late 1960s the U.S. government became a major funder of population control programs overseas and built multilateral support through establishment of the U.N. Fund for Population Activities. At the 1974 World Population Conference, Third World governments challenged the primacy of population c...
Worries of Parents and Their Children

Parents' major concerns were bicycle and car accidents, head injuries, abduction, exposure to environmental poisons, appropriate discipline, values and morals, affection, finances, too much television, and eating properly. Schoolchildren's concerns differed from their parents' and, for boys, included having to eat food they did not like, finances, people telling lies about them, and other issues about failure and criticism. Girls were more concerned about such dangers as abduction, burglars, strange people following them, and death. Major concerns shared by both sexes were looking foolish, people telling lies about them, being in a big crowd, and failing tests. Parents have many often unfounded or exaggerated fears about their children that are fanned by news media. This has led to the speculation that parents' insecurity about raising children has made them less effective. Continued reassurances by health professionals are needed to help parents believe more in themselves and become more secure in bringing up their children.
Microprocessors Applied To Minicomputers

A one card bit slice microprocessor based CPU emulation of an existing family of high speed, general purpose, aerospace processors is presented. This high performance bit slice microprocessor based machine provides the high speed computational capability necessary to satisfy a broad spectrum of real time system applications. Specific existing applications for this machine include use as the guidance and control computer for an advanced missile system, as the processing element in a fault tolerant network and as an embedded processor. The objectives of this emulation is to improve overall performance characteristics while maintaining software compatibility with the emulated family of processors. In addition, the resulting bit slice microprocessor should be upwards software compatible with its predecessors (having a powerful expanded instruction set with improved performance). The design objectives were aimed at a real time high performance processor architecture. Hardware which implements this emulation has been built and tested, verifying the desired improvements. The resulting machine is completely software compatible with its predecessors, and also contains a powerful expanded instruction set. As an example of the performance improvement achieved, the interregister add execution time is less than 250 nanoseconds, as compared with one microsecond for the predecessor machines. An overall improvement in throughput greater than three-to- one has been demonstrated for this processor (specifically, the throughput exceeds 1 MIPS*) without considering the additional efficiency obtainable through the use of the expanded instruction set. Additional design goals and improvements which have been obtained include: (a) half the weight, size and power dissipation, (b) reduced cost, (c) increased
Planning with parents for seriously ill children: preliminary results on the development of the parental engagement scale.

Objective:The objective of this study was to develop a clinically relevant tool to assess parental engagement in decision making and planning for seriously ill children during palliative care consultations. Although little is known about the structure and process of planning meetings between parents and providers, less is known about the nature of parental engagement as it relates to decision making ability in pediatric end-of-life care. Using attachment and caregiving as a framework, this study clarified important dimensions of parental engagement.Method:Using a multi-phase, template-matching technique, both literature and pediatric palliative care consultation data were analyzed, iteratively reviewed, matched, and categorized to create a measure of parental engagement. The attachment paradigm serves as the theoretical framework for the study, which focuses on parental engagement in decision making as a caregiving system function. Attachment and related literatures as well as coping and pediatric palliative care literatures were used in the initial conceptual sampling phase.Results:The study yielded two groups of findings. The first set of findings centered on the findings of the literature and consultation template-matching phases of the work. These two phases yielded a conceptual model of parental engagement as a psychobehavioral complex consisting of three dimensions: information-centered dialogue, insightful participation, and achievement of a collaboratively agreed-upon plan. The final phases consisted of creation of a 9 point Parental Engagement Scale, scoring of the consultations, and establishment of initial inter- rater reliability at .80. Psychometric testing continues.Significance of results:Parental engagement in decision making is a critical area for study and intervention. If we can support parents in their caregiving executive functions while understanding the psychological and emotional underpinnings of the caregiving system and parental engagement itself, we can move inquiry forward in understanding parental needs for intervention during this most profoundly challenging time.
New algorithms for 1-D facility location and path equipartition problems

We study the one-dimensional facility location problems. Given a set of n customers on the real line, each customer having a cost for setting up a facility at its position, and an integer k, we seek to find at most k of the customers to set up facilities for serving all n customers such that the total cost for facility set-up and service transportation is minimized. We consider several problem variations including k-median and k-coverage and a linear model. We also study a related path equipartition problem: Given a vertex-weighted path and an integer k, remove k-1 edges so that the weights of the resulting k sub-paths are as equal as possible. Based on new problem modeling and observations, we present improved algorithms for these problems over the previous work.
Coding and comparison of DAG's as a novel neural structure with applications to on-line handwriting recognition

This paper applies directed acyclic graphs (DAGs) to a large class of (temporal) pattern recognition problems and other recognition problems where the data has a linear ordering. The data streams are coded (DAG-coded) into DAGs for robust segmentation. The similarity of two streams can be manifested as the path matching score of the two corresponding DAGs. This paper also presents an efficient and robust dynamic programming algorithm for their comparisons (DAG-compare). Since the DAG-coding methodology directly provides a robust segmentation process, it can be applied recursively to create a novel system architecture. The DAG structure also allows adaptive restructuring, leading to a novel approach to neural information processing. By using these elementary operations on DAGs, we can recognize on average 94.0% (writer-dependent) of the isolated handwritten cursive characters. DAG-coding may also be applied to speech recognition or any other continuous streams where a robust multipath segmentation aids the recognition process.
An evaluation of a Medicaid expansion for cancer care: The Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention and Treatment Act of 2000.

The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program is a multifaceted, federal program that provides breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services to low-income women, but does not cover the costs of treatment. This study used a fixed-effects, longitudinal time-series research design (from 1995 to 2005) to evaluate the impact of a Medicaid expansion aimed at covering treatment for program clients, enacted via the Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention and Treatment Act of 2000. In summary, the Treatment Act of 2000 had some positive impacts, including a 12.8% decrease in the average number of days to definitive cervical diagnosis for White women. Nonetheless, the Treatment Act also had some negative impacts on the timing of diagnosis and treatment services, including a significant increase in the average time between a diagnosis of cervical dysplasia or cancer and the initiation of treatment for Black and Hispanic women (7–15 days across age groups). The Treatment Act was also associated with a 9% decrease in the probability that Black women would initiate treatment within 60 days of a cervical diagnosis (−.094; 95% confidence interval [CI] −.178 to −.01). As such, although the Treatment Act had no impact on the proportion of clients who initiated breast cancer treatment within 60 days, it reduced the probability that Black women initiated cervical treatment within an accepted benchmark for timely care.
Risk, Process Maturity, and Project Performance: An Empirical Analysis of US Federal Government Technology Projects

In recent years, there has been increasing pressure on the US federal government to reduce spending and improve the management of its technology projects. Mitigating the adverse impact of risks on the performance of these projects presents a significant challenge for its stakeholders. Our research examines this challenge in two steps. First, we identify and define a set of salient risks in federal technology projects—specifically, complexity risk and contracting risk in the planning process, and execution risk in the execution process. Next, we investigate whether higher levels of process maturity, assessed by the Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) framework, mitigate the negative effect of project risks on project performance. The analysis of time-series data collected from 82 federal technology projects across 519 quarterly time periods indicates that each of the three types of risks has a significant negative effect on project performance. This finding highlights the practical significance of managing these risks in the federal technology project context. Further, we find that increasing levels of process maturity attenuate the negative effect of project risks on the performance of federal technology projects. However, the attenuation effects are consequential only at high levels of project risks; at low levels of project risk, increasing levels of process maturity can adversely affect project performance. To demonstrate the financial implications of increasing process maturity levels in federal technology projects, we examine the magnitude of project cost savings (and overruns) across different levels of CMMI and project risks. In summary, our study contributes to the sparse literature on public sector operations by addressing the understudied context of federal technology projects, and provides a nuanced examination of the implications of process maturity in managing the risk to performance relationship in such projects.
Deep blue/ultraviolet microcavity OLEDs based on solution-processed PVK:CBP blends

Abstract There is an increasing need to develop stable, high-intensity, efficient OLEDs in the deep blue and UV. Applications include blue pixels for displays and tunable narrow solid-state UV sources for sensing, diagnostics, and development of a wide band spectrometer-on-a-chip. With the aim of developing such OLEDs we demonstrate an array of deep blue to near UV tunable microcavity (μc) OLEDs (λ ∼373–469 nm) using, in a unique approach, a mixed emitting layer (EML) of poly(N-vinyl carbazole) (PVK) and 4,4′-bis(9-carbazolyl)-biphenyl (CBP), whose ITO-based devices show a broad electroluminescence (EL) in the wavelength range of interest. This 373–469 nm band expands the 493–640 nm range previously attained with μcOLEDs into the desired deep blue-to-near UV range. Moreover, the current work highlights interesting characteristics of the complexity of mixed EML emission in combinatorial 2-d μcOLED arrays of the structure 40 nm Ag/x nm MoOx/∼30 nm PVK:CBP (3:1 weight ratio)/y nm 4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline (BPhen)/1 nm LiF/100 nm Al, where x = 5, 10, 15, and 20 nm and y = 10, 15, 20, and 30 nm. In the short wavelength μc devices, only CBP emission was observed, while in the long wavelength μc devices the emission from both PVK and CBP was evident. To understand this behavior simulations based on the scattering matrix method, were performed. The source profile of the EML was extracted from the measured EL of ITO-based devices. The calculated μc spectra indeed indicated that in the thinner, short wavelength devices the emission is primarily from CBP; in the thicker devices both CBP and PVK contribute to the EL. This situation is due to the effect of the optical cavity length on the relative contributions of PVK and CBP EL through a change in the wavelength-dependent emission rate, which was not suggested previously. Structural analysis of the EML and the preceding MoOx layer complemented the data analysis.
Computer Analysis of Water Distribution Systems: Part II–Numerical Solution

The systems of equations derived in Part I of this paper for water distribution systems have been solved by means of a modified Newton-Raphson method. The modified method does not require a Jacobian matrix and its inverse which are necessary when the Newton-Raphson method is used. In general, the modified Newton-Raphson method converges at a faster rate than the Newton-Raphson method. A method of obtaining initial values so that the iterative solution process will converge is also presented. With this technique, convergence was obtained for all of the examples attempted.
Dressing Constitutionally: Hierarchy, Sexuality, and Democracy from Our Hairstyles to Our Shoes: Introduction

The intertwining of our clothes and our Constitution raise fundamental questions of hierarchy, sexuality, and democracy. From our hairstyles to our shoes, constitutional considerations both constrain and confirm our daily choices. In turn, our attire and appearance provide multilayered perspectives on the United States Constitution and its interpretations. Our garments often raise First Amendment issues of expression or religion, but they also prompt questions of equality on the basis of gender, race, and sexuality. At work, in court, in schools, in prisons, and on the streets, our clothes and grooming provoke constitutional controversies. Additionally, the production, trade, and consumption of apparel implicate constitutional concerns including colonial sumptuary laws, slavery, wage and hour laws, and current notions of free trade. The regulation of what we wear – or don’t – is ubiquitous. This is an INTRODUCTION and TABLE OF CONTENTS to a book that examines the rights to expression and equality, as well as the restraints on government power, as they both limit and allow control of our most personal choices of attire and grooming.