cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
What Is the Role of Reassessment Laparoscopy in the Management of Gynecologic Cancers in 1995

Abstract One hundred fifty-four patients with a diagnosis of ovarian, primary peritoneal, or fallopian tube carcinoma underwent 181 reassessment procedures to detect persistent or recurrent disease between January 1, 1989 and December 31, 1994 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. One hundred four laparoscopic procedures were performed. Eleven of these procedures were converted to laparotomy due to severe adhesions. Therefore, a total of 88 reassessment laparotomies were performed during the study period. Fifty-seven of 93 laparoscopies and 69 of 88 laparotomies were done as second-look procedures. There was no significant difference between the two groups with respect to patient age, tumor histology, degree of primary cytoreduction, and tumor stage or grade. Significant differences were found between laparoscopy and laparotomy groups in the following outcome variables evaluated: estimated blood loss (33.9 ml vs 164.9 ml, P = 0.0001), operative time (81.3 min vs 130.4 min, P = 0.0001), days of hospitalization (0.3 days vs 6.8 days, P = 0.0001), and direct cost/case ($2765 vs $5420, P = 0.0001). Despite obtaining 50% fewer biopsies with laparoscopy than laparotomy, the ability to detect disease was similar between these two groups: 47.3% vs 55.7% for all procedures and 52.6% vs 53.6% in the patients undergoing second-look procedures. Major complications in the laparoscopy group included transverse colon perforation (1), small bowel perforation (2), enterocutaneous fistula (1), and a retroperitoneal hematoma (1). Major complications in the laparotomy group included cystotomy (1), left ureteral injury (1), enterotomy (2), and SBO (4). Laparoscopy, when technically feasible, appears equally as effective as laparotomy in detecting persistent or recurrent malignant disease with less blood loss, less days spent in the hospital, less financial burden, and no increase in patient morbidity.
Canon Formation in the Study of the Environment in China and Taiwan

In his article "Canon Formation in the Study of the Environment in China and Taiwan" Peter I-min Huang discusses how the canon of ecocriticism taught in English studies in China and Taiwan is becoming increasingly of a local perspective by scholars who publish in Mandarin, address environmental issues specific to Mainland China and Taiwan, and thus engage with ecocriticism based on local perspectives rather than Western ones. The study and teaching of English-language literature in China and Taiwan inevitably encounters charges of neocolonialism or other argumentation that it is being used in ways that betray the legacy of past colonialist and imperialist projects. However, a growing number of ecocritics, animal studies scholars, environmental justice scholars, and ecofeminists are resisting using English for the promotion of social and political equality and they call for a middle ground between both human and other-than-human interests, capacities, and creativities. Peter I-min Huang, "Canon Formation in the Study of the Environment in China and Taiwan" page 2 of 9 CLCWeb: Comparative Literature and Culture 16.6 (2014): Special Issue Western Canons in a Changing East Asia. Ed. Simon C. Estok
Genome-guided discovery of diverse natural products from Burkholderia sp.

Burkholderia species have emerged as a new source of diverse natural products. This mini-review covers all of the natural products discovered in recent years from Burkholderia sp. by genome-guided approaches—these refer to the use of bacterial genome sequence as an entry point for in silico structural prediction, wet lab experimental design, and execution. While reliable structural prediction based on cryptic biosynthetic gene cluster sequence was not always possible due to noncanonical domains and/or module organization of a deduced biosynthetic pathway, a molecular genetic method was often employed to detect or alter the expression level of the gene cluster to achieve an observable phenotype, which facilitated downstream natural product purification and identification. Those examples of natural product discovery from Burkholderia sp. provide practical guidance for future exploration of Gram-negative bacteria as a new source of natural products.
Intensity broadening of internally reflected laser beam from a meniscus formed in a capillary pore—applied for automated liquid column height measurements

An automated liquid column height measurement technique using the total internal reflection of a collimated laser beam from the convex meniscus surface is proposed. This new technique can alleviate the shortcomings of the traditional cathetometer that tends to introduce user bias. Experimental measurements and theoretical predictions have been conducted to examine the detected signal broadening and measurement uncertainties of the proposed technique, resulting from (1) the finite laser-beam diameter, (2) the capillary pore diameter, (3) the beam steering by thermal gradients, and (4) the beam steering by density variations of the liquid inside a capillary pore. For the collimated 52.6-μm diameter laser beam, for three different tested pores of 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mm diameter, the overall uncertainty of the wicking height measurement is estimated to be ±12 μm in the case of on-axis detection, and ±24 μm in the case of off-axis detection.
BASOLATERAL AMYGDALA IS NOT CRITICAL FOR COGNITIVE MEMORY OF CONTEXTUAL FEAR CONDITIONING

Evidence that lesions of the basolateral amygdala complex (BLC) impair memory for fear conditioning in rats, measured by lack of “freezing” behavior in the presence of cues previously paired with footshocks, has suggested that the BLC may be a critical locus for the memory of fear conditioning. However, evidence that BLC lesions may impair unlearned as well as conditioned freezing makes it difficult to interpret the findings of studies assessing conditioned fear with freezing. The present study investigated whether such lesions prevent the expression of several measures of memory for contextual fear conditioning in addition to freezing. On day 1, rats with sham lesions or BLC lesions explored a Y maze. The BLC-lesioned rats (BLC rats) displayed a greater exploratory activity. On day 2, each of the rats was placed in the “shock” arm of the maze, and all of the sham and half of the BLC rats received footshocks. A 24-hr retention test assessed the freezing, time spent per arm, entries per arm, and initial entry into the shock arm. As previously reported, shocked BLC rats displayed little freezing. However, the other measures indicated that the shocked BLC rats remembered the fear conditioning. They entered less readily and less often and spent less time in the shock arm than did the control nonshocked BLC rats. Compared with the sham rats, the shocked BLC rats entered more quickly and more often and spent more time in the shock arm. These findings indicate that an intact BLC is not essential for the formation and expression of long-term cognitive/explicit memory of contextual fear conditioning.
Crown-annelated p-phenylenediamine derivatives as electrochemical and fluorescence responsive chemosensors: synthesis via arene–ruthenium chemistry

Abstract The synthesis of two crown annelated tetraalkyl-p-phenylenediamine derivatives, via sequential SNAr reactions on (p-dichlorobenzene)RuCp cationic complexes, is described.
English Language Proficiency and Geographical Proximity to a Safety Net Clinic as a Predictor of Health Care Access

Studies suggest that proximity to a safety net clinic (SNC) promotes access to care among the uninsured. Distance-based barriers to care may be greater for people with limited English proficiency (LEP), compared to those who are English proficient (EP), but this has not been explored. We assessed the relationship between distance to the nearest SNC and access in non-rural uninsured adults in California, and examined whether this relationship differs by language proficiency. Using the 2005 California Health Interview Survey and a list we compiled of California's SNCs, we calculated distance between uninsured interviewee residence and the exact address of the nearest SNC. Using multivariate regression to adjust for other relevant characteristics, we examined associations between this distance and interviewee's probability of having a usual source of health care (USOC) and having visited a physician in the prior 12 months. To examine differences by language proficiency, we included interactions between distance and language proficiency. Uninsured LEP adults living within 2 miles of a SNC were 9.3% less likely than their EP counterparts to have a USOC (P = 0.046). Further, distance to the nearest SNC was inversely associated with the probability of having a USOC among LEP, but not among EP; consequently, the difference between LEP and EP in the probability of having a USOC widened with increasing distance to the nearest SNC. There was no difference between LEP and EP adults living within 2 miles of a SNC in likelihood of having a physician visit; however, as with USOC, distance to the nearest SNC was inversely associated with the probability of having a physician visit among LEP but not EP. The effect sizes diminished, but remained significant, when we included county fixed effects in the models. Having LEP is a barrier to health care access, which compounds when combined with increased distance to the nearest SNC, among uninsured adults. Future studies should explore potential mechanisms so that appropriate interventions can be implemented.
On the representativeness of plot size and location for scaling transpiration from trees to a stand

[1] Scaling transpiration from trees to larger areas is a fundamental problem in ecohydrology. For scaling stand transpiration from sap flux sensors we asked if plot representativeness depended on plot size and location, the magnitude of environmental drivers, parameter needs for ecosystem models, and whether the goal was to estimate transpiration per unit ground area (E C ), per unit leaf area (E L ), or canopy stomatal conductance (G S ). Sap flux data were collected in 108 trees with heat dissipation probes, and biometric properties were measured for 752 trees within a 1.44 ha Populus tremuloides stand along an upland-to-wetland gradient. E C was estimated for the stand using eight different plot sizes spanning a radius of 2.0-12.0 m. Each estimate of E C was derived from 200 plots placed randomly throughout the stand. We also derived leaf area index (L), canopy closure (P CC ), and the canopy average reference stomatal conductance (G Sref ), which are key parameters used in modeling transpiration and evapotranspiration. With increasing plot size, E C declined monotonically but E L and G Sref were largely invariant. Interplot variance of E C also declined with increasing plot size, at a rate that was independent of vapor pressure deficit. Plot representativeness was dependent on location within the stand. Scaling to the stand required three plots spanning the upland to wetland, with one to at most 10 trees instrumented for sap flux. Plots that were chosen to accurately reflect the spatial covariation of L, P CC , and G Sref were most representative of the stand.
Determination of the metastable dissociation pathways for chromium/oxygen cluster ions sputtered from potassium chromate and dichromate using the ion-neutral correlation method

Abstract Event-by-event bombardment and detection, coincidence counting, and the ion-neutral correlation method were used to study the dissociation of chromium/oxygen and chromium/oxygen/potassium cluster ions in the drift region of a reflectron time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometer. The cluster ions were sputtered from potassium chromate and dichromate by the impacts of 252 Cf fission fragments. The dissociation channel observed for the fragmentation of negative cluster ions was the emission of CrO 3 − . The positive secondary cluster ions decayed by shedding K + . Decay fraction measurements were also performed to gain information about the relative stability to secondary ion dissociation and/or neutralization.
New stochastic method for systems with broken time-reversal symmetry: 2D fermions in a magnetic field.

We present a stochastic method able to deal with complex Hermitian Hamiltonians where time reversal invariance is broken explicitly. We fix the phase of the wave function and show that the equation for the modulus can be solved by quantum Monte Carlo techniques. Then, any choice for its phase provides a variational upper bound for the ground state energy of the system. We apply the fixed-phase method to the 2D electron gas in the presence of a magnetic field with generalized periodic boundary conditions, where we study the transition between an incompressible \ensuremath{\nu}=1/m Laughlin liquid and a Wigner crystal.
TQM in American Hotels: An Analysis of Application

An exploratory study finds that large, chain-affiliated hotels have embraced total quality management, but TQM is by no means universally practiced.
Renal Tubular Apoptosis Parallels Renal Ceramide Concentration Following Chronic Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction (UUO) in the Neonatal but Not the Adult Rat

Renal Tubular Apoptosis Parallels Renal Ceramide Concentration Following Chronic Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction (UUO) in the Neonatal but Not the Adult Rat
Shifting Breast Cancer Trends in the United States

Purpose United States breast cancer incidence rates declined during the years 1999 to 2003, and then reached a plateau. These recent trends are impressive and may indicate an end to decades of increasing incidence. Methods To put emerging incidence trends into a broader context, we examined age incidence patterns (frequency and rates) during five decades. We used age density plots, two-component mixture models, and age-period-cohort (APC) models to analyze changes in the United States breast cancer population over time. Results The National Cancer Institute's Connecticut Historical Database and Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program collected 600,000+ in situ and invasive female breast cancers during the years 1950 to 2003. Before widespread screening mammography in the early 1980s, breast cancer age-at-onset distributions were bimodal, with dominant peak frequency (or mode) near age 50 years and smaller mode near age 70 years. With widespread screening mammography, bimodal age distributions ...
The emission-line properties of the QSO population at Z approximately 2

We compare the ultraviolet emission-line properties of the three subclasses of the QSO population (radio quiet, flat radio spectrum radio loud, steep radio spectrum radio loud) during the 'QSO epoch' at z approximately 2. Our total sample consists of 79 objects that are well matched in luminosity and redshift, which should allow unbiased comparison of their spectral properties. We confirm recent results that radio-loud objects have, on average, narrower and stronger C IV lambda 1549 and C III) lambda 1909 emission lines than radio-quiet objects. This is likely the effect of larger average intermediate-line and/or narrow-line regions in radio loud objects, including a relative excess of emission on very extended (approximately 100 kpc) scales. We additionally find that radio-loud objects show a significantly wider range in the asymmetry of the C IV lambda 1549 profile than radio-quiet objects, with cases of both redward and blueward asymmetry. By contrast, radio-quiet objects almost exclusively show blueward asymmetry in this line, and cases of strong redward asymmetry appear to be limited to steep-spectrum objects. Statistically, there is a closer correspondence between the emission-line properties of radio-quiet and flat-spectrum objects than between either of these subclasses and steep-spectrum objects, whose mean emission-line properties differ strongly from those of the radio-quiet sample. This result is similar to that found for the properties of the optical emission lines in low-redshift objects and is not easily understood under the proposed unified models of the flat- and steep-spectrum sources. We also find that 20%-30% of radio-loud objects show narrow (approximately 1000 km/s) emission in He II lambda 1640. No cases of such emission are found among radio-quiet objects. There is evidence that this spectral feature arises in extended ionized halos, which may thus be associated with the objects' radio ejecta, cluster cooling flows, or a combination of both.
Poisoned plusiines: toxicity of milkweed latex and cardenolides to some generalist caterpillars

Larvae of Trichoplusia ni Hubner (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) that ingested latex from Asclepias curassavica L. (Asclepiadaceae) often regurgitated and convulsed with spasms before becoming immobile and unresponsive. Some larvae required over a day to recover sufficiently to feed. Latices from four other plant species in three families were all deterrent, but none caused detectable poisoning. The toxicity of A. curassavica latex was evidently due to cardenolides because pure cardenolides had similar effects when ingested by T. ni. Other species of noctuid caterpillars (Rachiplusia ou Guenee, Anagrapha falcifera Kirby, and Autographa precationis Guenee) sometimes also suffered spasms and temporary immobility when fed A. curassavica latex. A more distantly related noctuid, Spodoptera ornithogalli, was deterred by the latex, but showed no overt physiological responses at the dosage tested. T. ni larvae failed to develop on intact leaves of A. curassavica, on leaves with latex canals deactivated by midrib severance, and on excised leaves. Similarly, larvae reared on excised A. syriaca L. leaves to the final instar died when transferred to A. curassavica leaves with either intact or severed midribs. The final instar larvae sometimes suffered from spasms and immobility even when confined on leaves with depressurized canal systems. Evidently, cardenolides stored outside the latex system suffice to poison larvae. We conclude that cardenolides in A. curassavica have potent physiological effects on some generalist caterpillars and that the presence of these compounds both inside and outside laticifers effectively protects the plant.
Enhanced thermoelectric properties of metal film on bismuth telluride-based materials

Abstract Diffusion barriers have a significant influence on the reliability and life time of thermoelectric modules. Although nickel is commonly used as a diffusion barrier in commercial thermoelectric modules, several studies have verified that Ni migrates to bismuth telluride-based material during high temperature cycles and causes a loss in efficacy. In this paper, the influence of metal layers coated to p-type and n-type Bi 2 Te 3 on the interface characterization and thermoelectric property is studied using a RF magnetron sputtering. The findings from this study demonstrate the structural and thermoelectric properties of p-type and n-type Bi 2 Te 3 coated with different metal layers. The crystalline phase and compositional change of the interface between the Bi 2 Te 3 materials and the metal layers were determined using an X-ray diffractometer and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy. Formation of NiTe was observed in the sample of Ni/p-type Bi 2 Te 3 based films post-annealed in an N 2 atmosphere at 200 °C. In contrast, no Co x Te y was formed in the sample of Co/p-type Bi 2 Te 3 based films post-annealed at 200 °C. For as-deposited Ni/p-type and n-type Bi 2 Te 3 based legs, the Ni slightly diffused into the Bi 2 Te 3 based legs. A similar phenomenon also occurred in the as-deposited Co/p-type and n-type Bi 2 Te 3 based legs. The Seebeck coefficients of the Co contacts on the Bi 2 Te 3 based material displayed better behavior than those of the Ni contacts on the Bi 2 Te 3 based legs. Thus Co could be a suitable diffusion barrier for bulk Bi 2 Te 3 based material. The observed effects on the thermoelectric and structural properties of metal/Bi 2 Te 3 based material are crucial for understanding the interface between the diffusion barrier and thermoelectric materials.
Evaluating sinkhole defense techniques in RPL networks

In this work, we present the results of a study on the detrimental effects of sinkhole attacks on Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) which employ the Routing Protocol for LLNs (Low-power and Lossy Networks). A sinkhole is a compromised node which attempts to capture traffic with the intent to drop messages, thus degrading the end-to-end delivery performance, that is, reducing the number of messages successfully delivered to their destination. The mechanism by which the sinkhole captures traffic is by advertising an attractive route to its neighbors. We evaluate two countermeasures addressing the sinkhole problem: a parent fail-over and a rank authentication technique. We show via simulation that while each technique, applied alone, does not work all that well, the combination of the two techniques significantly improves the performance of a network under attack. We also demonstrate that, with the defenses described, increasing the density of the network can combat a penetration of sinkholes nodes, without needing to identify the sinkholes.
Variations in leaf characteristics of six species of Sagittaria (alismataceae) caused by various water levels

Abstract Plants grown from seeds of Sagittaria falcata, S. lancifolia, S. platyphylla, S. rigida, S. isoetiformis and S. papillosa were grown in water-saturated soil or soil submerged to 4.5, 12, 19.5 or 27 cm. Length and width of leaves and petiole lengths were measured at anthesis of the first flower on the first inflorescence produced by each plant. In general, leaf width and length were decreased by submergence, and petiole length increased. The species × water depth interaction was significant for emersed leaf width, leaf length and petiole length except for S. lancifolia leaf length and S. papillosa leaf length and width. These trends indicate genetic differences among, and variability within, taxa. Leaf width, leaf length and petiole length of plants growing in seed source populations were measured. The means from these measurements, when compared to those from experimental plants, indicate that both groups of plants respond similarly to variations in water depth.
A fast algorithm for computing parametric rational functions

An algorithm for fast computation of a class of parametric rational functions whose coefficients are assumed to be affine functions of some underlying parameters is described. The algorithm has been implemented in Microsoft Quick BASIC 4.0. Execution times are minimal. >
Quantum oscillations in YBa2Cu3O6+δ from period-8 d-density wave order

We consider quantum oscillation experiments in YBa(2)Cu(3)O(6+δ) from the perspective of Fermi surface reconstruction using an exact transfer matrix method and the Pichard-Landauer formula for the conductivity. The specific density wave order responsible for reconstruction is a period-8 d-density wave in which the current density is unidirectionally modulated, which is also naturally accompanied by a period-4 charge order, consistent with recent nuclear magnetic resonance experiments. This scenario leads to a natural explanation as to why only oscillations from a single electron pocket of a frequency of about 500 T is observed, and a hole pocket of roughly twice the frequency as dictated by the twofold commensurate order and the Luttinger sum rule is not observed. In contrast period-8 d-density wave leads to a hole pocket of roughly half the frequency of the electron pocket. The observation of this slower frequency will require higher, but not unrealistic, magnetic fields than those commonly employed. There is already some suggestion of the slower frequency in a measurement in fields as high as 85 T.
The analytic framework: The most promising approach for the advancement of performance appraisal

Abstract This article proposes a set of standards to which appraisal methods and their use should adhere. It then proceeds to consider Feldman's (1992) arguments for the preferability of the nonanalytic framework for appraisal and shows all of them to be seriously flawed. Feldman's (1992) proposed non-analytic appraisal method is critiqued and found to be essentially a trait based system employing evaluative rating scales anchored by behaviors. As a result of these characteristics, as well as the omission of a number of key features (e.g., provisions to explicitly account for situational constraints), it is judged as failing to adequately satisfy the standards for appraisal. The analytic framework for appraisal and its rationale is then presented and defended against the criticisms of Feldman (1992) and DeNisi (1992). An exemplar of this framework, Performance Review and Information Standardizing Method (PRISM), is subsequently described and shown to be capable of satisfying all of the standards for appraisal.
Does prevalence mitigate relevance? The moderating effect of group-level OCB on employee performance.

This article explores multilevel relationships between group-level OCB, individual-level OCB, and work performance. We also discuss conceptualizing OCB with regard to context and multiple levels of analysis. We hypothesize that group-level OCB moderates the relationship between individual-level OCB and job performance. Results based on 100 work groups in a manufacturing firm indicate that group-level OCB significantly moderated the relationship between individual-level OCB and job performance. Comparing contexts in which group-level OCB was rare with those in which it was prevalent, we found that high individual-level OCB yielded greater significant increases in job performance ratings when group-level OCB was rare.
Comparison of the properties of Bacillus subtilis spores made in liquid or on agar plates

Aims To compare the properties of the spores of Bacillus subtilis prepared in liquid and on plates. Methods and results The spores of B. subtilis were prepared at 37 degrees C using a nutrient exhaustion medium either in liquid or on agar plates. The levels of core water, dipicolinic acid (DPA) and small, acid-soluble spore proteins (SASP) were essentially identical in spores made in liquid or on plates. Spores prepared in liquid were killed approximately threefold more rapidly at 90 degrees C in water than the spores prepared on plates, and the spores prepared in liquid were more sensitive to nitrous acid and a diluted stable superoxidized water. Spores prepared in liquid also germinated more rapidly with several agents than those prepared on plates. Pellets of spores prepared on plates were darker than spores prepared in liquid, and spores prepared in liquid had more readily extracted coat protein. However, there were no major differences in the relative levels of individual coat proteins or the cross-linking of the coat protein GerQ in the two types of spores, although the inner membrane of spores prepared on plates had a higher ratio of anteiso- to iso-fatty acids. Conclusions The preparation in liquid yielded spores with some different properties than those made on agar plates. Spores made in liquid had lower resistance to heat and several chemicals, and germinated more readily with several agents. There were also differences in the composition of the inner membrane of spores prepared under these two conditions. However, there were no major differences in the levels of DPA, core water, SASP and individual coat proteins or the cross-linking of a coat protein in spores made in liquid and on plates. Significance and impact of the study This work demonstrates that the preparation method can affect the resistance and germination properties of bacterial spores, even if an identical medium and temperature are used. Evidence was also obtained consistent with the role of the inner membrane in spore resistance and germination, and that some factor in addition to core water, DPA and SASP content plays a role in spore resistance to wet heat.
Live weight and milk-energy yield in the Wisconsin dairy cow competition.

Summary Records of 369 cows (Jersey, Guernsey, Holstein—grade or registered) show that milk-energy yield per unit live weight is independent of live weight (r=−.023). The same records show that gross efficiency (milk energy/feed energy) increases with live weight (r=+.345). Elimination of recognized systematic errors in the feed record may reduce the latter correlation to zero, making gross efficiency, in fact, independent of live weight. Then, a permissible deduction is that the feed of working maintenance is proportional to live weight. In study of the genetics of milk yield in dairy cows, distinction should be made as to size of the organism which may be measured by live weight, and proclivity to lactation which may be measured by milk-energy yield per unit live weight.
Disposition and response to bumetanide and furosemide

Bumetanide and furosemide are potent loop diuretics; the former is 40 to 50 times more potent than the latter on a weight basis. Bumetanide is absorbed more quickly than furosemide and is twice as bioavailable. Both drugs exhibit changes in elimination in the presence of renal insufficiency as well as changes in the time course of absorption in congestive heart failure. More data are needed to assess potential differences between them in various clinical conditions.
Fischer–Tropsch synthesis: Effect of catalyst particle (sieve) size range on activity, selectivity, and aging of a Pt promoted Co/Al2O3 catalyst

Abstract The effect of cobalt–alumina catalyst particle (sieve) size range on the performance of a traditional cobalt catalyst (platinum promoted cobalt/alumina) was investigated during Fischer–Tropsch synthesis (FTS) using a continuously stirred tank reactor (CSTR). In this study, the catalyst was sieved into four different size ranges: 20–63, 63–106, 106–180 and 180–355 μm. CO conversion varied with varying sieve size range under similar reaction conditions. With increasing catalyst sieve size, the CO conversion decreased, except for the smallest sieve size range (20–63 μm). These results are consistent with the view that, for the larger sieve size range, losses in CO conversion beyond catalyst aging may be explained by filling of the interior of the catalyst particle with heavy wax, thereby blocking available catalytically active sites. The adverse selectivities are directly the result of significant deactivation, since in FT synthesis, selectivity is a function of CO conversion. The loss in CO conversion for the 20–63 μm range catalyst was higher compared to the other three catalysts; due to the presence of heavy wax (Polywax 3000), the results suggest that the small particles tended to flocculate to larger clusters or were small enough to move at the speed of the liquid.
Parental Problem Drinking and Adolescent Psychosocial Adjustment: The Mediating Role of Adolescent–Parent Communication

This study explored the relations between parental problem drinking, adolescent–parent communication, and adolescent psychosocial adjustment. Surveys were administered to a diverse sample of 683 15–17-years-old adolescents in the spring of 2007 and again in the spring of 2008. Results indicated that paternal problem drinking directly predicted substance use (alcohol and drug use) for boys, but not for girls. In contrast, maternal problem drinking directly predicted substance use (drug use) for girls, but not for boys. Adolescent–parent communication also mediated the relationship between parental problem drinking and psychosocial adjustment for girls, but not for boys. These gender differences highlight the need to consider both the gender of the adolescent and the parent when examining parental problem drinking and adolescent adjustment.
Interaction of polymerization conditions, structural variables, and mechanical properties of rubber‐modified plastics produced from bulk polymerized styrene/poly(butadiene‐co‐styrene)

Rubber-modified polystyrenes were prepared by bulk polymerization with seven different butadiene–styrene copolymers of differing chemical microstructures. The products were structurally characterized through measurement of the swell ratio, percent insolubles, intrinsic viscosity of the soluble fraction, and transmission electron microscope photomicrographs. Increasing initiator concentration or raising polymerization temperature gives lower molecular weight, higher rubber crosslink density, and decreased grafting. Increasing rubber content generally leads to aggregation. Tensile stress–strain curves and Izod impact strengths were measured. High Izod impact strength and increased elongation to break are favored by increasing matrix molecular weight, rubber content, and extent of grafting.
Genetic and biochemical probes for protein—protein interactions

Abstract The two-hybrid system is a powerful approach for examining protein—protein interactions. Recently, the utility of the system has been extended to include the genome-wide mapping of protein—protein interactions and the identification of peptide inhibitors of protein interactions. In addition, immunophilins and their chemical ligands are providing useful reagents for generating conditional protein—protein interactions in vivo to dissect intracellular signaling pathways.
Demonstration of Nucleases on Mammalian Skin Surface and in Saline Extracts of Hair

IN the course of experiments on the effects of β-irradiation on the nucleases of guinea pig epidermis we washed thin strips of peeled tissue (25–60µ thick) before homogenization, in an attempt to demonstrate release of enzyme1. Approximately 50 per cent of total deoxyribonuclease (DNase) and 75 per cent of ribonuclease (RNase) activity were thus removed from normal or irradiated epidermis, indicating that considerable amounts of these enzymes may be in the stratum corneum or in the interstitial fluid. This led us to test for the presence of enzymes on the closely clipped skin surface of living animals. For this purpose we adapted the plastic cup technique used by Peiss et al. 2 and Szakall3 for the study of water and ion exchange between a chemically defined medium and the skin. Albino guinea pigs of either sex (500–900 gm.) were fed a vitamin C-enriched diet, anaesthetized with veterinary ‘Nembutal’ and clipped with an electric shaver. Plastic cups were secured to appropriate areas of the animals' flanks by means of ½ in. ‘Trimtex’ rayon elastic, and small alligator clamps or paper clips were used to fasten the elastic (No. S-2 plastic stoppers were supplied by Pioneer Plastics, Box 8066, Arlington Branch, Jacksonville 11, Fla.). Two small needle holes were punched 180° apart and about 6 mm. from the closed end of each cup; 1.5 ml. of 0.9 per cent saline was injected with a No. 22 needle and syringe, and samples were withdrawn for enzyme assay.
Corrigendum: Independent impacts of age and hearing loss on spatial release in a complex auditory environment

In Gallun et al. (2013), the sensation levels of the stimuli were incorrectly calculated. The calculation described on page 6 was implemented correctly, but the conversion from HL (hearing level) to SPL (sound pressure level in standardized units) was not correct for the headphones used in the experiment. Rather than adding 22 dB to the HL value, it would have been correct to add 12.5 dB to the HL value (ANSI, 2004). Consequently, the value reported in sensation level (SL), which is the level in dB relative to the speech reception level, was reported as 9.5 dB lower than is correct. The following changes should be made to clarify this issue. Bold text indicates where changes have occurred. The sentence that begins on the end of page 5 and continues onto page 6 should read: This was achieved by first measuring the level at which each listener could just identify speech presented by the audiologist over the audiometer, transforming that value from hearing level (HL) to dB SPL by adding 12.5 dB, and then adding 39.5 dB to that level to obtain the level of the target sentence, which was always fixed during the adaptive tracking procedure. The final sentence in the first paragraph of page 6 should read: No listeners were tested for whom the 39.5 dB SL level would have resulted in maskers that exceeded 85 dB SPL. The second sentence in the Results section on the top of page 6 should read: Target levels, which were set 39.5 dB above the SRT, varied from 47 dB SPL to 72 dB SPL, reflecting the 25 dB range of SRT values in the sample. The third sentence in the second column of page 7 should read: This is likely due to two factors: the better overall hear- ing of the participants (PTAs for the frequencies 0.5, 1, and 2 kHz were 15.1 dB in Experiment One and 9.4 dB in Experiment Two) and the use of an equal SL target set at 39.5 dB above individual SRTs for each ear.
Poison-based avoidance learning in nonhuman primates: Use of visual cues

Abstract A series of experiments was designed to evaluate the use of visual cues in the acquisition, persistence, and extinction of a poison-based aversion in a nonhuman primate species. The initial experiments examined the acquisition of the aversion as well as the influence of variations in the dosage of the malaise inducing agent (LiCl). Data indicated one-trial visually-cued aversion learning that was quite persistent. The final experiment was designed to investigate extinction parameters. The experimental animals were found to be extremely resistent to extinction and this aversion was maintained even after forced-choice experience. These results are interpreted within the framework of an adaptive-evolutionary theory of poison-based avoidance learning.
OSHA’s Enforcement of Asbestos Standards in the Construction Industry

Background: Exposure to asbestos continues to be a concern for workers in the construction industry. Asbestos can still be found in many construction products and in hundreds of thousands of buildings in the United States. Methods: Data from OSHA’s Integrated Management Information System (IMIS) were used to identify inspections in which violations of OSHA’s asbestos standards were cited from 2010 to 2012. Employers selected for analysis had NAICS codes in the construction industry sector. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the characteristics of OSHA’s enforcement approach to asbestos standards violations in the construction industry. Nonparametric statistics were used to identify significant differences in penalties assessed for violating asbestos standards based upon the type of violation and the type of inspection. Results: This study identified 4017 violations from 846 inspections in which the asbestos standards were cited in the construction industry. Employee complaints and referrals resulted in the largest number enforcement activities. Significant differences were identified in the fines assessed for different types of violations and inspections. Site preparation contractors, residential construction, and commercial and institutional building construction trades experienced the greatest number of violations. Most frequently cited standards included employees performing work in areas that were not properly regulated, personal protective equipment not meeting standards, and employee training not meeting standards. Conclusions: Recommended control measures include conducting targeted inspections in construction industry trades with a greater potential exposure to asbestos, improving worker awareness of asbestos and its hazards, strengthening the fining structure for asbestos violations, and conducting further research to determine underlying reasons for employers’ inability to comply with OSHA’s asbestos standards.
Validity of anthropometric percent fat prediction equations for use with pregnant women.

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the validity of five different skinfold prediction equation for use in forecasting the percent body fat of pregnant women. Twenty-one pregnant women underwent hydrostatic and skinfold thickness determinations of percent body fat at 6-10, 16, and 28 weeks of gestation. The correlations between hydrostatic and anthropometric determinations of percent body fat were high during the three test periods (r= .78 to r = .89). The slopes of the line of best fit between the criterion (hydrostatic weighing) and predicted variable (prediction equation) decreased across pregnancy. The anthropometric prediction equations tended to overestimate percent body fat changes in comparison to the hydrostatically determined percent body fat changes. Skinfold thickness measurements can be used as a prepregnancy aid in determining recommended weight gain during pregnancy and as a measure of subcutaneous fat status during pregnancy. However, anthropometric prediction equations should not be used during the later stages of pregnancy to estimate percent fat or percent fat changes.
Signal Detection Methods For Evaluating Components In Hybrid Information Extraction Systems

AbstractIn this paper we suggest objective methodology for evaluating tradeoffs between optical/digital components in a hybrid processor. This methodology is based upon signal detectiontheory as a means of evaluating component performance in specific tasks. Two signal detec-tion tasks are hypothesized and discussed, and we demonstrate that an assumed advantage ofa digital system, precision or low- noise, is less important when realistic data sources areconsidered.IntroductionIn various applied problems in information processing, it is a truism that there are somecomputations which can best be performed optically, and some computations which are bestperformed digitally. The choice as to optical or digital technology is often made on thebasis of intrinsic features, for example, the superior space- bandwidth product of optics orthe precision of digital processes. However, as more complex hybrid optical /digital systemsare built, the selection of a technology on the basis of intrinsic features may not be asimportant as the selection of a technology on the basis of objective performance. In suchcases it becomes desirable to consider methods in which such greatly dissimilar technologiescan be compared by objective and common measures. In the following we shall discuss how anobjective performance measure, signal- detection- theory, can be used to evaluate the trade-offs between optical and digital technology in a hypothetical Fourier analysis system.Fourier Processor TradeoffsAs an example of the employment of signal detection theory to make tradeoffs between com-ponents, we will consider a hypothetical system for Fourier analysis of two -dimensional
91 URINARY GROWTH HORMONE (GH) – CLINICAL APPLICATION

A radiometric assay for GH was applied to unprocessed urine (technical details previously described). A significant correlation between plasma profiles and urinary GH excretion has been found (i.e. 24 h plasma integrated concentrations (IC) to urine pg/24 h, r = 0.45. Plasma IC 24 h to night urine GH/creatinine 0.69, night plasma IC to night urine 0.58, for all correlations N = 40). In 155 24 h-urines of “normal” children (partly referred for suspected growth problems), a mean GH-excretion of 6.2 ± 6.5 ng/24 h (median 4.1, P. 10 1.3, P. 90 13.6) has been found. No clear relation was found to chronological age, bone age or puberty ratings. 10 patients with “precocious puberty” (5 idiopathic, 5 treated CAH) had a mean excretion of 9.7 ± 5.4 (median 8.4, P. 10 4.6, P. 90 19). In active acromegaly, the values varied from 73 to 500 ng/24 h. Patients with “complete” (N = 9) and “partial” (N = 7) GH-deficiency had a mean (median) excretion of 0.79 (0.75) and 3.3 (1.8) ng/24 h off therapy. The values increased to 6.2 (3.8) and 11.3 (10.5) ng/24 h during therapy (2 IU daily s.c). Before more conclusions can be drawn, the important intraindividual variation of GH-excretion has to be considered. Nevertheless, urinary GH mirrors an actual GH-production over a set time and can be applied to clinical states with suspected “abnormal” GH-production or for therapy survey.
Stable differential radiometer

A differential radiometer using a balanced receiver is described. The radiometer has good immunity to fast gain variations and atmospheric fluctuations.
The effects of post-exercise whey vs. casein protein ingestion on muscular strength, muscular endurance, and body composition in older women (50-70 years of age)

Background As humans age, there is a measurable loss of muscle mass that occurs. Termed sarcopenia, this condition not only results in a loss of muscle mass, but also results in a loss of muscular strength and endurance (Bales, 2002). Research has shown that resistance training decreases this loss of muscle mass and muscular strength (Doherty, 2003). However, in older populations, little evidence exists in regards to the addition of whey or casein protein and the effects of each when combined with resistance training. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the effects of whey versus casein protein supplementationcombined with resistance training on muscular strength, muscular endurance and body composition in older females.
Editor's Introduction – No Free Lunch: Dilemmas of Product Quality in China

This Editors' Forum – ‘Made in China: Implications of Chinese Product Recalls’ – presents four perspectives on Chinese product recalls: supply chain management, moral degradation or the decline of traditional business ethics, evidence based management and free riding on the ‘Made in China’ brand. Extended supply chains and uncertain ethical standards almost certainly contribute to lapses in product quality as do cost pressures facing most Chinese firms. Product quality issues, moreover, will be most significant for goods posing hidden risks to health and safety, such as food and toys, and less significant for goods like computers and consumer electronics whose conformity to specifications can be readily monitored.
A Mechanical Fatigue Damage Evolution Model for PB-Free Solder Materials

Evaluating state of damage in a ductile material as it experiences mechanical fatigue and cyclic loading poses much complexity and has been the subject of many researches. This study revisits the anisotropic damage model developed by Lemaitre (1992) and proposes to use his model combined with a micro-mechanics and mechanism based damage evolution model (Energy Partitioning Damage Evolution (EPDE)) and also a Unified Creep Plasticity-based model to predict the state of damage. The model is examined for pure shear and is applied to Pb-free solder materials. New anisotropic damage model exponents are generated using experimental data for Pb-free solder for both EPDE and UPC-based models and are compared with exponents generated previously under the assumption of isotropic and homogenous damage evolution.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Polyphonic Theory and Contemporary Literary Practices

This paper briefly explores some of the ways in which Mikhail Bakhtin reaffirms the principle of the nonidentity yet inseparability of theory and practice in literary criticism. The lesson is one which stresses the need to disentangle the critical discourse from idealistic theoretical issues and engage in a materialist practice of criticism. If polyphonical dialogism (especially with respect to contemporary polyphony) is not to be confused with dialectics, then the most urgent and perhaps the most difficult task for the critic facing a polyphonic narrative is to negotiate the text in terms of the socio-historical actuality of the transformation which that text proposes. An analysis of D.M. Thomas' The White Hotel illustrates the ideological problems that arise when the operative system of the polyphonical narrative structure is stretched to the limit—as is moreover the case with many contemporary novels. And if the critic is to engage in a form of praxis, then he has to re-dialecticize the political (unconscious?) consciousness, in short, to politicize and not merely theorize its anticipated actualization. This article is available in Studies in 20th Century Literature: http://newprairiepress.org/sttcl/vol9/iss1/7 POLYPHONIC THEORY AND CONTEMPORARY LITERARY PRACTICES M.-PIERRETTE MALCUZYNSKI McGill University Any theoretical discussion presents at least one real danger: The temptation to closet the discussion tautologically and further theorize the theory, thus remaining within a speculative and experimental framework. This would mean having succumbed to the seduction of language, what Jean Baudrillard refers to when he asks whether every