cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Temperature and humidity effects on the gamma-ray response and stability of plastic and dyed plastic dosimeters

Abstract Several plastics and dyed plastics are widely used for routine dosimetry in radiation processing with gamma radiation. A study was made of the effects of different temperatures and relative humidities during and after irradiation on the dose interpretation of these dosimeters, which are normally calibrated under controlled laboratory conditions. Samples of dosimeter materials investigated were cellulose triacetate, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, Polyvinyl fluoride, dyed polymethyl methacrylate (“red Perspex”), undyed polymethyl methacrylate (UVT Lucite), dyed Nylon, dyed polyvinyl butyral, dyed polyvinyl pyrrolidone, dyed and undyed polyvinylchloride, and dyed cellophane or Ultraphan. The results show that most of these dosimeters when used under extreme conditions of relative humidity and temperature may give erroneous readings unless suitable corrections are made. There is also indication that the environmental effects on dosimeter response are apt to differ somewhat from one supply of a given material to another.
The Currency-of-Denomination Decision for Debt Financing

This paper examines the currency-of-denomination decision for long-term debt financing in the presence of corporate income taxes and flotation costs. The numerical analysis provides convincing evidence that the “tax effect” dominates the “flotation cost effect” unless the firm operates in tax haven countries. Hence, the conventional decision rule still applies to the choice of currency in which to borrow or to lend: Borrow in the weakest currency and lend in the strongest.
Kinetics of dihydro-dibenz[b,f]azepine derivatives sublimation

Sublimation of dihydro-dibenz[b,f]azepine derivatives upon heating was studied and confirmed by thermogravimetry (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). DSC was used to analyze thermodynamics of melting. The kinetics of dihydro-dibenz[b,f]azepine derivatives sublimation were monitored by TGA as a function of temperature. Activation energies of sublimation were deduced and correlated with melting enthalpies and molecular structure. The results indicated that the sublimation was controlled by intermolecular forces in the crystalline lattice of dihydro-dibenz[b,f]azepine derivatives.
Magnesium, Calcium, and Phosphorus Content of Shells from Hatching and Nonhatching Turkey Eggs

Shells of hatching and nonhatching Large White turkey eggs were examined for magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus content. Eggshells containing embryos that hatched contained significantly (P less than .05) more magnesium than shells from nonhatching eggs. No differences were seen in their calcium content. Eggshells from pipped eggs contained significantly (P less than .05) more phosphorus than shells from eggs that were not pipped or those that hatched. Calcium and magnesium in turkey eggshells declined as time in lay increased. Injections of exogenous magnesium both at setting and transfer significantly (P less than .05) depressed hatchability, whereas exogenous calcium injected at transfer significantly (P less than .05) improved hatchability. Injections of exogenous calcium at the time of setting significantly (P less than .05) depressed hatchability. It was concluded that the mineral content of turkey eggshells may influence embryo physiology and hatchability.
Destage algorithms for disk arrays with nonvolatile caches

In a disk array with a nonvolatile write cache, destages from the cache to the disk are performed in the background asynchronously while read requests from the host system are serviced in the foreground. We study a number of algorithms for scheduling destages in a RAID-5 system. We introduce a scheduling algorithm, called linear threshold scheduling, that adaptively varies the rate of destages to disks based on the instantaneous occupancy of the write cache. The performance of the algorithm is compared with that of a number of alternative scheduling approaches, such as least cost scheduling and high/low mark. The algorithms are evaluated in terms of their effectiveness in making destages transparent to the servicing of read requests from the host, disk utilization, and their ability to tolerate bursts in the workload without causing an overflow of the write cache. Our results show that linear threshold scheduling provides the best read performance of all the algorithms compared, while still maintaining a high degree of burst tolerance. An approximate implementation of the linear threshold scheduling algorithm is also described. The approximate algorithm can be implemented with much lower overhead, yet its performance is virtually identical to that of the ideal algorithm.
MEETING THE COOL NEIGHBORS. XI. BEYOND THE NLTT CATALOG

We have combined near-infrared data from the Two Micron All Sky Survey with ancillary optical data to identify previously unrecognized proper-motion stars that have colors and magnitudes consistent with nearby M dwarfs. We present follow-up observations of 392 stars from that sample, including ~200 stars discussed here for the first time. Our distance estimates, based primarily on spectroscopic parallaxes, place 123 stars within 20 pc of the Sun. One hundred and seventy-six stars exhibit Hα emission, and 82 stars have plausible X-ray counterparts from ROSAT observations. The distribution of chromospheric and coronal activity is broadly consistent with data for other nearby late-type stars, with ~30 stars having activity levels comparable to Pleiades M dwarfs. We have identified several M dwarfs that are probably wide ( >1000 AU) companions of F and G stars. We have recomputed the 20 pc luminosity function, adding the 123 new candidates found in the present survey. The revised luminosity function is in closer agreement with the 8 pc data set for stars with MJ > 8 but probably remains incomplete at the ~20% level.
Quantum Monte Carlo calculation of the singlet–triplet splitting in methylene

The fixed‐node quantum Monte Carlo (QMC) method is used to calculate the total energy of CH2 in the 3B1 and 1A1 states. For both states, the best QMC variationally bounded energies lie more than 15 kcal/mol (0.024 h) below the best previous variational calculations. Subtracting these energies to obtain the singlet–triplet splitting yields Te=9.4±2.2 kcal/mol. Adjusting for zero‐point energies and relativistic effects, we obtain T0=8.9±2.2 kcal/mol. This result is in excellent agreement with the recent direct measurements of McKellar et al. of T0=9.05±0.06 kcal/mol, and of Leopold et al. of ∼9 kcal/mol, as well as with recent threoretical investigations which indicate an energy gap of 9–11 kcal/mol. We summarize the QMC method, discuss a possible scheme for iteratively correcting the procedure, and note that the present results were obtained using only single determinant functions for both states, in contrast to conventional ab initio approaches which must use at least two configurations to properly descri...
Polycyanurate networks from anethole dimers: Synthesis and characterization

Novel biorenewable bisphenols are obtained through simple and rapid chemical transformation of the natural product trans-anethole. The corresponding dicyanate esters are thermally cured to give polycyanurate networks. The thermal properties from differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric, and dynamic thermomechanical analyses of the new dicyanate esters compare favorably with similar commercial products. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.† J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Introducing the itanium processors

The press and the technical community have generated much excitement and speculation about the IA-64 instruction set and the Itanium processor. Intel and Hewlett-Packard have rolled out (one instruction at a time) the instruction set. Intel is rolling out (one transistor at a time) the Itanium processor and other platform components. This special issue provides the broad technical community with a comprehensive introduction to the concepts and mechanisms that form the basis of the IA-64 instruction set and the related Itanium processor products.
Should all children be screened for celiac disease

To address the issue of screening children for celiac disease, current evidence has been summarized and placed within the context of 8 established criteria for childhood screening. Screening all children for celiac disease is not recommended at this time. Areas with gaps in knowledge are identified as areas in need of further study. These include the timing of screening, defining the natural history of screening-identified celiac disease, developing tools to predict disease onset and disease remission, and the risks of screening.
Migraine: Have we identified the heart of the matter?

Migraine headache has been associated with an increased frequency of certain cardiac structural abnormalities including patent foramen ovale (PFO) and right-to-left shunts. Improvement or resolution of migrainous symptoms has been reported after procedures performed to close PFO or atrial septal defects. Some authors advocate prospectively evaluating the use of interventional modalities in the treatment of migraine headache. The relevant epidemiology, diagnostic techniques, and treatment options for PFO and associated atrial septal abnormalities are presented initially. A systematic review of the investigations demonstrating an association between these entities and migraine headache is followed by a critical review of the studies noting improvement in migraine symptoms after PFO closure. Reports suggesting the possible utility of percutaneous closure procedures in the treatment of migraine headache are largely retrospective and uncontrolled. Prior to advocating prospective trials to further study the role of invasive procedures in the treatment of migraine, the benign nature of the disorder and the possibility of procedural complications should be carefully considered.
L'audace du jaune

« Vraie revolution dans la chromatique du tableau et de la mode si l’on en croit une des entrees du journal d’Edmond de Goncourt en date du 18 fevrier 1877, cet article revient sur le jaune flamboyant de la Salome d’Henri Regnault. Il y est revele que la lumineuse teinte japonisante, qui fut tour a tour selon les visiteurs et les critiques, question de chimie, de contraste des couleurs, et affaire de musicalite s’accorde a merveille avec l’esthetique fin de siecle. Si bien que le jaune serait l’audacieuse teinte d’un air du temps decadent.
Strength of visual interpolation depends on the ratio of physically specified to total edge length.

We report four experiments in which the strength ofedge-interpoiat-ion in illusory figure displays was tested. In Experiment 1, we investigated the relative contributions of the lengths of luminance-specified edges and the gaps between them to perceived boundary clarity as measured by using a magnitude estimation procedure. The contributionaoLthese variables were found to be best characterized by a ratio of the length of luminance-specified contour to the length of the entire edge (specified plus interpolated edge). Experiment 2 showed that this ratio predicts boundary clarity for a wide range of ratio values and display sizes.There was no evidence that illusory figure boundaries are clearer in displays with small gaps than they are in displays with larger gaps and equivalent ratios. In Experiment 3, using a more sensitive pairwise comparison paradigm, we again found no such effect. Implications for boundary interpolation in general, including perception of partially occluded objects, are discussed. The dependence of interpolation on the ratio of physically specified edges to total edgelength has thedesirable eeological consequence that unit formation will not change with variations in viewing distance.
Histochemical analysis of glycoconjugates in gelatinous membranes of the gerbil's inner ear.

Abstract The gelatinous membranes of the gerbil inner ear were analyzed histochemically for glycoconjugates with a battery of twenty horseradish peroxidase-conjugated lectins. Glycoconjugates with mannose (Man) and/or glucose (Glc), galactose (Gal), fucose (Fuc), N -acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc), N -acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc) and N -acetylneuraminic acid (NeuAc) were detected in the tectorial and otolithic membranes and cupula. Differences in lectin reactivity were observed between tectorial and vestibular membranes and also among zones and between the medial and lateral regions of the middle zone of the tectorial membrane. The distribution of staining differed markedly for several lectins that bind specifically to GalNAc or to GlcNAc but vary in affinity for oligosaccharides containing these sugars in different sequences or linkages. The findings suggest presence of the terminal disaccharides GalNAcα1,3Gal in tectorial membrane and Galβ1,3GalNAc in vestibular membranes. Lectin binding profiles provided evidence that the limbal zone's fibrous and attachment layers contain mainly O -glycosidically linked oligosaccharides whereas the middle zone's medial fibrous layer contains both O - and N -linked chains. The remaining regions of the tectorial membrane contain mainly N -linked oligosaccharides with bisected biantennary type chains predominating. Additionally, the marginal band and the middle zone's basal layer contain abundant N -linked oligosaccharides with a triantennary structure.
Management of Malignant Pleural Effusions

Chest tube drainage with sclerosis remains the standard of care for the treatment of MPEs. Pleurodesis should be attempted when an MPE is documented in patients with cancers that are not highly responsive to systemic therapy. Multiple therapeutic thoracentesis procedures are unlikely to produce the desired palliation. In patients with cancers that are chemotherapy-responsive, a therapeutic thoracentesis may allow initiation of appropriate chemotherapy. There is evidence from a multicenter randomized trial that bleomycin is superior to tetracycline in terms of success of sclerosis at 30 days and time to effusion return. In patients who are appropriate candidates for chest tube drainage and sclerosis, bleomycin is a reasonable choice. However, there are many areas for improvement in this approach. Bleomycin is expensive. An agent of equal efficacy with lower cost would be preferred. Chest tube drainage is painful and requires a prolonged hospitalization (6 to 7 days in our experience). Techniques that would drain the pleural space, such as small bore catheter drainage, are being explored. Compounds that may be active without drainage are also being investigated. Clearly the most exciting development in the approach to MPE is the availability of video-assisted thoracoscopy. It may well be that a 2-day hospitalization for a surgical procedure that is highly effective (such as thoracoscopic talc poudrage) may greatly enhance quality of life. Cooperative group studies are being planned comparing thoracoscopic talc poudrage to standard chest tube drainage with a sclerosing agent. End points of these trials will include effectiveness at 30 days, quality of life analysis, and cost analysis. Focusing future research on surgical approaches that can shorten hospitalization, or on medical therapies that can improve effusion control without the use of a chest tube is appropriate. Should either of these two events occur, it is likely that our ability to care for patients with MPE will improve.
Brain spectrin, a membrane-associated protein related in structure and function to erythrocyte spectrin

An immunoreactive analogue of erythrocyte spectrin has been purified from brain membranes. This protein co-sediments with and cross-links actin filaments, associates with spectrin-binding sites on erythrocyte membranes, and has been visualized by rotary shadowing as an extended, flexible rod. The brain spectrin comprises 3% of the total membrane protein, and may have a major role in mediating linkage of actin to membranes.
Horizontal and vertical structure of easterly waves in the Pacific ITCZ

Abstract Outgoing longwave radiation (OLR) and low-level wind fields in the Atlantic and Pacific intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) are dominated by variability on synoptic time scales primarily associated with easterly waves during boreal summer and fall. This study uses spectral filtering of observed OLR data to capture the convective variability coupled to Pacific easterly waves. Filtered OLR is then used as an independent variable to isolate easterly wave structure in wind, temperature, and humidity fields from open-ocean buoys, radiosondes, and gridded reanalysis products. The analysis shows that while some Pacific easterly waves originate in the Atlantic, most of the waves appear to form and strengthen within the Pacific. Pacific easterly waves have wavelengths of 4200–5900 km, westward phase speeds of 11.3–13.6 m s−1, and maximum meridional wind anomalies at about 600 hPa. A warm, moist boundary layer is observed ahead of the waves, with moisture lofted quickly through the troposphere by deep co...
The Perils of Populist Radical Right Parties: The Case of the Bulgarian Attack Party

Populist radical right parties, such as the Bulgarian Attack Party, sow the seeds of ethnic discord and rally around authoritarian policies for sustaining domestic order. Scholars studying these political parties have focused on examining their leaders’ rhetoric, political messages, and electoral success, but have paid less attention to their effects on liberal democracy. This study assesses Attack’s impact on Bulgarian liberal democracy. Analysis of data from the 2008 European Social Survey suggests that party preference does not affect liberal democratic values such as attitudes toward torture and immigrants, but does help us predict people’s opinions on gay rights. None of Attack’s legislative proposals to curtail minority rights in the Bulgarian National Assembly were approved. In spite of its image as an anti-establishment party, Attack’s legislators supported Borisov’s cabinet in several no confidence votes between 2009 and 2012. Overall, Attack has had little impact on Bulgaria’s legislative and political process.
Cloning of new members of heat shock protein HSP101 gene family in wheat (Triticum aestivum (L.) Moench) inducible by heat, dehydration, and ABA

Abstract We have cloned two cDNAs, TaHSP101B and TaHSP101C , encoding two heat stress-inducible members of HSP101/ClpB family in bread wheat ( Triticum aestivum (L.) Moench .). Proteins encoded by these cDNAs are highly similar at the primary sequence level and diverged from the previously reported TaHSP101 (designated TaHSP101A) both in the consensus ATP/GTP-binding region II and in the carboxy terminal region. The HSP101 gene was determined to be a single copy gene or a member of a small gene family in hexaploid wheat. Messages encoding HSP101 proteins were inducible by heat stress treatments in both wheat leaves and roots. Accumulation of the TaHSP101C mRNA was less abundant than that of TaHSP101B mRNA. We are showing for the first time that in addition to heat stress, expression of HSP101 mRNAs in wheat leaves was induced by a 2-h dehydration and a treatment with 5×10 −5 M ABA, but not affected by chilling or wounding, indicating that HSP101 proteins may be involved in both heat and drought responses in wheat.
Images of the Periphery: The Architecture of Flex Space in Switzerland:

The peripheries of Swiss cities are currently being restructured at an unprecedented pace. Specifically, new commercial and office developments are mushrooming along the major traffic arteries. Peripheral centers without a center have sprung up. In this paper, urban forms are described in relation to the architectural form. The new urban form comes with a specific aesthetic programme: the architecture and the planning design of the industrial and office centers in the periphery defy the mass-produced built environment of earlier suburbanization. Rather, ‘individualized’ architectural designs lend themselves to custom-made commercialization of the new urban landscape. Buildings increasingly become billboards which are strategically placed along freeways and rail lines. Finally, in what seems a marked difference to automobile-based peripheral centralization in North America and other parts of Europe, the Swiss example depends heavily on a state-managed expansion of the railroads and light-rail systems.
Russet of Apple Fruit Caused by Aureobasidium pullulans and Rhodotorula glutinis

ABSTRACT Russet on apple fruits was caused by inoculation with isolates of Aureobasidium pullulans and Rhodotorula glutinis but not with Metschnikowia pulcherrima or two other unidentified yeasts, YT2 and YT17. Another unidentified yeast, YT5, caused russet in 1 of 2 years. Epiphytic survival of isolates on fruit was measured 3 months after inoculation. All isolates that caused russet survived epiphytically on fruit at harvest. With the exception of M. pulcherrima, nonrusseting isolates were not detected on the fruit at harvest. Conidia, hyphae, and chlamydospores characteristic of A. pullulans were observed in naturally russeted tissues of 14 different apple cultivars and Bartlett and Bosc pear collected from 13 orchards in New York state. A. pullulans was the most commonly isolated microorganism, and all A. pullulans isolates caused apple russet but varied in the severity of russet they caused. Isolates were identified using standard identification schemes. In addition, A. pullulans isolates were compar...
Perspective on quantitative angioscopy

Worldwide clinical Experience with Percutaneous Coronary Angioscopy using the Baxter ImageCathTM system has exceeded 3000 procedures since first introduced in July 1991. In spite of extensive investigation into a broad range of applications, a proven clinical indication has yet to be defined, thus restraining the technology from general clinical use. Although coronary angioscopy has provided unique insight into coronary artery disease, the inherent qualitative nature of angioscopic data has limited the scope and breadth of the findings. Indeed, a study of experienced investigators has shown that consistent inter-observer agreement is limited to the presence of thrombus or dissection. Various methods of image quantification attempt to overcome the limitations inherent in angioscopic data. Current research in the areas of direct lumenal measurement, computerized color analysis, and spectroscopy promise to provide reliable image interpretation and possible correlation of image content to clinical syndrome.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Qualitative detection of N-nitrosodiethanolamine in cosmetic products

A relatively quick and simple procedure is described for the detection of N-nitrosodiethanolamine in various cosmetic products. The procedure is based on the irreversible formation of p-nitroso-N,N-dimethylaniline which has a bright yellow colour in basic solution. The compound is formed following extraction of the cosmetic, photolysis of the aqueous extract and the addition of N,N-dimethylaniline to photolysed extract.
Identification and isolation of a 140 kd cell surface glycoprotein with properties expected of a fibronectin receptor

Affinity chromatography was used to identify a putative cell surface receptor for fibronectin. A large cell-attachment-promoting fibronectin fragment was used as the affinity matrix, and specific elution was effected by using synthetic peptides containing the sequence Arg-Gly-Asp, which is derived from the cell recognition sequence in the fibronectin cell attachment site. A 140 kd protein was bound by the affinity matrix from octylglucoside extracts of MG-63 human osteosarcoma cells and specifically eluted with the synthetic peptide Gly-Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser-Pro. The 140 kd protein was labeled by cell surface specific radioiodination and became incorporated into liposomes at a high efficiency. Liposomes containing this protein showed specific affinity toward fibronectin-coated surfaces, and this binding could be selectively inhibited by the synthetic cell-attachment peptide but not by inactive peptides. Affinity chromatography on wheat germ agglutinin-Sepharose showed that the 140 kd protein is a glycoprotein and, in combination with the fibronectin fragment chromatography, gave highly enriched preparations of the 140 kd protein. These properties suggest that the 140 kd glycoprotein is a membrane-embedded cell surface protein directly involved in the initial step of cell adhesion to fibronectin substrates.
Fermentation of n-Paraffins by Yeast

Nutritional requirement of Candida lipolytica AJ 5004 and its productivity of α-ketoglutarate were further studied.It became clear that this yeast required only thiamine as grown factor, and even if the yeast was cultured in chemically defined medium containing adequate amount of thiamine, it was able to produce as high yield of α-ketoglutarate as in the medium containing 0.02% of corn steep liquor.It was also shown that the rate of convertion of n-paraffin to α-ketoglutarate gradually increased as the concentration of n-paraffins was decreased or as the incubation time was prolonged. A very high rate of conversion, 71%, was obtained after prolonged culture, for 5 days, with a culture medium containing 8% of n-paraffins.The productivity of α-ketoglutarate from C9- to C20-alkanes by the yeast was maximum in the range from C15 to C19, especially from C17 to C19.
Streamlined Genome Sequence Compression using Distributed Source Coding

We aim at developing a streamlined genome sequence compression algorithm to support alternative miniaturized sequencing devices, which have limited communication, storage, and computation power. Existing techniques that require heavy client (encoder side) cannot be applied. To tackle this challenge, we carefully examined distributed source coding theory and developed a customized reference-based genome compression protocol to meet the low-complexity need at the client side. Based on the variation between source and reference, our protocol will pick adaptively either syndrome coding or hash coding to compress subsequences of changing code length. Our experimental results showed promising performance of the proposed method when compared with the state-of-the-art algorithm (GRS).
Supporting the development of algebraic thinking in middle school: a closer look at students’ informal strategies

Abstract This study investigated how 31 sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-grade middle school students who had not previously, nor were currently taking a formal Algebra course, approached word problems of an algebraic nature. Specifically, these algebraic word problems were of the form x + ( x + a ) + ( x + b ) = c or ax + bx + cx = d . An examination of students’ understanding of the relationships expressed in the problems and how they used this information to solve problems was conducted. Data included the students’ written responses to problems, field notes of researcher–student interactions while working on the problems, and follow-up interviews. Results showed that students had many informal strategies for solving the problems with systematic guess and check being the most common approach. Analysis of researcher–student interactions while working on the problems revealed ways in which students struggled to engage in the problems. Support mechanisms for students who struggle with these problems are suggested. Finally, implications are provided for drawing upon students’ informal and intuitive knowledge to support the development of algebraic thinking.
Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of novel, centrally-acting thyrotropin-releasing hormone analogues.

Abstract Novel, metabolically stable and centrally acting TRH analogues with substituted pyridinium moieties replacing the [His2] residue of the endogenous peptide were prepared by solid-phase Zincke reaction. The 1,4-dihydropyridine prodrugs of these analogues obtained after reducing the pyridinium moiety were able to reach the brain and maintain a sustained concentration of the charged, degradation-resistant analogues formed after enzymatic oxidation of the prodrug, as manifested by the analeptic action measured in mice. Among the four analogues reported, compound 2a showed the highest potency and longest duration of action in reducing the pentobarbital-induced sleeping time compared to the parent TRH. No binding to the endocrine TRH-receptor was measured for 2a; thus, this compound emerged as a potent, centrally acting TRH analogue.
Epithelioid sarcoma masquerading as Peyronie's disease

A 23-year-old man presented witha firm plague-like penile mass with pain and deviationon erection, suggesting Peyronie's disease. Biopsy was erroneously interpreted asconformatory. Irradiation was the one mode of therapy which gave temporary subjective relief. Extension of the mass and focal gangrene led to rebiopsy 6 years later. Epithelioid sarcoma was present microscopically, and was also found on re-examination of theoriginal biopsy. Partial penectomy was performed, but pulmonary metastasis had alreadyoccurred. He was treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy and is now alive with disease 2 years later. The diagnosis of possible penile sarcoma, although rare, must be considered in patients with symptons suggesting Peyronie's disease, especially if the lesion continues to enlarge.
Trends and factors associated with self-reported receipt of preconception care: PRAMS, 2004-2010.

Background Preconception care (PCC) is a form of primary prevention for promoting health, assessing risk, and intervening to modify risk factors to try to improve maternal and infant outcomes. Clinical provision of preconception care before and after the release of recommendations has not been evaluated. Our objective was to determine trends in self-reported receipt of PCC from 2004 to 2010, and factors associated with self-reported receipt of PCC. Methods Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) data from 12 states were used to determine trends in PCC. Weighted multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with self-reported receipt of PCC. Results The sample consisted of n = 64,084 women, with 30.8 percent reporting receipt of PCC. PCC increased from 30.3 percent in 2004 to 32.6 percent in 2010 (p = 0.08 for trend). Women who were younger, with lower household income, or with a preterm birth were less likely to report PCC. Women with lower levels of education, who were non-Hispanic black, intending pregnancy, without previous children, or with prepregnancy government insurance were more likely to report PCC. Conclusions Only one-third of women with a recent live birth report receipt of any PCC. There is a need to increase PCC receipt, especially among populations that demonstrate lower levels.
Calcium: An Essential Mineral:

This review of calcium discusses briefly the role of the parathyroid glands, the gastrointestinal system, and the renal system in maintaining calcium homeostasis that is required for normal bone health, nerve and muscle function, and blood coagulation in the human body. The new recommendations for calcium intake by the United States Institute of Medicine are discussed. The concerns by the Institute of Medicine regarding adverse effects from excess calcium intake, especially hypercalcemia, nephrolithiasis (kidney stones), milk alkali syndrome, prostate cancer, and coronary heart disease, are reviewed.
Parametrization of Halogen Bonds in the CHARMM General Force Field

A halogen bond is a non-covalent, highly directional interaction between a halogen atom and another electronegative atom. The origin of this interaction is the formation of a small region of positive charge opposite the covalent bond to the halogen called the “sigma hole.” As the non-polarizable additive force fields are based on point charges, they typically do not describe this interaction due to halogen atoms usually bearing a negative charge, thereby having unfavorable interactions with electronegative atoms. Within the framework of additive force fields, the simplest strategy to overcome this problem is to attach a virtual particle to the halogen that bears a point charge. In this study, we extend the additive CHARMM General Force Field to include such interactions in model systems Phenyl-R, with R being Cl, Br or I. The parameters of the models (ie. charges and LJ parameter of the halogen and virtual particle and the virtual-particle-halogen distance) were tuned to reproduce the orientation dependence of QM interaction energies with water and acetone and experimental pure solvent and aqueous free energies of solvation data. Furthermore, once parameters for the monohalogenated compounds were derived, we extended the parametrization to include phenyl rings with up to three halogens in all possible positions. Finally, the resulting parameters were validated in the context of alchemical free energies using several protein-ligand complexes.
Using Plasma Physics to Weigh the Photon

The currently accepted value for the upper bound for the photon mass, mph, is 22 orders of magnitude less than the electron mass. As the mass mph is so incredibly small, it has essentially no effect on atomic and nuclear physics; and it is very difficult to improve this estimate by laboratory experiments. However, even a very small mass may have a significant effect on astrophysical phenomena occurring on a scale exceeding the photon Compton length (where for the currently accepted mass). A set of magnetohydrodynamic equations (assuming a finite photon mass) are used to analyze properties of the solar wind at Pluto's orbit. This yields an improved (reduced) by a factor of 70 estimate of the photon mass. Possible opportunities and challenges for the further reduction of the upper limit for mph based on the properties of larger-scale astrophysical objects are discussed.
Religion, Constitutional Courts, and Democracy in Former Communist Countries

This article offers two main arguments, both of which have important corollaries. First, the author argues that religion, and a specific form of religion, played a major role in the downfall of communism and the Soviet Union. Acorollary is that religious motivations furnished important impetus to the development of democracy in former communist countries (FCC). Second, the author argues that courts, and more specifically constitutional courts in FCC, played a major role in promoting democracy in those nations. A corollary to that assertion is that constitution courts in most FCC have demonstrated considerable respect for and promotion of the role of religion in FCC. These assertions and their corollaries are discussed in light of scholarly studies on the place of religion in the modern constitutionalism movement in former colonial and communist countries.
Seasonal gastroenteritis in colorado

1. Almost every year Colorado experiences an outbreak of acute gastroenteritis in the early fall. 2. Bacteriologic studies of the blood and stool of the patients have given no information as to the nature of the infection. 3. There is no apparent reason for suspecting food infection, water infection or sewage contamination. 4. The epidemiologic features of the outbreaks suggests a contact or droplet infection. 5. The possibility of a virus infection is to be considered. 6. Until the nature of viruses is better understood, the control of these seasonal outbreaks of acute gastroenteritis will probably be unsatisfactory and the treatment will remain symptomatic.
Gender differences in gating of the auditory evoked potential in normal subjects

Central nervous system (CNS) inhibitory mechanisms hypothesized to "gate" repetitive sensory inputs have been implicated in the pathology of schizophrenia. The present study investigated gender differences in inhibitory gating of evoked brain responses to repeated stimuli in normal subjects (30 women and 30 men) using an auditory conditioning-testing paradigm. Pairs of click stimuli (S1 and S2) were presented with a 0.5 s intrapair and a 10 s interpair interval. The amplitudes and latencies of the P50, N100, P180 components of the auditory evoked response to the conditioning (S1) and test response (S2) were measured, and the gating ratios were computed (T/C ratio = S2/S1 * 100). The amplitudes to S1 were not significantly different between men and women at P50, N100, or P180. However, women had significantly higher amplitudes to S2 at P50 (p = 0.03) and N100 (p = 0.04). The T/C ratios for women were higher (i.e., less suppression of response to S2) for P50 (p = 0.08) and N100 (p = 0.04) compared to men. The results suggested that differences in auditory gating between men and women were not due to biological differences in the P50 and N100 generators but possibly to differential influence of inhibitory mechanisms acting on the generator substrates of these evoked responses.
A method for comparative evaluation of whole-lake and inflow alum treatment.

Abstract A method is described to evaluate two methods of phosphorus (P) management in lakes using aluminum sulfate (alum)—in-lake and tributary (inflow) treatment—and compare the resulting in-lake P levels. For in-lake treatment, a technique is described to calculate the optimum alum dose based on measurement of “mobile P” in lake sediments. Mobile P is defined as loosely sorbed and Fe–P, the fraction of sediment P subject to release under anoxic conditions. A linear relationship ( r 2 = 0.90 ) was found between P-release rate and the mobile-P content in sediment cores. Addition of alum to aliquots of sediment showed predictable relationships between (i) alum dose and aluminum-bound P (Al–P) formed and (ii) mobile-P loss and Al–P formation. The decrease in sediment P release that would result from in-lake alum treatment was estimated from the residual mobile P after treatment. A method also is presented to estimate the amount of alum needed to bind potentially mineralizable sediment organic P. For inflow treatment, jar tests with urban runoff in metropolitan St. Paul and Minneapolis, Minnesota (USA) were used to study effects of alum dose on P removal from water. With sufficient mixing, a dose of 8 mg Al L - 1 reduced total P (TP) and soluble reactive P to low levels regardless of pH, TSS, and TOC, but doses ⩽ 4 mg Al L - 1 did not significantly reduce TP compared with settling alone. A modeling approach is described to compare the effects of inflow and in-lake treatment, and a case study is developed to illustrate the approach for typical eutrophic lakes.
Decomposing Sources of Regional Growth with an Input-output Model: A Framework for Policy Analysis

Decomposition of an extended input-output model can provide insights into the relationship between a region's changing economic structure and its performance. Standard decomposition techniques are ...
Synthesis and in-vitro evaluation of novel low molecular weight thiocarbamates as inhibitors of human leukocyte elastase.

A series of novel low molecular weight thiocarbamate esters (1e-6e) were synthesized and evaluated as inhibitors of human leukocyte elastase (HLE). The thiocarbamate esters studied consist of a substituted primary or secondary aliphatic or aromatic amine and a 1-phenyl-1H-tetrazole-5-thiol (Table I). The HLE catalyzed hydrolysis of N-methoxysuccinyl- L-Ala-L-Ala-L-Pro-L-Val-p-nitroanilide substrate was utilized as the measure of inhibition. N-n-butyl, 1-phenyl-1H-tetrazole-5-thiocarbamate (1e) exhibited the highest inhibitory activity (kobs/[I] = 2.1 × 105 M−1 · min−1) and N-allyl, 1-phenyl-1H-tetrazole-5-thiocarbamate (2e) (Kobs/[I] = 6.1×104 M−1 · min−1) exhibited the second highest inhibitory activity of all the thiocarbamates. The aromatic N-phenyl, 1-phenyl-1H-tetrazole-5-thiocarbamate (4e) showed the lowest inhibitory activity (Kobs/[I] = 1.9 × 102 M−1 · min−1 among the N-monosubstituted derivatives, similar to that of N-ethyl-N-n-butyl, 1-phenyl-1H-tetrazole-5-thiocarbamate (5e) (Kobs/[I] = 1.8 × 1...
The Caenorhabditis elegans Rad17 Homolog HPR-17 Is Required for Telomere Replication

Subunits of the Rad9/Rad1/Hus1 (9-1-1) proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PNCA)-like sliding clamp are required for DNA damage responses and telomerase-mediated telomere replication in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. PCNA sliding clamps are loaded onto DNA by a replication factor C (RFC) clamp loader. The C. elegans Rad17 RFC clamp loader homolog, hpr-17, functions in the same pathway as the 9-1-1 complex with regard to both the DNA damage response and telomerase-mediated telomere elongation. Thus, hpr-17 defines an RFC-like complex that facilitates telomerase activity in vivo in C. elegans.
Symbolic ethnicity and symbolic religiosity: Towards a comparison of ethnic and religious acculturation

Abstract This article begins with a brief section updating my 1979 Ethnic and Racial Studies article ‘Symbolic ethnicity: the future of ethnic groups and cultures in America’. However, its main aim is to describe and develop the somewhat parallel concept of symbolic religiosity, which I conceive as the consumption of religious symbols apart from regular participation in a religious culture or in religious organizations, for the purpose of expressing feelings of religiosity and religious identification. Since I assume that symbolic religiosity develops mainly among the acculturating descendants of immigrants, I also explore the possibility of separating and then comparing ethnic and religious acculturation. I assume further that among religio‐ethnic groups like the Jews, and ethno‐religious groups such as Russian, Greek and other Orthodox Catholics, ethnic and religious acculturation proceed in divergent ways. This raises a number of interesting empirical questions about the differences between and similar...
Cortical thickness, neuron density and size in the inferior parietal lobe in schizophrenia

Abstract The inferior parietal lobe (IPL) is a center of multisensory integration, and both functional and structural MRI studies have found evidence that pathology in this region may contribute to disrupted sensory perception in schizophrenia. To further define this pathology, we used postmortem samples from the left and right IPL, to compare the thickness and volume of the upper (I–III) and lower (IV–VI) cortical layers. The samples were divided into supramarginal and angular gyri, and neuron density and size were measured in the supramarginal gyrus. The laminar thickness and volume measurements did not demonstrate significant changes in schizophrenia, but did show that the angular gyrus was thinner than the supramarginal gyrus, due to a difference mainly in the lower layers. Measurements of cortical thickness, neuron size and neuron density all showed some evidence of previously reported normal hemispheric differences. These asymmetries were reduced in schizophrenia, but the small changes were at the threshold of detection, and are discussed in the context of the sensitivity of the methods applied.
A colorimetric assay for the determination of diethylstilbestrol.

A procedure is described whereby the concentration of diethylstilbestrol can be determined in pharmaceutical preparations. The color developed upon the addition of sulfuric acid and ferric chloride to alcoholic solutions of diethylstilbestrol is proportional to the concentration of diethylstilbestrol, but only over a small range. Samples of commercial implant pellets containing diethylstilbestrol were analyzed and the results tabulated.
Detection of the interior resonance errors of surface integral boundary conditions for scattering problems

To solve the scaler Helmholtz equation in an unbounded region using finite element methods (FEM), an outer boundary with a suitable radiation boundary condition must be introduced to truncate the finite element mesh. Integral equations such as the electric field integral equation (EFIE) and the magnetic field integral equation (MFIE) are a natural choice for boundary conditions for such open region problems. The numerical solutions of surface integral equation formulations can be corrupted by interior resonance problems. We propose the concept of using the residual error of the discretized form of the integral equation to detect interior resonance problems. The extra computational effort required to calculate the residual error is insignificant. Numerical examples show the ability to detect interior resonance problems using the residual error.
Selective memories: infants' encoding is enhanced in selection via suppression

The present study examined the hypothesis that inhibitory visual selection mechanisms play a vital role in memory by limiting distractor interference during item encoding. In Experiment 1a we used a modified spatial cueing task in which 9-month-old infants encoded multiple category exemplars in the contexts of an attention orienting mechanism involving suppression (i.e. inhibition of return, IOR) versus one that does not (i.e. facilitation). At test, infants in the IOR condition showed both item-specific learning and abstraction of broader category information. In contrast, infants in the facilitation condition did not discriminate across novel and familiar test items. Experiment 1b confirmed that the learning observed in the IOR condition was specific to spatial cueing of attention and was not due to timing differences across the IOR and facilitation conditions. In Experiment 2, we replicated the results of Experiment 1, using a within-subjects design to explicitly examine learning and memory encoding in the context of concurrent suppression. These data show that developing inhibitory selective attention enhances efficacy of memory encoding for subsequent retrieval. Furthermore, these results highlight the importance of considering interactions between developing attention and memory systems.
Strategic Management of Technology

This article deals with technology as it relates to strategy design. It addresses the different views of reality between general managers and the organization’s technologists. This becomes increasingly important in high levels of turbulence. It examines the role of the general management and technological myopia as major influencer in the decision-making process. The thrust of this article is on the assessment of gaps between management and technologists and methods to close them. The article completes with the role of management in managing and driving technological innovation while integrating technology strategy in the organization’s strategy.
Questionable relationship between cholecystectomy and colon cancer.

The relationship between prior cholecystectomy and right-sided colon cancer was evaluated in a case-control study. The study population comprised 267 women with right-sided colon cancer (cases) and 268 women with left-sided colon cancer (controls). All patients were white females, aged between 40 and 69 years, and registered at The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Hospital and Tumor Institute between 1970 and 1982. Thirty cases (11.2%) and 21 controls (7.8%) had documented prior cholecystectomy (odds ratio 1.49, 95% confidence limits 0.83, 2.67). The temporal relationship between cholecystectomy and colon cancer and the presence of diabetes were also evaluated. The authors conclude that there is no significant relationship between prior cholecystectomy and the development of right-sided colon cancer.
Galileo's Children : Italian Americans' Difficult Entry into the Intellectual Elite

We examine the possibility of ethnic exclusion by U.S. intellectual elites for the case of Italian Americans, a large, identifiable group that has assimilated into the mainstream during the last half century but is still the subject of demeaning stereotypes with wide currency. Membership in the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, a fellowship of nearly 4,000 members drawn from throughout the academic, scientific, and artistic worlds, is used as a window into processes of ethnic stratification among intellectuals and academics. The analysis establishes that Italian Americans are represented in the Academy at a level well below their percentage among college and university faculty. Their frequency of election has increased substantially in recent years, but we conclude that the evidence is consistent with continuing ethnic disadvantage.