cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
IVIM Diffusion-weighted Imaging of the Liver at 3.0T: Comparison with 1.5T.

Abstract Purpose To compare intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) of the liver between 1.5T and 3.0T in terms of parameter quantification and inter-platform reproducibility. Materials and methods In this IRB approved prospective study, 19 subjects (17 patients with chronic liver disease and 2 healthy volunteers) underwent two repeat scans at 1.5T and 3.0T. Each scan included IVIM DWI using 16 b values from 0 to 800s/mm 2 . A single observer measured IVIM parameters for each platform and estimated signal to noise ratio (eSNR) at b 0, 200, 400 and 800s/mm 2 . Wilcoxon paired tests were used to compare liver eSNR and IVIM parameters. Inter-platform reproducibility was assessed by calculating within-subject coefficient of variation (CV) and Bland–Altman limits of agreement. An ice water phantom was used to test ADC variability between the two MRI systems. Results The mean invitro difference in ADC between the two platforms was 6.8%. eSNR was significantly higher at 3.0T for all selected b values ( p =0.006–0.020), except for b 0 ( p =0.239). Liver IVIM parameters were significantly different between 1.5T and 3.0T ( p =0.005–0.044), except for ADC ( p =0.748). The inter-platform reproducibility of true diffusion coefficient ( D ) and ADC were good, with mean CV of 10.9% and 11.1%, respectively. Perfusion fraction (PF) and pseudodiffusion coefficient ( D *) showed more limited inter-platform reproducibility (mean CV of 22.6% for PF and 46.9% for D *). Conclusion Liver D and ADC values showed good reproducibility between 1.5T and 3.0T platforms; while there was more variability in PF, and large variability in D * parameters between the two platforms. These findings may have implications for drug trials assessing the role of IVIM DWI in tumor response and liver fibrosis.
A GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM TOOL FOR AQUATIC RESOURCE CONSERVATION IN THE RED AND SABINE RIVER WATERSHEDS OF THE SOUTHEAST UNITED STATES

Our goal was to build a geographic information system (GIS) tool to enhance modeling and hypothesis testing relevant to watersheds and fish fauna of the Red and Sabine Rivers in the southeastern United States. Species of concern were identified from wildlife action plans and Web sites. Spatial distributions of fish species and mercury in fillets were delineated using data from states. Public georeferenced data were obtained on land cover, soil type, forest canopy, impervious surfaces, wastewater facilities and 303(d) impaired waters. Overlay maps highlighted patterns across 8-digit hydrologic unit codes (HUCs). Bossier City, Louisiana and Beaumont, Texas areas displayed impervious surfaces over 10% and 303(d) waters per HUC were 20% and 8%, respectively. Because bowfin (Amia calva) (n = 299) and bass (Micropterus spp.) (n = 1493) occurred in up to 44% of HUCs and fillets contained elemental mercury concentrations across ranges monitored, they were appropriate indicators of bioavailable mercury. Of the total fish number showing >0.5 ppm, 81% of records were derived from bowfin and bass, and stepwise multiple linear regressions indicated fish with mercury at these concentrations correlated with environmental variables. Detrended correspondence analysis showed total species occurrence and environmental relationships significant, where 81.6% of the variability in fish occurrence was explained by impervious surface, land cover other than canopy or impervious surface (such as wetlands and agricultural area) and canopy (forest type). Two-way indicator species analysis delineated species co-occurrence in HUCs (14 groups) and similarity of species composition (nine groups). Results identified three HUC groupings as potential targets for managerial interest. Quality control concerns for GIS development included site name data and priority rankings of critical fish species. This tool can be used to support modeling and trend analyses for several purposes, such as those relevant for developing and reporting on water quality standards and critical habitat assessments. Published in 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inhibition of a juvenile hormone analogue by organic acids in tests with Musca domestica and Oncopeltus fasciatus

Abstract 1. 1.The ‘juvenile hormone effects’ of 10,11-epoxy farnesenic acid methyl ester on the housefly were inhibited by the separate application of citric acid, tricarballylic acid, α-ketoglutaric acid, malic acid, oxalacetic acid, or succinic acid. 2. 2.The ‘juvenile hormone effects’ of 10,11-epoxy farnesenic acid methyl ester on the milkweed bug were inhibited by the separate application of citric acid, tricarballylic acid, α-ketoglutaric acid, malic acid, or oxalacetic acid. 3. 3.This inhibition was due to a chemical reaction, possibly cyclization of the hormone analogue either on or in the insect cuticle.
CELLULAR CHANGES IN THE ANTERIOR PITUITARY GLAND OF RATS WITH EXPERIMENTAL GOITER

THAT CELLULAR CHANGES occur in the anterior pituitary as a result of dysfuntion of the thyroid is an established fact. In this paper the authors are concerned with the changes in the pituitaries of rats with experimental goiter.Marine, Rosen and Spark (1) found in rabbits with parenchymatous goiters an increase in weight of the pituitary, an increase in size of all cells, and a decrease of stainable acidophilic granules. Administration of iodine or desiccated thyroid caused a return to normal. Similar changes in the anterior pituitary of rats were found by Nelson and Warkany (2). Both studies were made with a hematoxylin-eosin stain which does not differentiate the three types of cells found in the anterior pituitary. Recent experiments with a new goiter producing diet (3) failed to show as great an increase in pituitary weight in rats as has been reported for other species.
The design and implementation of insect resistance management programs for Bt crops

Cotton and corn plants with insect resistance traits introduced through biotechnological methods and derived from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) have been widely adopted since they were first introduced in 1996. Because of concerns about resistance evolving to these Bt crops, they have been released with associated IRM programs that employ multiple components and reflect the input of academic, industrial and regulatory experts. This paper summarizes the current status of Bt crop technologies in cotton and corn, the principles of IRM for Bt crops and what they mean for the design of IRM programs. It describes how these IRM programs have been implemented and some of the key factors affecting successful implementation. Finally, it suggests how they may evolve to properly steward these traits in different geographies around the world. The limited number of reported cases of resistance after more than 15 years of intensive global use of Bt crops suggest that this exercise has been broadly successful. Where resistance issues have been observed, they have been associated with first generation technologies and incomplete or compromised IRM programs (i.e., inadequate structured refuge). Next generation technologies with multiple pyramided modes of action, together with the implementation of IRM strategies that are more dependent upon manufacturing and less dependent upon grower behavior, such as seed mixes, should further enhance IRM programs for Bt crops.
Religion and the reception of marginalism in Britain

Did their religious beliefs play any role in the interest British economists took in marginal utility theory in the final third of the Nineteenth Century? I contrast the beliefs of the leading economists—Mill and his followers—who were unsympathetic to marginalism with the beliefs of those economists who embraced it. Mill’s followers were themselves sharply divided on key methodological questions, and I ask whether or not this division, too, may owe something to differing religious beliefs. I conclude, provisionally, that religion may indeed have played a significant role in determining the methodological predisposition of British economists between 1860 and 1900.
A new determination of the bound states of helium on graphite

On presente un potentiel modele qui peut donner une description raisonnable des energies des etats lies de He sur du graphite. Cependant il ne fournit pas des valeurs de la distance entre l'adatome de He et la surface en accord avec les resultats de diffusion des neutrons
Interaction of Lactose and Proteins of Skim Milk during Ultra-High-Temperature Processing,

Abstract Incorporation of [carbon-14] lactose into milk proteins following ultra-high temperature processing was measured. When lactose was heated with casein micelles, α-lactalbumin, and β-lactoglobulin in model systems, casein micelles incorporated the greatest amount of lactose. Raw skim milk which had been dialyzed against simulated milk ultrafiltrate and heated with [carbon-14] lactose in capillary tubes to 143.5 C±2 for 10s gave a protein-lactose complex. The complex seemed covalently bonded because the label accompanied individual protein fractions during chromatography in the presence of urea and 2-mercaptoethanol on both Sephadex G-10 and O-(diethylaminoethyl) cellulose. Identification and purity of protein fractions were assessed by vertical polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The first fraction eluted from the cellulose column exhibited the highest specific radioactivity. It appeared heterogenous as judged by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and by comparison of its amino acid composition with known milk proteins. Kappa-casein was identified in the first fraction by the presence of sialic acid, half-cystine, and by sensitivity to rennin. The possible presence of γ 2 - and γ 3 -caseins also was indicated by electrophoresis and amino acid analysis.
Design, fabrication, and experimental demonstration of a microscale monolithic modular absorption heat pump

Abstract The first ever conceptualization, design, fabrication and successful experimental demonstration of a thermally activated microscale absorption heat pump for miniaturized or mobile applications is reported here. Several-fold enhancements in coupled heat and mass transfer possible in microscale passages remove significant hurdles that have hindered the implementation of thermally activated heat pumps. Cooling capacities of 100 W–10 s of kW are possible through minor changes in component geometry. These mass-producible miniaturized systems can be packaged as monolithic full-system packages or as discrete, distributed hydronically coupled components integrated into buildings. A 300 W nominal cooling capacity ammonia–water absorption heat pump with overall dimensions of 200 × 200 × 34 mm and a mass of 7 kg was fabricated and tested over a range of heat sink temperatures from 20 to 35 °C with 500–800 W of desorber heat input to yield cooling duties of 136–300 W.
G.O.25

Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD), a dystrophinopathy with milder skeletal muscle manifestations compared to Duchenne muscular dystrophy, characteristically demonstrates weakness of knee extensors (KE), accompanied by muscle atrophy and fibrosis. The weakness predisposes to gait impairment and loss of ambulation. Myostatin, a member of the TGF-β superfamily of signal peptides, is expressed in skeletal muscle, acting through the activin type IIB (ACTRIIB) receptor. Follistatin, a myostatin antagonist, inhibits this pathway resulting in muscle hypertrophy, and improved muscle strength. FS315 and FS288 are two isoforms of follistatin generated by alternative splicing. FS315 has no cell-surface affinity providing a safety margin avoiding pituitary–gonadal axis complications. FS344 is the precursor cDNA to FS315. When FS344 is delivered to mdx mice in adeno-associated virus (AAV1. CMV. FS344), muscle mass and strength increase. Similar findings are seen in non-human primates without safety concerns. Six BMD patients, 18 years and older with proven in-frame DMD gene mutations were enrolled in a clinical trial. The first 3 subjects received 12 intramuscular (IM) injections of AAV1. CMV. FS344 at a total dose of 6e11 vg/kg in the quadriceps muscles bilaterally. A second cohort received the same number of IM injections at higher total dose (1.2e12 vg/kg). Studies extending beyond one year in Cohort 1 and for six months in Cohort 2 showed no adverse events. The distance walked (meters) on the 6-min walk test (6MWT) was the primary functional outcome measure. At one year the distance walked by two subjects in Cohort 1 increased by 125 m and 58 m; subject 3 improved modestly by 9 m. In Cohort 2, one patient reaching the 6-month time point increased by 108 meters. For the entire group of BMD patients only a single patient declined in distance. Preliminary analysis of muscle biopsies favor increased muscle regeneration contributing to improved function.
An anisotropic hourly diffuse radiation model for sloping surfaces: Description, performance validation, site dependency evaluation

Abstract A model is described to estimate hourly or higher frequency diffuse sky radiation impinging on plane surfaces of any orientation, once knowing this value on the horizontal. This model features a simple geometrical sky hemisphere description, allowing for the observed effects of forward-scattered and back-scattered radiation and a parameterization of insolation conditions based on available radiative quantities. Model performance is studied through (1) long term independent tests performed against hourly ground-shielded tilted irradiance data from Trappes, France; Carpentras, France and San Antonio, Texas; (2) long term dependent tests performed against hourly data from the same stations plus Albany, New York; and (3) real time tests based on one-minute data from Albany, New York. Performance is assessed through comparison with three reference models: the isotropic, the Hay, and Klucher anisotropic models. Substantial performance improvement over the three reference models is found for all stations and all surface orientations. Additional performance improvements from independent to dependent testing can be explained logically on the basis of climate, altitude and latitude differences between stations.
Prognosis of mammary carcinoma in young women.

This study was undertaken to obtain evidence regarding the prognosis of mammary carcinoma in young women. As large a sample as possible was obtained of women 30-years-old or younger with mammary carcinoma in a single community (Los Angeles). Data were collected from 7 major hospitals in the area during the period 1936-1950. Of 55 cases 2 have been lost to follow-up: 16 are known to have lived 5 years without recurrence: 3 others are apparently free of cancer at 5 years but this has not been verified: and 2 alive at 5 years have evidence of the disease. The 5-year total survival was 39.6%. Of the 53 cases traced 46 had been subjected to radical mastectomy 3 were treated with irradiation. Stage 1 carcinoma constituted over 40% of the total and 75% of these women survived 5 or more years. Only 21% of Stage 2 cases survived that long. None of the Stage 3 patients did. Some classified as Stage 2 are believed to have actually been Stage 3. For the 53 trace d patients the 5-year survival rate was 43.4%. Patients seeking treatment less than 6 months after recognized onset usually had rapidly growing tumors while those who delayed had slow-growing and delayed metastatic spread of tumors. Patients with early duration of more than 6 months before diagnosis had a survival rate of 54%. Survival was much less if the tumor was 5 cm or more in diameter. The disease developed during pregnancy or lactation in 8 paitents; 5 survived less than 5 years but 3 have survived 6 to 12 years. Biological predetermination is considered the most important factor with time of treatment and size of tumor less significant. Patients with carcinoma developing during pregn ancy or lactation should not be considered inoperable but they should be advised against subsequent pregnancy. The prognosis is somewhat more favorable in women 20 to 30 years of age than for patients of all ages as reported in large series of cases by others. Radical mastectomy is considered the best primary treatment.
Selenium isotope ratios as indicators of selenium sources and oxyanion reduction

Selenium stable isotope ratio measurements should serve as indicators of sources and biogeochemical transformations of Se. We report measurements of Se isotope fractionation during selenate reduction, selenite sorption, oxidation of reduced Se in soils, and Se volatilization by algae and soil samples. These results, combined with previous work with Se isotopes, indicate that reduction of soluble oxyanions is the dominant cause of Se isotope fractionation. Accordingly, Se isotope ratios should be useful as indicators of oxyanion reduction, which can transform mobile species to forms that are less mobile and less bioavailable. Additional investigations of Se isotope fractionation are needed to confirm this preliminary assessment. We have developed a new method for measurement of natural Se isotope ratio variation which requires less than 500 ng Se per analysis and yields ±0.2‰ precision on 80Se/76Se. A double isotope spike technique corrects for isotopic fractionation during sample preparation and mass spectrometry. The small minimum sample size is important, as Se concentrations are often below 1 ppm in solids and 1 μg/L in fluids. The Se purification process is rapid and compatible with various sample matrices, including acidic rock or sediment digests.
Intellectual capital in valuing intangible assets

Knowledge companies who generate their revenue from leveraging the talents and contacts of professionals are confronted with two dilemmas ‐ acquiring institutional funding without hard collateral and managing these revenue‐generating talents. These companies appear to have understated balance sheets. Their value, however, can be highly appreciated as is illustrated by the stock prices. This presents a problem when acquiring institutional funding since hard collateral is scarce. Another dilemma is how to manage these revenue‐generating talents and systems. It appears that both external and internal sources have a need to measure, manage and grow these assets. This paper presents methods currently in use to identify and measure intangible assets and also experiments by applying five of these measurements to a single company over a period of eleven years. The purpose of this exercise is to note any similarities with financial measures and to determine the predictability of performance based on these indicators.
A cutaneous positioning system

Our previous work revealed that torso cutaneous information contributes to the internal representation of the torso and plays a role in postural control. Hence, the aims of this study were to assess whether posture could be manipulated by patterns of vibrotactile stimulation and to determine whether resulting modified postures were associated with specific and consistent spatial attitudes. Ten healthy young adults stood in normal and Romberg stances with six vibrating actuators positioned on the torso in contact with the skin over the anatomical locations corresponding to left and right external oblique, internal oblique and erector spinae muscles at the L4/L5 vertebrae level. A 250-Hz tactile vibration was applied for 5 s either at a single location or consecutively at each location in clockwise or counterclockwise sequences. Kinematic analysis of the body segments indicated that postural responses observed in response to single and sequential stimulation patterns were similar, while the center of pressure remained unaltered in any situations. Moreover, torso inclinations followed rectilinear-like path segments chartered by stimuli loci during sequential stimulations. Comparison of torso attitudes with previous results obtained with co-vibration patterns of the same duration showed that torso inclination amplitudes are equivalent for single (one location) and co-vibration (pairs of locations) patterns inducing the same directional effect. Hence, torso cutaneous information exhibits kinesthetic properties, appears to provide a map of upper body spatial configuration, and could assume the role of an internal positioning system for the upper body.
Urban justice and sustainability

The papers in this special issue of Local Environment: International Journal of Justice and Sustainability were presented at the International Sociological Association Research Committee 21, Urban ...
Zero-field optically detected electron spin coherence of photoexcited organic triplet chromophores in Shpol'skii hosts

Abstract Optically detected electron spin coherence experiments in zero field are shown to be feasible for randomly oriented triplet chromophores. Pyrene is studied in an n -hexane Shpol'skii matrix at 1.7 K. As expected, the transient nutation is strongly damped, but two-pulse echoes can be observed with 90° pulse lengths chosen to be roughly one third the length corresponding to the first maximum in the nutation. The echo lifetime is markedly increased by deuteration, in agreement with previous single crystal work.
Monochromatic Vs multicolored paths

Letl andk be positive integers, and letX={0,1,...,l k?1}. Is it true that for every coloring ?:X×X?{0,1,...} there either exist elementsx 0<x 1<...<x l ofX with ?(x 0,x 1)=?(x 1,x 2)=...=?(x l?1,x l), or else there exist elementsy 0<y 1<...<y k ofX with ?(y i?1,y i) ? ?(y j?1,y j) for all 1<-i<j≤k? We prove here that this is the case if eitherl≤2, ork≤4, orl?(3k)2k . The general question remains open.
An improved filamentous helper phage for generating single-stranded plasmid DNA.

Abstract Gene cloning in plasmid vectors that contain a filamentous phage intergenic region presents several advantages. However, technical difficulties have been a problem, primarily low yields of packaged single stranded (ss) plasmid DNA from the rapid, small scale procedures usually employed, and ambiguities in sequencing reactions attributed to the contamination by helper phage ss DNA. We report here the construction and some properties of a new f1 helper phage. Using this phage, R408, plasmid ss DNA is packaged and exported preferentially over phage ss DNA, and the absolute yield of plasmid ss DNA is usually increased.
Mechanistic studies of formic acid oxidation at polycarbazole supported Pt nanoparticles

Abstract Mechanistic aspects of the promotion of formic acid oxidation at Pt nanoparticles supported on a thin layer of polycarbazole (PCZ) have been investigated by voltammetry and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The Pt nanoparticles were drop coated onto a glassy carbon (GC) electrode coated with a ca. 9 nm layer of electrochemically deposited polycarbazole. After 500 s of formic acid oxidation at 0 V vs. SCE, the current at a GC/PCZ/Pt electrode was 25 times higher than at a GC/Pt electrode. Voltammetry in formic acid free H2SO4 following potentiostatic oxidation of formic acid revealed that there was less accumulation of adsorbed intermediates for the polycarbazole supported Pt nanoparticles than for those deposited directly onto the glassy carbon with, 50% more Pt sites remaining available for the GC/PCZ/Pt electrode relative to the GC/Pt electrode. Independent CO stripping experiments revealed only slight differences, while Cu underpotential deposition surprisingly resulted in the deposition of a ca. two-fold excess of Cu on the polycarbazole supported particles. This observation was supported by XPS which also revealed a second Cu signal at a higher binding energy, suggesting electron donation into the conjugated π system of the polymer. Such an interaction of Pt with the polycarbazole may be responsible for its higher activity for formic acid oxidation.
Psychological Therapies in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a poorly understood disease with few effective treatments. Psychosocial factors are believed to contribute to the pathogenesis of IBS. Objective. To evaluate the evidence for psychological therapies in IBS treatment. Methods. We searched six medical databases through February 6, 2014, for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of psychological therapies for the treatment of IBS. Two independent reviewers identified the RCTs, extracted the data, and assessed trial quality. We used the random-effect model to pool standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) across trials. Results. 15 RCTs that mostly evaluated cognitive behavioral therapy were included. Psychological therapies were associated with improvement in IBS symptoms severity scales (SMD −0.618; 95% CI: −0.853 to −0.383), IBS-Quality of Life (SMD 0.604; 95% CI: 0.440 to 0.768), and abdominal pain (SMD −0.282; 95% CI: −0.562 to −0.001). No statistically significant effect was observed on diarrhea or constipation. Limitations. The trials were at increased risk of bias and the overall sample size was small leading to imprecision. Conclusion. Psychological therapies may improve the quality of life and symptom severity in IBS. The effect size noted is moderate to large and is clinically meaningful.
Do flatland‐ and mountain‐dwelling species show different structuring of their experienced environment over latitude? A western vs. central‐eastern North America rodent multispecies comparison

Species occurrence databases and climate databases were used to examine differences in patterns of species experienced climate across latitude for wide-ranging rodents in the central-eastern and western North America. The accumulated data were used to address three questions: (1) Do rodent species in the central and eastern region of North America select habitat at range edges to remain closer to climate conditions at the range core? (2) Is there a trend toward species having greater experienced climate variation consistent with smaller effects of orbitally controlled climate oscillations in the south vs. north? (3) How do species experienced temperature, precipitation, and elevation means and variation in this region compare to rodent species in the adjacent but more heterogeneous western North America? Results showed that central-eastern North American species occur in as wide a range of environmental conditions as available throughout their ranges. These patterns are different from previous findings for rodents in the adjacent western USA and highlight major differences in current structure of species experienced environmental means and variation over latitude for species in spatially heterogeneous, mountainous areas vs. those that occupy flatter lands. The differences are likely important for determining differential response to climate changes.
Low-power implantable ultrasound imager for online monitoring of tumor growth

Clinicians all over the world agree that the most effective way to deal with a malignant tumor growth within internal organs is to detect it early. In most cases, early detection requires automated localized high resolution scanning of a region of interest — such as lungs, brain, small intestine, and gastro-intestinal tract. External or endoscopic ultrasound technologies are often not effective for imaging deep inside organs due to lack of adequate spatial resolution. In this paper, we propose using a miniature, low power implantable ultrasound imager for online monitoring of tumor growth in internal body parts. We explore the design space for such an implantable ultrasonic imaging system targeted to early detection or post-surgery monitoring of a malignant growth. The system can be placed locally in a susceptible region or for post-operative monitoring of relapse. The proposed system is capable of providing high-resolution image of a volume of interest at periodic intervals, using a relatively safe imaging technology, thus providing a chronic, reliable, and cost-effective monitoring option.
Making Healthy Choices to Reduce Childhood Obesity: Community Capitals and Food and Fitness

Attention has shifted to environmental causes of health status, particularly obesity, now defined as a worldwide epidemic. Moving from medical and educational models of intervention, this approach ...
SUPERORBITAL PERIODIC MODULATION IN WIND-ACCRETION HIGH-MASS X-RAY BINARIES FROM SWIFT BURST ALERT TELESCOPE OBSERVATIONS

We report the discovery using data from the Swift-Burst Alert Telescope (BAT) of superorbital modulation in the wind-accretion supergiant high-mass X-ray binaries 4U 1909+07 (= X 1908+075), IGR J16418–4532, and IGR J16479–4514. Together with already known superorbital periodicities in 2S 0114+650 and IGR J16493–4348, the systems exhibit a monotonic relationship between superorbital and orbital periods. These systems include both supergiant fast X-ray transients and classical supergiant systems, and have a range of inclination angles. This suggests an underlying physical mechanism which is connected to the orbital period. In addition to these sources with clear detections of superorbital periods, IGR J16393–4643 (= AX J16390.4–4642) is identified as a system that may have superorbital modulation due to the coincidence of low-amplitude peaks in power spectra derived from BAT, Rossi X-Ray Timing Explorer Proportional Counter Array, and International Gamma-Ray Astrophysics Laboratory light curves. 1E 1145.1–6141 may also be worthy of further attention due to the amount of low-frequency modulation of its light curve. However, we find that the presence of superorbital modulation is not a universal feature of wind-accretion supergiant X-ray binaries.
Presented by invitation at the Fifty-ninth Annual Meeting of the Pacific Coast Obstetrical and Gynecological Society Ojai, California, October 11-18, 1992.

There is a paucity of information on the well-being of the families created through artificial insemination with donor sperm despite its widespread availability for more than a generation. Physicians who practice donor insemination have historically supported or encouraged secrecy while observing that couples are satisfied and well adjusted after the birth of their donor insemination offspring. However, from the perspective of the child's best interests, it has been argued that accurate genealogic knowledge should be a "right" and that an ethical conflict exists if the practitioner and the couple act together to deceive the child about his or her true genetic identity. The recognition that secrecy raises difficult social, psychologic, and ethical questions while holding considerable practical and emotional appeal for the couple is a major unresolved issue in the practice of donor insemination. It is suggested that further study and evaluation of donor insemination families is needed 0 accurate counseling and advice are to be provided to couples considering the option of donor insemination.
Indirect fluorescence detection of sugars separated by capillary zone electrophoresis with visible laser excitation

Abstract This work extends the use of indirect fluorescence detection for capillary zone electrophoresis to the visible region. Detection is based on charge displacement and is not based upon any absorption or emission properties of the analyte, therefore the need for chemical derivatization is eliminated. Capillary zone electrophoresis-indirect fluorescence detection can separate and detect almost any compound that contains a charge. This was demonstrated by the separation and detection of a mixture of sugars which are only weakly acidic. The mass detection limit of fructose was 2 fmol using a 5-μm diameter capillary. This peak had an efficiency of more than 600 000 theoretical plates.
Right Ventricular Wall‐Motion Changes after Infant Open Heart Surgery—A Tissue Doppler Study

Background Right ventricular (RV) dysfunction is a well-recognized complication of cardiopulmonary bypass surgery (CPB) in adults. Infants and neonates may also be at high risk for this due to immature myocardium. Conventional assessment of RV function is just qualitative, but novel tissue Doppler echocardiographic (TDI) markers including peak systolic strain rate (SR) and isovolumic contraction acceleration (IVA) permit noninvasive quantitation of RV function. This study assessed myocardial velocities, IVA and SR in infants and neonates undergoing open heart surgery using TDI to study regional myocardial function perioperatively. Methods Transthoracic TDI data were obtained in the OR before and 24 hours post-CPB on 53 consecutive infants (age 0.39 ± 0.23 years). They were followed with TDI through hospital discharge. Results Mean CPB time was 87 ± 49 min (cross-clamp 52 ± 26 min). Peak systolic (STDI) and diastolic myocardial velocities (ETDI, ATDI), IVA, and peak SR were recorded in RV and LV from standard views for offline analysis. Postoperatively, LV systolic function and diastolic longitudinal function were unchanged or improved from baseline. LV radial velocities were increased postoperatively indicating adequate support. In contrast, RV longitudinal systolic and diastolic function was significantly diminished after CPB. RV changes persisted through hospital discharge. Conclusions In infants and neonates, perioperative measurements of systolic and diastolic tissue Doppler parameters are feasible and revealed significant RV systolic and diastolic dysfunction post-CPB with preserved LV function. As such, TDI provides a sensitive tool to monitor the infant heart after CPB and may potentially be useful to assess different myocardial protection strategies.
Introduction to the Symposium: Evolutionary Relationships of Metazoan Phyla: Advances, Problems, and Approaches'

For the 1,033,614 species of living animals estimated by Wilson (1988), there are roughly 1 x 106,000,000 possible unrooted phylogenetic trees. Despite this intimidating possibility, its many biologists have accepted the challenge to try to reconstruct the metazoan tree. The aim of this symposium was to assess the current state of knowledge concerning the evolutionary relationships of animal phyla, to examine potential pitfalls associated with reconstructing metazoan evolution, and to address unresolved issues in metazoan phylogeny. In the ten years since the seminal paper of Field et al. (1988), the number of studies (and corresponding research effort) addressing metazoan phylogeny has increased steadily. This growth reflects the accumulation of morphological and molecular data, as well as the integration of paleontological and developmental data into phylogenetic studies of the Metazoa. With this growing body of data, we (the co-organizers with support from others) felt the need to facilitate interactions, discussions, and debates among paleontologists, molecular systematists, developmental biologists, and comparative morphologists to promote a more coordinated search for "The Phylogeny," Our hope is that this symposium, which included 19 researchers from North America and
New analytic determination of f/sub T/, f/sub MAX/ and the frequency dependence of current gain and power gain in HBTs

A new analytic formalism describing the frequency dependence of current gain and power gain of HBTs based on the T-Model equivalent circuit is presented. It is found that while extrapolation serves as a conservative benchmark for HBT high-speed device comparison, it often significantly underestimates the actual intercept frequency for f/sub T/, with an experimental example presented here with error of 50%. The frequency dependence of G/sub MAX/ shows it to be unsuitable for extrapolation to find f/sub MAX/, while extrapolation of Unilateral Gain (U) will generally in the absence of resonances yield accurate values for f/sub MAX/. The conditions for resonance and resonance frequencies for U are analytically investigated here, and new analytic expressions are developed and experimentally demonstrated for highly accurate determination of the f/sub T/ and f/sub MAX/ intercept frequencies of HBTs. >
Purification and characterization of a naturally occurring activator of cholesterol biosynthesis from Δ5, 7-cholestadienol and other precursors☆☆☆

Abstract The reduction of Δ 5, 7 -cholestadienol to cholesterol by the microsomal fraction of rat liver homogenates is specifically stimulated 4-fold or greater, in the presence of excess NADPH, by an activator isolated from the high speed supernatant fraction. This activator was purified by heat treatment, (NH 4 ) 2 SO 4 fractionation, and gel filtration. It is inactivated by trypsin hydrolysis. The results demonstrate that the activator is a heat stable protein capable of binding Δ 5, 7 -cholestadienol, which in bound form is readily converted to cholesterol by microsomal Δ 5, 7 -sterol Δ 7 -reductase. Similar findings were obtained with other precursors of cholesterol and suggest a unique biosynthetic function for the protein as a vehicle for water insoluble precursors of cholesterol.
Chemical and Structural Diversity in Chiral Magnesium Tartrates and their Racemic and Meso Analogues

Nine crystalline modifications of magnesium tartrate (tart2- = C4H4O6) have been synthesized by hydrothermal reactions between magnesium acetate tetrahydrate and the d,l-, d-, and meso-forms of tartaric acid in the temperature range 100−200 °C. Two racemic crystals, a dimeric Mg(d,l-tart)(H2O)2·3H2O in space group Pban, (1), and a two-dimensional coordination polymer Mg(d,l-tart)(H2O)·3H2O, P2/c, (2), were obtained from the d,l-acid reactions at 100 °C and 125−150 °C, respectively. Two chiral structures were obtained from the d-acid reactions at these temperatures: a layered Mg(d-tart)(H2O)·1.5H2O, P212121, (3), and a three-dimensional (3-D) network, Mg(d-tart)·1.5H2O, C2221, (4). In addition, an anhydrous 3-D coordination polymer, Mg(d-tart), I222, (5), was obtained by dehydrating 3 under vacuum at 85 °C. Finally, four achiral structures were obtained from reactions with the meso-acid at 100 °C, 125−150 °C, 180 °C, and 200 °C, respectively: three one-dimensional (1-D) chains, Mg(meso-tart)(H2O)2·H2O (6...
Measurement of track strength using nondestructive evaluation techniques

As a direct result of the industry's goal to improve the quality and safety of service to its customers, the Association of American Railroads (AAR) has embarked on a major research project to develop and implement automated inspection methods to effectively measure the available track stength, and to identify and repair the weak spots before further track degradation and increased maintenance are needed. The AAR has designed and constructed a track loading vehicle (TLV) which was used extensively in testing of track lateral restraint. This new vehicle is capable of applying computer controlled loads over a range of track conditions and measure the dynamic response of the track. The TLV is built on the underframe of a diesel-electric locomotive and features a retractable load bogie mounted underneath the center for applying computer controlled loads to the track and measuring the response while stationary or moving. The TLV was successfuly tested over 3,500 miles of revenue track to identify wide gage and weaker tie/fastener conditions. The test results have shown that it is feasible to implement automated inspection methods to effectively measure the available track strength, and to identify and repair the weak spots before further degradation and increased maintenance is needed. Substantial savings could be realized by the industry if positive identification of defective ties can be improved using test devices like the TLV.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Iterated trees of strategies and priority arguments

We describe the motivation for the construction of a general framework for priority arguments, the ideas incorporated into the construction of the framework, and the use of the framework to prove theorems in computability theory which require priority arguments.
Seeds for the Future: The Materialities of Traditional Ecological Knowledge

Many collaborative projects between Indigenous peoples and archaeologists have focused on traditional ecological knowledge, emphasizing long-term use and patterns of continuity and innovation. Through an investigation of medicinal plant use at the Mashantucket Pequot Reservation, located in southeastern New England, archaeobotanical remains are considered the outcomes of everyday environmental interaction. The charred plant remains, which can be identified as the materials of traditional ecological knowledge, are viewed as evidence of efforts to preserve and modify current practice and as interventions to shape future practice. Through this collaborative, multi-dimensional examination, we can access the “seeds” for the future and explore how Indigenous peoples, specifically women, were historical actors during the process of colonization in North America.
OligonucleotJde-directed triple helix formation at adjacent oligopurine and oligopyrimidine DNA tracts by alternate strand recognition

A significant limitation to the practical application of triplex DNA is its requirement for oligopurine tracts in target DNA sequences. The repertoire of triplex-forming sequences can potentially be expanded to adjacent blocks of purines and pyrimidines by allowing the third strand to pair with purines on alternate strands, while maintaining the required strand polarities by combining the two major classes of base triplets, Py.PuPy and Pu.PuPy. The formation of triplex DNA in this fashion requires no unusual bases or backbone linkages on the third strand. This approach has previously been demonstrated for target sequences of the type 5'-(Pu)n(Py)n-3' in intramolecular complexes. Using affinity cleaving and DNase I footprinting, we show here that intermolecular triplexes can also be formed at both 5'-(Pu)n(Py)n-3' and 5'-(Py)n(Pu)n-3' target sequences. However, triplex formation at a 5'-(Py)n(Pu)n-3' sequence occurs with lower yield. Triplex formation is disfavored, even at acid pH, when a number of contiguous C+.GC base triplets are required. These results suggest that triplex formation via alternate strand recognition at sequences made up of blocks of purines and pyrimidines may be generally feasible.
The recognition and identification of modified acrylic fibers

Abstract Thirty-three samples of modified acrylic fiber representing the products of eight manufacturers were examined using six different methods. These were: brightfield and polarization microscopy, solubility testing in butyrolactone, cutting cross-sections, infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). The use of an instrumental method is advisable to confirm that a fiber sample is a modified acrylic polymer.
Weibull accelerated life testing with unreported early failures

Situations arise in life testing where early failures go unreported, e.g. a technician believes an early failure is "his fault" or "premature" and must not be recorded. Consequently, the reported data come from a truncated distribution and the number of unreported early failures is unknown. Inferences are developed for a Weibull accelerated life-testing model in which transformed scale and shape parameters are expressed as linear combinations of functions of the environment (stress). Coefficients of these combinations are estimated by maximum likelihood methods which allow point, interval, and confidence bound estimates to be computed for such quantities of interest for a given stress level as the shape parameter, the scale parameter, a selected quantile, the reliability at a particular time, and the number of unreported early failures. The methodology allows lifetimes to be reported as exact, right censored, or interval-valued, and to be subject optionally to testing protocols which establish thresholds below which lifetimes go unreported. A broad spectrum of applicability is anticipated by virtue of the substantial generality accommodated in both stress modeling and data type. >
Belief similarity and attitude similarity as determinants of interpersonal attraction

It was predicted that attraction would be a function of both attitude similarity and belief similarity, but that attitude similarity would have the greater influence. In Expt I, 60 subjects were presented with strangers that were either similar or dissimilar on attitude and on belief. Attraction was a positive function of both attitude similarity (p < .05) and belief similarity (p < .01). Experiment II replicated and extended Expt I with the addition of a 50% similar group for both attitude and belief. Attraction was a positive linear function of both attitude similarity (p < .001) and belief similarity (p < .02); departure from linearity was not significant. Attitude similarity also had greater effects on other aspects of interpersonal evaluation than belief similarity. The results were discussed in terms of the locus of reinforcement of attitude similarity and of belief similarity.
On Schur's second partition theorem

In 1926, I. J. Schur proved the following theorem on partitions [3].The number of partitions of n into parts congruent to ±1 (mod 6) is equal to the number of partitions of n of the form 1 + …+bs = n, where bi–bi+1 ≧ 3 and, if 3 ∣ bi, then bi–bi+1 > 3.Schur's proof was based on a lemma concerning recurrence relations for certain polynomials. In 1928, W. Gleissberg gave an arithmetic proof of a strengthened form of Schur's theorem [2]; however, the combinatorial reasoning in Gleissberg's paper becomes very intricate.
Factors influencing discharge location after hospitalization resulting from a traumatic fall among older persons.

OBJECTIVE:: To identify significant demographic, clinical, and nonclinical factors among elderly persons influencing the discharge location after hospitalization resulting from a traumatic fall. METHODS:: Population-based case-only study with use of data from the 2003 National Trauma Data Bank. The study analysis included 47,234 subjects admitted to 1 of 405 hospitals in the United States between 1989 and 2003, and aged between 65 and 89 years. Demographic characteristics, clinical factors, and discharge location were obtained from the database. RESULTS:: Eighty-three percent were discharged to home, 7% to a nursing home, and 10% to a rehabilitation facility. Female patients and white patients were more likely discharged to a nursing home or a rehabilitation facility than to home. Compared with commercial insurance, a patients who had Medicare was more likely discharged to a nursing home (odds ratio = 20.9; 95% confidence interval: 18.2-23.9) or a rehabilitation facility (odds ratio = 5.39; 95% confidence interval: 4.86-5.96) than to home. A patient who was injured in the face or neck, thorax, or abdomen was less likely discharged to a nursing home or a rehabilitation facility than to home when compared with a patient injured in an upper and lower extremity. A patient with an injury to the spine was more likely discharged to a rehabilitation facility than to home when compared with a patient injured in any other body region. CONCLUSION:: Gender, race, payment type, body region injured, Injury Severity Score, physiologically based Emergency Department Revised Trauma Score, and need for intensive care unit care were significant predictors of discharge location. Understanding and addressing the factors found in this study can improve the discharge planning process and posttreatment management. Language: en
Performance: Promises to Keep and Miles to Go

In July 1995, the American Society for Public Administration's Endowment Board established the Donald C. Stone Fund to honor the memory of this public administration legend. Income from this fund is used to sponsor a lecture or symposium at ASPA's national conference, which reflects Stone's varied interests and contributions to the field. This year marked the tenth Donald C. Stone Lecture. On April 4, Patricia Wallace Ingraham was ASPA's Stone Lecturer and gave the following speech
Polarization self-modulation at multi-gigahertz frequencies in an external-cavity semiconductor laser

Polarization self-modulation achieved at frequencies far above the relaxation oscillation frequency in an external-cavity hybrid ring semiconductor laser without the need for any high-speed electronics is discussed. This demonstrates that polarization modulation may be a viable alternative for generating controlled signals at extremely high frequencies ( approximately=100 GHz) for use as microwave and millimeter-wave optical carriers. >