cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Numeric and linguistic information representation in multiattribute choice

Abstract The form in which attribute values are represented is an important component of choice tasks. However, there is little evidence about the effects on decision processes of representing attribute values of alternatives numerically (i.e., as numbers) versus linguistically (i.e., as words). To investigate this issue, we conducted a process tracing study of multiattribute choice in which each of 24 participants made choices among alternative computer information systems. The number and similarity of alternatives were also manipulated to examine interactions of information representation with other task and context variables. Detailed measure of decision processes were collected through concurrent verbal protocols and computer logs generated by a mouse-driven software program. Results indicate that, relative to numbers, words lead to more alternative-based information search and less compensatory processing. We also find that the number and similarity of alternatives have important moderating influences on the effects of information representation. We conclude with implications for decision research.
Ferrite formation in neutron irradiated Type 316 stainless steel

Magnetic measurements were made on Type 316 stainless steel specimens that had been neutron irradiated to fluences of 1.8 × 1022 neutrons/cm2 at 425°C and 3.5 × 1022 neutrons/ cm2 (E > 0.1 MeV) at 500 and 600°C. A significant increase of magnetization was observed for the irradiated specimens compared to the unirradiated specimens. The shape of the magnetization vs field curves showed that the irradiated specimens contained many small superparamagnetic particles. The magnetic particles are assumed to be the ferrite phase although other possibilities cannot be excluded. The amount and distribution of the magnetic phase varied with pre-irradiation and post-irradiation heat treatment. The maximum value of magnetization was equivalent to 3.6 pct ferrite in a specimen annealed 100 h at 760°C before irradiation and 1 h at 500°C after irradiation at 425°C.
On the Essential Spectra of Quasisimilar Operators

B. Sz.-Nagy and C. Foias gave the first examples of quasisimilar operators with different spectra [25]. Indeed, quasisimilar operators can even have different spectral radius [19] (see also [15]). Nevertheless, T. B. Hoover has shown in [19] that if T and S are quasisimilar, then σ(T)∩σ(S) ≠ ∅, where σ(R) denotes the spectrum of the (bounded linear) operator R. In [12], the author improved Hoover's result by showing that each component of σ(S) intersects σ(T), and viceversa. This, in turn, was further improved by L. A. Fialkow in [7]. (Actually, Fialkow's results were obtained independently of [12].) L. A. Fialkow [7] and L. R. Williams [27] independently proved that σe(T)∩σe(S) ≠ ∅, where σe(R) denotes the essential spectrum of R. Several authors have raised the following natural question: Is it also true that each component of σe(S) intersects σe(T), and viceversa? [7] [21] [26].
FLOATING CURRENCIES, CAPITAL CONTROLS, OR CURRENCY BOARDS: WHAT'S THE BEST REMEDY FOR THE CURRENCY CRISES?

A number of different solutions have been proposed to deal with the Asian currency crisis. One proposal championed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is to allow the currencies to float while seeking to maintain their value through tight monetary policy. A second proposal calls for restrictions on capital flows. A third is establishment of currency boards, which seek to stabilize a currency's value by “pegging” it to the value of another currency. In examining each of these three alternatives, this article concludes that none offers a perfect solution. Capital controls are almost always bad, creating serious distortions throughout the economy and destroying investor confidence. Currency boards, as past experience suggests, can be effective in certain circumstances. Nevertheless, there are concerns that currency boards deprive countries of all policy flexibility (some of which could be helpful in coping with crises), are difficult to set up so as to maintain credibility, and may lack adequate reserves to instill confidence. Such concerns have stood in the way of using of currency boards in the cases of Russia and Indonesia. Having expressed reservations about these two “more radical” solutions, this article closes by noting the main problem with the IMF's prescription of floating currencies: its insistence on high interest rates and tight monetary policy. Because high interest rates tend to be ruinous for the local economy—and their effectiveness in limiting currency depreciation in times of crisis is far from clear—the author argues that interest rates should be raised only to compensate for inflation. Consistent with the recent experience of Brazil, the best solution may be just to allow currencies to float with a relatively loose monetary policy.
Page charges for AGU journals

Income from publications supports the overall operations of AGU. In 1985, 81% of AGU's income came from publications, and only 63% of AGU's direct expenses were attributable to publishing and the management of the publications. The net of the publication-derived income and expense supports educational and other programs that are essential to a scientific society but that produce no income. The second largest source of revenue for the Union is page charge income. In 1985, income from page charges was $1.9 million. The largest single source of revenue is institutional subscriptions, at $3.4 million in 1985. Figure 1 shows sources of revenue and expense in 1985.
Freeze-preservation of pea meristems in liquid nitrogen and subsequent plant regeneration

Abstract A procedure has been developed for the freeze-preservation of pea ( Pisum sativum L.) meristems and subsequent plant regeneration. The meristems were precultured in the presence of 5% DMSO for 48 h followed by freezing at cooling velocities varying from 0.5 to 1.0°C/min up to a terminal freezing temperature of −40°C and subsequently stored in liquid nitrogen (−196°C). Maximum survival as determined by the regrowth of meristems into whole plants was obtained at a cooling rate of 0.6°C/min after 1 h storage in liquid nitrogen (73%). The meristems were in storage in liquid nitrogen for up to 26 weeks and upon reculture more than 60% of the meristems differentiated into whole plants. Cold conditioning of meristems at 4°C prior to freezing without preculture in the presence of DMSO resulted in lower survival rates. Glycerol and ethylene glycol were ineffective cryoprotectants. Ultra-rapid freezing of meristems by direct immersion in liquid nitrogen was also lethal.
Self-assembly of the brain MAP-2 microtubule-binding region into polymeric structures resembling Alzheimer filaments.

Abstract The neuronal microtubule-associated protein known as MAP-2 has not been considered to be a subunit of paired helical filaments (PHFs) in neurofibrillary tangles seen in Alzheimer's Disease. We now describe the assembly of paired helical filament-like structures from MAP-2’s 203-residue microtubule-binding region (MTBR). SDS gel electrophoresis and equilibrium ultracentrifugation suggest that a dimeric form, cross-linked by an interchain disulfide, is involved in polymerization. MAP-2 MTBR polymers bind thioflavin-S, a dye used to histochemically localize Alzheimer neurofibrillary tangles. Our finding that PHF-like structures assemble from a MAP-2 fragment raises new questions about MAP-2’s role in the etiology of Alzheimer's Disease.
Matrix metalloproteinases in peripheral vascular disease.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are extracellular matrix–modifying enzymes that are important in many physiologic and pathologic vascular processes. Dysregulation of MMP activity has been associated with common vascular diseases such as atherosclerotic plaque formation, abdominal aortic aneurysms, and critical limb ischemia. For this reason, MMPs have become an important focus for basic science studies and clinical investigations by vascular biology researchers. This article reviews the recent literature, summarizing our current understanding of the role of MMPs in the pathogenesis of various peripheral vascular disease states. In addition, the importance of MMPs in the future diagnosis and treatment of peripheral vascular disease is discussed.
Computer-Assisted Mapping of Pyroclastic Surges

Volcanic hazard maps of surge boundaries and deposit thickness can be created by using a simplified eruption model based on an "energy line" concept of pyroclastic surge and flow emplacement. Computer image-processing techniques may be used to combine three-dimensional representations of the energy relations of pyroclasts moving under the influence of gravity (defined by an "energy cone") with digital topographic models of volcanoes to generate theoretical hazard maps. The deposit boundary and thickness calculated for the 18 May 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens are qualitatively similar to those actually observed.
Bose-Einstein condensation in trapped bosons: A variational Monte Carlo analysis

Several properties of trapped hard-sphere bosons are evaluated using variational Monte Carlo techniques. A trial wave function composed of a renormalized single-particle Gaussian and a hard-sphere Jastrow function for pair correlations is used to study the sensitivity of condensate and noncondensate properties to the hard-sphere radius and the number of particles. Special attention is given to diagonalizing the one-body density matrix and obtaining the corresponding single-particle natural orbitals and their occupation numbers for the system. The condensate wave function and condensate fraction are then obtained from the single-particle orbital with the highest occupation. The effect of interaction on other quantities such as the ground-state energy, the mean radial displacement, and the momentum distribution is calculated as well. Results are compared with mean-field theory in the dilute limit.
Modelling of energy conserving and passive solar buildings

Interets de l'utilisation de programmes de simulation de la performance energetique du point de vue d'un architecte ou d'un ingenieur. Adequation des modeles developpes en Europe et en Amerique du Nord aux pays en voie de developpement
Oral arginine has no acute effect on blood glucose concentrations or glucose production in type 2 diabetic volunteers

A 49-year old male with type 2 diabetes mellitus was given 3 grams (gm) of oral arginine per hour for 10-hours, the effects on plasma glucose, insulin, C-peptide and glucose concentrations were determined. Oral arginine administration decreased plasma glucose concentrations and glucose production by approximately 40% over an 8-hr study (5%/hr). Supplemental arginine is inexpensive and may provide physicians with an additional tool in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Six obese volunteers with type 2 diabetes were studied to document the effects of oral arginine on fasting glucose concentration and glucose production rate (GPR). Patients were admitted to the General Clinical Research Center for a 3-day stay. Oral arginine was ingested at 3-gm per hour starting at 4 am until 2 pm on day 2 or day 3 (randomized to arginine or to no-arginine supplement). Oral arginine administration was well tolerated and failed to increase C-peptide or insulin concentrations over the 10-hr period of administration. Unlike what was documented in the first diabetic patient, the prospective administration of oral arginine failed to reduce glucose concentrations (9.9 ± 1.8 vs 10.3 ± 1.8 mM) or GPR (14.7 ± 1.5 vs 15.7 ± 2.3 μmol/kg/min; arginine vs no-arginine; NS). The fall in blood glucose over the 8-hour period was not significantly increased during oral arginine administration (3.3% vs 2.6% per hour, arginine vs no-arginine, NS). These data demonstrate that 3-gm per hour of oral arginine had no effect on GPR or fasting blood glucose concentration in obese type 2 diabetic volunteers.
Beam extraction systems of the Buenos Aires 180-cm synchrocyclotron

Abstract The beam extraction systems of the Buenos Aires 180-cm synchrocyclotron are succinctly described and compared.
Violence and Lesbian and Gay Youth

Abstract Violence has become an increasingly common event in the lives of many adolescents. Lesbian and gay youth are subject to physical as well as non-physical forms of violence. This article explores multiple forms of violence and suggests strategies for addressing violence.
Musical Hunger: A Philosophical Testimonial of Miseducation

Reflecting upon Simone Weil’s conception of beauty as food, this essay proposes musical hunger as a metaphoric way of understanding a particular species of “cultural miseducation” as conceived by Jane Roland Martin, that disadvantages children musically and perhaps therefore also spiritually. It examines such musical miseducation with regard to an ethical conception of educational achievement as children’s growing capacities and responsibility for learning to love, survive, and thrive despite their troubles, especially their mothers’ absence, before narrating at length an educational autobiography of musical hunger and posing questions about formal and informal secular educative possibilities for musical nourishment.
Lower Health Literacy is Associated with Poorer Health Status and Outcomes in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

BACKGROUND Limited health literacy is associated with poor outcomes in many chronic diseases, but little is known about health literacy in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Synthesis of equiripple sector antenna patterns

A tutorial description is given of a procedure for synthesizing equiripple approximations to a sector pattern which is constant over the coverage region and zero elsewhere. This procedure, which represents a generalization of Dolph-Chebyshev synthesis, can be used to synthesize both zero phase and minimum phase approximations (with the latter yielding a better approximation to the desired magnitude function). Theoretical considerations and comparisons of recently constructed arrays suggest that the synthesized patterns have maximum rolloff at the coverage region boundary given constraints on the maximum allowable deviations from the desired pattern and the number of array elements. Extension to synthesis of more complex desired functions is discussed.
Calcium transients during mitosis: observations in flux.

Mini-synthese des problemes de mesure de concentration de calcium intracellulaire dans des cellules en division chez des invertebres (oursin Lytechinus, Hemicentrotus), chez des mammiferes (rat-kangourou, cellules 3T3) et chez les vegetaux (Haemanthus et Tradescantia) par differentes techniques, les unes utilisant l'ester de fura-2, des indicateurs fluorescents comme le quine, l'aequorine, le BAPTA ou des indicateurs colores comme l'arsenazo III, et des mesures par iontophorese
Segmentation and Feature Extraction Techniques, with Applications to MRI Head Studies

To obtain a three-dimensional reconstruction of the hippocampus from a volumetric MRI head study, it is necessary to separate that structure not only from the surrounding white matter, but also from contiguous areas of gray matter--the amygdala and cerebral cortex. At present it is necessary for a physician to manually segment the hippocampus on each slice of the volume to obtain such a reconstruction. This process is time consuming, and is subject to inter- and intraoperator variation as well as large discontinuities between slices. We propose a novel technique, making use of a combination of gray scale and edge-detection algorithms and some a priori knowledge, by which a computer may make an unsupervised identification of a given structure through a series of contiguous images. This technique is applicable even if the structure includes so-called false contours or missing contours. Applications include three-dimensional reconstruction of difficult-to-segment regions of the brain, and volumetric measurements of structures from series of two-dimensional images.
The Red-Absorbing Chlorophyll a Antenna States of Photosystem I: A Hole-Burning Study of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 and Its Mutants

Low temperature (4.2 K) absorption and hole-burned spectra are presented for the trimeric (wild-type, WT) photosystem I complex of the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803, its monomeric form, and mutants deficient in the PsaF, K, L, and M protein subunits. High-pressure- and Stark-hole-burning data for the WT trimer are presented as well as its temperature-dependent Qy-absorption and -fluorescence spectra. Taken as a whole, the data lead to assignment of a new and lowest energy antenna Qy-state located at 714 nm at low temperatures. It is this state that is responsible for the fluorescence in the low-temperature limit and not the previously identified antenna Qy-state near 708 nm. The data indicate that the 714 nm state is associated with strongly coupled chlorophyll a molecules (perhaps a dimer) and possesses significant charge transfer character. The red chlorophylls absorbing at 708 and 714 nm do not appear to be directly bound to any of the above protein subunits. The results are consistent with...
The nature and origin of geochemical variation in Mid-Atlantic Ridge basalts from the Central North Atlantic

Seventy-two basalts from 58 dredge stations located along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge from 29°N to 59°N have been analyzed for 87Sr86Sr and for K, Rb, Cc, Sr and Ba. The Sr-isotope profile along the ridge has three distinct maxima, one coinciding with the Azores platform (0.70345), one at 45°N (0.70340) and the third at 35°N, in the vicinity of the Oceanographer Fracture Zone. Basalts from ridge segments between 29°N and 33°N, and 49°N and 59°N have 87Sr86Sr ratios typical of ‘normal’ mid-ocean ridge basalts (0.70230–0.70280). Profiles of K, Rb, Cs, Sr, Bz, Rb/Sr and Ba/Sr are similar to the 87Sr86Sr profile, but Rb/K, Cs/K and Ba/K show broad maxima between 35°N and 45°N. These variations result from chemical and isotopic heterogeneity in the mantle, and are interpreted as caused by a mantle plume beneath the Azores which mixes with the LIL-element-depleted asthenosphere. Additional plumes may exist beneath 45°N and 35°N. Compared to the LIL-element-depleted asthenosphere, the Azores mantle plume is 10 to 30 times enriched in LIL elements with very small (⪢ 0.1) bulk crystal/melt partition coefficients (Rb, Cs, Ba, La). Mildly incompatible elements (0.1 < D < 1) (Sr, Sm, Yb) are only 0.8–3 times enriched. These, observations suggest that LIL element differences between these two mantle reservoirs resulted from processes involving solid-liquid equilibria and not vapor-solid or vapor-liquid equilibria. Isotope systematics indicate that neither mantle reservoir remained a closed system since the formation of the Earth, but it is not possible to determine the time at which heterogeneity first developed.
A liminal crossed product of a uniformly hyperfinite C∗-algebra by a compact Abelian automorphism group

Abstract It will be proved that a uniformly hyperfinite C∗-algebra A admits a compact Abelian automorphism group G such that the crossed product C ∗ (A, G) of A by G is isomorphic to the tensor product C(G) ⊗ α LC(H) of the Abelian C∗-algebra C(G) of all continuous functions on G and the C∗-algebra Lb ( H ) of all compact operators on a Hilbert space H .
Effects of moderate dietary restriction and age on blood parameters and metabolic enzymes in Lobund—Wistar rats

Abstract The effects of moderate dietary restriction (DR) on certain blood parameters and metabolic enzymes were studied in 80 male Lobund—Wistar rats at 6, 12, 18, 24 and 30 months of age. Two groups of rats were fed ad libitum (AL) or restricted (DR) to 12 g per day from weaning. Adult DR rats received 30% less diet per day when compared to adult rats in AL group. Blood glycohemoglobin levels increased significantly with age in AL rats, but not in those of the DR group. Hematocrit showed a significant decrease at 24 and 30 months in both groups. Serum glucose levels in rats were not affected by either diet or age. Five enzymes in the liver cytosolic fractions were determined. Activities of pyruvate kinase (PK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were significantly lower in the DR group than in the AL group at each age. Activities of glutamate-pyruvate transaminase (GPT), glutamate-oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT) and malate dehydrogenase (MDH) were significantly higher in the DR group than in the AL group. The results suggest that moderate DR decreased the glycolytic pathway and appears to stimulate amino acid metabolism and increase gluconeogensis.
Congenital Minor Salivary Gland Sialoblastoma: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Sialoblastoma is the most common epithelial tumor of the salivary gland. We report a case of congenital sialoblastoma arising in a minor salivary gland of the buccal mucosa of a male infant. After radiologic evaluation, an incisional biopsy was performed and then the mass was excised en bloc. Histologic features were both favorable and unfavorable. However, there was no recurrence for 5 months. In spite of a reported histologic grading system, the clinical course of isolated sialoblastoma is considered unpredictable. More published case reports of this rare tumor may enable histologic and clinical correlation in order to accurately predict prognosis.
Is Cylindropuntia ×fosbergii (Cactaceae) a Hybrid?

Abstract The Mason Valley cholla, Cylindropuntia ×fosbergii (C. B. Wolf) Rebman, M.A. Baker & Pinkava, is the putative hybrid of C. bigelovii (Engelm.) F. M. Knuth and some other species of Cylindropuntia. We used AFLPs to screen chollas of the Anza-Borrego Desert in southern California to test this hypothesis of hybrid origin and identify the parental species involved. Other species scrutinized as potential parents include C. echinocarpa (Engelm. & J. M. Bigelow) F. M. Knuth, C. ganderi (C. B. Wolf) Rebman & Pinkava, C. californica var. parkeri (J. M. Coulter) Pinkava, and C. wolfii (L. D. Benson) M.A. Baker. Patterns of band sharing clearly testify to the close relationship between C. ×fosbergii and C. bigelovii. None of the other species screened came close to that level of similarity. Moreover, the numbers of total loci and unique loci in C. ×fosbergii do not meet the expectations of a hybrid taxon. We propose the alternative hypothesis that C. ×fosbergii is the sister species of C. bigelovii.
Shigellosis associated with appendicitis.

Abstract Shigellosis and acute appendicitis presented concomitantly in a 5-yr-old girl. The literature regarding the association of Shigella infections and acute appendicitis is reviewed briefly.
Boundary Layer Transition Experiments in Support of the Hypersonics Program

Two experimental boundary layer transition studies in support of fundamental hypersonics research are reviewed. The two studies are the HyBoLT flight experiment and a new ballistic range effort. Details are provided of the objectives and approach associated with each experimental program. The establishment of experimental databases from ground and flight are to provide better understanding of high-speed flows and data to validate and guide the development of simulation tools.
Attentional rigidity during exploratory and simultaneous discrimination behavior in septal lesioned rats

Abstract The temporal pattern of exploration displayed by rats with septal damage was found to be consistent and opposite to that of controls in two successive test environments (Experiment 1). Whereas the overall activity level of the controls decreased across days, the septals showed a substantial increase over this period. Within days, the controls exhibited marked decrements in activity; the lesioned animals, in contrast, manifested a sharp increment during Day 1. This positively sloped function gradually reversed itself over days until the final day when septal and control functions were similar (although differing in level). The animals were then tested for acquisition of an appetitively reinforced form discrimination in a T-maze under a noncorrection procedure, and although neither group solved the discrimination, the operated rats more rapidly developed persistent position preferences (Experiment 2). When the animals were given the identical problem under a modified self-correction procedure in a discrimination box (Experiment 3), an inability to shift attention readily actually aided those rats with anteroventral medial septal destruction in focussing on the relevant stimulus dimension and reaching criterion. In contrast, the normal plasticity exhibited by control animals paradoxically interfered with their ability to solve the discrimination. It was concluded that a strict somatomotor response inhibition or suppression model of septal function was inconsistent with the present results and related findings in the literature.
Triplet energy transfer in solid solutions and films of poly(vinyl carbazole)

Monomeric carbazole derivatives show phosphorescence in the wavelength region between 400 and 500 nm. Poly(vinyl carbazole) (PVCA) in dilute frozen solutions also shows phosphorescence in this region and, in addition, delayed fluorescence owing to triplet-triplet annihilation. The latter depends on the molecular weight of the polymer, high-molecular weight samples showing very strong delayed fluorescence, whereas in low-molecular weight products phosphorescence prevails. The phosphorescence of solid PVCA is governed by traps. Comparison with low-temperature fluorescence and measurement of decay times suggest that two traps are important for both singlet and triplet excitons. The excimer-forming site is one of them. The maximum of triplet excimer emission is at about 500 nm, the decay time is 7.9 ± 1 sec (compared to 410 nm and 43 nsec in the singlet system). The second trap emits in the same wavelength region, decay time 1.4 sec, and corresponds to a second intrinsic singlet trap emitting at 380 nm (decay time 12 nsec). The range of the triplet exciton at 77°K is drastically reduced by these traps, as in the case of the singlet system.
Cellular changes of Reissner's membrane in Meniere's disease: human temporal bone study.

Abstract Objective To study the cellular characteristics of Reissner's membrane (RM) in temporal bones (TBs) from patients with endolymphatic hydrops with symptoms of Meniere's disease (EH/+MD) and TBs with endolymphatic hydrops without symptoms of Meniere's disease (EH/−MD) in an effort to understand the role of endolymphatic hydrops in MD symptoms. Study design Comparative study of human TB histopathology. Methods and materials Epithelial and mesothelial cellularity of RM from control TBs, TBs from patients with EH/+MD, and TBs from patients with EH/−MD were compared. The cellularity of epithelial and mesothelial cell nuclei (defined as number of cells/100 μm width of RM) were counted along the width of RM. The width of RM was measured from the vestibular crest of the spiral ligament to the limbus spiralis. Results The cellular densities of epithelial cells in the basal and middle turns of RM were significantly higher in the EH/+MD and EH/−MD groups compared with “controls.” There was no difference in epithelial cellularity between EH/+MD and EH/−MD. There was a decrease in the number of mesothelial cells of RM in the basal turn in EH/+MD and EH/−MD groups (statistically significant only in EH/+MD group) when compared with controls. The number of mesothelial cells of RM in the middle turn in EH/+MD and EH/−MD groups were significantly decreased compared with normals. Discussion Similar findings in cellularity of RM in temporal bones with EH/+MD and EH/−MD suggest that pathophysiologic mechanisms other than hydrops may be responsible for symptoms in Meniere's disease.
Interurban flows of population and occupational skills to three cities in Nigeria.

This article examines interurban flows of population and occupational skills to 3 cities in Nigeria. The analyses are based on 1973 and 1974 sample survey data collected in Benin Ibadan and Kano; the cities vary in population size and are located in 3 different urban growth regions of the country. This study examines the spatial and occupational experiences of male and female migrants in the 3 Nigerian cities. Multistaged probability cluster sampling procedures are used in each field exercise. Data indicate that few migrants are once-only movers and many migrants make over 3 spatial moves. Of the migration streams interurban movements are dominant; the majority of migrants to the city of Ibadan came from other cities of substantial size in the state. This suggests that African cities located in close proximity to other cities are more likely to attract interurban migrants than rural-to-urban migrants. Migrants brought a diverse mixture of occupational skills to the cities influenced by their spatial experiences. Male migrants who made interurban moves brought modern sector type skills to the cities or came with educational training to embark on urban careers. The majority of women accompanied their families or spouses to the cities and came as housewives traders or farmers. The findings of this study are highly supportive of the proposed integrative approach of the forthcoming population policy. Integrated rural development programs that attempt to improve all aspects of life in rural areas are just 1 of several policies needed in Nigeria; population redistribution must also be a concern.
Correspondence of Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction Determinations From Two-Dimensional Echocardiography, Radionuclide Angiography and Contrast Cineangiography

Objectives. This study assessed the agreement of left ventricular ejection fraction determinations from two-dimensional echocardiography, radionuclide angiography and contrast cineangiography. Background. Previously published reports suggest that two-dimensional echocardiography, radionuclide angiography and contrast cineangiography are equally acceptable methods of assessing left ventricular ejection fraction on the basis of high coefficients of correlation. However, correlation of methods does not necessarily imply agreement. Methods. In a prospective analysis, 25 consecutive subjects all had two-dimensional echocardiography and radionuclide angiography performed within 10 days of each other in the cardiology department of a metropolitan community hospital. A retrospective computer search (Medline) revealed seven studies, using the coefficient of correlation (r), comparing two-dimensional echocardiographic left ventricular ejection fraction (n = 268) with radionuclide angiographic (n = 174) or contrast cineangiographic (n = 119) left ventricular ejection fractions. Results. The eight individual studies (n = 293) comparing two-dimensional echocardiography with either radionuclide angiography or contrast cineangiography exhibited coefficients of correlation ranging from 0.78 to 0.93. Agreement analysis using the method of Bland and Altman was performed by averaging the results obtained from the two techniques and determining how disparate any single ejection fraction was (with 95% confidence limits) from the mean value. Agreement ranged from 23% to 42% around the mean ejection fraction. The average lack of agreement between the two methods for all studies involved was 17%, with an average r value of 0.86. Conclusions. Left ventricular ejection fraction determinations by means of two-dimensional echocardiography, radionuclide angiography and contrast cineangiography exhibit high correlation and only moderate agreement. High correlation does not always imply high agreement. These results suggest that, when validated by agreement analysis, multiple studies may not be necessary in appropriate clinical situations, potentially reducing costs.
Revisiting disposition assessment in teacher education: broadening the focus

Today's teacher education programmes across the world strive to equip future teachers with the high‐quality knowledge, skills and dispositions necessary to teach students. The assessment of teacher dispositions has thus become essential to cultivate those qualities. However, the current approach to disposition assessment in the United States focuses on personal characteristics and character‐related dispositions and is frequently used as a sorting device to identify those who appear to be inadequately disposed to teaching. Expanding on earlier work by the author and colleagues, this paper examines the issue of whether more efforts should be made to incorporate elements to assess competence‐related dispositions in conjunction with the character‐related dispositions across assessment tools and, if so, how this could be accomplished. In addition, this paper will clarify some dispositional concepts and terms used interchangeably that actually differ from one another and can confuse the consistency of dispositi...
The Story of Closely and Loosely Coupled Organisations

Abstract This essay examines Bimbaum's five types of collegiate organisations in terms of their interactiveness within closely and loosely coupled organisations. The terminology of close and loosely coupled organisations often leaves a cloudy paradigm. Exactly how does coupling relate to the way organisations act internally and externally? This brief essay refines the existing definitions within the field and presents modem day illustrations and analogies of coupling.
SU-C-220-02: A High Efficiency Grid System for Abdominal Radiography

Purpose: To improve scatter control in abdominal radiography.Methods: A crossed grid system was constructed and consists of a stationary low ratio, high strip density conventional grid (8:1, 60 lines/cm) positioned above and with its septa orthogonal to the septa of a novel high ratio, air interspace, coarse strip density scanning grid (15:1, 2.0 lines/cm). The latter has articulating grid slats; during an exposure the slats remain focused on the x‐ray focal spot. To suppress grid line artifacts, a trapezoidal x‐ray exposure was generated and coupled with the movement of the scanning grid. This effectively eliminates grid line artifacts for small grid movements. The grid DQE was measured for 4 grid configurations: the crossed grid system, the scanning grid alone, a stationary 15:1 conventional grid, and no grid. The measurements were made with standard CsI flat panel detector and a variety of acrylic thicknesses and x‐ray tube potentials.Results: In all cases the DQEgrid measured with the various grid systems was markedly better (130% to 580%) than that measured without a grid. The performance of the crossed grid system was 6% to 120% better than the conventional 15:1 grid. The scanning grid system performed 22% better (20 cm acrylic, 60 kVp) to 6% worse (40 cm acrylic, 120 kVp) than the crossed grid system. While subtle gridline artifacts are present in flat‐field images, the artifacts are invisible in images of anthropomorphic phantoms Conclusions: A high efficiency scanning grid system has been designed and constructed. The system requires only a short grid movement during an exposure to suppress grid line artifacts. It can be used with or without a crossed conventional low ratio grid. In either case, its dose efficiency in controlling scatter is markedly superior that of a high quality, high ratio conventional stationary grid. The authors are co‐owners of X‐Ray Imaging Innovations, which has developed this technology, and are co‐inventors of U.S. Patent 6,795,529, which covers this technology
Chapter 8 Estimating production frontier shifts: An application of DEA to technology assessment

Evaluating the separate impacts of factors which affect the productive efficiency of organizations is difficult. This is because the impact of a factor is often contingent on other organizational, managerial or environmental characteristics. Standard econometric methods are limited in their ability to discriminate between efficient and inefficient units, and often impose considerable structure in parametrically specified functional forms. We show how a nonparametric data envelopment approach can be employed to focus on the best that can be achieved, with and without the key characteristic of interest. We illustrate the approach with real data from the service sector requiring the evaluation of the impact of a new information technology. The analytical technique estimates the annual savings in materials cost for an average store using the information technology to be over $4,000 (2.04% of materials cost), well in excess of the amortized annual cost for its installation. Establishing the separation in the production frontier in different regions, we show that the information technology had a substantially larger impact for the bigger stores. The savings were about 80% greater in the larger volume stores than in the smaller volume operations, an important consideration in setting the priorities for installation. The illustration underscores the flexibility of DEA in detecting different impacts of a new technology in different environments.
Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of doxorubicin-formaldehyde conjugates targeted to breast cancer cells

The anthracycline antitumor drug doxorubicin (DOX) has been utilized for decades as a broad-spectrum chemotherapeutic. Recent literature evidence documents the role of formaldehyde in the cytotoxic mechanism, and anthracycline-formaldehyde conjugates possess substantially enhanced activity in vitro and in vivo. Targeting a doxorubicin-formaldehyde conjugate specifically to cancer cells may provide a more efficacious chemotherapeutic. The design and 11-step synthesis of doxorubicin-formaldehyde conjugates targeted to the estrogen receptor, which is commonly overexpressed in breast cancer cells, are reported. The formaldehyde is incorporated in a masked form as an N-Mannich linkage between doxorubicin and salicylamide. The salicylamide triggering molecule, previously developed to release the doxorubicin-formaldehyde active metabolite, is tethered via derivatized ethylene glycols to an E and Z mixture of 4-hydroxytamoxifen. The targeting group, E/Z-4-hydroxytamoxifen, was selected for its ability to tightly bind the estrogen receptor and antiestrogen binding sites. The targeted doxorubicin-formaldehyde conjugates' estrogen receptor binding and in vitro growth inhibition were evaluated as a function of tether length. The lead compound, DOX-TEG-TAM, bearing a triethylene glycol tether, binds the estrogen receptor with a binding affinity of 2.5% relative to E/Z-4-hydroxytamoxifen and inhibits the growth of four breast cancer cell lines with 4-fold up to 140-fold enhanced activity relative to doxorubicin.
Effect of Ligand Shell Structure on the Interaction between Monolayer-Protected Gold Nanoparticles

Here we present a comparative analysis of two types of equally monodisperse gold nanoparticles (similar to 8 nm in diameter), one coated only with dodecanethiol ligands and the other coated with a mixture of dodecanethiol and 4-methylbenzenethiol ligands. The former particles ('homoligand') have a homogeneous coating, while the latter ones ('rippled') show a striated structure composed of phase-separated ribbon-like domains of alternating composition. A combined scanning tunneling and transmission electron microscopy study shows that homoligand nanoparticles interdigitate into one another less than rippled particles and readily form hexagonally packed supracrystals, while rippled particles are trapped in more disordered 'glassy' arrangements.
Characteristics of myasthenia gravis with antibodies to muscle-specific kinase and low-density lipoprotein-related receptor protein 4

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is characterized by fatigable weakness of voluntary muscles caused by immunoglobulin G autoantibodies binding to post-synaptic proteins at the neuromuscular junction. Antibodies specific for the acetylcholine receptor are detected in the great majority (85%) of MG patients. Serum immunoglobulin G binding to the muscle-specific kinase (MuSK) are found in approximately 40% of anti-acetylcholine receptor-negative patients. Recently, the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 4 (Lrp4), which is the MuSK co-receptor for agrin, has been recognized as a new antigen in MG. Specific antibodies bind to the extracellular domains of MuSK and Lrp4 and, as experimental models have shown, interfere with the protein function. The present review describes the MuSK-Lrp4 complex, and summarizes the effects of MuSK and Lrp4 antibodies at the neuromuscular junction. Furthermore, the epidemiological and clinical characteristics, the response to therapy and the controversies in management of the specific diseases are discussed.
High-Achieving and Average Students’ Reading Growth: Contrasting School and Summer Trajectories

Much is unknown about how initially high-achieving students grow academically, especially given the measurement issues inherent in assessing growth for the highest performing students. This study c...
Duration of strong earthquake shaking

Abstract This paper summarizes recent developments in the analysis, interpretation and estimation of the duration of strong earthquake ground shaking in a form suitable for routine applications. It presents two empirical scaling models for estimating the duration in terms of (1) the Modified Mercalli Intensity at the site, and (2) the magnitude and epicentral distance. Both models consider the influence of (a) the frequency of motion, (b) horizontal or vertical component direction, and (c) the depth of sedimentary deposits beneath the site on the duration of shaking. It is shown that the depth of sedimentary deposits beneath and surrounding the site should play a significant role in the empirical estimation of the duration of strong earthquake shaking.
Decorin, Versican, and Biglycan Gene Expression by Keloid and Normal Dermal Fibroblasts: Differential Regulation by Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor

Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) is a multipotential heparin-binding factor that belongs to the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family. The FGFs demonstrate a wide spectrum of biologic activities in vivo and in vitro. In this study, we investigated the potential of bFGF to regulate the expression of various dermal extracellular matrix proteoglycans and type I collagen mRNAs in cultured human fibroblasts from keloid, which is a prototype of dermal fibrosis, and normal skin tissue. We report that bFGF upregulates the expression of the decorin gene in normal and keloid fibroblasts. In contrast, the expression of biglycan is downregulated by bFGF. The mRNA steady-state level of versican, a large proteoglycan, is not altered by bFGF. Type I collagen gene expression is downregulated substantially in keloid and normal fibroblasts by bFGF. The results suggest that the expression of the proteoglycan genes are uncoordinately regulated and that the gene expression of type I collagen and biglycan is coordinately downregulated. The results also demonstrate that keloid fibroblasts respond similarly as do normal fibroblasts to bFGF in the regulation of proteoglycan and collagen expression.
Lyapunov iterations for optimal control of jump linear systems at steady state

In this paper we construct a sequence of Lyapunov algebraic equations,whose solutions converge to the solutions of the coupled algebraic Riccati equations of the optimal control problem for jump linear systems. The obtained solutions are positive semidefinite, stabilizing, and unique. The proposed algorithm is extremely efficient from the numerical point of view since it operates only on the reduced-order decoupled Lyapunov equations, Several examples are included to demonstrate the procedure. >
Brain natriuretic peptide levels and left ventricular functional recovery in a chronic heart failure population.

Due to the poor correlation between symptoms and left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction in a chronic heart failure (HF) population, the ability to identify patients who demonstrate LV functional recovery poses a dilemma for the clinician. Serial echocardiograms are not practical in a large outpatient HF population. Plasma brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels have a high predictive value for excluding patients with ventricular dysfunction and therefore could serve as a marker for identifying patients who demonstrate improved LV function. To evaluate this point, the researchers obtained baseline BNP levels in 380 chronic systolic HF patients seen in an outpatient HF clinic. Each patient already had a baseline echocardiogram performed before or on entry into the clinic. Fifty patients were identified in this group as having normal BNP levels ( 50% increased from zero to 20 (p < 0.001). Thus, normal BNP levels can correlate with LV recovery and could potentially offer a cost-effective method of assessing changes in LV function in patients with chronic HF.
Predicted age-depth scales for Siple Dome and inland WAIS ice cores in west Antarctica

Geophysical data are used with ice flow models and generalized accumulation histories to estimate age and annual layer thickness versus depth for two anticipated ice core sites in West Antarctica: Siple Dome (81.65°S, 148.81°W) and an inland site on the West Antarctic Ice Sheet (WAIS). This modeling experiment predicts that 104 year-old ice is at ∼50% depth and 105 year-old ice is at ∼90% depth at both sites. Both of these cores could contain climate information through the last glacial cycle with annual resolution through the Holocene. The predicted similarity in resolution and record length between the two cores suggests that they could be compared in detail to obtain both spatial and temporal information about the paleoclimate and history of the West Antarctic ice sheet.
The Effects of Intravenous Hexamethonium on Venous Pressure of Normotensive and Hypertensive Patients with and without Congestive Heart Failure

The response of atrial pressure, venous pressure, pulse and respiratory rates to intravenous hexamethonium in 38 selected patients was studied. The drug seemed more effective where vascular tone was greater. Increased venous tone was indicated in congestive heart failure. The possible useful role of intravenous hexamethonium as an adjunct in the treatment of congestive heart failure was concluded from the objective and subjective observations made.
Silent Urothelial Cancer Detected by Sonography After Renal Transplantation

Abstract Objectives Organ transplantation increases the incidence of cancer through unclear mechanisms. In our observation, urothelial cancer happens much more frequently in Chinese people. We reviewed the detection of urothelial cancer in our series after renal transplantation. Methods From July 1981 to June 2005, we performed 620 renal transplantations. We do graft and native kidney sonography survey annually even if the patient is asymptomatic. During this period, 10 urothelial tumors were detected. Herein we have reviewed the findings in these cases, along with their management and outcomes. Results Moderate to severe hydronephrosis of native kidneys was observed in 14 patients, including 9 (64.3%) who had cancer including eight asymptomatic and only one with flank pain and lymph nodes metastasis succumbing in 10 months with a functioning graft. Three patients showed similar degrees of graft hydronephrosis and graft ureteral cancer was diagnosed in one. Mean time from transplantation was 5.09 years. There was a female predominance (7:3). The bladder–to–renal pelvis–to–ureter ratio was 2:5:7, which was distinct from the usual 51:3:1 distribution. In native ureter cancer, we found the left ureter more prone to develop cancer than the right (8:1). Conclusion The pattern of cancer in renal transplant patients is thoroughly different from the general population, namely female predominance, with a higher incidence of ureteral and renal pelvis versus bladder cancer. In our observation, routine periodic sonography survey even in asymptomatic patients is important for urothelial tumor detection, as the incidence of cancer is surprisingly high.