cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Race/ethnicity, homeownership, and neighborhood attachment

This study addresses the importance of neighborhood attachment and its key determinants among urban residents. Particular emphasis in this study has been placed on race/ethnicity and homeownership as the critical predictors of neighborhood attachment. Using data from the Project on Human Development in Chicago Neighborhoods in 1995, the findings showed that urban blacks are less attached to their neighborhoods and neighbors than urban whites, and that there is little difference between urban Latinos and urban whites in neighborhood attachment. Second, this study demonstrated that homeownership, in both urban whites and urban blacks, is a critical determinant of neighborhood attachment. In comparison to white homeowners, this study also showed that both Latino homeowners and nonhomeowners interact less with their neighbors (neighboring) and trust their neighbors less (social cohesion/trust).
The Sequential Alterations of Endoneurial Cholesterol and Fatty Acid in Wallerian Degeneration and Regeneration

The endoneurial nonpolar lipids were serially examined throughout Wallerian degeneration and regeneration. Following nerve crush in the rat, the endoneurial content of cholesterol falls and cholesteryl ester content rises dramatically. The maximal alteration of this ratio corresponds reasonably well with events of myelin ovoid dissolution to sudanophilic amorphous lipids. Thereafter, as regenerative events overshadow degenerative events the ratio is slowly restored toward normal. The increased cholesteryl esters are probably synthesized within endoneurium from free fatty acids which become available when myelin is degraded. The endoneurial free fatty acid content presumably represents the net effect of phospholipid degradation, cholesterol esterification, cholesteryl ester hydrolysis, and fascicular entry and exit. Free fatty acids become significantly elevated by 12 days, probably reach a peak between 16 and 60 days, and thereafter return to normal with fiber regeneration. The fatty acid composition of cholesteryl esters from crushed nerves is markedly different from those of normal sciatic nerves. The altered fatty acid composition of cholesteryl esters from myelin suggests that both synthesis and hydrolysis exhibit substrate specificity toward chain length and unsaturation, with oleate being the most favored substrate.
SU‐E‐T‐473: Preplanning of Stereotactic Radiosurgery Using the Brainlab IPlan Treatment Planning System

Purpose: Frame‐based stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) requires fixation of an invasive head ring to ensure accurate targeting. Minimizing waiting time with head ring on is important for patient comfort and satisfaction. We report a practical preplanning solution for the Brainlab iPlan treatment planning system (TPS) that reduces waiting time by expediting the planning process on treatment day. Methods: A water‐filled anthropomorphic head phantom was used to acquire a surrogate CT image set for preplanning and fused with patient MRI image set which is usually available before the treatment day. Once an acceptable preplan was obtained, it was saved as a plan template and the phantom image set was removed from the Brainlab database to prevent any confusion and mix‐up. On treatment day, patient CT was fused with MRI, customized beam settings from the preplan template were applied and optimized. Considerable reduction in treatment planning time was demonstrated by bench testing with both a conformal beam and a circular arc case. Results: Preplans were generated in 20–25 minutes to satisfy <130% homogeneity, 100% coverage and <2.0 conformity index with the phantom CT. After applying the plan template and fine‐tuning the pre‐configured beam settings, treatment plans of comparable evaluation indices were obtained in 5 min and 1 min for the conformal and arc cases, respectively. This technique was successfully applied to our last 16 patient treatments. Conclusion: The SRS preplanning technique implemented in this study for the Brainlab iPlan TPS offers an opportunity to thoroughly explore possible beam configurations, optimize planning parameters, resolve gantry angle clearance issues, and communicate and address challenges with physicians before treatment day. Preplanning has proven useful and time‐saving in our clinic particularly for multiple‐isocenter and dosimetrically challenging cases.
GWASS: GRASS web application software system based on the GeoBrain web service

GRASS is a well-known geographic information system developed more than 30 years ago. As one of the earliest GIS systems, GRASS has currently survived mainly as free, open-source desktop GIS software, with users primarily limited to the research community or among programmers who use it to create customized functions. To allow average GIS end users to continue taking advantage of this widely-used software, we developed a GRASS Web Application Software System (GWASS), a distributed, web-based, multi-tiered Geospatial Information System (GIS) built on top of the GeoBrain web service, a project sponsored by NASA using the latest service oriented architecture (SOA). This SOA enabled system offers an effective and practical alternative to current commercial desktop GIS solutions. With GWASS, all geospatial processing and analyses are conducted by the server, so users are not required to install any software at the client side, which reduces the cost of access for users. The only resource needed to use GWASS is an access to the Internet, and anyone who knows how to use a web browser can operate the system. The SOA framework is revitalizing the GRASS as a new means to bring powerful geospatial analysis and resources to more users with concurrent access.
Safety, Effectiveness, and Cost Effectiveness of Metabolic Surgery in the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Remission of type 2 diabetes mellitus with metabolic surgery is a field of active investigation and development. The extraordinary results obtained in diabetic patients with BMI > 35 kg/m2 have led investigators to query if similar results could be achieved in patients with BMI < 35 kg/m2. A few studies have been recently conducted to evaluate the safety, effectiveness, and cost effectiveness of bariatric surgery in diabetic patients with BMI BMI < 35 kg/m2. However, stronger evidence would be required before insurance coverage is extended for bariatric surgery to all type 2 diabetic patients, in addition to those with BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2 for whom eligibility is already established. In addition, the hormonal and metabolic mechanisms of diabetes remission after gastrointestinal surgery are yet to be determined. This paper will review the evidence about safety, effectiveness, and cost effectiveness of bariatric surgery in type 2 diabetes mellitus remission and the potential socioeconomic impact of offering bariatric surgery to diabetic patients with BMI BMI < 35 kg/m2.
Grid-independent upwind scheme for multidimensional flow

Recent advances in the development of a grid-independent finite volume scheme for the Euler equations of gas dynamics are described. In the proposed method, flowfield gradient data are reconstructed locally (on a triangle) using five elementary planar waves, and an upwind numerical flux function for grid-oblique waves is developed to model the effect of the passage of these waves on the data in a cell. Numerical examples for several two-dimensional test problems are included. These results show high wave resolution and nearly monotone strong-wave transitions.
Genes that control flower development in Arabidopsis

Abstract Over the last several years, a number of mutations that disrupt flower development have been described in both Arabidopsis thaliana and Antirrhinum majus. These mutations define genes that affect flower induction, meristem identity, and floral organ identity. Many of these regulatory genes have been cloned and found to contain a conserved protein-coding domain present in transcription factors from yeast and mammals. Transcripts from these genes are found in regions of the flower that exhibit defects in the corresponding mutants. By examining the spatial expression patterns of these genes in various mutant backgrounds, the molecular interactions that control flower development are beginning to be elucidated.
A comparison of Guided Imaginal Coping and imaginal exposure in the treatment of panic disorder

The present study evaluated the efficacy of a new intervention, Guided Imaginal Coping (GIC), compared to imaginal exposure (IEX), and a waiting-list control (WLC) condition among 24 clinic outpatients meeting DSM-III-R criteria for panic disorder (PD) or PD with agoraphobia. GIC was the more consistently effective intervention, with individuals demonstrating significant improvement in frequency and severity of panic attacks (Pas) as well as significant reductions in physiological and subjective arousal to provocative imagery. Individuals in the IEX intervention demonstrated less consistent improvement on the dependent measures, while individuals in the WLC condition essentially remained unchanged. Both GIC and IEX were effective according to a composite measure of clinically significant improvement. However, only GIC was superior to the WLC condition when clinical improvement was defined as zero PAs at follow-up. These findings, while preliminary, suggest that GIC can be added to the armamentarium of effective approaches to treating PD.
Computationally Efficient Optimal Power Management for Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles With Spatial Domain Dynamic Programming

The plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV), utilizing more battery power, has become a next-generation HEV with great promise of higher fuel economy. Global optimization charge-depletion power management would be desirable. This has so far been hampered due to the a priori nature of the trip information and the almost prohibitive computational cost of global optimization techniques such as dynamic programming (DP). Combined with the Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), our previous work developed a two-scale dynamic programming approach as a nearly globally optimized charge-depletion strategy for PHEV power management. Trip model is obtained via GPS, GIS, real-time and historical traffic flow data and advanced traffic flow modeling. The main drawback was the dependency of external server for obtaining the macroscale SOC profile, which makes it difficult to handle the impromptu change of driving decision. In this paper, a computationally efficient strategy is proposed based on road segmentation and lookup table methods. Simulation results have shown its great potential for real-time implementation.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Quantitative LEED analysis of the surface structure of a MgCl2 thin film grown on Pd(111)

An epitaxial, ultrathin single-crystal film (12 Angstrom) of MgCl[2] was deposited molecularly onto a Pd single crystal of (111) orientation at a crystal temperature of {approx}650 K. A detailed surface structure determination of this insulating film was performed by low-energy electron diffraction (LEED). A low incident LEED beam current (0.36 mu A) was employed to minimize the electron-stimulated desorption (ESD) of Cl. The best-fit model for the observed hexagonal MgCl[2](1 x 1) pattern corresponds to the unreconstructed (0001) Cl-terminated plane of alpha-MgCl[2], whose stacking sequence is Cl-Mg-Cl-Cl-Mg-Cl..., with a Pendry R-factor of 0.317. Small relaxations of the surface were found as 0.03 +- 0.03, 0,003 +-0.04 and 0.04 +- 0.08 Angstrom expansions of the first three Mg-Cl interlayer spacings, respectively, and a 0.10 +- 0.06 A contraction of the first Cl-Cl interlayer spacing. These small deviations were probably driven by the loss of the van der Waals interaction at the termination plane, since surface structure data for transition-metal dichalcogenides, which have different intralayer bonding, but the same intertrilayer bonding, report a similar magnitude of interlayer spacing deviations as seen in MgCl[2].
HOW COHABITORS VIEW CHILDBEARING

Over one third of all U.S. births are to unmarried women, many cohabiting with their baby's father. While nonmarital childbearing is concentrated among the less educated, in recent decades, its pre...
Common Coding of Samples Associated with the Same Comparison: The Nature of the Common Representation

Abstract In many-to-one matching, emergent relations can be shown to develop between samples associated with the same comparison. There is also evidence that the emergent relations may involve the common representation of one pair of samples in terms of the other. For example, when samples of food and a red hue are associated with one comparison, and samples of no-food and a green hue are associated with the other, the retention functions found when delays are inserted between the samples and the comparisons suggest that red samples are coded as food and green samples are coded as no-food. The present research extended the generality of this common coding by using all nonhedonic samples—yellow and a dark key as the present–absent sample pair and two shapes (or line orientations) as the other sample pair. Results of retention tests suggest that the basis for the common codes was the yellow hue and either the dark key or the shape (or line orientation) associated with the other comparison. Furthermore, the presence of the shape (or line-orientation) samples altered the coding of the presence/absence-hue samples from the more typical single-code/default coding pattern to a dual code pattern in which one pair of commonly represented samples was generally retained better than the other.
PHARMACOLOGY AND TOXICOLOGY OF PRASEODYMIUM AND NEODYMIUM CHLORIDES.

Abstract The pharmacology and toxicology of praseodymium and neodymium chlorides have been investigated. Both chemicals exhibited a delayed acute toxicity with symptoms similar to those seen with other members of the rare earth series. Chronic oral ingestion of both chemicals for 12 weeks at three dosage levels produced no changes in the hemogram and no evidence of histopathologic damage to the internal organs. On all systems studied, these chemicals exhibited a depressant action and produced death by cardiovascular collapse coupled with respiratory parlysis. Instillation into the eye resulted, with both chemicals, in transient conjunctival ulceration. Skin damage with scar formation occurred upon application to abraded, but not to unabraded, skin. Intradermal injection of either chemical produced nodules containing foreign body giant cells and crystals. The toxicologic effects of praseodymium and neodymium were compared with the effects of other rare elements.
Topological classification of crystalline insulators with space group symmetry

We show that in crystalline insulators, space group symmetry alone gives rise to a topological classification based on the discretization of electric polarization. Using ${C}_{3}$ rotational symmetry as an example, we first prove that the polarization is discretized into three distinct classes, i.e., it can only take three inequivalent values. We then prove that these classes are topologically distinct. Therefore, a ${Z}_{3}$ topological classification exists, with polarization as a topological class index. A concrete tight-binding model is derived to demonstrate the ${Z}_{3}$ topological phase transition. Using first-principles calculations, we identify graphene on a BN substrate as a possible candidate to realize these ${Z}_{3}$ topological states. To complete our analysis, we extend the classification of band structures to all 17 two-dimensional space groups. This work will contribute to a complete theory of symmetry-conserved topological phases and also elucidate topological properties of graphenelike systems.
Temperature elevation profile inside the rat brain induced by a laser beam

The thermal effect may be a desired outcome or a concerning side effect in laser-tissue interactions. Research in this area is particularly motivated by recent advances in laser applications in diagnosis and treat- ment of neurological disorders. Temperature as a side effect also limits the maximum power of optical transfer and harvesting of energy in implantable neural prostheses. The main objective was to investigate the thermal effect of a near-infrared laser beam directly aimed at the brain cortex. A small, custom-made thermal probe was inserted into the rat brain to make direct measurements of temperature elevations induced by a free-air circular laser beam. The time dependence and the spatial distribution of the temperature increases were studied and the maximum allowable optical power was determined to be 2.27 W∕cm 2 for a corresponding temperature increase of 0.5°C near the cortical surface. The results can be extrapolated for other temperature elevations, where the margin to reach potentially damaging temperatures is more relaxed, by taking advantage of linearity. It is con- cluded that the thermal effect depends on several factors such as the thermal properties of the neural tissue and of its surrounding structures, the optical properties of the particular neural tissue, and the laser beam size and shape. Because so many parameters play a role, the thermal effect should be investigated for each specific application separately using realistic in vivo models. © The Authors. Published by SPIE under a Creative Commons Attribution
Informatics and the future of nursing: Harnessing the power of standardized nursing terminology

Editor's Summary Rolled into general health services, an invisible part of a hospital room rate, nursing is overdue for its own professional identity. One hallmark of a true profession is universal use of a specialized vocabulary by members. Standardized nursing terminologies provide a consistent basis for communicating the unique contributions of nursing to direct patient care and to research. Nursing has the dubious advantage of having seven recognized term sets serving numerous purposes but undermining the goal of consistency, key to widespread recognition and acceptance. Adoption of a single vocabulary appears doubtful, though two stand out for active support, currency and free availability. Widespread use of a standardized nursing terminology will come with time, consistent use, incorporation into nursing education and reference in professional health care and nursing journals. Cross mappings to important medical terminologies are necessary for interoperability and use in health and nursing informatics research.
The “New” Relationship Models of Women's Identity: A Review and Critique for Counselors

This article reviews theories of women's identity that emphasize the relational capacities of women. It provides a brief summary of five theories that have received attention during the 1980s and focuses on how these perspectives can be integrated and enrich counseling practices. It also cautions against oversimplifying the nature of women's identity and suggests that an inclusive view of women's or men's identity must devote attention to individual differences, situational factors, and external social forces that influence persons.
Regulation of bone regeneration with approved small molecule compounds

Stimulation of bone formation using recombinant growth factors has been a promising strategy for bone repair and regeneration. However, small molecules have been suggested as alternatives to recombinant protein-based treatments because of their unique advantages. To date, therapeutic methods for orthopaedic applications still heavily rely on therapeutic protein-based growth factors. This trend is likely to be reversed since innovative drug discovery strategies, such as broad-spectrum database analysis and high throughput functional screens, have led to the discovery of many novel small molecule compounds and the development of novel applications of existing approved small molecule compounds. It should be noted that some of these small molecules with osteoinductive potential have been approved for human use due to their efficacy in treating other health ailments. Thus, these approved small molecule compounds are highly translatable to orthopaedic applications. In this article, we review the literature, paying attention to the prospects of existing approved small molecule therapeutics with bone regenerative capacity. Future directions of bone repair and regeneration using these approved small molecule drugs will be discussed as well. Keywords: small molecules; bone regeneration; drug discovery (Published: 26 September 2014) Citation: Advances in Regenerative Biology 2014, 1 : 25276 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/arb.v1.25276 Abstract in popular science Skeletal diseases and injuries, such as bone fractures, affect a significant portion of the population. While several protein-based medications are currently approved for the treatment of skeletal disorders via bone repair and regeneration, it is known that these protein-based therapeutics can cause significant side-effects. An alternative to protein-based pharmaceuticals is urgently needed in order for the therapeutics to be safer, more effective, and more affordable. Small molecule-based drugs are more appealing for treating bone diseases because they are more affordable, more stable, and require a smaller dosage to achieve a bone regenerative effect. Interestingly, some small molecule drugs that are already being prescribed to treat a variety of medical conditions have shown potential to be used as therapeutics for bone repair and regeneration. This review article provides a summary of recent findings of approved small molecule compounds with bone regenerative capability.
Statistical Analysis of Abnormal Electric Power Grid Behavior

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory is developing a technique to analyze Phasor Measurement Unit data to identify typical patterns, atypical events, and precursors to a blackout or other undesirable event. The technique combines data-driven multivariate analyses and engineering-modeling. The method identifies atypical events, provides a plain English description of the event, and gives the capability to use drill-down graphics for detailed investigations. The tool can be applied to the entire grid, individual organizations (e.g., TVA, BPA), or specific substations (e.g., TVA_CUMB). The tool is envisioned for (1) event investigations, (2) overnight processing to generate a Morning Report that characterizes activity that has occurred during the previous 10-30 days, and (3) potentially near-real-time operation to support the grid operators.This paper presents the current status of the tool and illustrations of its application to real world PMU data collected in three 10-day periods in 2007.
The promise and challenges of using mobile phones for adult literacy training: Data from one Indian state

Worldwide, 800 million adults are illiterate; a vast majority of them reside in India. A problem on this scale requires solutions that are scalable and cost-effective. Due to their fast growth, portability, and technical capabilities, mobile phones may play a role in devising such a solution. Yet illiteracy itself may be one of the central barriers that could prevent the effective use of these phones. This study based on data from a 2010 survey of 409 illiterate men and women from semi-urban locations in one Indian state seeks to understand the potential of mobile phones to address adult illiteracy. The results show a mixed promise for using mobile phones to alleviate adult illiteracy.
Long-term results of sclerotherapy for dilated gastrojejunostomy after gastric bypass.

Abstract Background Endoscopic sclerotherapy with sodium morrhuate of a dilated gastrojejunostomy in gastric bypass patients has been shown to narrow the diameter of the anastomosis and provide weight loss or weight stability 3–6 months after the procedure. Longer term results for this procedure are needed. Methods From 1999 to 2006, sclerotherapy was performed on 147 gastric bypass patients with a dilated gastrojejunostomy. In a retrospective review, 32 patients were identified for whom ≥12 months of postprocedure data were available. Their weight trends before and after treatment were assessed by paired t test. Results A total of 32 patients who were gaining weight after gastric bypass underwent sclerotherapy of their dilated gastrojejunostomy. The timing of treatment ranged from 10 to 140 months (average 56) after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Before sclerotherapy, patients were gaining weight at a rate of .36 kg/mo. After treatment, they were losing weight at a rate of .39 kg/mo. After treatment, 56.3% of patients began to lose weight, 34.4% had their weight stabilize, and 9.4% continued to gain weight. Conclusion The results of our study have shown that sclerotherapy for a dilated gastrojejunostomy after gastric bypass is a minimally invasive procedure that provides a 91.6% chance of postprocedure weight loss or stabilization for 1 year after treatment.
Sol i 1, the phospholipase allergen of imported fire ant venom.

Background Sol i 1, the venom phospholipase of imported fire ant venom is an important allergen and exhibits some cross-reactivity with IgE antibodies from patients sensitized to other Hymenoptera venoms. Objective To determine the primary structure of Sol i 1 and evaluate the roles of protein and carbohydrate epitopes in its cross-reactivity. Methods Sol i 1 was purified from venom, proteolytic peptides prepared and amino acid sequences obtained. The cDNA for Sol i 1 was cloned, sequenced, and compared with sequences of other wasp venom phospholipases. The role of carbohydrate epitopes in the cross-reactivity with other Hymenoptera venoms was studied by RAST inhibition. Results The sequence identified Sol i 1 as a lipase of the GX class, lipoprotein lipase superfamily, pancreatic lipase homologous family and RP2 subgroup phospholipases as are the vespid venom phospholipases. The 148 residues identified by amino acid sequencing represent about 48% of the translated cDNA sequence. Sol i 1 was 31-32% identical to yellow jacket phospholipases. The identical regions of sequence were clustered in the domain which forms the serine hydrolase active site. Mannosylated N-glycans could completely inhibit binding of IgE from honeybee venom sensitized patients to Sol i 1. Inhibition by glycan of IgE binding from yellow jacket venom sensitized patients was low or absent for three of eight sera and substantial, but not complete for five sera. Conclusions Sol i 1 is related to wasp venom phospholipases. Cross-reactivity with honeybee venom is caused by carbohydrate, whereas cross-reactivity with yellow jacket venom involves reactivity with both carbohydrate determinants of hyaluronidase and high molecular weight proteins and phospholipase protein determinants.
INTERACTION OF LEUCINE, GLUCOSE, AND KETONE METABOLISM IN RAT BRAIN IN VITRO

Brain cortex slices from fed, 48 h and 120 h fasted rats were incubated and 14CO2 was measured from (a) [U-14C]glucose (5 mm) either alone or in the presence of l-lcucine (0.1 or 1 mm), and (b) [U-14C]leucine or [l-14C]leucine at 0.1 or 1 mm with or without glucose (5 mm). In other experiments, sodium dl-3-hydroxybutyrate (3-OHB) or acetoacetate (AcAc) at 1 or 5 mm were added in the above incubation mixture. The rate of conversion of [U14C]glucose to CO2 was decreased 20% by leucine at 1 mm and 30–50% by 3-OHB at 1 or 5 mm but not by leucine at 0.1 mm. The effects of 3-OHB and of leucine (1 mm) were not additive. The effects of leucine were similar in the fed and fasted rats. The rate of conversion of [U-14C]leucine or [l-,4C]leucine to 14CO2 at 0.1 mm and 1.0 mm was increased by glucose (35%) in the fed or fasted rats. Ketone bodies in the absence of glucose had no effect on leucine oxidation. However, the stimulatory effect of glucose on the rate of conversion of leucine to CO2 was inhibited by 3-OHB at 5 mm. These results suggest that (a) leucine in increased concentrations (1 mm) may reduce glucose oxidation by brain cortex while itself becoming an oxidative fuel for brain, and (b) leucine oxidation by brain may be influenced by the prevailing glucose and ketone concentrations.
Domain Motions in Phosphoglycerate Kinase using Hierarchical NEIMO Molecular Dynamics Simulations

We examined the large-scale domain motions in the glycolytic enzyme phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK) using the hierarchical Newton−Euler inverse mass operator (H−NEIMO) molecular dynamics (MD) method. NEIMO is an efficient MD method for torsion-only internal coordinate dynamics method. H−NEIMO is an extension of the NEIMO method for doing coarse grain MD in which large domains of a protein are treated as rigid clusters connected by flexible torsion angles. This allows an efficient examination of the low-frequency long time scale motions. We find that with both substrates bound (Phospho glycerate and ATP) on PGK the closed domain structure is more stable than the open domain structure. During the H−NEIMO MD the two domains of the open structure come close together while the N-terminus of helix 14 (namely, Gly-394 in the R65Q yeast structure) moves close to the ATP derivative, suggesting that it could be involved in the mechanism of phosphoryl transfer. We find that residues 175−183 in the R65Q yeast ternary c...
Solid-electrolyte-aided study of hydrogen oxidation on nickel

Abstract The catalytic oxidation of hydrogen on porous polycrystalline Ni films supported on stabilized zirconia was studied at temperatures between 240 and 410 °C and atmospheric total pressure. The technique of solid electrolyte potentiometry (SEP) was used to monitor the chemical potential of oxygen adsorbed on the nickel catalyst. The steady-state kinetic and potentiometric measurements indicate formation of a stable nickel oxide and its reduction by hydrogen. Over a wide range of temperature and gas composition both the reaction rate and the surface oxygen activity exhibit sustained oscillatory behavior. A kinetic model based on the kinetic and potentiometric results is discussed.
Identification and Activity of Cytosol Creatine Phosphokinase Enzymes in Normal and Diseased Skin

ABSTRACT Phosphocreatine molecules (PCR) in skin regenerate adenosine triphosphate and help cutaneous tissue survive ischemia associated with skin flaps, grafts, and hair transplantation procedures. In addition, PCR concentration in psoriasis is elevated many times above normal, indicating either overproduction of PCR by mitochondrial creatine Phosphokinase (CPK) enzymes or a defect in cytosol CPK enzymatic activity. Skin CPK isoenzymes, before this study, have not been identified. Herein, for the first time, cytosol CPK enzymatic activity was measured in normal and psoriatic, involved and uninvolved skin, skin tumors, and mouse skin and keratinocyte cell cultures. Creatine Phosphokinase MM is the major isoenzyme in normal, uninvolved psoriatic and mouse skin. Total CPK enzymatic activity was increased in psoriasis and skin tumors. These data clearly indicate that increased PCR concentration in a psoriatic skin is not a result of decreased cytosol CPK enzymatic activity.
Some deficiencies of C++ in teaching CS1 and CS2

C++ is a popular programming language for the introductory level (CS1) and at the advance level (CS2) at many community colleges and universities in the USA. While teaching CS1 and CS2, we observed some deficiencies of C++, which are discussed in this paper. Students and instructors should be aware of these problems in CS1 and CS2. Selecting the "right" language for pedagogical purposes can be made easier if these pitfalls are observed.
Allocating audit resources to detect fraud

This paper addresses how to allocate audit resources across different auditable units when misstatements may occur in any or all of the units. We consider two benchmark scenarios. In the first, the extent of overstatement affects only the cost of detection, but not the effectiveness of audit inputs in determining the likelihood of detection. In the second, overstatement directly affects the likelihood of detection but not audit cost. In a two location setting, if overstatement affects only audit effectiveness, the realized value at one location has no impact on the reported value at the other. In addition, the auditor allocates an identical amount of audit resources to each location. In contrast, if overstatement affects only audit cost, the agent’s reporting strategy reflects interdependencies between both realized values and audit costs across locations.
Holm multiple correction for large-scale gene-shape association mapping

Linkage Disequilibrium (LD) is a powerful approach for the identification and characterization of morphological shape, which usually involves multiple genetic markers. However, multiple testing corrections substantially reduce the power of the associated tests. In addition, the principle component analysis (PCA), used to quantify the shape variations into several principal phenotypes, further increases the number of tests. As a result, a powerful multiple testing correction for simultaneous large-scale gene-shape association tests is an essential part of determining statistical significance. Bonferroni adjustments and permutation tests are the most popular approaches to correcting for multiple tests within LD based Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) models. However, permutations are extremely computationally expensive and may mislead in the presence of family structure. The Bonferroni correction, though simple and fast, is conservative and has low power for large-scale testing. We propose a new multiple testing approach, constructed by combining an Intersection Union Test (IUT) with the Holm correction, which strongly controls the family-wise error rate (FWER) without any additional assumptions on the joint distribution of the test statistics or dependence structure of the markers. The power improvement for the Holm correction, as compared to the standard Bonferroni correction, is examined through a simulation study. A consistent and moderate increase in power is found under the majority of simulated circumstances, including various sample sizes, Heritabilities, and numbers of markers. The power gains are further demonstrated on real leaf shape data from a natural population of poplar, Populus szechuanica var tietica, where more significant QTL associated with morphological shape are detected than under the previously applied Bonferroni adjustment. The Holm correction is a valid and powerful method for assessing gene-shape association involving multiple markers, which not only controls the FWER in the strong sense but also improves statistical power.
Explanation of the inward displacement of Io's hot plasma torus and consequences for sputtering sources

Radial profiles of the ion density and flux-tube content in the Io torus have peak values inside Io's orbit, even though Io is the effective source of these ions. Formation of an inward peak constrains either the velocity distributions or source regions of sputtered neutrals. A further constraint is that the ionization of neutrals on trapped trajectories that return to Io's surface must be limited. A dominant sulphur source is most easily reconciled with these constraints.
An Approximation for the Shapes of Large Raindrops

Abstract A simple model is proposed for approximating the shapes of raindrops in terminal fall equilibrium. The equilibrium figures of raindrops are complex, but they can be represented approximately as oblate spheroids, which have axis ratios determined by the balance of surface and gravity forces at the equator. The axis ratios and drop diameters predicted by the model correlate well with experimental and other theoretical results. Using empirical formulas for evaporation from ellipsoids and the results of the model, estimates of ventilation coefficients are made. It is found that drop deformation may cause a small diminution of ventilation coefficient compared with evaporation from an equivalent sphere.
ESTIMATES OF FATAL CHEST AND ABDOMINAL INJURY PREVENTION IN SIDE-IMPACT CRASHES

The analysis reported in this study shows that the current NHTSA estimates of potential fatality reductions from improved side-impact protection in passenger cars are unrealistically high. This study is based on recent statistical estimates of fatality prevention by eliminating ejection and mitigating interior impact, and on an analysis of the limits of crash protection in fatal side-impact accidents. Because many fatalities involve high impact speed and significant deformation of vehicle side structures, about 70% of the near-side occupant fatalities from chest and abdominal injury are unpreventable by practical design changes. This implies that 30% of current fatalities may be prevented. Estimates of fatality prevention were then made as a fraction of the effectiveness of airbags in frontal crashes. Assuming sideinterior changes that may produce 20% of frontal airbag effectiveness, which is 6% effectiveness and is roughly the same level of safety benefit achieved with the energy-absorbing steering system, 140 fatalities per year would be prevented in all types of side-impact crashes. This estimate is a realistic but formidable goal. It is in striking contrast with NHTSA projection of 1,185 fatality reductions with relatively straightforward design changes. Their projection exaggerates potential safety improvements.
The cost-effectiveness of routine pelvic radiography in the evaluation of blunt trauma patients.

Objective. To determine the cost-effectiveness of routine protocol-driven pelvic radiography in the evaluation of blunt trauma patients. Design and patients. A retrospective review was performed on 319 blunt trauma patients who underwent protocol-driven pelvic radiography to record the frequency of pelvic fracture. Medical records of the patients in whom fractures were identified radiographically were then examined to determine the clinical suspicion of injury prior to radiography. Using Medicare reimbursement data, the cost-effectiveness of routine pelvic radiography was calculated in terms cost per pelvic radiograph with evidence of fracture. These values were then compared with literature values of other screening studies, namely mammography and colonoscopy. Results. Thirty-eight of 319 patients (11.9%) were found to have fractures identified on routine pelvic radiography. Using the 1997 Medicare reimbursement charge of $27.79 for a single anteroposterior radiograph of the pelvis, the total cost of performing these 319 trauma protocol-driven studies was calculated as $8865.01. The cost per protocol-driven pelvic radiograph with evidence of pelvic fracture was subsequently determined to be $233.29. Only 18 (47.4%) of these 38 patients were suspected to have pelvic fracture on the basis of the clinical findings alone. Conclusions. Trauma protocol-driven pelvic radiography is a necessary and cost-effective means of identifying acute pelvic injury in all trauma patients regardless of clinical presentation.
The Effects of Student Coaching: An Evaluation of a Randomized Experiment in Student Advising.

College graduation rates often lag behind college attendance rates. One theory as to why students do not complete college is that they lack key information about how to be successful or fail to act on the information that they have. We present evidence from a randomized experiment which tests the effectiveness of individualized student coaching. Over the course of two separate school years, InsideTrack, a student coaching service, provided coaching to students attending public, private, and proprietary universities. Most of the participating students were nontraditional college students enrolled in degree programs. The participating universities and InsideTrack randomly assigned students to be coached. The coach contacted students regularly to develop a clear vision of their goals, to guide them in connecting their daily activities to their long-term goals, and to support them in building skills, including time management, self-advocacy, and study skills. Students who were randomly assigned to a coach wer...
The analysis of the binding of two ligands by an allosteric protein

Abstract A method is developed for the analysis of the simultaneous binding of two ligands by a protein with allosteric properties. A statistical mechanical treatment is presented which permits interpretation of the various binding coefficients in terms of the characteristic parameters of explicit molecular models.
Human Bites in Children: A Six-Year Experience

• Three hundred twenty-two human bites in children, occurring during a six-year period, were reviewed. The majority occurred during warm-weather months between 2 pm and 11 pm. The upper extremities (42%), face and neck (33%), and trunk (22%) were most commonly bitten. At the time of injury, children were most often engaged in fights (61%) or play (26%). Seventy-five percent of wounds were superficial abrasions, 13% were punctures, and 11% were lacerations. None of the 242 abrasions became infected as opposed to 38% of the punctures and 37% of the lacerations. Other factors associated with increased risk of infection were delay in initial physician assessment beyond 18 hours after injury, location of the bite on the upper extremities, and occurrence of injury during sports activities. Prophylactic use of penicillin was probably not effective in reducing infection rates in these children; however, prospective data are needed to properly address this issue. ( AJDC 1987;141:1285-1290)
A hybrid conjoint model for price-demand estimation

Abstract Recent developments in conjoint analysis include the introduction of hybrid models in which part worths estimated from self-explicated data are combined with information obtained from full profile evaluations. This paper extends the hybrid approach to conjoint problems entailing multiple suppliers, with particular emphasis on competitive price relationships.
Myoneural junctions in larval ascidian tail.

Elektronenmikroskopische Untersuchungen der Neuriten in der Peripherie des dorsalen Nervenstranges im Schwanz der Aszidien-LarveAmaroucium constellatum zeigen, dass die in der Nahe liegenden Schwanzmuskelzellen Verbindungen mit den Neuriten eingehen, die den neuromuskularen Kontaktstellen im Skelettmuskel der Wirbeltiere ahnlich sind. Diese neuromuskularen Verbindungen verteilen sich uber die Gesamtlange des Schwanzes und sind offenbar die Innervation der Schwanzmuskulatur.
Utilization of PSA measurement at three months following salvage radiation therapy to predict future biochemical outcome

At the first follow-up visit after salvage radiation therapy (SRT) for recurrent prostate cancer, which commonly occurs approximately 3 months following SRT, the only information physicians currently have to offer patients regarding likelihood of future biochemical outcome is based on pre-SRT characteristics. The aim of this preliminary study was to provide estimates of future biochemical outcome that are tailored to a given patient's PSA value at 3-month follow-up. We identified 203 SRT patients who had a PSA measurement between 60–120 days following SRT completion (i.e., at 3-month follow-up). Patients were divided into two groups based on PSA at 3-month follow-up (<0.4 and ≥0.4 ng/ml). In the PSA <0.4 group, we estimated the future likelihood of biochemical recurrence (BCR) (PSA ≥0.4); in the PSA ≥0.4 group, we estimated the probability of future initial biochemical control (PSA <0.4). At 3-month follow-up, 134 patients had a PSA <0.4, and 69 had a PSA ≥0.4. In the PSA <0.4 group, cumulative incidences of BCR at 3 and 5 years after 3-month follow-up were 22 and 40 %; risk of BCR was highest in T3b tumor stage patients (Relative risk: 2.32, P = 0.005). In the PSA ≥0.4 group, cumulative incidences of initial biochemical control at 6 and 12 months after 3-month follow-up were 25 and 27 %; patients with a decreasing PSA at 3-month follow-up were 5.58 times more likely (P = 0.006) to experience initial biochemical control compared to other patients. Our results allow physicians to have individualized discussions with patients regarding future likelihood of SRT response based on the 3-month follow-up PSA measurement; larger studies are warranted.
Metal(II) 4,4′,4″,4′″‐phthalocyanine tetramines as curing agents for heat resistant epoxy formulations

Pure metal(II) 4,4′,4″,4′″-phthalocyanine tetraamines (MPTA) have been used to cure epoxy resins in a homogeneous reaction. Infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analytical studies were used to characterize these materials and to evaluate the optimum curing conditions. Considerable improvement in the heat resistance of the epoxy resin cured with MPTA over those cured with other commonly used curing agents was observed. This was expected from the highly aromatic structure of the phthalocyanines. A noteworthy feature of these cured materials is their high anaerobic char yield, 73.5–75%, higher than in any heretofore known cured epoxy systems. Preliminary mass spectral studies on the cured polymers are presented.
non-ABCDE hepatitis: is there another enterically transmitted hepatitis virus?

Many epidemics of water-borne hepatitis have occurred throughout India. These were thought to be epidemics of hepatitis A until 1980, when evidence for an enterically transmitted non-A, non-B hepatitis was first reported. Subsequently, hepatitis E virus was discovered and most recent epidemics of enterically transmitted non-A, non-B hepatitis have been attributed to hepatitis E virus infection. However, only a limited number of cases have been confirmed by immuno electron microscopy, polymerase chain reaction, or seroconversion. In the present study we have performed a retrospective seroepidemiologic study of 17 epidemics of water-borne hepatitis in India. We have confirmed that 16 of the 17 epidemics were caused at least in part by serologically closely related hepatitis E viruses. However, one epidemic, in the Andaman Islands, and possibly a significant minority of cases in other epidemics, appears to have been caused by a previously unrecognized hepatitis agent.