cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Once Validated, Always Validated?

YOU need a brief measure, say, of stress, or social resources, or functional status. You find one that not only seems to address the conceptual issues about which you are concerned, but for which information on validity and reliability have also been published. Moreover, it has been used frequently, and its name is well recognized. You are happy—you know you have done the right thing. But have you? Perhaps, and up to a certain extent; but not necessarily. The article by Burholt and colleagues (this issue) is an important reminder that an assessment developed in one location, or with a particular sample, may perform differently in another location and with a different sample. They wished to measure social resources, a complex concept, using a minimum number of items. They selected the Social Resources measure developed in the United States for the Older Americans Resources and Services questionnaire because of its theoretical basis, statistically and clinically sound selection of items, and established reliability (‘‘gold standard’’ validity had not been assessed because the ‘‘gold standard’’ had already been incorporated). They then did what few people do—they gathered data to check whether this measure was understood equally well in the six developed countries of Europe in which they were interested. They identified some serious problems. Using comparable sampling frames in each country and similar modes of administration (face-to-face-interviews, except for one site where mailing was preferred), they found major differences in participation rate. There appeared to be no obvious explanation for why the participation rate was so low in some countries but much higher in others. All questions but one were well accepted, but the question concerned with the availability and likely duration of help when sick was problematic and had a high nonresponse rate. In a country such as Sweden, where substantial formal resources are available (reflecting the preference of the population), this item appeared to lose the meaning it had in the United States, where support may be needed from (and expected of) family and friends in preference to formal resources. Although the factor structure of the Older Americans Resources and Services social resources section still held overall, it held with distinctly less strength than in the original.
Composition and Production of Water Sanitizer

Water Sanitizer was formulated and compounded into tablets for easy use. Each tablet contained 400mg of the compounded chemicals. The effectiveness of sanitizer formula was evaluated, and it compared favourably microbiologically and chemically with imported commercial sample. The results showed that microbiologically, the Sanitizer performed very well in the removal of Total plate counts (from 3x103 to nil), Yeast and mould count (from 1x102 to nil), staphylococcus count (from 3x102 to nil) and coliform count (from 1x102 to nil), while chemically it reduced magnesium hardness from 15.0mg/l to 8.40mg/l, Nitrate from 1.71mg/l to 0.02mg/l, ammoniacal Nitrogen from 2.62mg to 0.02mg/l and suspended solids from 42.mg/l to 0.02mg/l. Key words: Water sanitizer, water quality, polluted water, potable water. Nigerian Food Journal Vol.22 2004: 40-47
Microarchitecture of Three-Dimensional Scaffolds Influences Cell Migration Behavior via Junction Interactions ☆

Cell migration plays a critical role in a wide variety of physiological and pathological phenomena as well as in scaffold-based tissue engineering. Cell migration behavior is known to be governed by biochemical stimuli and cellular interactions. Biophysical processes associated with interactions between the cell and its surrounding extracellular matrix may also play a significant role in regulating migration. Although biophysical properties of two-dimensional substrates have been shown to significantly influence cell migration, elucidating factors governing migration in a three-dimensional environment is a relatively new avenue of research. Here, we investigate the effect of the three-dimensional microstructure, specifically the pore size and Young's modulus, of collagen-glycosaminoglycan scaffolds on the migratory behavior of individual mouse fibroblasts. We observe that the fibroblast migration, characterized by motile fraction as well as locomotion speed, decreases as scaffold pore size increases across a range from 90 to 150 μm. Directly testing the effects of varying strut Young's modulus on cell motility showed a biphasic relationship between cell speed and strut modulus and also indicated that mechanical factors were not responsible for the observed effect of scaffold pore size on cell motility. Instead, in-depth analysis of cell locomotion paths revealed that the distribution of junction points between scaffold struts strongly modulates motility. Strut junction interactions affect local directional persistence as well as cell speed at and away from the junctions, providing a new biophysical mechanism for the governance of cell motility by the extracellular microstructure.
Boundary Energy of a Bose Gas in One Dimension

By the superposition of Bethe's wave functions, using the Lieb's solution for the system of identical bosons interacting in one dimension via a $\ensuremath{\delta}$-function potential, we construct the wave function of the corresponding system enclosed in a box by imposing the boundary condition that the wave function must vanish at the two ends of an interval. Coupled equations for the energy levels are derived, and approximately solved in the thermodynamic limit in order to calculate the boundary energy of this Bose gas in its ground state. The method of superposition is also applied to the analogous problem of the Heisenberg-Ising chain (not the ring).
Two-dimensional radial distribution functions via integral-equation perturbation theory

The radial distribution function (RDF) for a two-dimensional Lennard-Jones fluid is calculated by a statistical-mechanical perturbation scheme originally developed by Madden and Fitts [4] for three-dimensional fluids. This perturbation method requires the solutions of the Percus-Yevick (PY) and hypernetted-chain (HNC) integral equations for the repulsive part of the Lennard-Jones potential and the solution of the HNC equation for the full Lennard-Jones potential. In addition, the RDF and the solution of the PY equation for the hard-disk potential are needed. Various criteria for the selection of the hard-disk diameter are studied. The RDF's calculated by the Madden-Fitts scheme at four thermodynamic states are in excellent agreement with computer simulations.
Observations of DC electric fields in the low‐latitude ionosphere and their variations with local time, longitude, and plasma density during extreme solar minimum

[1] DC electric fields and associated E × B plasma drifts detected with the double-probe experiment on the C/NOFS satellite during extreme solar minimum conditions near the June 2008 solstice are shown to be highly variable, with weak to moderate ambient amplitudes of ∼1–2 mV/m (∼25–50 m/s). Average field or drift patterns show similarities to those reported for more active solar conditions, i.e., eastward and outward during day and westward and inward at night. However, these patterns vary significantly with longitude and are not always present. Daytime vertical drifts near the magnetic equator are largest in the prenoon sector. Observations of weak to nonexistent prereversal enhancements in the vertical drifts near sunset are attributable to reduced dynamo activity during solar minimum as well as seasonal effects. Enhanced meridional drifts are observed near sunrise in certain longitude regions, precisely where the enhanced eastward flow that persisted from earlier local times terminates. The nightside ionosphere is characterized by larger-amplitude, structured electric fields dominated by horizontal scales of 500–1500 km even where local plasma densities appear relatively undisturbed. Data acquired during successive orbits indicate that plasma drifts and densities are persistently organized by longitude. The high duty cycle of the C/NOFS observations and its unique orbit promise to expose new physics of the low-latitude ionosphere.
Primary Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass Can Be Performed Safely in Patients with BMI ≥ 60

Background Several studies suggest patients with a body mass index (BMI; calculated as kg/m 2 ) ≥ 60 have a greater operative risk and so advocate a staged approach to bariatric procedures. This requires two separate operations and all associated risks. At our institution, we do not perform staged bariatric operations for these patients; we execute a single-stage laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LGBP). Here, we analyze our experience in this population with a single-stage LGBP. Study Design Ninety-five patients with a BMI ≥ 60 were compared with 1,311 patients with BMI t- test, with p Results There were no statistically significant differences in age (42.6 versus 42.8 years), estimated blood loss (68.5 versus 69.5 mL), length of stay (3.1 versus 3.1 days), overall complications (12.7% versus 13.7%), or 30-day mortality (0.2% versus 0%) for patients with BMI Conclusions In our experience, there were no differences in the incidence of complications or mortality for patients with a BMI ≥ 60 undergoing LGBP as compared with those with a BMI
Cigarette smoke contains anticoagulants against fibrin aggregation and factor XIIIa in plasma

Gas-phase, water-soluble components of cigarette smoke cause delayed fibrin self-assembly and prevent fibrin cross-linking by inactivation of factor XIIIa (plasma transglutaminase). These anticoagulant properties of smoke are demonstrable in plasma, suggesting they play a role in the pathophysiology of smoking.
The Sum-Line Extrapolative Algorithm and Its Application to Statistical Classification Problems

The sum-line algorithm (SLA) for use with an adaptive linear threshold element is shown experimentally to have excellent extrapolative properties when applied to two-class multivariate Gaussian pattern-classification problems, even when the number of sample patterns is severely limited. The algorithm iteratively adapts the desired analog-output sum of the threshold element while simultaneously adapting the weights of the element. The algorithm converges toward a solution weight vector. It is shown experimentally that this vector tends toward the solution provided by the least-mean-square (LMS) algorithm or that provided by the matched-filter (MF) algorithm, whichever is best able to extrapolate from a given set of sample patterns to patterns that are derived from the same statistical populations but are not included in the sample set.
Polymer dispersed liquid crystal infrared light shutter

We have developed a polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) device for operation in the midinfrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum. This device can be incorporated in thermal imaging systems that utilize pyroelectric vidicons for night vision applications. The infrared electro-optic properties of several PDLCs as a function of substrate, droplet size, film thickness, and applied ac voltage are examined using infrared spectroscopy, electro-optic and differential scattering measurements, and static video analysis.
Aluminum Nitride Contour-Mode Vibrating RF MEMS

This paper reports on a new class of piezoelectric Aluminun Nitride contour-mode vibrating RF MEMS that have demonstrated low motional resistance, high quality factors and multiple frequencies of operation on the same silicon substrate. These resonators have been arranged in electrically or mechanically coupled arrays to form low-loss band pass filters particularly fit for IF bands used in commercial wireless handsets. In addition, very low phase noise oscillator has been demonstrated using a contour-mode micromechanical resonator in a standard Pierce design. This novel technology could revolutionize wireless communication systems by allowing the co-fabrication of multiple frequency filters (IF and RF) and frequency reference elements on the same chip, therefore reducing form factors and manufacturing costs.
Classification of Schizophrenia Patients with Combined Analysis of SNP and fMRI Data Based on Sparse Representation

We designed a sparse representation clustering (SRC) model to select the significant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and proposed a novel SRC with a sliding window model for functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) voxels selection. Then we combined two types of data to classify schizophrenia patients from healthy controls by linear support vector machine (SVM) to achieve a better diagnosis of schizophrenia. The effectiveness of the selected variables (SNPs or voxels) was validated by the leave one out (LOO) cross-validation method. The experimental results show that our proposed SRC method can effectively select the most discriminative variables in both SNPs and fMRI data. In particular, the combination of complementary fMRI and SNP data can significantly improve the classification of schizophrenia patients, which provides new insights in the study of schizophrenia.
The opioid system and central cardiovascular control: Analysis of controversies☆

Opiates, like morphine, were long known to produce changes in blood pressure and cardiac functions. However, the nature of these changes are a subject of continuous controversy. The substantial differences in the opiate effects on the cardiovascular system is also apparent in more recent studies using enkephalins, beta-endorphin and dynorphins. The present review is aimed to indicate the source of the variations in the experimental data and analyze the relative contribution of different experimental factors to the observed effects of opiates and opioid peptides on the cardiovascular system. The major factors which contribute to the nature of the opioid effect on the cardiovascular system are: anesthesia, species, dose, site of action in the brain, respiratory changes and receptor specificity. However, the cardiovascular status per se is an important determinant of the opiates and opioid peptide effects on hemodynamic functions as indicated in states of hypertension and shock. A newly described factor is the plasticity of the opioid receptor system which changes its level and distribution pattern in different physiological and pathophysiological states. This review emphasizes the importance of utilization of highly specific ligands to opiate receptors administered to discrete brain areas in the conscious animal.
Attribute preference and discrimination shifts in young children.

Abstract The relations among preschool children's preferences for color and form attributes, speed of learning an initial problem, and optional shift behavior in discrimination training were studied in two experiments. In both experiments, learning was rapid if S 's preferred attribute was relevant. In Exp. I, upper-middle class S s tended to reverse on their preferred attribute with planometric stimuli; in Exp. II, lower-middle class S s who preferred color learned to discriminate stimulus objects slowly and made nonreversal responses regardless of the attribute upon which they were trained; form-preferring S s showed the opposite behaviors. The results were discussed in terms of attentional and mediational theories.
ALTERATION IN SIZE OF THE HEART OF LATE CHICK EMBRYOS AFTER INCUBATION AT VARIED TEMPERATURES.

WE have observed a consistent alteration in the size of the heart of chick embryos following the exposure of 11- or 12-day-old embryos to increased or reduced temperatures of incubation for one week. In one series, ninety 11-day-old embryos, which had been maintained at the normal temperature of 37.5° C, were removed from their incubator, candled, and divided into three groups of 30 each. One group was placed in an incubator at 32.5° C, the second returned to 37.5° C, and the third placed at 42.5° C. On the eighteenth day of incubation live embryos were found as follows: 26 at 32.5° C, 29 at 37.5° C and 18 at 42.5° C. All the embryos at 42.5° C and 20 of the embryos from each of the other two groups were examined. The embryo was removed from its extra-embryonic attachments and weighed. The heart was removed with the great vessels cut close to the heart, and the organ weighed. The weights of each embryo and its heart are seen tabulated in Fig. 1.
Poly modal emergence of the tiger swallowtail, Papilio glaucus (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae): source of a false second generation in central New York State

. 1. The tiger swallowtail butterfly, Papilio glaucus (L.) (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae), is commonly assumed to have a bivoltine life cycle in central New York State and other parts of the northeastern United States. The seasonal abundance of adults in Tompkins County, New York, shows a bimodal pattern in some years, and a skewed unimodal pattern in others. We studied the incidence of diapause, the potential for successful development of two generations in the field, and the dates of adult emergence from overwintering pupae to determine whether these seasonal patterns are the result of bivoltinism. 2. Insects from Tompkins County, reared as larvae under 16L:8D photoperiod, uniformly enter pupal diapause. 3. Comparison of the heat units required for successful development of two generations with the heat units available in the field during 11 years shows that emergence of non-diapausing individuals would occur too late in the summer to contribute to the second peak of butterfly abundance. Offspring of non-diapausing individuals could only rarely complete development before the end of the growth season. 4. Diapausing offspring of butterflies collected in early June and late July differed sufficiently in dates of emergence to account for the field pattern of seasonal abundance. 5. Electrophoretic studies revealed no evidence of genetic isolation between early and late emerging butterflies. 6. These results suggest that polymodal emergence of diapausing insects can masquerade as a bivoltine life cycle.
Effects of Mortality Salience on Evaluation of Ingroup and Outgroup Sources: The Impact of Pro- Versus Counterattitudinal Positions

Past Terror Management Theory (TMT) research has demonstrated that mortality salience leads to favoritism toward ingroup members and derogation of outgroup members and to polarized attitudes toward the source of pro and counterattitudinal statements. In such research, the individual's group membership and the individual's worldview position were examined separately. Thus, when the individual's group membership was manipulated, one could normally assume that an outgroup member is counterattitudinal and an ingroup member is proattitudinal. It is unclear, therefore, whether ingroup members elicited favoritism from mortality salient participants because of their group membership or because of their presumably proattitudinal position, or both. The authors present two studies in which the individual's group membership and attitudinal position are jointly manipulated. Results showed that among mortality salient participants, the outgroup member received favorable or unfavorable evaluations depending on his position, whereas the ingroup member received moderately positive evaluations regardless of the position taken.
“Il se met à me faire des papouilles zozées”: Gender, Sexual Violence, and “Le Comique” in Queneau's Zazie dans le métro

This article analyzes the relationship between comic motifs and gendered sexual violence (and its threat) in Raymond Queneau's novel Zazie dans le metro (1959). Whether involving past episodes of abuse or present dangers, the young protagonist Zazie is constantly referred to in relation to being the victim of potential sexual violence as well as subjecting others to her own possible sexual malevolence. Whether or not the novel manages to make the subject of child rape and prostitution “risible” through the use of the absurd and word play, among other comic devices, the farcical treatment of sexual violence has meaning beyond its comic effects in terms of the possible questioning of gender roles in 1960s France. Through comparison with prior Quenellian novels in which the threat of rape was used for either dramatic (Un Rude hiver) or comic purposes (the Œuvres completes de Sally Mara), this study presents Zazie dans le metro as depicting the most equivocal representation of sexual violence within Queneau's...
Adenovirus-mediated gene expression imaging to directly detect sentinel lymph node metastasis of prostate cancer

The accurate assessment of nodal involvement in prostate cancer is crucial to planning treatment, yet there is a shortage of noninvasive imaging techniques capable of visualizing nodal lesions directly. This study demonstrates the feasibility of using recombinant human adenoviral vectors to detect nodal metastases in a human prostate cancer model. This was achieved by the prostate-restricted expression of optical and positron emission tomography (PET) imaging reporter genes by the viral vector coupled with the innate lymphotropic properties of adenovirus. We show that peritumoral administration of these vectors results in the direct detection of reporter gene expression in metastatic lesions within sentinel lymph nodes. Notably, this approach parallels the current lymphoscintigraphy method but enables the direct PET visualization of sentinel lymph node metastases, eliminating the need for invasive lymphadenectomy. These findings may lead to more effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for individuals with advanced-stage prostate cancer.
Environmental enrichment mitigates cognitive deficits in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease.

Epidemiological studies suggest that individuals with greater education or more cognitively demanding occupations have diminished risk of developing dementia. We wanted to test whether this effect could be recapitulated in rodents using environmental enrichment, a paradigm well documented to attenuate behavioral deficits induced by various pathological insults. Here, we demonstrate that learning and memory deficits observed in a transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease can be ameliorated by enrichment. Female transgenic mice overexpressing amyloid precursor protein and/or presenilin-1 and nontransgenic controls were placed into enriched or standard cages at 2 months of age and tested for cognitive behavior after 6 months of differential housing. Enrichment significantly improved performance of all genotypes in the radial water maze and in the classic and repeated-reversal versions of the Morris water maze. However, enrichment did not benefit all genotypes equally. Mice overproducing amyloid-β (Aβ), particularly those with amyloid deposits, showed weaker memory for the platform location in the classic Morris water maze and learned new platform positions in the repeated-reversals task less quickly than their nontransgenic cagemates. Nonetheless, enrichment normalized the performance of Aβ-overproducing mice to the level of standard-housed nontransgenic mice. Moreover, this functional preservation occurred despite increased neuritic plaque burden in the hippocampus of double-transgenic animals and elevated steady-state Aβ levels, because both endogenous and transgene-derived Aβ are increased in enriched animals. These results demonstrate that the generation of Aβ in vivo and its impact on the function of the nervous system can be strongly modulated by environmental factors.
Ultrasonics in industry

The most important and successful industrial applications for ultrasonics are summarized and differentiated into two categories: 1) applications where ultrasonics is employed at low power for measurement and control, and 2) applications where high ultrasonic power is employed to modify the material by the dissipation of energy. Descriptions are given of well-established uses, known uses without large-scale industrial application, and recent developments which promise to assume increased importance. In each instance, the underlying concepts, the equipment construction, and the field of application are indicated.
Correspondence between stone composition and urine supersaturation in nephrolithiasis.

Correspondence between stone composition and urine supersaturation in nephrolithiasis. Supersaturation (SS) with respect to calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM), brushite (Br) and uric acid (UA), obtained in three 24-hour pretreatment urine samples from patients with stone disease were compared to the mineral composition of stones passed by the same patients to determine whether sparse urine SS measurements accurately reflect the long-term average SS values in the kidney and final urine. Among males and females elevation of SS above same sex normals corresponded to composition. As well, treatments that reduced stone rates also reduced these SS values. The degree of calcium phosphate (CaP) admixture was accurately matched by shifting magnitudes of COM and Br SS. As well, increasing CaP content was associated with falling urine citrate and rising urine pH, suggesting renal tubular acidosis. We conclude that sparse urine SS measurements accurately track stone admixtures, and are a reliable index of average renal and urine SS.
One-particle properties of compositionally modulated alloys in the coherent potential approximation

Abstract We propose a simple generalization of the original single-site coherent potential approximation (CPA) applicable to compositionally modulated alloys. Although the original single-site CPA gives an almost structureless density of states, we find that for strong modulation and relatively strong scattering our generalization of the CPA yields densities of states which exhibit considerable structure and which represent the exact densities of states remarkably well. In this sense our generalization is more accurate than the original CPA from which it was obtained.
PHENOTYPIC PLASTICITY OF BRANCHING PATTERN IN SUGAR MAPLE (ACER SACCHARUM)

Branching patterns of leader shoots and lower branches were compared in 15 sugar maple trees. The number of first-order branches per second-order branch (R,:2) differed very significantly between leader shoots and lower branches. Values of R1,2 averaged 6.47 for leaders and 4.06 for lower branches. Stepwise bifurcation ratios between successive higher orders did not differ significantly. The difference in R1l2 between leader shoots and lower branches within individual trees is the result of developmental-phenotypic interactions, such that the number of leaf-bearing shoots per support shoot decreases over time. These results indicate that branching patterns within individual trees are not stationary, as has commonly been claimed. IN WORK preliminary to that reported here, Steingraeber, Kascht and Franck (1979) found that open-grown sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.) saplings with multilayered leaf distributions had high bifurcation ratio values, while forest-grown saplings with monolayered leaf distributions had low values. We noted that such differences in form between individual trees could be based in different genotypes or could be a reflection of phenotypic plasticity. After noting that data comparing different individuals cannot be used to distinguish between these two, we suggested that phenotypic plasticity seemed likely, since different portions of individual trees are exposed to drastically different light regimes. The purpose of this study is to determine whether the variation of branching pattern in sugar maple which is reflected by different bifurcation ratio values is genotypically based, or whether it is the result of phenotypic interaction over time of the plant and environment.
Synthesis of silver-zeolite films on micropatterned porous alumina and its application as an antimicrobial substrate

Abstract In this study, we focus on synthesis of patterned-zeolite films and the potential application of a silver-derived form of this film as a biocidal agent. The synthetic strategy has been to develop a patterned porous alumina substrate using soft lithographic methods. These patterns have dimensions in the range of 5–100 μ. Previously patterned PDMS and PMMA molds were used to define surface microfeatures on the alumina supports. Zeolite films (2–3 μ) were then grown on the alumina using a seeding process followed by secondary growth. Electron microscopy showed that the zeolite film followed the pattern of the alumina substrate. Silver nanoparticles were grown on the surface of the zeolite film by reduction of the Ag+ – exchanged zeolite with aqueous hydrazine. The antimicrobial properties of the patterned-zeolite films were successfully demonstrated using Escherichia coli bacteria as the model system, complete bacteria eradication was noted within 120 min. Such patterned-zeolite films can be incorporated into a variety of systems, including fabrics, biomaterials, filters and thus can serve a wide range of uses.
Modified emission of single semiconductor quantum dots by a two-dimensional metal grating structure

The emission properties of single quantum dots are dramatically modified by electromagnetic interactions with surface plasmon polaritons propagating along a modulated metallic surface. The modified emission spectra and decay rates are measured in this system
A proteomic analysis of IVF follicular fluid in women ≤32 years old

Objective To address the lack of predictors of IVF success by using proteomic biometrics. Design Experimental study of follicular fluid specimens from a prospective cohort of IVF patients. Setting Academic research laboratory and IVF program. Patient(s) Women ≤32 years old with Intervention(s) Follicular fluid was separated by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis followed by Sypro Ruby staining and comparison with PDQuest software. Logistic regression was incorporated to calculate the likelihood of live birth in relation to the protein spot of interest. Main Outcome Measure(s) Protein markers. Result(s) Liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry and searching of sequence databases revealed 11 potential protein candidates. Haptoglobin alpha, predominantly fetal expressed T1 domain, mitochondrial integrity genome (ATPase), apolipoprotein H (beta-2 glycoprotein I), dihydrolipoyl dehydrogenase, lyzozyme C, fibrinogen alpha-chain, and immunoglobulin heavy chain V-III (region BRO) were found to have increased expression in the live birth group, whereas antithrombin, vitamin D–binding protein, and complement 3 were decreased. An ELISA confirmed a significantly lower level of antithrombin. Conclusion(s) Proteomic evaluation of follicular fluid is able to identify potential biomarkers of good versus poor responders in matched pairs of IVF patients.
The Use of an Ecodevelopmental Approach to Examining Substance Use Among Rural and Urban Latino/a Youth: Peer, Parental, and School Influences

Using an ecodevelopmental framework, we examined how peer, parent, and student variables influence substance (tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana) use among rural and urban Latino/a adolescents (N = 2,500). Generally speaking, Latino/a adolescents in rural areas endorsed higher levels of substance use. Among the primary variables of study, there were a number of nuanced differences noted based on location, gender, and type of substance. Peer use was related to individual substance use in both rural and urban areas. However, peer use was a significantly stronger predictor of tobacco use among rural Latinas than urban dwelling. Parental monitoring was not predictive of urban marijuana use, yet was negatively associated with substance use for all subgroups and was especially pronounced for female alcohol use. Parental emotional involvement predicted higher alcohol use among urban boys. School achievement was negatively associated with substance use for all subgroups while, conversely, school involvement was asso...
EXPERIENCES WITH THE USE OF SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE IN EDUCATION

This paper discusses four experiments and experiences with the use of supply chain management software, in this case the CAPS Logistics software, at different levels of undergraduate and graduate education at the School of Industrial and Systems Engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology. We hope that the readers will get an idea of the commitment and resources necessary to integrate supply chain software into the classroom as well as the potential rewards.
SU-E-T-223: High-Energy Photon Standard Dosimetry Data: A Quality Assurance Tool

Purpose: Describe the Radiological Physics Center's (RPC) extensive standard dosimetry data set determined from on‐site audits measurements.Method and Materials: Measurements were made during on‐site audits to institutions participating in NCI funded cooperative clinical trials for 44 years using a 0.6cc cylindrical ionization chamber placed within the RPC's water tank. Measurements were made on Varian, Siemens, and Elekta/Philips accelerators for 11 different energies from 68 models of accelerators. We have measured percent depth dose, output factors, and off‐axis factors for 123 different accelerator model/energy combinations for which we have 5 or more sets of measurements. The RPC analyzed these data and determined the ‘standard data’ for each model/energy combination. The RPC defines ‘standard data’ as the mean value of 5 or more sets of dosimetry data or agreement with published depth dose data (within 2%). Results: The analysis of these standard data indicates that for modern accelerator models, the dosimetry data for a particular model/energy are within i,±2%. The RPC has always found accelerators of the same make/model/energy combination have the same dosimetric properties in terms of depth dose,field size dependence and off‐axis factors. Because of this consistency, the RPC can assign standard data for percent depth dose, average output factors and off‐axis factors for a given combination of energy and accelerator make and model.Conclusions: The RPC standard data can be used as a redundant quality assurance tool to assist Medical Physicists to have confidence in their clinical data to within 2%. The next step is for the RPC to provide a way for institutions to submit data to the RPC to determine if their data agrees with the standard data as a redundant check. This work was supported by PHS grants CA10953 awarded by NCI, DHHS.
The National Children’s Study: An Opportunity for Medical Toxicology

The National Children’s Study (NCS) is a national longitudinal study that will prospectively investigate the influence of biological, environmental, genetic, and social factors on the health and development of US children. The NCS was mandated by the Children’s Health Act of 2000 (Public Law 106-310) and is being implemented by the National Institutes of Health with input from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Environmental Protection Agency, and other federal departments and agencies. The NCS is a data-driven, evidence-based, community- and participant-informed study. Given its scale and scope, the NCS is an integrated system using several data acquisition strategies intended to provide evidenced-based design of methodologies and protocols. These strategies include the Vanguard Study, the Main Study, and formative research and sub-studies. The Vanguard Study, a pilot study, is currently underway and has been expanded from 7 to 37 study locations. The original study protocols and recruitment strategy have been field tested and revisions are under consideration. The CDC is collaborating with NCS in a pilot study that evaluates biological specimen protocols and will provide results on a broad array of environmental chemical exposures and nutritional indicators for a sample of Vanguard Study participants. This study is an example of the kind of collaborative opportunity that would benefit the NCS. Medical toxicologists have unique training in basic and clinical toxicology and laboratory assessments, and by partnering with study centers, both the NCS design and future NCS research projects could be enhanced.
Dehydro-enkephalins: receptor binding activity of unsaturated analogs of Leu5-enkephalin.

Yasuyuki SHIMOHIGASHI +, Tommaso COSTA* and Charles H. STAMMER Department of Chemistry, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602 and *National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institues of Health, Bethesda, MD 20205, USA Received 27 July 1981 ; revision received 14 August 1981 1. Introduction As part of our interest in the synthesis of dehydro- peptides [2], we reported the preparation of a highly potent [D-Ala 2, APhe 4, MetS]-enkephalin amide [ 1 ], which had 5-times the activity of the corresponding saturated enkephalin in the stimulated guinea pig ileum assay and the mouse tail-flick test [3]. In gen- eral, the dehydroamino acid residue might enhance activity by virtue of an increased receptor-binding affinity, by its ability to react irreversibly [4] with a nucleophile on the receptor surface or by increasing resistance to enzymic degradation. A peptide messen- ger (hormone) most probably contains 'binding' and 'active' elements in its amino acid sequence [5]. The placement of a double bond into an amino acid resi- due in the 'binding' element could increase binding and elicit a stronger bio-response. We have synthesized a series of unsaturated enke- phalin analogs, dehydro-enkephalins (AEK), which contain AAla 2 or 3 APhe 4 or ALeu s residues (fig.l). Attempts to prepare ATyrl-enkephalins have failed because of the hydrolytic instability of an N-terminal ATyr residue. This paper discusses the binding affinity
DESTRUCTION OF POTATO PEEL TRYPSIN INHIBITOR BY PEELING AND EXTRUSION COOKING

Potato peels, a by-product of potato processing, can serve as a source of concentrated dietary fiber, but potato trypsin inhibitors (TI) in peels could reduce nutritional quality. Peels prepared by two methods (abrasion or steam) were extruded at 110C or 150C with feed moistures of either 30% or 35%. Prior to extrusion, abrasion and steam peels contained 45.57 and 8.06 TIU/g, respectively. Extrusion reduced TI activity by 75–85% in abrasion peels, but no reductions were observed for steam peels. TI may not pose a nutritional problem for steam peels with or without extrusion. Abrasion peels should be extruded, or processed by another thermal method, prior to use in foods.
Developmental changes in carbonic anhydrase and adenylate cyclase in quaking mice.

Abstract The present investigation focuses on the developmental changes in the activity and levels of carbonic anhydrase, adenylate cyclase and 3′,5′-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) in the Quaking mouse mutant in different regions of the brain. Carbonic anhydrase activity was found to be lower than normal in the forebrain of the C57/B Quaking mouse. The deficit in forebrain carbonic anhydrase was restricted to subcortical structures and was reflected equally in the membrane and soluble fractions, indicating that neither pool was affected selectively. However, no difference in carbonic anhydrase activity was observed in purified myelin from Quaking and control mice. Investigation of the changes in carbonic anhydrase activity as a function of age showed a cessation in enzyme accumulation in Quaking mice at around 20 days postnatally, suggesting an abnormality in cellular development. A tritiated acetazolamide binding assay was used to quantitate the amount of enzyme present. The amount of carbonic anhydrase parallelled enzyme activity, suggesting that the defect in the Quaking animals was at the level of the control of enzyme synthesis. Similar studies on cyclic AMP metabolism showed a higher than normal adenylate cyclase activity in the upper brain stem region of Quaking mice of ages between 19 and 40 days. Adenylate cyclase activity was stimulated by norepinephrine in both control and Quaking animals. The increased adenylate cyclase activity in the Quaking mice was in contrast to a lower cyclic AMP level and could not be accounted for by an alteration in phosphodiesterase activity.
An accurate solution to time domain integral equations for homogeneous dielectric bodies using loop-tree decomposition and bandlimited extrapolation

This work presents a stable and accurate method to solve the electromagnetic scattering from homogeneous dielectric scatterers using time domain integral equations (TDIE). In particular, it applies a loop-tree decomposition to the spatial testing functions and separately handles the solenoidal testing functions. For this purpose, the presented TDIE solver uses Rao-Wilton-Glisson (RWG) basis functions and bandlimited interpolatory functions (BLIF) to discretize the integral equations spatially and temporally, respectively, and implements a bandlimited extrapolation technique to overcome the noncausality introduced by the BLIF. Numerical results presented in this paper demonstrate the accuracy and stability of the method and illustrate the exponential convergence with respect to a temporal discretization parameter.
Measures of preschool children's interest and engagement in literacy activities: Examining gender differences and construct dimensions

Abstract Multiple approaches to measuring preschool children's literacy interest and engagement (i.e., parent-, teacher-, child-reported child literacy interest and observer-reported child literacy engagement) were examined in a sample of 167 four- and five-year-old children ( M = 56.62 months, SD = 6.01) enrolled in Head Start. Associations among measures as well as gender differences and dimensions of preschooler's literacy interest and engagement were examined across measures. Measures were not strongly associated. There were small, but significant correlations between parents’ and teachers’ reports of children's literacy interest, and teachers’ reports of children's literacy interest and observers’ reports of children's literacy engagement. Gender differences were found for parent- and teacher-report measures, with teachers and parents rating girls higher on interest. Patterns of factor loadings differed between adult and child measures. Implications of findings are discussed.
Excitatory amino acids in rostral ventrolateral medulla support blood pressure during water deprivation in rats.

Water deprivation is associated with regional increases in sympathetic tone, but whether this is mediated by changes in brain stem regulation of sympathetic activity is unknown. Therefore, this stu...
TRANSFERABLE STOCK OPTIONS (TSOS) AND THE COMING REVOLUTION IN EQUITY‐BASED PAY

The dominant form of equity pay in the U.S. will change dramatically when accounting rules are changed (most likely in 2005) to require companies to charge the cost of their stock option plans on their income statements. Many companies are already switching from stock options to other forms of equity pay, especially restricted stock. The most notable switcher was Microsoft, the world's largest user of stock option pay. In July 2003, partnering with J.P. Morgan, Microsoft created a onetime transferable stock option (TSO) program that allowed holders of underwater Microsoft options to sell their options to J.P. Morgan in return for restricted shares. But the most important consequence of this transaction may not be a widespread shift by corporate America to restricted shares, but rather the creation of a more costeffective kind of stock option. By clearing the potentially messy hurdles involving taxes, accounting, SEC rules, and “transaction mechanics,” Microsoft has opened the door for TSOs to be considered as an ongoing equitypay instrument, perhaps replacing standard stock options (which are not transferable). TSOs share the key advantages of restricted stock in terms of providing robust retention and ownership incentives and higher valuecost efficiency, while maintaining the key “leverage” advantage of options. In so doing, they create significant upside (and downside) while largely avoiding the “pay for pulse” problem of restricted stock. They also introduce the discipline of competitive pricing by third-party bidders. The bid prices of investment banks create nearly all of the information required for accurate estimates of option cost, which should foster greater board accountability and improved corporate governance.
Multifractal analysis of agent-based financial markets

To analyze financial time series exhibiting volatility clustering, long-range dependence, or heavy-tailed marginals, we exploit multifractal analysis and agent-based simulation. We develop a robust, automated software tool for extracting the multifractal spectrum of a time series based on multifractal detrended fluctuation analysis (MF-DFA). The software is tested on simulated data with closed-form monofractal and multifractal spectra to ensure the quality of our implementation. We perform an in-depth analysis of General Electric's stock price using traditional time series techniques, and contrast the results with those obtained using MF-DFA. We also present a zero-intelligence agent-based financial market model and analyze its output using MF-DFA. We study the changes in the macrolevel time series output as analyzed by MF-DFA when altering one of the microlevel agent behaviors. Finally we explore the potential for validating agent-based models against empirical time series using MF-DFA.
Consistent discretization for simulations of flows with moving generalized curvilinear coordinates

We develop a consistent discretization of conservative momentum and scalar transport for the numerical simulation of flow using a generalized moving curvilinear coordinate system. The formulation guarantees consistency between the discrete transport equation and the discrete mass conservation equation due to grid motion. This enables simulation of conservative transport using generalized curvilinear grids that move arbitrarily in three dimensions while maintaining the desired properties of the discrete transport equation on a stationary grid, such as constancy, conservation, and monotonicity. In addition to guaranteeing consistency for momentum and scalar transport, the formulation ensures geometric conservation and maintains the desired high-order time accuracy of the discretization on a moving grid. Through numerical examples we show that, when the computation is carried out on a moving grid, consistency between the discretized scalar advection equation and the discretized equation for flow mass conservation due to grid motion is required in order to obtain stable and accurate results. We also demonstrate that significant errors can result when non-consistent discretizations are employed.
An introductory exascale feasibility study for FFTs and multigrid

The coming decade is going to see a push towards exascale computing. Assuming gigahertz cores, this means exascale systems will have between 100 million and 1 billion of them to achieve this level of performance. At this scale, some important questions need to be answered on the applications end. What applications are feasible at this scale? What needs to be done to make them scalable? How does the hardware have to adapt to meet application needs? In this paper, we introduce a new feasibility-based approach to answering these questions. Our approach involves finding upper and lower bounds on problem size and machine parameters to determine a feasibility region for the application in question. As the underlying architecture of a future exascale machine is currently unknown, we use LogP-based performance models and vary machine parameters to give architecture-indepenent hardware constraints. We consider both strong-scaling and weak-scaling scenarios, and present results for two applications, the Fast Fourier Transform and basic geometric multigrid. The results show substantial constraints that need to be satisfied to enable exascale performance.