cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hepatic epoxide hydrolase activities and their induction by clofibrate and diethylhexylphthalate in various strains of mice

The presence of epoxide hydrolase activity in cytoplasm, microsomes and mitochondrial fraction in livers from twelve strains of mice (AKR/J, A/J, BALB/cByJ, CBA/J, C3H/HeJ, G57BL/6J, C57BL/10J, DBA/2J, NZB/B1NJ, PL/J, SEC/1ReJ and SW), and the influence of orally administered clofibrate and di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) (0.5 and 2%, respectively, in diet) on epoxide hydrolase activities, were studied. Significant differences in basal cytosolic epoxide hydrolase activity, which ranged from 5.6 to 11.2 nmol diol.min-1.(mg protein)-1 using trans-stilbene oxide (TSO) as substrate, were noted among the mice. The highest and lowest enzyme levels were observed in the A/J and DBA/2J strains respectively. Similarly, microsomal epoxide hydrolase activity, monitored with cis-stilbene oxide (CSO), varied with the mouse strain, with the highest and lowest microsomal epoxide hydrolase activity being observed in A/J and SW strains respectively. Variations were also noted in the epoxide hydrolase activity in the mitochondrial fraction (monitored with TSO) with the highest and lowest levels observed in C57BL/6J and SW strains respectively. Clofibrate or DEHP treatment induced both cytosolic and microsomal epoxide hydrolases in nearly all of the strains examined. In contrast, the hydrolysis of TSO by the mitochondrial fraction in these strains was either not affected or decreased by clofibrate or DEHP treatment. The induction of cytosolic epoxide hydrolase was found to range between 1.2- and 2.8-fold, with generally a higher level of induction in mouse strains with low basal levels of cytosolic epoxide hydrolase activity. This level of cytosolic epoxide hydrolase activity, monitored with TSO as substrate, closely reflected the level of cytosolic epoxide hydrolase protein detected by immunoblot. There were also no significant differences observed in the molecular weight, immunological characteristics, pH-dependence and heat stability of hepatic cytosolic epoxide hydrolase activities of control and clofibrate-treated mice from various strains. These results suggest that clofibrate and DEHP induce both cytosolic and microsomal epoxide hydrolases but not the epoxide hydrolase in the mitochondrial fraction.
Diagnosing Alcohol and Cannabis Use Disorders in Adolescents with Bipolar Disorder: A Preliminary Investigation.

Objective: The aim of this report was to examine the accuracy of diagnosing substance use disorders in manic adolescents with bipolar disorder. Methods: The substance use disorder modules of the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia-Present and Lifetime version (K-SADS-PL) were administered to a sample of 80 manic adolescents (12 to 21 years old) with co-occurring bipolar and substance use disorders. Initial substance use disorder diagnoses obtained from the K-SADS-PL were then compared to a best estimate diagnosis derived from all available information, including a second diagnostic interview, the Child Semi-Structured Assessment for the Genetics of Alcoholism, Adolescent version (C-SSAGA-A). Results: Relatively low diagnostic agreement was achieved across the initial and the best estimate diagnoses for both alcohol and cannabis use disorders. Age, race, and sex did not predict diagnostic agreement between the two evaluations. Conclusions: Results of this study call for more research ...
Ultra-violet and visible absorption characterization of explosives by differential reflectometry.

Abstract This study presents some optical properties of TNT (2,4,6-trinitrotoluene), RDX, HMX and tetryl, specifically their absorption spectra as a function of concentration in various solvents in the ultraviolet and visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. We utilize a standoff explosives detection method, called differential reflectometry (DR). TNT was diluted in six different solvents (acetone, acetonitrile, ethanol, ethyl acetate, methanol, and toluene), which allowed for a direct comparison of absorption features over a wide range of concentrations. A line-shape analysis was adopted with great accuracy (R2 > 0.99) to model the absorption features of TNT in differential reflectivity spectra. We observed a blue shift in the pertinent absorption band with decreasing TNT concentration for all solvents. Moreover, using this technique, it was found that for all utilized solvents the concentration of TNT as well as of RDX, HMX, and tetryl, measured as a function of the transition wavelength of the ultra-violet absorption edge in differential reflectivity spectra shows three distinct regions. A model is presented to explain this behavior which is based on intermolecular hydrogen bonding of explosives molecules with themselves (or lack thereof) at different concentrations. Other intermolecular forces such as dipole–dipole interactions, London dispersion forces and π-stacking contribute to slight variations in the resulting spectra, which were determined to be rather insignificant in comparison to hydrogen bonding. The results are aimed towards a better understanding of the DR spectra of explosives energetic materials.
Meeting production: the economics of contracting mental illness.

Abstract This article presents a case study which illustrates the impact that economic forces can have an organizational structure and clinical practice. Specifically, the stress and double-binds which staff experience as a result of having to manipulate different sources of funding in order to ‘meet production’ are examined. Ethnographic fieldwork conducted at a day treatment center connected with a Community Mental Health Center revealed that contracts are made and quotas are set each year to ‘produce’ different kinds of services. The two main types of services, habilitative and socialization, are not funded equally. Funding agencies pay the most for habilitative services because these are meant to be directed toward the most symptomatic clients requiring the highest level of care. However, who is billed habilitative at any one time may or may not have anything to do with who is actually symptomatic and receiving a higher level of care. The reasons for this are explored, with special attention paid to how staff must adjust to constantly changing funding requirements. Despite the obstacles, staff attempt to provide clients with the level of care that they need, regardless of whether or not this is reflected in production quotas. Taken together, these two elements—the efforts of staff to conform to funding agency requirements plus their attempts to provide clients with the level of care that they need—require that staff engage in a constant and very wearisome juggling act. It is concluded that as a consequence of the demands of meeting production, both staff morale and the treatment of clients is adversely affected.
Dispossessing Massa: Fugitive Slaves and the Politics of Slavery After 1850

Eight slaves – Edmund aged 37, Isaac, 34, Joseph and Bernard both 26, William 24, Theodore 23, another named Joseph, 22 and the youngest Henry 18 – fled the Valle lead mines at Ste Genevieve, Misso...
Design optimization and uncertainty analysis of SMA morphing structures

The continuing implementation of shape memory alloys (SMAs) as lightweight solid-state actuators in morphing structures has now motivated research into finding optimized designs for use in aerospace control systems. This work proposes methods that use iterative analysis techniques to determine optimized designs for morphing aerostructures and consider the impact of uncertainty in model variables on the solution. A combination of commercially available and custom coded tools is utilized. ModelCenter, a suite of optimization algorithms and simulation process management tools, is coupled with the Abaqus finite element analysis suite and a custom SMA constitutive model to assess morphing structure designs in an automated fashion. The chosen case study involves determining the optimized configuration of a morphing aerostructure assembly that includes SMA flexures. This is accomplished by altering design inputs representing the placement of active components to minimize a specified cost function. An uncertainty analysis is also conducted using design of experiment methods to determine the sensitivity of the solution to a set of uncertainty variables. This second study demonstrates the effective use of Monte Carlo techniques to simulate the variance of model variables representing the inherent uncertainty in component fabrication processes. This paper outlines the modeling tools used to execute each case study, details the procedures for constructing the optimization problem and uncertainty analysis, and highlights the results from both studies.
Interference effects on guided Cherenkov emission in silicon from perpendicular, oblique, and parallel boundaries

Waveguide electromagnetic modes excited by swift electrons traversing Si slabs at normal and oblique incidence are analyzed using monochromated electron energy-loss spectroscopy and interpreted using a local dielectric theory that includes relativistic effects. At normal incidence, sharp spectral features in the visible/near-infrared optical domain are directly assigned to $p$-polarized modes. When the specimen is tilted, $s$-polarized modes, which are completely absent at normal incidence, become visible in the loss spectra. In the tilted configuration, the dispersion of $p$-polarized modes is also modified. For tilt angles higher than $\ensuremath{\sim}50\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}$, Cherenkov radiation, the phenomenon responsible for the excitation of waveguide modes, is expected to partially escape the silicon slab and the influence of this effect on experimental measurements is discussed. Finally, we find evidence for an interference effect at parallel $\text{Si}/{\text{SiO}}_{2}$ interfaces, as well as a delocalized excitation of guided Cherenkov modes.
Research on angel investing: a multilevel framework for an emerging domain of inquiry

We develop a multilevel conceptual framework of angel investing grounded on prospect theory. The framework provides an integrative foundation for this emerging domain of inquiry, delineates the boundaries of the domain, synthesizes research to date into distinctive levels of analysis, and identifies potentially interesting relationships between constructs across levels and across time. We discuss the domain's relevance and the opportunities it affords for insights into a variety of theoretical perspectives and develop propositions to illustrate the potential for unique contributions with a multilevel approach. The focus on angel portals and networks highlights the need for an extension of the multilevel paradigm for organizational phenomena that exhibit permeable boundaries.
Social Exclusion and the Disabled: An Accessibility Approach∗

Abstract Understanding social dimensions (e.g., transport equity) is an important aspect of sustainable development. This holistic perspective allows the use of accessibility as a tool to identify disadvantaged groups. In this article, cumulative accessibility measures are calculated for a sample of individuals who participated in a one-day travel diary survey for the Buffalo-Niagara region in the state of New York. These measures, which include the number of opportunities available in an individual's activity space, are used to compare the levels of access between disabled and nondisabled groups and to determine if individuals' disabilities and other characteristics are contributing factors to their exclusion. Findings show that being young, coming from a small household, possessing a driver's license, having a steady job, living in an urban setting, and being willing to travel a long distance increase the number of opportunities available. ∗The author thanks the Greater Buffalo-Niagara Regional Transpor...
A randomized trial comparing cimetidine to nasogastric suction in acute pancreatitis

Clinical and experimental evidence has suggested that the use of cimetidine might be harmful to patients with acute pancreatitis. We conducted a randomized study comparing cimetidine to nasogastric (NG) suction in 95 patients with 103 episodes of mild to moderately severe, acute or relapsing pancreatitis (86.4% alcohol related). The groups were comparable on entry to the study, and daily evaluation of several clinical and laboratory criteria revealed no consistent differences between the two groups. When these same criteria were evaluated for time of return to normal, if abnormal on entry to the study, no differences were found. The cimetidine group had a significantly shorter stay in the hospital than did the NG group (6.8±2.7 vs 8.5±4.8 days). Neither the incidence of relapse or complication nor the duration and extent of hyperamylasemia were significantly different between patients treated with cimetidine or NG suction. We conclude that cimetidine is safe to use in patients with mild to moderately severe alcohol-related pancreatitis, but it offers minimal advantage over NG suction.
Quality of in-School Special Services and the School/University Program Relationship for Extremely Gifted Students

This study investigated the in-school special services provided to extremely gifted students participating in a university program and the degree to which a cooperative relationship existed between the schools and the university program. Results indicate that the students were, for the most part, receiving special services in their schools prior to their involvement in the university program, and that a rather high-quality interface existed between the schools and the university program. Students seemed to be better served by their schools as a result of their participation in the university program.
Meal Feeding and Broiler Performance

Abstract Male broiler chickens were meal fed using 3.5 hr on:4.5 hr off, 3 cycles/24 hr and in combination with 2 hr on:2 hr off, 6 cycles/24 hr; comparison was made to ad libitum feeding, all with continuous light. Trials were conducted at optimum (21 C) grow-out temperature and at hot (22 to 33 C) grow-out temperatures. Grower diets in either pellet or crumble form containing either 3110 or 3210 kcal/kg of metabolizable energy were used. At 21 C, meal feeding significantly reduced growth rate and adversely affected feed conversion; doubling the meal frequency midway through the 21-day growing period reduced the adverse effect on feed conversion, but feed conversion remained significantly affected. Under hot weather conditions, meal feeding significantly improved feed conversion but had no effect on growth rate. Response to meal feeding in hot weather was better for birds fed crumbles than for those fed pellets. Meal feeding tended to increase abdominal fat in both temperature conditions. Response to energy level was similar in both meal-fed and ad libitum-fed birds.
Oviposition and feeding preferences of the southern pine coneworm (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) for different host-plant materials and observations on monoterpenes as an oviposition stimulant.

Bioassays were conducted with first-stage larvae and newly emerged females of the southern pine coneworm,Dioryctria amatella (Hulst), to detect feeding and ovipositional preferences for different host-plant materials collected between April and August. Correlations between measures of insect preferences and estimates of wood parameters indicated that larvae preferred to feed on host-plant materials with high moisture contents, low wood densities, and low monoterpene contents. Female moths, however, did not necessarily select those plant materials preferred by larvae for feeding, but tended to oviposit more frequently on materials with high monoterpene contents. A synthetic mixture of monoterpenes similar in composition to those present in fusiform rust galls of slash pine (Pinus elliottii) Englem. var.elliottii) elicited mating and oviposition behavior.
Ecological ethnicity in the making: Developmentalist hegemonies and emergent identities in India

Why are certain ecologically exploited regions in middle India also the hotbeds of ethnoregionalism? Why are ethnic groups fighting to stop big dams or to gain control over their land and forest resources, demanding autonomy of governance at the community and regional level? More significantly, why would the resolution of ecological conflict require self‐governance of communities? I explicate these questions by providing an ecological reinterpretation of ethnic movements in middle India, particularly in Jharkhand and the Narmada valley. I show that while ethnicity might be the form in which they are expressed, these movements are firmly grounded in ecological subordination. What is emerging is an “ecological ethnicity” that goes beyond a narrowly defined ethnic politics. Ecological ethnicity derives further impetus when it enters into relations of equivalence with other historical subjects who are also subordinated in different equations of power. Embedded in a relatively autonomous subaltern space, ecolo...
Constraining the reservoir model of an injected CO2 plume with crosswell CASSM at the Frio-II brine plot

Constraining the reservoir model of an injected CO 2 plume with crosswell CASSM at the Frio-II Brine Pilot Thomas M. Daley, Jonathan B. Ajo-Franklin, Christine Doughty, Earth Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA Abstract Crosswell CASSM (continuous active-source seismic monitoring) data was acquired as part of the Frio-II brine pilot CO 2 injection experiment. To gain insight into the CO 2 plume evolution, we have integrated the 3D multiphase flow modeling code TOUGH2 with seismic simulation codes via a petrophysical model that predicts seismic velocity for a given CO 2 saturation. Results of forward seismic modeling based on the CO 2 saturation distribution produced by an initial TOUGH2 model compare poorly with the CASSM data, indicating that the initial flow model did not capture the actual CO 2 plume dynamics. Updates to the TOUGH2 model required to better match the CASSM field data indicate vertical flow near the injection well, with increased horizontal plume growth occurring at the top of the reservoir sand. The CASSM continuous delay time data are ideal for constraining the modeled spatiotemporal evolution of the CO 2 plume and allow improvement in reservoir model and estimation of CO 2 plume properties. Keywords: CO 2 , seismic, crosswell, reservoir model, petrophysics 1. Introduction Brine aquifers provide the largest potential storage capacity for geologic sequestration of CO 2 (IPCC, 2005). In recent years, a few experiments have targeted CO 2 injection in brine formations, notably the large-scale Sleipner project (Arts et al., 2004). Large-scale projects have few, if any, monitoring wells and thus depend on reservoir models and remote monitoring (e.g. 4D seismic) to estimate the plume extent. Ideally, a sequestration monitoring program is integrated with reservoir modeling to continually improve the model and the estimates of CO 2 plume extent and residual saturation. However, at large scales, heterogeneity, resolution limits, and uncertainty can hamper monitoring efforts. Small-scale pilot injections provide an ideal opportunity to characterize reservoir processes at a scale often inaccessible in larger projects through a combination of increased resolution (both spatial and temporal) and decreased uncertainty in injection dynamics. Examples of such advantages are the Nagaoka project where crosswell tomography was utilized to estimate plume extent over about 100 meters (Saito, et al. 2006), and the Frio-I pilot where crosswell seismic tomography imaged the plume over a 30 m distance (Daley, et al, 2008). For the Frio pilot, comparing modeling results to crosswell and Vertical Seismic Profile (VSP) constrained the value chosen for field-scale residual gas saturation, an important unknown for CO 2 /brine systems. A small-scale pilot can thus be used to calibrate models and techniques, at a scale intermediate between core/logs and surface seismic, for extrapolation to the larger scales.
The Effect of Rectifier Discontinuous Current on Motor Performance

Rectifier performance with the low-inductance counter electromotive force (emf) load of a large d-c motor may be some-what different than the more conventional performance resulting from a highly inductive load. If, at low average values, the current is not continuous but flows in pulses, both the static and the dynamic characteristics of the rectifier-motor system are affected. In the case of a main drive motor for a hot strip mill stand, mill performance may be impaired by the dynamic characteristics associated with discontinuous current flow. One means of over-coming this is the addition of a series-saturating reactor to the armature circuit.
Body Talk: Siblings’ Use of Positive and Negative Body Self-Disclosure and Associations with Sibling Relationship Quality and Body-Esteem

The sibling relationship has been deemed the quintessential “love-hate relationship.” Sibling relationships have also been found to have both positive and negative impacts on the adjustment of youth. Unlike previous research, however, the present study examined the associations between siblings’ positive and negative body-related disclosures with relationship quality and body-esteem. Additionally, ordinal position, individual sex, and sibling sex composition were tested as moderators. Participants included 101 predominantly White and middle class adolescent sibling dyads (54 % female adolescents, with relatively equal sibling gender compositions). Older siblings were, on average, 16.46 (SD = 1.35) years old with younger siblings an average of 13.67 (SD = 1.56) years. Adolescents completed questionnaires and data were analyzed using Actor-Partner Interdependence Modeling, which focused on disclosure to and from dyad members. In general, sibling body-related disclosure was positive for the quality of the sibling relationship, regardless of the valance of disclosure. Also, adolescents’ body esteem was greater when adolescents reported disclosing (i.e., actor-effects) about positive or negative body issues to their siblings (particularly for females). Conversely, when adolescents received positive or negative body-related disclosures from their siblings (i.e., partner-effects), adolescents reported lower levels of body esteem (particularly for girls and younger siblings). Thus, the impact of body-related disclosure on adolescents’ feelings of body esteem appear to be associated more with whether they are the discloser or the one being disclosed to, while the impact on the quality of the relationship has simply more to do with whether or not they are generally disclosing to one another.
Design, manufacture and characterization of an optical fiber glucose affinity sensor based on an homogeneous fluorescence energy transfer assay system

Abstract Optical fiber biosensors based on fluorescence assays have several distinct advantages when measuring biological analytes such as metabolites, cofactors, toxins, etc. Not only are optical signals immune to electronic interferences, but the polychromatic nature of most fluorochemical assays provides more potentially useful data about the system being studied. One of the most common difficulties normally encountered with optical biosensors is the inability to routinely recalibrate the optical and electronic components of the system throughout the life of the sensor. With this in mind, an optical biosensor system for glucose has been constructed along with the peripheral electronic instrumentation. The biochemical assay is based on an homogeneous singlet/singlet energy transfer affinity assay. The sensor probe indirectly measures glucose concentrations from the level of fluorescence quenching caused by the homogeneous competition assay between TRITC labeled concanavalin A (receptor) and FITC labeled Dextran (ligand). The FITC signal is used as an indicator for glucose concentrations and the TRITC signal is used for internal calibration. Chemical derivatization procedures using succinic anhydride were developed to prevent aggregation of the receptor protein in solution, and the TRITC/ConA ratios were optimized to achieve the best sensor performance. Using this sensor system, the FITC-Dextran detection limit was 0.05 μg/ml and glucose concentrations up to 1600 mg/dl could be detected with a time response of approximately 10 min.
Geostrophic velocity and transport variability in the Brazil-Malvinas Confluence

Abstract This paper presents the results from a study of the dynamics of the Brazil-Malvinas Confluence in the southwestern Atlantic based on data collected with an array of inverted echo sounders. Dynamic height series were obtained at 10 different sites for a period of 15 months. The data are analyzed in terms of dynamic height, geostrophic velocities and transports. The large variability previously inferred from satellite observations is observed in the dynamic height field of the surface, relative to 100 m, and is attributed to changes in the latitude of separation, the meandering of the Confluence front towards the east, and eddy generation. The eddy circulation observed is both cyclonic and anticyclonic. These eddies are observed both between the southward edge of the Brazil Current and the northward edge of the Malvinas Current and superimposed to the main flows. The diameter of the eddies is two to three times the Rossby Radius of deformation. The highest observed values of the geostrophic velocities (102 cm s −1 at 36.5°S and −61 to −62 cm s −1 at 37.6°S) are associated with the large shear in frontal situations. The northward penetration of the Malvinas Current occurs during 1988 and 1990 during the southern hemisphere winter. This is in agreement woth results from a previous deployment, satellite observations and model results. The Brazil Current transport is at 35.2 and 36.5°S, −24 Sv towards the south and −20 Sv between 37.7 and 38°S (reference 1000 m). The transport of the Brazil Current return at 35.2°S is of the same value as the southward flow: 24 Sv. For the Malvinas Current, the estimates indicate a northward transport of 5 Sv at 37.7°S (reference 1000 m). These values are considered as a lower limit. The array captured only about half the flow due to the location of the deployments, and only the baroclinic component. The transport should be at least doubled to compensate the value obtained for the Malvinas return flow at the same latitudes, −24 Sv.
New fantasies in the American death system.

Abstract Some 23 years ago, after much searching, I had the good fortune to come to know Herman Feifel, a man for whom psychology was as big as life. This was demonstrated by his concern with death. At that moment in American history, our society had its eyes closed so that it could not see or be seen by Death. The medical establisment was also holding its breath and wishing hard in the hope that Feifel would also go away and take death with him. Nevertheless, Herman was as persistent as the IRS even if at times this made him just as unpopular. Energized by his insights and his intellectual curiosity, Feifel was in the process of helping change forever the attitude of American society toward death.
Global Civil Society, Anarchy and Governance: Assessing an Emerging Paradigm:

The realist, state-centric paradigm of international relations is reevaluated in light of the emerging role of transnational social movements and nongovernmental organizations. It is argued that global civil society potentially poses both an empirical and normative challenge to realist assumptions. It is shown that realist theory is grounded in the Hobbesian assumption that human beings are naturally avaricious, thus justifying both the state's monopoly of the legitimate use of violence and the anarchical, state-centric system. In contrast to the Hobbesian assumption, global civil society is widely characterized by voluntary cooperation and non-violent political action. It is argued that the Kropotkian tradition of anarchist theory provides a useful counterpoint to the Hobbesian tradition in conceptualizing global civil society. This alternative anarchist tradition views the state itself as the major source of violence in the world, and it highlights the sorts of non-violent, cooperative activities that largely characterize contemporary global civil society. By interjecting an alternative set of assumptions concerning human nature and anarchism, the Kropotkian tradition supports a potentially auspicious reevaluation of the prospects for peaceful international governance in an era of global transformation of the familiar state-centric world order.
Nonlinear filtering for enhancing prostate MR images via alpha-trimmed Mean Separation

This paper introduces a new enhancement algorithm for prostate MR images using a new nonlinear filtering operation and an alpha-trimmed Mean Separation. A new enhancement measure is also introduced to measure and assess the enhanced results. Experimental results show that the presented algorithm can significantly improve the contrast of prostate MR images. It has a potential application in prostate cancer detection.
Susceptibility of insect cells and ribosomes to ricin

Abstract 1. 1. The sensitivity of insect cells to whole ricin and its catalytic subunit has been examined. Evidence is presented that although cells from Trichoplusia ni and Spodoptera frugiperda are resistant to ricin, cell-free protein synthesis extracts are inhibited by ricin A chain and that the isolated insect ribosomes are sensitive to the N-glycosidase depurization activity of the A chain. 2. 2. These results are consistent with the model that, as with other sensitive eukaryotic ribosomes, insect ribosomes appear to have a consensus sequence in the ribosomal RNA on the surface of the ribosome which is sensitive to this N-glycosidase.
The Effects of Light Pollution on Amateur Astronomy

The rapid increase in urban lighting, with the resultant increase in sky glow due to this lighting, has already severely affected both professional and amateur astronomy. It is not possible to observe as faint as was possible in the past from sites anywhere near large cities. Even those sites near smaller cities are compromised.
Personal and workplace psychosocial risk factors for carpal tunnel syndrome: a pooled study cohort

Background Between 2001 and 2010, six research groups conducted coordinated multiyear, prospective studies of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) incidence in US workers from various industries and collected detailed subject-level exposure information with follow-up symptom, physical examination, electrophysiological measures and job changes. Objective This analysis of the pooled cohort examined the incidence of dominant-hand CTS in relation to demographic characteristics and estimated associations with occupational psychosocial factors and years worked, adjusting for confounding by personal risk factors. Methods 3515 participants, without baseline CTS, were followed-up to 7 years. Case criteria included symptoms and an electrodiagnostic study consistent with CTS. Adjusted HRs were estimated in Cox proportional hazard models. Workplace biomechanical factors were collected but not evaluated in this analysis. Results Women were at elevated risk for CTS (HR=1.30; 95% CI 0.98 to 1.72), and the incidence of CTS increased linearly with both age and body mass index (BMI) over most of the observed range. High job strain increased risk (HR=1.86; 95% CI 1.11 to 3.14), and social support was protective (HR=0.54; 95% CI 0.31 to 0.95). There was an inverse relationship with years worked among recent hires with the highest incidence in the first 3.5 years of work (HR=3.08; 95% CI 1.55 to 6.12). Conclusions Personal factors associated with an increased risk of developing CTS were BMI, age and being a woman. Workplace risk factors were high job strain, while social support was protective. The inverse relationship between CTS incidence and years worked among recent hires suggests the presence of a healthy worker survivor effect in the cohort.
Cytogenetic abnormalities in products of conception: A relationship revisited

Objectives: Cytogenetic evaluation of product of conception (POC) is essential to determine the cause of pregnancy loss and aid the prenatal diagnosis of subsequent pregnancies. The purpose of this study is twofold. (1) To profile cytogenetic abnormalities, their relationship with maternal and gestational age and analyze sex ratios in our case series of 2052 consecutive samples of POC referred to the Baystate Medical Center, Laboratory Genetics between January 1992 and January 1999. (2) To present a comprehensive review of such data published in the last 15 years, in order to study temporal differences in the above parameters and make this information readily available for cytogeneticists and genetic counselors. Materials and methods: Data was entered and analyzed in Epi Info version 6.0 using the Z-test, chi-square test of significance and linear correlation coefficient. Results and conclusions: The profile of cytogenetic abnormalities detected in POC has not changes significantly over time. The mean maternal age in our study (overall and for trisomies) was higher than that reported previously, which is consistent with the noted trend of increasing age at pregnancy in recent years. Our study provides evidence that abnormal karyotypes are aborted earlier and that tetraploidies have the least survival amongst all abnormalities. The higher mean gestational age for trisomic abortions in our study, as compared with previously reported figures, can be attributed to the increasing practice of active maternal screening with subsequent therapeutic abortions. Analysis of sex ratios may reaffirm a female specific developmental disadvantage in early stages of pregnancy.
Philanthropy and Private Foundations: Expanding Revenue Sources.

As community colleges seek new revenue streams, philanthropic organizations, including college foundations and private funders, have already begun to influence both revenues and college programming. This chapter discusses the current role of philanthropy, especially private foundations such as the Lumina Foundation for Education and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, to provide revenue and direction to community colleges. The chapter also explores untapped potentials and the role of local college foundations and alumni in contributing resources.
Allele Specific Gene Silencing in Autosomal-Dominant Skeletal Myopathies

Central Core Disease (CCD) and Malignant Hyperthermia (MH) are linked to single amino acid substitutions in the skeletal muscle Ca2+ release channel, the type 1 ryanodine receptor (RyR1). We focus on two autosomal dominant (AD) RyR1 mutations, Y522S (YS) and I4898T (IT), which cause MH and CCD, respectively. The AD mode of inheritance and data indicating knock-out of one RyR1 allele is well-tolerated in mice led us to hypothesize that allele-specific gene silencing (ASGS) of the mutant allele would rescue RyR1 functional defects in skeletal muscle cells from YS and IT knock-in mice.We evaluated the functional consequences of allele-specific silencing in YS and IT muscle cells using short interfering RNAs (siRNAs). To screen potential siRNAs for relative knockdown efficacy and allele specificity, we generated cDNAs encoding fusion proteins derived from wild type (WT) (Venus-Exons-3XFLAG) and either YS or IT mutation-containing (Cherry-Exons-3XHA) exons. Simultaneous transfection of these cDNAs and siRNAs into HEK293 cells and subsequent evaluation of mRNA (semi-quantitative RT-PCR) and protein levels (fluorescence microscopy and western blotting) was used to determine knockdown efficacy and allele-specificity prior to functional rescue experiments. Myotubes derived from heterozygous YS mice (YS/+) exhibit ∼4-fold increase in caffeine sensitivity (EC50 values were 0.5mM and 2.3mM for YS/+ and WT, respectively). Treatment with a YS-selective siRNA, normalized caffeine sensitivity (EC50 = 2.5mM) without decreasing peak caffeine-induced release. Similarly, YS-selective siRNA treatment rescued the increased voltage sensitivity of Ca2+ release in YS/+ myotubes determined in perforated-patch clamp experiments (VF1/2: WT = −18mV, YS/+ scrambled = −35mV, YS/+ YS-selective = −18mV). These results indicate that ASGS represents a promising approach for normalization of RyR1 function in MH and CCD. Similar functional rescue experiments in adult skeletal muscle fibers are currently underway.
Global descent replaces gradient descent to avoid local minima problem in learning with artificial neural networks

One of the fundamental limitations of artificial neural network learning by gradient descent is the susceptibility to local minima during training. A new approach to learning is presented in which the gradient descent rule in the backpropagation learning algorithm is replaced with a novel global descent formalism. This methodology is based on a global optimization scheme, acronymed TRUST (terminal repeller unconstrained subenergy tunneling), which formulates optimization in terms of the flow of a special deterministic dynamical system. The ability of the new dynamical system to overcome local minima with common benchmark examples and a pattern recognition example is tested. The results demonstrate that the new method does indeed escape encountered local minima, and thus finds the global minimum solution to the specific problems. >
CoCrPtTa/Ti perpendicular media deposited at high sputtering rate

CoCrPtTa/Ti bilayer thin films have been sputter deposited onto both glass and Al substrates under high sputtering rate in a manufacturing environment. From microstructure and magnetic property studies, it is found that Cr segregation and stacking fault density are the two major issues in obtaining high quality perpendicular media. (0002) texture orientation spread and c lattice parameter remain almost constant within the variation range of the deposition parameters, though there is a small distinction between the media on glass and those on Al substrates.
Reliability, yield and quality correlation for a particular failure mechanism

Two evaluations, which for one particular failure mode and mechanism show a strong relationship between yield, quality, and reliability on two CMOS processes, are described. The author does not attempt to model the findings but instead points out that an apparently linear relationship exists, and that results from the relationship can be extremely effective when used as a screen to prevent an unreliable or potentially unreliable product from reaching the field. The author also studies the field failure data for these processes, which indicate that the highest incidence of failures occurs for the failure mechanism highlighted during the evaluations. These results, if followed to their logical conclusion, could provide an excellent screen for improving product quality while simultaneously reducing field failures to a minimum for this particular failure mechanism. >
Strategic Capabilities and Radical Innovation: An Empirical Study in Three Countries

This paper examines strategic capabilities as drivers of the development and launch of radical innovations. We construct a theoretical framework relating five strategic capabilities (marketing, market linking, technology, information technology, and management-related capabilities) to radical innovation. From this framework, we derive hypotheses concerning a division's propensity to engage in radical innovation. Using empirical data derived from a research study of 376 firms in the United States, Japan, and China, we apply analysis of variance and negative binomial distribution (NBD) regression techniques to test our hypotheses. We find evidence that, overall, technology and information technology capabilities are significantly and positively related to radical product innovation. We also find some significant differences among the three country samples concerning drivers of radical innovation. Marketing capability is more significantly and positively related to radical innovation in the United States than in Japan; and, in China, the only capability that is significantly and positively related to radical innovation is technology. All of the findings completely or partially support our research hypotheses. We conclude with a discussion of the managerial implications of our findings, and directions for future research.
Stratigraphic effects of tubificids in profundal lake sediments1

Experiments conducted with natural mixed populations of 800 and 1,800 tubificids m−2 in sediment from Messalonskee Lake, Maine, showed average sediment transport by alimentation at 10°C 2–3 times greater than highest rates previously reported. More than 95% of feeding on introduced pollen was at depths above 7 cm, with greatest feeding at 3–4 cm. Small amounts of pollen were raised to the surface from as deep as 15 cm. Downward transport was 14 and 19% of upward. Small pollen grains (< 40 µ) were fed upon and displaced at higher rates than large grains. Organic matter was less in the surface layer of feces than in sediment from feeding depths and in surface sediment where no worms were present. A mathematical model was used to appraise the stratigraphic effects of the worms by deriving age-frequency composition of sediment at various depths.
The Chulitna terrane of south-central Alaska: A rifted volcanic arc caught between the Wrangellia composite terrane and the Mesozoic margin of North America

The Chulitna terrane is an enigmatic, fault-bounded package of mid-Paleozoic to early Mesozoic sedimentary rocks and volcanics that are exotic to North America and show no clear affi nity with any of the other allochthonous terranes in southern Alaska. Geologic mapping and geochemical analyses of Triassic strata from the Chulitna terrane indicate Triassic rifting of a Devonian volcanic arc and development of an asymmetric basin that was later deformed in the Cretaceous within the broadly defi ned suture between the Wrangellia composite terrane and the Mesozoic margin of North America. The structure of the region consists of an overturned synclinorium that verges southeast, Triassic strata in the core of the syncline, and basement rocks exposed in the hanging walls of a series of out-of-syncline thrusts on the southeastern, upright limb. The basement of the complex consists of serpentinite, vesicular fl ows of basaltic andesite with minor pillow lavas, and volcanic debris with blocks of andesite and minor Devonian red chert. From southeast to northwest, there are systematic changes in the facies associated with Triassic strata that overlie this basement. To the southeast, the basement is unconformably overlain by bedded sedimentary breccias that consist of subangular clasts of basement lithologies, including red chert, serpentinite, and andesite. Further to the northwest, in the hanging wall of a more rearward thrust, the red-bed strata consist of conglomerate intermixed with siltstone and cross-bedded sandstone. In the northwest on the overturned limb of the syncline, the red beds are composed of siltstone and sandstone interfi ngered with limestone. There is an overall increase in the thickness of the red-bed unit from southeast to northwest. On the northwestern limb of the syncline, the red beds overlie a 1500-m-thick basalt sequence with columnar jointed fl ows and pillow basalts interbedded with limestone. Geochemical analyses of clinopyroxene phenocrysts in the basalts show similarities with island-arc basalts, suggesting that volcanism was related to early rifting of an oceanic arc. A marine sandstone unit overlies the entire red-bed package along a fl ooding surface and thins to the southeast. These results are consistent with Triassic deposition within a rifted volcanic arc, an upland erosion surface to the southeast, and increasing thickness of the Triassic section toward a basin-bounding fault in the northwest. This basin was initially ~18 km wide prior to accretion along the Mesozoic margin of North America, which resulted in southeast-vergent folding and 30% shortening.
The Proliferation of Life Choices and the Resistance that Follows

Twenty-first century America has been characterized by a proliferation of choices about such fundamental aspects of life as marital status, parental status, and living arrangements. The option to pursue consensual nonmonogamy may be another such choice. When nonnormative ways of living first enter our cultural conversations, resistance and hostility often ensue. Not all stigmatized groups organize to pursue social change. Suggestions for more just laws and policies are offered.
Seismogenic structure and processes associated with magma inflation and hydrothermal circulation beneath the East Pacific Rise at 9°50′N

A dense ocean bottom seismometer array recorded more than 7,300 microearthquakes between October 2003 and April 2004 on the fast spreading East Pacific Rise at 9°50′ N. A previous initial analysis of these data revealed the general structure of an along-axis oriented hydrothermal circulation cell, with an inferred down-flow zone near a 4th-order axial discontinuity, a horizontal band of seismicity overlying the axial magma chamber (AMC), and an upflow zone that correlates with activity patterns of hydrothermal vents. Here we present cross-correlation-based double-difference hypocenter locations that reveal further insight into the detailed structure and kinematics that control seismic failure. We find that the majority of events within the inferred down flow pipe occur near the surface where the entrenched seawater presumably lowers the frictional strength of faults generated by local tectonic stresses. Beneath the eastern side of the ridge axis, just above the AMC at ∼1.4 km depth, we observe repeated shear failure along well defined steeply east dipping faults. Composite focal mechanisms indicate reverse motion, suggesting that slip on these faults is caused by AMC inflation and possibly injection of magma into a narrow sill. We resolve a small counterclockwise skew in the strike of the reverse faults relative to the direction of the ridge axis, consistent with Nuvel 1A spreading direction suggesting that the regional tectonic stress field may be controlling the seismogenic structures at depth. Earthquakes on the reverse faults occur preferentially during peak extensional tidal stresses, indicating that these faults are critically stressed.
Moral Distress in Pediatric Palliative Care: A Case Study

End-of-life decisions for children can be complicated by disagreements between families and health care teams. These conflicts can lead to moral distress in providers. In addition, difficulties in prognostication aggravate the problem. How teams and institutions address potential staff distress is essential to providing effective palliative care for children. Through a case study of a child with a severe life-limiting syndrome, an analysis of both the ethical and legal implications of parental and team conflict are discussed. An ethics team can help provide guidance for teams and help mediate goals of care discussions with families. Palliative care consultation can also be useful, especially in providing support for both the parent and the child.
Social Media As a Leadership Tool for Pharmacists

The profession of pharmacy is currently experiencing transformational change in health system practice models with pharmacists' provider status. Gaining buy-in and support of stakeholders in medicine, nursing, and other advocates for patient care is critical. To this end, building momentum to advance the profession will require experimentation with and utilization of more efficient ways to disseminate relevant information. Traditional methods to communicate can be inefficient and painstakingly slow. Health care providers are turning to social media to network, connect, engage, educate, and learn. Pharmacy leaders can use social media as an additional tool in the leadership toolkit. This article of the Director's Forum shows how social media can assist pharmacy leaders in further developing patient-centered pharmacy services.