cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Title VII's Failure to Provide Meaningful and Consistent Protection of Religious Employees in the Workplace: Proposals for an Amendment

Section 701(j) of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 affirmatively requires an employer to accommodate an employee’s religious needs. The lower courts have, for the most part, interpreted § 701(j) as requiring only a minimal level of accommodation of religious employees. An examination of the language used in decisions narrowly interpreting an employer’s obligation under § 701(j) demonstrates that courts sometimes doubt the validity or importance of religion. Similarly, courts at times express skepticism regarding the sincerity of an employee’s religious beliefs and the extent to which an employee’s request for religious accommodation is actually motivated by these beliefs. Additionally courts are generally reluctant to require differential or preferential treatment based on any of the protected categories under Title VII. However, decisions that narrowly interpret an employer’s obligation under § 701(j) represent only part of the picture. There are also courts that view an employee’s request for religious accommodation as important and worthy of protection, and that require a more significant level of accommodation. Meaningful protection of religious employees cannot be achieved through the courts’ overall narrow interpretation of § 701(j), or through conflicting decisions regarding an employer’s duty to accommodate. Rather, this article argues that Congress intended § 701(j) to guarantee a higher level of accommodation than that required by the courts today, and a congressional amendment is necessary to clarify an employer’s accommodation obligation under § 701(j).
Dynamic capabilities and organizational agility: Risk, uncertainty, and strategy in the innovation economy

“Organizational agility” is often treated as an immutable quality, implying that firms need to be in a constant state of transformation. However, this ignores that such transformations, while often essential, come at a cost. They are not always necessary, and may not even be possible. This article explores agility at a more fundamental level and relates it more specifically to dynamic capabilities. It demonstrates that it is first essential to understand deep uncertainty, which is ubiquitous in the innovation economy. Uncertainty is very different from risk, which can be managed using traditional tools and approaches. Strong dynamic capabilities are necessary for fostering the organizational agility necessary to address deep uncertainty, such as that generated by innovation and the associated dynamic competition. This article explores the mechanisms by which managers may calibrate the required level of organizational agility, deliver it cost effectively, and relate it to strategy.
The role of buoyancy reversal in turbidite deposition and submarine fan geometry

Although recent work has shown that changing interstitial fluid density within turbidity currents is a frequently overlooked factor affecting the texture and internal architecture of turbidites, little is known about its influence on submarine fan morphology. Here we present the results of three-dimensional flume experiments of turbidity currents that clearly demonstrate the role of low-density interstitial fluid, in combination with sediment concentration and basin gradient, on submarine fan geometry. The experiments show that turbidity currents with reversing buoyancy, and their resulting deposits, are narrower than those that remain ground hugging. Furthermore, wider deposits result from increases in sediment concentration and/or basin-floor gradient. We also propose that Taylor-Gortler vortices associated with currents traveling over a break in slope may lead to the deposition of wider lobes compared with those traveling over a constant gradient.
The Impact Of Organizational Factors On Implementation Outcomes Of Lean Manufacturing

Critical success factors for successful implementation outcomes of lean manufacturing remain an important area of research. This paper examines the correlation between organizational factors, organizational structure, and job design with implementation outcomes of lean manufacturing that impact quality, waste, and delivery. The effect of three moderating factors, the length of time that lean manufacturing has been implemented, the company’s size, and the type of manufacturing, on the relationship between organizational factors and implementation outcomes of lean manufacturing is also studied. The results of this research study indicate that except for the lack of a relationship between level of formalization with waste and delivery outcomes, there are significant positive correlations between organizational factors and implementation outcomes of lean manufacturing. The results also indicate that the moderating factors do affect the relationship between independent and dependent variables.
Hunger and satiety responses to high-fat meals after a high-polyunsaturated fat diet: A randomized trial.

Abstract Objective Previous studies have shown that polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs) elicit a greater response in satiety after a single-meal challenge compared with other types of fats. The long-term effects of PUFAs on satiety, however, remain unknown. The aim of this study was to determine subjective and physiological hunger and satiety responses to high-fat (HF) meals before and after a 7-d PUFA-rich diet. Methods Twenty-six, healthy weight (body mass index 18–24.9 kg/m2), sedentary adults were randomly assigned to either a 7-d PUFA-rich diet (n = 8 men and n = 8 women) or a 7-d control diet (n = 5 men and n = 5 women). After a 3-d lead-in diet, participants reported for the baseline visit where anthropometrics, fasting visual analog scale (VAS) measurements, and a fasting blood sample were collected. Then, two HF meals (breakfast and lunch) were consumed. Postprandial blood draws and VAS measures were collected approximately every 30 min for 4 h after each meal, for a total of 8 h. Results From pre- to post-PUFA–rich diet, there was a decrease in fasting ghrelin (P Conclusion A PUFA-rich diet consumed for 7 d favorably altered fasting and postprandial physiological markers of hunger and satiety; yet, did not alter subjective ratings of hunger or fullness.
Taking Responsibility: Preparing Young Offenders to Handle Disclosure on the Job.

In facilitating prosocial identity formation and preventing recidivism among adjudicated youth upon reentry to school and community, one key issue to address is the confidentiality of juvenile reco...
Measurement of Tibial Tuberosity-Trochlear Groove Offset Distance by Weightbearing Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Scan.

Background:Computed tomography (CT) scans are useful for objectively measuring bone alignment because they show bone detail particularly well, and these scans have been used extensively to assess p...
ANTIGENIC AND STRUCTURAL STUDIES ON THE GLYCOPROTEINS OF LYMPHOCYTIC CHORIOMENINGITIS VIRUS

Publisher Summary Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) infection of the mouse presents biologists with a superb experimental model for host-virus interaction. By manipulating the age at infection and the genetic background of mice as well as the strain of infecting virus, one can reproducibly elicit diseases ranging from life long persistent infection to rapidly lethal acute choriomeningitis. In addition to being an important experimental model, LCMV is the prototype virus of the arenavirus group. LCMV and the serologically related African arenaviruses Lassa, Mozambique, and a newly described arenavirus of the Central African Republic form a group informally known as the “Old World”arenaviruses. One of these agents, Lassa virus, is the cause of a severe and often fatal acute disease in man for which there is neither adequate means of prevention nor treatment. This chapter discusses the studies of the immunobiology and biochemistry of LCMV toward two goals: (1) the development of molecular probes and immunologic reagents specific for LCMV to use in the detailed studies of viral pathogenesis and (2) a detailed antigenic study of LCMV and comparison with the pathogenic arenaviruses to develop rational strategies for immunization against these agents.
Diels–Alder cycloadditions of strained azacyclic allenes

For over a century, the structures and reactivities of strained organic compounds have captivated the chemical community. Whereas triple-bond-containing strained intermediates have been well studied, cyclic allenes have received far less attention. Additionally, studies of cyclic allenes that bear heteroatoms in the ring are scarce. We report an experimental and computational study of azacyclic allenes, which features syntheses of stable allene precursors, the mild generation and Diels–Alder trapping of the desired cyclic allenes, and explanations of the observed regio- and diastereoselectivities. Furthermore, we show that stereochemical information can be transferred from an enantioenriched silyl triflate starting material to a Diels–Alder cycloadduct by way of a stereochemically defined azacyclic allene intermediate. These studies demonstrate that heteroatom-containing cyclic allenes, despite previously being overlooked as valuable synthetic intermediates, may be harnessed for the construction of complex molecular scaffolds bearing multiple stereogenic centres. Strained organic compounds have long fascinated the chemistry community. Heterocyclic allenes are particularly interesting strained intermediates, but their use in synthetic chemistry is rather scarce. Now, an experimental and computational study of azacyclic allenes demonstrates that heteroatom-containing cyclic allenes can be harnessed for the construction of complex molecular scaffolds, including those that bear multiple stereogenic centres.
Aluminum oxide free-standing thin films to enable nitrogen edge soft X-ray scattering

Resonant soft x-ray scattering (RSoXS) leverages chemical specificity to characterize thin films but is limited near the nitrogen edge. The challenge is that commercially available x-ray transparent substrates are composed of Si3N4 and thereby absorb incident x-rays and generate incoherent fluorescence. To overcome this challenge, we designed and fabricated Al2O3 free-standing films for use as RSoXS windows. Al2O3 films offer higher x-ray transmittance and minimal fluorescence near the nitrogen edge. As an example, Al2O3 windows allow for nitrogen RSoXS of conjugated block copolymer thin films that reveal domain spacings, which are not apparent with commercially available Si3N4 substrates.
Learning-Based Multiple-Path Prediction for Early Warning

It has been claimed that development of an invehicle early warning system is important to maximize collision avoidance capability. This study aims to provide a method that can predict the true ego-vehicle motion long enough so that early warning could be feasible, using a monocular forward-view camera. Based on an observation that severalsecond future position of a vehicle is probabilistic rather than deterministic, our approach utilizes a machine learning algorithm that can probabilistically model human driving behavior from data to predict multiple possible paths, such as going straight, turning left, and turning right. Experimental results on KITTI dataset suggest that our probabilistic learning approach could suffice for 4-second early warning, while an orthodox, deterministic learning approach and a simple motion extrapolation approach do not satisfy the requirement.
Integration of data mining course in computer science curriculum

Data mining combines tools from statistics, neural networks, and machine learning with database management to analyze large data sets. It is a well-researched area of computer science with high demand due to its usefulness in any field with large quantities of data, where meaningful patterns and rules can be extracted. Therefore, many organizations and businesses can benefit from data mining techniques, as these organizations record a massive amount of data daily. The field of Data Mining is growing rapidly and there is increasing interest in providing students with a foundation in this area. It is crucial that the emerging field of Data Mining be integrated into the Computer Science curricula. This paper will study different approaches that are used by different institutions of higher education to integrate Data Mining concepts into their curriculum.
Preoperative Bleeding and Blood Product Transfusion Association with the Preoperative Use of Aspirin and Heparin in Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation

Introduction Perioperative bleeding in the setting of LVAD implantation adversely impact outcomes. Hypothesis This project aims to determine pre-operative and intraoperative risk factors for this complication. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted including 90 consecutive advanced heart failure patients who underwent LVAD implantation as a bridge to transplantation or destination therapy from 2008 to 2017. By protocol, all anti-platelet therapies other than aspirin were discontinued 7 days pre-implantation. Aspirin was continued if clinically indicated. Additionally, any patients on anti-coagulant therapy were transitioned to intravenous heparin. Heparin infusion was discontinued 6 hours pre-operatively. Perioperative hemodynamics, laboratory values, cardiopulmonary bypass parameters, and blood product utilization were collected. Results Observable bleeding within 7 days of implant occurred in 15 patients (16%). This was significantly associated with the pre-operative use of heparin (OR 6.4; 95% CI 1.8-23.2; p=0.005) and its incidence increased for each 1 mmHg increase in right atrial pressure during pre-operative right heart catheterization (OR 1.1; 95% CI 1.0-1.2; p=0.03). Aspirin use within 3 days of implant increased the need of packed RBC transfusion both intra-operatively (OR 3.2; 95% CI 1.3-8.2; p=0.01) and post-operatively (OR 3.0; 95% CI 1.1-8.4; p=0.04) as well as increased the risk of hemoglobin drop ≥3 gm/dl on post-operative day 1 or the need of more than 2 packed RBC units peri-operatively (OR 4.2; 95% CI 1.6-11.4; p=0.004). Cardiopulmonary bypass time > 60 minutes increased the need for packed RBC transfusion post-operatively (OR 3.07; 95% CI 1.05-9.01; p=0.04). Conclusions Pre-operative aspirin and heparin are reversible factors that may affect the need for peri-operative blood products transfusion. This may indicate that these agents may need to be withheld longer or alternative antithrombotic preoperative agents should be considered.
An LC/ESI-MS/MS method to quantify the PI3K inhibitor GDC-0084 in human plasma and cerebrospinal fluid: Validation and clinical application.

A liquid chromatography electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC/ESI-MS/MS) method was developed and validated to measure GDC-0084 in human plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Reverse-phase chromatography with gradient elution was performed using a C18 column (50 × 2.0 mm, 3 μm). Solid-phase extraction of plasma and CSF was employed to give excellent recovery. MS detection was performed with positive ion screening in multiple reaction monitoring mode. The precursor to the product ions (Q1 → Q3) selected for GDC-0084 and GDC-0084-d6 were 383.2 → 353.2 and 389.2 → 353.2, respectively. A separate calibration curve was established for human plasma and CSF. Both calibration curves, ranging from 0.2 to 200 ng/mL, were linear and had acceptable intra- and inter-day precision and accuracy. The lower limit of quantitation and limit of detection for GDC-0084 in human plasma were 0.2 ng/mL (signal/noise ≥47) and 0.005 ng/mL (signal/noise ≥3.5), respectively, and for GDC-0084 in human CSF were 0.2 ng/mL (signal/noise ≥19.7) and 0.04 ng/mL (signal/noise ≥7.2). This method was successfully applied to analyze serial plasma samples obtained from children with diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas and other midline gliomas who participated in pharmacokinetic studies as part of a phase I clinical trial of GDC-0084.
Combating The Machine Ethics Crisis: An Educational Approach.

In recent years, the availability of massive data sets and improved computing power have driven the advent of cutting-edge machine learning algorithms. However, this trend has triggered growing concerns associated with its ethical issues. In response to such a phenomenon, this study proposes a feasible solution that combines ethics and computer science materials in artificial intelligent classrooms. In addition, the paper presents several arguments and evidence in favor of the necessity and effectiveness of this integrated approach.
Predicting Thermal Stress Restrained Specimen Test Fracture Temperatures Using the Dissipated Pseudo Strain Energy Criterion

AbstractThermal cracking is the predominant failure mode for asphalt pavements constructed in regions with severe air temperature drops or significant daily temperature variations. The thermal stre...
Estimating grouped data models with a binary dependent variable and xed eects: What are the issues?

This article deals with asimple issue: if we have grouped data with a binary dependent variable and want to include fixed effects (group specific intercepts) in the specification, is Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) in any way superior to a (conditional) logit form? In particular, what are the consequences of using OLS instead of a fixed effects logit model with respect to the latter dropping all units which show no variability in the dependent variable while the former allows for estimation using all units. First, we show that the discussion of fthe incidental parameters problem is based on an assumption about the kinds of data being studied; for what appears to be the common use of fixed effect models in political science the incidental parameters issue is illusory. Turning to linear models, we see that OLS yields a linear combination of the estimates for the units with and without variation in the dependent variable, and so the coefficient estimates must be carefully interpreted. The article then compares two methods of estimating logit models with fixed effects, and shows that the Chamberlain conditional logit is as good as or better than a logit analysis which simply includes group specific intercepts (even though the conditional logit technique was designed to deal with the incidental parameters problem!). Related to this, the article discusses the estimation of marginal effects using both OLS and logit. While it appears that a form of logit with fixed effects can be used to estimate marginal effects, this method can be improved by starting with conditional logit and then using the those parameter estimates to constrain the logit with fixed effects model. This method produces estimates of sample average marginal effects that are at least as good as OLS, and much better when group size is small or the number of groups is large. .
IL-27-induced modulation of autoimmunity and its therapeutic potential

Interleukin-27 (IL-27) is a new member of the IL-12 family. It is produced by activated antigen-presenting cells and plays an important role in the regulation of CD4+ T cell differentiation and immune response. IL-27 activates multiple signaling cascades, including the JAK-STAT and p38 MAPK pathways. Several studies have revealed that IL-27 promotes the differentiation of Th1 and Tr1, but inhibits Th2, Th17, and Treg cells. However, a few studies have shown an opposite effect on certain T cell subsets, such as Treg. IL-27 displays both pro- and anti- inflammatory activities in different autoimmune diseases. Here, we have discussed the role of IL-27 in rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, colitis, lupus, psoriasis, type 1 diabetes, and uveitis. Most of this information is derived from experimental models of these autoimmune diseases. The mechanistic basis of the dual role of IL-27 in inflammation and autoimmunity is still not fully defined. In general, the pro-/anti-inflammatory activity of IL-27 is influenced by the underlying immune effector pathways, the phase of the disease, the presence or absence of counter-regulatory cytokines/T cell subsets, and the tissue/cell type under study. Despite a spectrum of outcomes in various autoimmune diseases, mostly anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of IL-27 have been observed in this category of diseases. Accordingly, IL-27 represents a novel, promising target/agent for the treatment of autoimmune diseases.
Reducing Latency and Network Load Using Location-Aware Memcache Architectures

This work explores how data-locality in a web datacenter can impact the performance of the Memcache caching system. Memcache is a distributed key/value datastore used to cache frequently accessed data such as database requests, HTML page snippets, or any text string. Any client can store, manipulate, or retrieve data quickly by locating the data in the Memcache system using a hashing strategy based on the key. To speed Memcache, we explore alternate storage strategies where data is stored closer to the writer. Two novel Memcache architectures are proposed, based on multi-cpu caching strategies. A model is developed to predict Memcache performance given a web application’s usage profile, network variables, and a memcache architecture. Five architecture variants are analyzed and further evaluated in a miniature web farm using the MediaWiki open-source web application. Our results verified our model and we observed a 66% reduction in core network traffic and a 23% reduction in Memcache response time under certain network conditions.
Use Of Genetic Markers To Study Cellular Origin And Development Of Tumors In Human Females

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews the studies on tumors derived from human females whose mosaicism is governed by X-chromosome inactivation. Development of the experimental technique used in these investigations depended upon the inactive-X hypothesis and the demonstration that the glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase locus in many cases undergoes this type of inactivation. Knowledge of whether neoplasms have a uni- or a multicellular origin and of the ways they subsequently develop may lead to a better understanding of their etiology and pathogenesis. Information relevant to these points can be obtained through the study of tumors arising in organisms with two or more cell types distinguishable by their genetic markers. Tumors with a single cell origin arising in such organisms should consist entirely of one or the other cell type, whereas tumors with multiple cell origin may contain both types of cells. Multiple cell origin implies that the initial tumorigenic event occurs in only a single cell and that this alteration subsequently influences the pattern of growth in neighboring cells, or that tumor initiation as well as all the steps in tumor progression involves more than one cell. This type of origin might occur if the target tissue for the oncogenic factors contained a large number of susceptible cells. Inherited tumors such as multiple trichoepithelioma and neurofibroma are the examples of tumors with multicellular origin; all cells in the tissue of origin have an innate tumorigenic potential.
A confocal laser microscopic study of enkephalin-immunoreactive appositions onto physiologically identified neurons in the rostral ventromedial medulla

Neurons in the rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM) are important in the opioid modulation of dorsal horn nociceptive transmission. Systemically administered morphine inhibits one class of RVM cells, the on-cells; excites a second class of RVM cells, the off-cells; and has no effect on a third class, neutral cells. In contrast, iontophoretic application of morphine inhibits on-cells but does not alter the activity of either off- or neutral cells. The present study addresses whether the differential sensitivity to exogenous opioids is correlated with a differential termination pattern onto the three classes of RVM neurons by afferents containing endogenous opioids. Intracellular recordings were made from RVM neurons in rats under light halothane anesthesia. Physiologically characterized neurons were injected with Neurobiotin and then subsequently visualized with a Texas red fluorophore. Thick (50 microns) sections containing labeled RVM cells were processed for enkephalin immunoreactivity (ENK-IR) using an FITC fluorophore and then optically sectioned at 1.5 micron intervals using a dual-channel confocal laser scanning microscope. ENK-IR appositions were found on the somata and dendrites of all on-cells. Although ENK-IR varicosities were also apparently apposed to off- and neutral cells, the density of such appositions was significantly less than the density of ENK-IR appositions onto on-cells. The greater overall density of ENK-IR appositions onto on-cells was apparently due to a concentration of appositions on the soma and proximal dendrites of these neurons. These results support a model of RVM function in which endogenous opioid peptides produce an antinociceptive action by a direct inhibitory action on on-cells that facilitate nociceptive transmission. This on-cell inhibition may produce an additional antinociceptive effect by removing a possible on-cell inhibition of off-cells, which are thought to inhibit nociceptive transmission.
Proton NMR study of the comparative electronic/magnetic properties and dynamics of the acid in equilibrium with alkaline transition in a series of ferricytochromes c'.

Abstract The proton NMR spectra of ferricytochrome c' from Rhodopseudomonas palustris, Rhodospirillum molischianum, Rhodospirillum rubrum, and Chromatium vinosum have been investigated for the purpose of further elucidating the common spectral and/or structural properties for this subclass of cytochromes in the acidic and alkaline forms, and to characterize in detail the dynamics and structural basis for this acid in equilibrium with alkaline transition. The identification of strongly upfield-shifted meso-H peaks in all but C. vinosum ferricytochrome c' at weakly acidic to neutral pH is consistent with, but not proof for, S = 3/2 character for the spin state of C. vinosum, but argues for primarily S = 5/2 character for the other three proteins. Hence, we conclude that the quantum mechanically mixed S = 3/2, S = 5/2 spin ground state of neutral pH C. vinosum ferricytochrome c' is an anomaly rather than a characteristic of this class of proteins. The 1H NMR spectra of ferricytochromes c' at alkaline pH again exhibit strong similarities among all members except that for C. vinosum. Two pK values are observed for ferricytochrome c' for R. molischianum and C. vinosum, of which the higher value pK is accompanied by significant line broadening, as found earlier for the proteins from both R. rubrum and R. palustris. Detailed analysis of the exchange line broadening for all four proteins reveals that hydrolysis is the rate-limiting step, with base catalysis occurring at about the same rate in the diffusion control limit for all four proteins. The variable first order dissociation rates of the alkaline species reveal differential stabilities of that species in the order R. palustris greater than R. molischianum greater than R. rubrum much greater than C. vinosum. The rates of exchange of the axial His imidazole labile proton was determined by linewidth and saturation transfer analysis and shown to occur via base catalysis at the same diffusion control rate as found for the acid----alkaline transition for the oxidized protein, and support the proposal that the acid----alkaline transition involves simply the abstraction of a proton from the neutral His imidazole to yield an imidazolate.
Visualizing Memory Phenotype Development afterin VitroStimulation of CD4+T Cells

Stimulation of naive CD4 cells by specific antigen results in proliferation and changes in cell surface marker expression as the cells differentiate into effector and memory cells. Several of the marker changes (e.g., differences in CD45RB, CD44, and L-selectin levels) appear to be relatively stable and permit the identification of memory T cells. In this study, we examined the acquisition of memory markers after the initial stimulation of naive T cells. CD4+T cells from DO11.10 TCR transgenic mice were labeled with the fluorescent dye carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester (CFSE) and were stimulated with specific antigen (OVA323–339). Specific activation was observed, as CFSE-associated fluorescence was reduced twofold with each division of DO11.10 clonotype-bearing cells. Phenotypic changes could also be observed as the cells differentiated into effector/memory cells. However, individual surface markers exhibited a varied relationship to cell division. Although changes in some markers (L-selectin) occurred independently of cell division, changes in other markers were either strictly related to cell division (CD45RB) or were a prerequisite to cell division (CD4, CD44).
Interactivity and Political Attitude Formation: A Mediation Model of Online Information Processing

Abstract With the rise of new media, interactivity has become a central focus of research on information technology and politics. To better position the concept for systematic investigation, this study locates interactivity in the relationship between interface features and user perceptions and tests a mediation model of online information processing. The mediation model is based on the idea that objective (or technological) aspects of interactivity are not directly responsible for outcomes, whether cognitive, affective, or attitudinal, but instead are mediated by perceptions during Internet use. The results from an experiment conducted during the 2004 general election involving a political Web site support the mediation model for predicting the effects of interactivity on political attitude formation. Perceived interactivity was found to mediate the effect of objective interactivity on attitudes toward the Web site and politician for whom the site was designed. However, for policy issues promoted on the ...
Validation of Preschool Teachers’ Recall of Children’s Behavior

A multiple-choice behavioral observation scale designed to be used by preschool teachers (N = 424) was factor analyzed to obtain factor coefficients. The four factors obtained were cognitive skills, self-control, relationship with achievement model, and dependency. The factor coefficients were then applied to the ratings of 153 preschool disadvantaged children by 33 teachers and 64 teacher aides. Three multi-trait, multi-rater matrices were analyzed using Campbell and Fiske’s convergent discriminant validation procedures. The analyses supported convergent and discriminant validity of three of the four traits.
Behavioral and Physiological Effects of Examiner Sex on Process and Reactive Schizophrenics

In the physiological (polygraph) data, the sex of the E (ES) interacted with the sex of the patient (PS) or the patient's process-reactive status (PR) in only 1 of 16 analyses. Only in the heart-rate variability data was the ES by PS interaction significant (p less than .001). Sex of the E had an appreciable effect in two of the three measures of associative disturbance. The ES by PS interaction was significant (p less than .025) in the recall measure of instability of though processes, and the same interaction neared significance (p less than .06) in the multiword response measure of associative disturbance. It appears that the sex of the E should be considered in studies that use measures of associative disturbance and perhaps when heart-rate variability measures are used.
Meta-analysis of the effects of educational and psychosocial interventions on management of diabetes mellitus.

Abstract A meta-analysis of the literature of controlled studies of educational and psychooocial interventions in the treatment of diabetes mellitus yielded 93 studies of 7451 patients testing the effects of eight intervention types: (1) didactic education, (2) enhanced education, (3) diet instruction, (4) exercise instruction, (5) self-monitoring instruction, (6) social learning/behavior modification, (7) counseling, and (8) relaxation training. An overall mean effect size (ES) of +0.51 ± 0.11 was found indicating moderate but significant ( P
Accuracy of the potentiometric titration of cobalt with ferricyanide in ammoniacal medium

Abstract With authentically pure metallic cobalt and purified potassium ferricyanide. the accuracy of the titration of +2 colbalt to the +3 state with ferricyanide in strongly ammoniacal medium was examined critically. Quantities of colbalt from about 18 to 200 mg were titrated with a mean error of only +0.02 mg. and an average deviation of ±0.03 mg. The accuracy of this titration is greater than has ever been demonstrated for any other method of determining cobalt. Because of its high accuracy, and since very few other metallic elements interfere, this titration is the best currently available method for the critical assay of cobalt materials.
Preserving Bandwidth Through A Lazy Packet Discard Policy in ATM Networks

Abstract A number of recent studies have pointed out that TCP''s performance over ATM networks tends to suffer, especially under congestion and switch buffer limitations. Switch-level enhancements and link-level flow control have been proposed to improve TCP''s performance in ATM networks. Seletive Cell Discard (SCD) and Early Packet Discard (EPD) ensure that partial packets are discarded from the network "as early as possible", thus reducing wasted bandwidth. While such techniques improve the achievable throughput, their effectiveness tends to degrade in multi-hop networks. In this paper, we introduce Lazy Packet Discard (LPD), an AAL-level enhancement that improves effective throughput, reduces response time, and minimizes wasted bandwidth for TCP/IP over ATM. In contrast to the SCD and EPD policies, LPD delays as much as possible the removal from the network of cells belonging to a partially communicated packet. We outline the implementation of LPD and show the performance advantage of TCP/LPD, compared to plain TCP and TCP/EPD through analysis and simulations.
‘A welcome alternative to city life’: China's suburban revolution

The landscape of south China has changed more dramatically in the past 15 years than it has in the last two centuries. The new economic order, ’socialist capitalism’, has brought about radical changes in and beyond China's major cities. With the return of the free market, land has become available and exploited by highway construction which has facilitated development of a full range of western artefacts of suburbia: expressways; shopping malls; golf courses; tracts of single family houses. The latter are characterized by a wide range of styles mostly drawn from everywhere but China, and are predominantly American, Japanese and European influenced.
Electrophysiology of CA1 pyramidal neurons in an animal model of neuronal migration disorders: prenatal methylazoxymethanol treatment

Abstract Prenatal methylazoxymethanol acetate (MAMac) injection disrupts cell migration in developing rats. We investigated the electrophysiological characteristics of hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons from young MAMac-treated animals (postnatal days 25–35). In vitro intracellular recordings from CAI cells in MAMac-treated tissue revealed resting membrane potential (mean, -61.5 ± 1.5 mV), action potential amplitude (mean, 69 ± 3.1 mV), action potential duration (mean, 2.1 ± 0.2 ms), input resistance (mean, 51.5 ± 3.6 MΩ) and time constant (mean, 33.2 ± 1.2 ms) similar to those of CA1 cells from control tissue. However, MAMac-treated tissue could be distinguished as having a higher percentage of cells (62% vs. 10%) which fire a burst of action potentials in response to suprathreshold current injection. The synaptic responses of CA1 cells in MAMac-treated and control tissue were comparable. The CA1 field response to stimulation was also comparable at all stimulus intensities tested (50–1500 μA). Elevation of extracellular potassium concentration ([K + ] o ) from 3 mM to 6 mM resulted in epileptiform discharge activity in response to stratum radiatum stimulation in all MAMac-treated slices (1010) but in only one-third of controls (39). Spontaneous epileptiform discharges were also observed in the majority (813) of MAMac-treated slices bathed in 6 mM KCl but in no controls. These data suggest that MAMac treatment during fetal development not only disrupts normal anatomical organization but also leads to alterations in electrophysiological features of the hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cell region. As such, the MAMac model may provide insights into early onset seizure syndromes associated with developmental abnormalities.
The Technology Underlying Podcasts

Podcasting is a combination of "iPod," Apple's well-known portable media device, and "broadcast." Podcast has two meanings. First, podcasting is the transmission of multimedia files over the Internet. Rather than being received and opened with different plug-ins, podcast files are ready for viewing on either a PC or other devices, such as an iPod. On the PC, users can treat podcast files like any other computer files, viewing them immediately or saving them for viewing at a later date. Second, in addition to the delivery of files, podcast also refers to their content. Frequently, podcasts are files that are sent at regular intervals. Once viewers determine which podcasts they want, they sign up for them and have them delivered automatically whenever their receiving device is connected to the Internet
A group-theoretic approach to computational bifurcation problems with symmetry

Abstract Bifurcation of solution branches in static or steady problems of nonlinear mechanics is often associated with the underlying symmetry of the physical system. The use of group-theoretic methods in local bifurcation theory for problems with symmetry is well known. In this paper it is shown that the exploitation of symmetry via group invariance also yields an efficient computational approach to global bifurcation problems. These techniques are illustrated in the analysis of a lattice-dome structure with hexagonal symmetry. The methodology leads to a drastic reduction in numerical effort in the determination of several global solution branches, and enables the accurate computation of numerous singular points.
Psychological capital development: toward a micro-intervention

After first providing the meaning of psychological capital (PsyCap), we present a micro-intervention to develop it. Drawn from hope, optimism, efficacy, and resiliency development, this PsyCap Intervention (PCI) is shown to have preliminary support for not only increasing participants' PsyCap, but also financial impact and high return on investment. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The practice of leaching boron and soluble salts from fly ash-amended soils

The leachability of B and salts from two fly ash-amended soils was conducted in a column leaching experiment. Fly ash was applied to the surface 3 cm of a Baywood (acid) sand and an Arizo (calcareous) sandy, loam at 5% by weight; the columns were continously leached with Colorado River water at two different pH's. Boron from fly ash was solubilized more readily in the Baywood than in the Arizo soil. Addition of fly ash increased B levels in the leachates from 0.25 to 2.35 μg ml−1 (Baywood) and 0.93 μg ml−1 (Arizo). Acidified leaching water had no significant effect on B leaching patterns but resulted in leaching higher soluble salts. Approximately 348 and 161 cm of water for the Arizo and the Baywood soils respectively, would be required to reduce the B concentration below a critical limit for B sensitive crops. It is suggested that crops planted when fly ash is applied for disposal/recycling on land should be both salt and B tolerant.
The two component kinetic analysis method. Evidence for two renaturing components in mouse satellite DNA and Dipodomys ordii HS-β satellite DNA

Eukaryotic DNAs have been shown to exhibit considerable heterogeneity in renaturation properties. A formalism is developed here to deal with kinetic heterogeneity. The simplest case of heterogeneity, two renaturing components, is considered in detail. The two component kinetic analysis method described is tested on a two component, DNA model system and accurately predicts the known properties of the system. This method of analysis is then applied to two simple sequence DNAs, the mouse satellite and HS-β satellite from the kangaroo rat Dipodomys ordii , known to contain sequence heterogeneity. The results resolve the kinetic heterogeneity of each DNA into, a fast and slow renaturing DNA component. Both fast and slow renaturing components of mouse satellite DNA are demonstrated to be second-order. This description of the kinetic heterogeneity of these DNAs is then related to their known properties. The value of 130±25 base-pairs for the fast component complexity of mouse satellite DNA is close to the ancestral kientic complexity and reassociation register of 120 base-pairs determined by Sutton & McCallum (1971) and Southern (1975) . The implications of these findings for the proposed structural models of mouse satellite DNA are then discussed.
Transnationalism in the Aftermath of the Haiti Earthquake: Reinforcing Ties and Second-Generation Identity

This article examines, first, the response of the Haitian Diaspora to the earthquake of January 12, 2010. This research operates within the theoretical framework of transnationalism, and Haitians living outside their country of origin are shown to make use of political, economic, and communication ties to assist loved ones back home and to begin the process of rebuilding their nation. Transnational ties facilitated by corporate entities, the state, and individuals are viewed as essential elements in forging what is often referred to as long-distance nationalism. Second, the article investigates the impact of the earthquake on the identity of members of the second generation—a group susceptible to the vicissitudes of the public portrayal of Haiti in the popular media and the historical context of Haitian immigrant reception. Results indicate that Haitian identity among the second generation is resilient and, indeed, the earthquake did not diminish identification with Haiti but rather increased it.
Development of appropriate mechanization for the ‘W’-form soil management system

The ‘W’-form soil management system consists of shaping the soil surface in the form of a ‘W’ with alternate wide and narrow ridges following the contour. The triangular section wide ridges serve as a rainwater harvesting zone, the trapezoidal section narrow ridges as the planting zone and the furrows as water-storage zones and pathways for animals and wheels. The system, which was designed to improve ‘in-situ’ rainwater harvesting and control of run-off and erosion, has also shown promising results in: (1) facilitating separate and selective tillage operations for different zones, (2) decreasing the animal and tractor hours requirement, (3) reducing compaction in the planting zone and (4) permitting localized application of soil conditioners, thus resulting in higher yield and ensured crop production. The operational requirements for implementing and reshaping the system are described in detail for two types of mechanization, one for animal traction and another for tractor traction. Implementation of the system requires 6–8 h ha−1 with animal traction and 2–3 h ha−1 with tractor traction as compared to 20–22 h ha−1 and 6–8 h ha−1 required in the traditional system of flat cultivation with animal and tractor traction, respectively.
Eugene Patrick Kennedy, 1919–2011

Eugene Patrick Kennedy died peacefully at his Cambridge home, age 92 years, on September 22, 2011. He was a giant of 20th century biochemistry, and his pioneering studies of lipid biosynthesis and function were a foundation of modern cell biology. He was also a man of immense intellect and genuine modesty, a devoted teacher who inspired his many students and colleagues, and a loving father, grandfather, and friend.
Information Management System for Site Remediation Efforts

/ Environmental regulatory agencies are responsible for protecting human health and the environment in their constituencies. Their responsibilities include the identification, evaluation, and cleanup of contaminated sites. Leaking underground storage tanks (USTs) constitute a major source of subsurface and groundwater contamination. A significant portion of a regulatory body's efforts may be directed toward the management of UST-contaminated sites. In order to manage remedial sites effectively, vast quantities of information must be maintained, including analytical dataon chemical contaminants, remedial design features, and performance details. Currently, most regulatory agencies maintain such information manually. This makes it difficult to manage the data effectively. Some agencies have introduced automated record-keeping systems. However, the ad hoc approach in these endeavors makes it difficult to efficiently analyze, disseminate, and utilize the data. This paper identifies the information requirements for UST-contaminated site management at the Waste Cleanup Section of the Department of Environmental Resources Management in Dade County, Florida. It presents a viable design for an information management system to meet these requirements. The proposed solution is based on a back-end relational database management system with relevant tools for sophisticated data analysis and data mining. The database is designed with all tables in the third normal form to ensure data integrity, flexible access, and efficient query processing. In addition to all standard reports required by the agency, the system provides answers to ad hoc queries that are typically difficult to answer under the existing system. The database also serves as a repository of information for a decision support system to aid engineering design and risk analysis. The system may be integrated with a geographic information system for effective presentation and dissemination of spatial data.
Optimal Vitamin D Status for the Prevention and Treatment of Osteoporosis

Vitamin D(3) (cholecalciferol) sufficiency is essential for maximising bone health. Vitamin D enhances intestinal absorption of calcium and phosphorus. The major source of vitamin D for both children and adults is exposure of the skin to sunlight. Season, latitude, skin pigmentation, sunscreen use, clothing and aging can dramatically influence the synthesis of vitamin D in the skin. Very few foods naturally contain vitamin D or are fortified with vitamin D. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D; calcifediol] is the best measure of vitamin D status. Vitamin D deficiency [as defined by a serum 25(OH)D level of <50 nmol/L (<20 ng/mL)] is pandemic. This deficiency is very prevalent in osteoporotic patients. Vitamin D deficiency causes osteopenia, osteoporosis and osteomalacia, increasing the risk of fracture. Unlike osteoporosis, which is a painless disease, osteomalacia causes aching bone pain that is often misdiagnosed as fibromyalgia or chronic pain syndrome or is simply dismissed as depression. Vitamin D deficiency causes muscle weakness, increasing the risk of falls and fractures, and should be aggressively treated with pharmacological doses of vitamin D. Vitamin D sufficiency can be sustained by sensible sun exposure or ingesting at least 800-1000 IU of vitamin D(3) daily. Patients being treated for osteoporosis should be adequately supplemented with calcium and vitamin D to maximise the benefit of treatment.