cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Charter School Barriers: Do Enrollment Requirements Limit Student Access to Charter Schools?.

The potential of the charter school movement to positively influence traditional public education lies in the ability of charter school officials to provide all students access to the curriculum. The aim of this study was to document potential registration and enrollment barriers incorporated into the practices of Colorado charter schools. The barriers discussed in this article include parent commitment requirements, fees, registration, and lottery information. The findings from this study suggest that Colorado charter schools have created specific barriers to registration that could impede some students from fully participating in charter schools. The researchers conclude the study with a call for charter schools to increase transparency related to every aspect of the registration and enrollment process and work to eliminate the identified barriers.
Adaptive Load-Balancing for Force-Decomposition Based 3-Body Molecular Dynamics Simulations in A Heterogeneous Distributed Environment with Variable Number of Processors

Molecular dynamics (MD), a computationally intensive problem, is used by researchers in various fields. The computational parallelism inherent in this application can be exploited in parallel and distributed environments. However, in heterogeneous distributed environments such as the grid, the available resources, namely the network and computational power, are continually changing with respect to every available node. To optimally utilize these dynamic resources, a scheduler should be able to continually adapt to the changes and suitably vary the number of interactions scheduled to each node. We propose one such scheduling algorithm in this paper. MD simulations based on the spatial-decomposition (for short-range potentials) technique assuming heterogeneous compute power and homogeneous links exist in the literature. To the best of our knowledge, this paper is the first to perform a block-level decomposition of the force-matrix for three-body potentials in a distributed environment with heterogeneous compute power with heterogeneous network links while exploiting the symmetries that exist in a three-body force matrix. Our previous work [24] targeted MD simulations using the atom-decomposition method (slice level decomposition of the force-matrix) in a heterogeneous environment. The proposed scheduling algorithm builds and continually updates a model of the distributed system, which it then uses to make decisions about how to optimally redistribute the load in the system at every time step of the MD simulation. The scheduling algorithm can additionally handle dynamic changes in the number of nodes available for computation at runtime. We implement our algorithm and evaluate its effectiveness by measuring the idle fraction which is a measure of the idle time experienced by all compute clients at every time-step. This idle fraction is a load-balance optimality measure that indicates how close the load balancing is to the theoretical optimal of 0%. We find that under most typical conditions, it is roughly 6%. We also determine potential enhancements to improve the idle fraction further.
On Whitney's 2‐isomorphism theorem for graphs

Let G and H be 2-connected 2-isomorphic graphs with n nodes. Whitney's 2-isomorphism theorem states that G may be transformed to a graph G* isomorphic to H by repeated application of a simple operation, which we will term “switching”. We present a proof of Whitney's theorem that is much shorter than the original one, using a graph decomposition by Tutte. The proof also establishes a surprisingly small upper bound, namely n-2, on the minimal number of switchings required to derive G* from G. The bound is sharp in the sense that for any integer N there exist graphs G and H with n ≥ N nodes for which the minimal number of switchings is n-2.
Endovascular embolization of superior hypophyseal artery aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE : Internal carotid artery aneurysms arising from the superior hypophyseal artery are frequently termed paraophthalmic or paraclinoid aneurysms, but they constitute a distinct anatomic entity. They are particularly amenable to endovascular treatment. METHODS : Between 1991 and 1995, we attempted treatment in 11 patients with superior hypophyseal artery aneurysms with Guglielmi detachable coil embolization and were successful in 10. Surgical exploration in seven of the patients was unsuccessful, three patients were considered to be at high risk for surgery or to have poor likelihood of surgical success by the referring neurosurgeon, and one patient refused operative clipping. Two aneurysms were giant (>25 mm), three were large (10-25 mm), and six were small ( 4 mm) and four had narrow necks (≤4 mm). RESULTS : There were no technical or clinical complications related to embolization. Immediate complete aneurysm obliteration was obtained in five aneurysms, all of which were small. Four of the remaining five aneurysms had obliteration of the dome and body, leaving only a small remnant neck. The remaining semifusiform aneurysm represented our single treatment failure. Recanalization occurred in only one patient ; that patient had a giant aneurysm. Nine of the 10 patients for whom embolization was successful had good or excellent clinical outcomes ; there were no clinical deteriorations attributable to embolization. CONCLUSION : We conclude that Guglielmi detachable coil embolization of superior hypophyseal artery aneurysms is an excellent treatment alternative, especially for smaller lesions.
Tandem-chamber charge density monitor

A device that is capable of measuring the charge density carried by an insulating fluid is described. The monitor relies on the principle of charge relaxation in two tandem chambers in such a way that the measurement is independent of residence and relaxation times. It is robust, has no moving parts, and is also able to monitor the conductivity of the fluid in applications for monitoring the streaming electrification in power transformers. Performance, accuracy, and applications of the device are outlined. >
Radiobrightness at 6.7-, 19-, and 37-GHz Downwelling From Mature Evergreen Trees Observed During the Cold Lands Processes Experiment in Colorado

The University of Michigan Microwave Geophysics Group participated in the Cold Lands Processes Experiment from February to April 2003 by deploying its Truck Mounted Radiometer System-3 (TMRS-3) to perform temporal monitoring of the snow pack at the local scale observation site (LSOS). The LSOS was located at the Fraser Experimental Forest headquarters in the mountains near Fraser, CO. The small clearing in which the TMRS-3 was deployed was adjacent to tall evergreen trees. To quantify the amount of the downwelling brightness from these trees onto the snow pack, the TMRS-3 periodically observed these trees. Microwave brightness data were collected from the trees every 15 from horizontal incidence to 45 from zenith. Both polarizations were observed for 6.7, 19, and 37 GHz. A rapid decrease in brightness is evident as the radiometers were pointed progressively upward. The next May, an upward-looking hemispherical (ldquofish-eyerdquo) photograph was taken from the center of the clearing, and it reveals a significant sky background through the incomplete canopy. By superimposing Gaussian approximations to the microwave antenna gain pattern of the individual TMRS-3 radiometers onto the photograph, we estimated the amount that the main beams were filled with canopy and with sky. Comparison of the measured data to that expected for a partially filled main beam indicates that the needle-leaf canopy is roughly an isotropic emitter having emissivities at frequencies between 6.7 and 37 GHz of between 0.93 and 0.97 with air temperature as a proxy for tree temperature.
Explanation of fluctuations in water use time series

This paper presents techniques for studying the influence of the climatic and other variables for the explanation of the water use with an example of time series in Gainesville, Florida. A statistical methodology is described for separating the different time scale components in time series of water use, namely, long term component, seasonal component, and short term component. We analyze each component separately and we prove that the temperature, precipitation, soil temperature, and relative humidity time series are the main climatic factors for the explanation of the long term, seasonal and short term component of the water use time series. Part of the residuals derived from the linear regression of the long term component of the water use can be explained by the unemployment rate. We also show that with the decomposition of the water use time series the explanation of the water use has been improved approximately two times. The explanation of the long term component of water use by the long term regional weather parameters can enable us to the long term regional prediction of the water resources availabilities. This methodology can be applied for studying the water use time series in other locations, as well.
Corporate Blogging: Building community through persistent digital talk

Blogging has grown exponentially on the Internet; however, the role of blogs within the enterprise remains ambiguous. Why and how do individuals use internal corporate blogs? What results do both individuals and the corporation realize from internal blogs? Our exploratory study of a large global IT corporation's internal blogging system analyzed usage statistics, interviews, and the results of an anonymous, Web-based survey. We found that benefits to users were social as well as informational, and that connecting with their community was an important value sought by all types of users. Heavy users of the system realized the greatest benefits, but they also constituted the core of an online community that provided important benefits to medium users as well
Motion-tolerant magnetic earring sensor and wireless earpiece for wearable photoplethysmography

This paper addresses the design considerations and critical evaluation of a novel embodiment for wearable photoplethysmography (PPG) comprising a magnetic earring sensor and wireless earpiece. The miniaturized sensor can be worn comfortably on the earlobe and contains an embedded accelerometer to provide motion reference for adaptive noise cancellation. The compact wireless earpiece provides analog signal conditioning and acts as a data-forwarding device via a radio frequency transceiver. Using Bland-Altman and correlation analysis, we evaluated the performance of the proposed system against an FDA-approved ECG measurement device during daily activities. The mean ± standard deviation (SD) of the differences between heart rate measurements from the proposed device and ECG (expressed as percentage of the average between the two techniques) along with the 95% limits of agreement (LOA = ±1.96 SD) was 0.62% ± 4.51% (LOA = -8.23% and 9.46%), -0.49% ± 8.65% (-17.39% and 16.42%), and -0.32% ± 10.63% (-21.15% and 20.52%) during standing, walking, and running, respectively. Linear regression indicated a high correlation between the two measurements across the three evaluated conditions (r = 0.97, 0.82, and 0.76, respectively with p < 0.001). The new earring PPG system provides a platform for comfortable, robust, unobtrusive, and discreet monitoring of cardiovascular function.
Likelihood estimation for generalized mixed exponential distributions

Abstract : The class of probability functions expressed as linear (not necessarily convex) combinations of negative exponential densities is dense in the set of all distribution functions on the nonnegative reals. Because of this and resultant mathematical properties, such forms would appear to have excellent potential for wide application in stochastic modeling. This work documents the development and testing of a practical procedure for maximum-likelihood estimation for these generalized exponential mixtures. The algorithm offered for the problem is of the Jacobi type and guarantees that the result will provide a legitimate probability function of the prescribed type. Extensive testing has been performed and results are very favorable: convergence is rapid and the use of computer resources rather limited. (Author)
Exogenous and endogenous TLR ligands activate anti-chromatin and polyreactive B cells.

Autoreactive B cells may become activated in a T-independent manner via synergistic engagement of the BCR and TLRs. Using the V H 3H9 Ig H chain transgene to track anti-chromatin B cells, we demonstrate that V H 3H9/Vλ1 anti-chromatin B cells proliferate in response to stimulatory oligodeoxynucleotides containing CpG motifs, suggesting that these autoreactive B cells are responsive to TLR9 signaling. Strikingly, some V H 3H9 B cells, but not the well-characterized V H 3H9/Vλ1 B cells, proliferate spontaneously in culture medium. This proliferation is blocked by inhibitory CpG oligodeoxynucleotides, implicating the TLR9 (or possibly TLR7) pathway. Most hybridomas generated from the proliferating cells are polyreactive, and one exhibits binding to nuclear Ags but not to the other Ags tested. Thus, B cells carrying autoreactive and/or polyreactive specificities may be susceptible to T cell-independent activation via dual engagement of the BCR and TLRs.
The effect of pharmacists on drug purchasing behavior of price-sensitive consumers:

The present study empirically investigates how much pharmacists’ recommendations and consumer decisions influence the marketing of drugs to price-sensitive consumers. The results indicate that cons...
Multimodal endovascular treatment of a vertebrovertebral fistula presenting with subarachnoid hemorrhage and hydrocephalus

Vertebrovertebral fistulae are rare vascular malformations that uncommonly can rupture to present clinically as intracranial subarachnoid hemorrhage. We report a 69-year-old man presenting following spontaneous apoplectic collapse. Initial workup revealed diffuse, intracranial subarachnoid hemorrhage, intraventricular hemorrhage and hydrocephalus. However, the etiology was not apparent on CT angiography of the head. Catheter-based angiography was performed, demonstrating a single-hole, high-flow vertebrovertebral fistula, arising from the V2 segment and decompressing into both cervical and skull base venous structures. Definitive treatment consisted of endovascular fistula obliteration with a combination of coil and liquid embolic material. The patient made a full neurological recovery. High cervical and skull base fistulae are rare causes of intracranial hemorrhage; endovascular treatment is effective at disconnection of the arteriovenous shunt.
Slit-Slat and Multi-Slit-Slat Collimator Design and Experimentally Acquired Phantom Images From a Rotating Prototype

We have previously found and validated expressions for slit-slat (SS) geometric efficiency and resolution. These expressions have suggested that SS may be a good choice for imaging midsize objects or objects that are long axially since i) the geometric efficiency increases near the slit as h -1 [instead of h -2 for pinhole (PIN) and either decreases near the collimator for fan-beam (FB) or remains constant for parallel-beam (PB)], where h is the distance from a point to the slit plane; (ii) the transverse resolution is comparable to that of PIN, which is better than that of FB and PB for small objects; iii) the axial resolution is worse than that of PIN since there is no axial magnification; iv) there is a large axial field of view, unlike PIN, which is likely to be useful when imaging midsize or long objects; and v) there is no need for three-dimensional orbits (e.g., helical) since each slice is complete (like PB and FB). We have developed a rotating prototype SS collimator that is capable of single-slit or multi-slit acquisition of data. The focal length (FL) is shorter than that of a typical PIN since increasing the FL requires taller slats to maintain resolution; taller slats reduce geometric efficiency. A lead rectangular box was used to provide support and shielding around the slit-slat collimator. Lead slats, spaced with Rohacell foam, were mounted in an assembly with 3 mm pitch. We have performed preliminary characterization with point sources and acquired micro hot- and cold-rod phantoms and a deluxe Jaszczak phantom. The projections have been reconstructed using a maximum likelihood expectation maximization algorithm and show good resolution. Comparisons indicate that SS is more sensitive than PB and FB for the same resolution for objects with smaller diameter. The advantage of SS over PB and FB increases as the desired resolution improves. SS can also be used in configurations that yield projections that have nonisotropic resolution; it is possible for SS to achieve transverse resolutions that are unreachable by PB, since PB does not magnify, and by FB, since its magnification factor for small objects is much smaller than that of SS. Experimental results show that the resolution of the reconstructed phantoms is consistent with theoretical expectations.
Role of thiol pathways in TF procoagulant regulation

The generation of procoagulant Tissue Factor (TF) is crucial for thrombosis. TF contains a surface exposed allosteric disulfide bond that stabilizes the carboxyl-terminal domain involved in ligand interactions with coagulation factors VIIa and X. TF procoagulant activation typically occurs following cellular perturbations that also cause the appearance of procoagulant phosphatidylserine in the outer leaflet of cell membranes. However, thiol modifying agents, without suppressing phosphatidylserine exposure, can prevent TF activation, implicating thiol-disulfide exchange reactions in the regulation of TF procoagulant activity of primary cells. Protein disulfide isomerase (PDI), a regulator of extracellular thiol exchange, is associated with cell surface TF and required for TF-dependent thrombosis in vivo. PDI regulates the thiol-dependent biogenesis of procoagulant microparticles that are released from myeloid cells and smooth muscle cells following activation of the purinergic P2X7 receptor. Genetic deletion of P2X7 signaling attenuates FeCl3-induced carotid artery thrombosis in mice, indicating that TF prothrombotic activity is regulated by specific cell signaling pathways in vivo.
Influence of Steric Stabilization of Liposome-Encapsulated Hemoglobin on Listeria monocytogenes Host Defense

Liposome-encapsulated hemoglobin (LEH) products are being investigated as potential blood substitutes. To determine if changes in LEH composition can modify the immune response, red blood cell substitutes based on conventional lipids containing phosphatidylinositol (LEH1) and sterically stabilized lipid vescicles containing polyethylene glycol phosphatidylethanolamine (LEH2) were tested for effects on host resistance. On Day 0, groups of 18 to 20 female CD-1 mice were given an intravenous (i.v.) infectious challenge with a 20% lethal dose of Listeria monocytogenes. Mice received a single i.v. dose of LEH1, LEH2, or albumin vehicle on Day + 1 or Day -3 relative to infectious challenge. Mice dosed with LEH1 and LEH2 on Day +1 died rapidly from Listeria infection; but mice dosed with LEH2 lived significantly longer than did mice receiving LEH1. By contrast, when administered on Day-3, LEH1 had no significant effect on host immunity, while LEH2 increased susceptibility to Listeria infection. In addition, LEH1...
On a likelihood-based goodness-of-fit test of the beta-binomial model.

Summary. When faced with proportion data that exhibit extra-binomial variation, data analysts often consider the beta-binomial distribution as an alternative model to the more common binomial distribution. A typical example occurs in toxicological experiments with laboratory animals, where binary observations on fetuses within a litter are often correlated with each other. In such instances, it may be of interest to test for the goodness of fit of the beta-binomial model; this effort is complicated, however, when there is large variability among the litter sizes. We investigate a recent goodness-of-fit test proposed by Brooks et al. (1997, Biometrics53, 1097–1115) but find that it lacks the ability to distinguish between the beta-binomial model and some severely non-beta-binomial models. Other tests and models developed in their article are quite useful and interesting but are not examined herein.
Eshelby’s problem and related results

This problem, formulated by Eshelby (1957, 1959, 1961), constitutes one of the major advances in the theory of elasticity of the 20th century. It is of central importance for material science applications involving various inhomogeneities (pores, cracks, particles undergoing phase transformations). One of the important applications is the problem of effective elastic properties of materials with multiple inhomogeneities.
MAPPING RELIGIOUS PHENOMENA: A CULTURAL-CARTOGRAPHIC APPROACH

Muitos pesquisadores que dedicam seu tempo ao subcampo da geografia da religiao declaram que estao “mapeando” a religiao ao comparar o estudo de manifestacoes religiosas com a elaboracao de uma representacao cartografica que servira como chave para a compreensao de mitos, rituais e visoes de mundo. Portanto, geografos culturais parecem dar pouca atencao ao potencial dos mapas como linguagem para expressar e comunicar o invisivel e indizivel da religiao. O objetivo deste ensaio bibliografico e discutir as relacoes entre temas religiosos e a cartografia na sua dimensao visual. Para essa finalidade, duas estrategias sao utilizadas: a analise de mapas em publicacoes sobre a geografia da religiao, com enfase em atlas sobre a difusao, distribuicao e dinâmica de diferentes movimentos e grupos religiosos, e a insercao da religiao em abordagens graficas nao convencionais e simbolicas que combinam elementos materiais com cognicao, performance e processos nao-representacionais.
Socioeconomic factors and self-reported health outcomes in African Americans with rheumatoid arthritis from the Southeastern United States: the contribution of childhood socioeconomic status

There is abundant evidence that low socioeconomic status (SES) is associated with worse health outcomes among people with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA); however, the influence of socioeconomic disadvantage in early life has yet to be studied within that population.
The Role of Health Status in Older Adults’ Perceptions of the Usefulness of eHealth Technology

Objectives: To investigate the relationship between an older individual’s self-reported health and the perceived usefulness of computers in assisting with health-related tasks. Methods: A total of 210 older adults (age ≥ 60) completed questionnaire items pertaining to demographics, general health, perception of importance of daily activities, technology experience and use, and perceived usefulness of computers and the Internet. Results were obtained using a factor analysis and multiple regression. Results: Self-reported health was found to have a significant negative relationship with the importance of health-related activities to daily living (Beta = -0.210) but a significant positive relationship with the perceived usefulness of computers in assisting with the same health-related activities (Beta = 0.151). Discussion: Results indicate that adoption of health-supporting technologies could be facilitated by user-centered designs that better accommodate older adults in poor health. Alternatively, adoption may be facilitated by making the potential usefulness of computers more salient to older adults.
Pharmacokinetics of Human Drug Research

Summary Most pharmacokinetic model-building concepts are based upon simple hydraulictype flow models with some hypothetical equilibrated flow state. While these principles as illustrated may be satisfactory as an initial phase of understanding pharmacokinetics, each step of such a model must be tested experimentally to assure that it is applicable under any particular pharmacokinetic conditions. Active biologic transport mechanisms do not necessarily follow such simple flow-model concepts and must be taken into account as well as inhibitory influences along such flow models. The use of generalized computer programs for solution of complex model-fitting by the least squares method requires estimates of initial parameters as well as definition of an exact model for such model fitting. These two areas involve arbitrary selections and may result in the logical fitting of experimental data to more than one model or even with the same model to the derivation of different kinetic parameters based upon the initial estimates used. A new analytic approach based upon the preliminary analysis of experimental data permits the definition of a model with just a sufficient number of compartments to explain the experimental data; it also provides unique initial estimates of parameters for input in fitting the possible models of the appropriate size. The basic principles and the exact process are illustrated using experimental kinetic data with hydrochlorothiazide, ioglycamate, and antibiotics. Realistic ranges of kinetic constant estimates are presented.
New Stations for two Fungi

In collecting fungi in the State of New York during July, 1942, I found a rust near Bemus Point on Potentilla recta L. which proved to be Phragmidium Ivesiae Syd. Dr. Frank D. Kern of Pennsylvania State College confirmed the determination. Dr. Kern, after receiving my specimens, examined some of the host plants growing in the vicinity of State College and found them infected with the same rust. This rust is reported in the North American Flora only from the western part of the United States. Potentilla recta is not given as a host. It appears that these collections extend the range of this rust to the eastern part of the United States and add another host to the list. In September, 1940, I found a number of dark brown sclerotia under some shrubbery in Schenley Park. These were evidently exposed by recent heavy rains. The place was frequently visited during the remainder of 1940 and during the year 1941 but no fruiting bodies appeared. In September, 1942, an abundance of sporophores were found not only in this particular place but also in other nearby places. The first few plants pulled up showed long root-like strands. Through curiosity I dug up some of the plants to find the place of attachment and discovered that all the plants were attached to sclerotia. (See FIGURE 1.) This collection numbers over 150 plants. Did these plants continue for two years in the resting stage? From the published descriptions and the illustrations this plant agrees with Naucoria arvalis var. tuberigena Quel. (1). Lloyd (2) described Naucoria scleroticola as a new species from specimens received from West Virginia but suggested that it may be Naucoria semiorbicularis growing from a sclerotiun. Later (3) at the suggestion of Lange he decided that his new species was the same as Naucoria arvalis Fr. which at times develops sclerotia. Hennings (4) described a new species under the name Naucoria 264
Hepatocyte growth factor promotes renal epithelial cell survival by dual mechanisms.

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) has been shown to protect renal epithelial cells against apoptosis. To define the mechanism by which HGF inhibits apoptosis, we investigated the effect of HGF on the ...
Digestive Adaptations of Phainopepla nitens Associated with the Eating of Mistletoe Berries

The Phainopepla, Phainopepla nitens, inhabits arid and semiarid areas in Mexico and the southwestern United States, where it associates closely with the Desert Mistletoe, Phoradendron californicum (Cowles 1936, 1972, Crouch 1943). This mistletoe parasitizes Sonoran desert wash plants such as Mesquite, Prosopis juliflora; Ironwood, Olneya tesota; Palo Verde, Cercidium floridum; and Catsclaw, Acacia greggi. The Phainopepla is a common winter and spring resident in these washes and is often seen feeding at the large fruiting clumps of mistletoe. The small (3-5 mm) berries of this mistletoe provide an abundant and succulent food source in this arid habitat. Besides P. nitens, a number of other birds feed upon these berries, including Gambel Quail, Lophortyx gambelii; Bluebirds, Sialis spp.; Mockingbirds, Mimus polyglottus; and House Finches, Carpodacus mexicanus (Cowles 1936, 1972). However, I have observed that none of these species are as closely associated with Desert Mistletoe or feed on it
Identification of early developing axon projections from spinal interneurons in the chick embryo with a neuron specific beta-tubulin antibody: evidence for a new 'pioneer' pathway in the spinal cord.

The early development of interneurons in the chick embryo spinal cord was studied using a monoclonal antibody against a neuron-specific beta-tubulin isoform. Early developing interneurons were divided into two cell groups on the basis of their location and the pattern of growth of their axons. One group is composed of cells that establish a primitive longitudinal pathway (PL-cells), whereas the other group contains cells constituting a circumferential pathway (C-cells). The onset of axonal development in both cell groups occurs at stage (st.) 15 (embryonic day, (E), 2) in the branchial segments, which is prior to axonogenesis of motoneurons. PL-cells develop in the region between the floor plate and the motoneuron nucleus. Their axons are the first neuronal processes (‘pioneer axons’) to arrive in the ventrolateral marginal zone and they project both rostrally and caudally to establish a primitive longitudinal association pathway at the ventrolateral surface of the neural tube. This pathway is formed before axons of C-cells arrive in the ventrolateral region. The first C-cells are initially located in the most dorsal portion of the neural tube, whereas later appearing C-cells are also located in both intermediate and ventral regions of the neural tube. The axons of C-cells project ventrally, without fasciculating, along the lateral border of the neural tube. Some of their axons enter the ipsilateral ventrolateral longitudinal pathway at st. 17. We often observed apparent contacts and interactions between preexisting axons of PL-cells and newly arriving axons of C-cells. The axons of commissural C-cells first enter the floor plate at st. 17 and cross the midline at st. 18. Axons of C cells begin to join the contralateral ventrolateral longitudinal pathway at st. 18+ to st. 19. In the floor plate region, contacts between growth cones and axons were often observed. However, axons in the floor plate at these stages were not fasciculated. These observations establish the timing and pattern of growth of axons from two specific populations of early developing interneurons in the chick spinal cord. Additionally, we have identified an early and apparently previously undescribed ‘pioneer’ pathway that constitutes the first longitudinal pathway in the chick spinal cord.
Cost analysis of using premixed frozen versus hospital-reconstituted cefazolin sodium injection

The costs of preparing cefazolin sodium 1-g small-volume injections (SVIs) by each of two reconstitution methods were compared with the costs of using premixed frozen cefazolin SVIs at two hospitals. Both hospitals routinely used premixed cefazolin 1-g SVIs. Each converted to its previous reconstitution system for approximately two weeks. One hospital used a once-weekly "batch" system, and the other hospital used the twice-daily "extemporaneous" system. Pharmacist and technician time involved in both systems was determined using time-and-motion methods. A total of 40 preparation cycles of 10 SVIs each were monitored to determine labor costs. Hospital purchase-contract prices were used for determining material costs per SVI, and waste was calculated based on the number of SVIs that could not be recycled. The total time required for preparation of 10 cefazolin 1-g SVIs by each method was comparable (6.2 minutes for the batch method, 5.8 minutes for the extemporaneous method); labor costs contributed minimally to overall costs of each reconstituted SVI. Approximately 5% of reconstituted SVIs were wasted in each system. The conversion to premixed cefazolin SVIs resulted in an annual cost increase of more than $5000 at each hospital, compared with the reconstitution methods. However, subjective evaluations indicated that use of the premixed admixtures resulted in increased efficiency of i.v. preparation by allowing pharmacy personnel to devote more time to other labor-intensive duties. The results of this study allowed the pharmacies to negotiate more equitable prices for premixed cefazolin sodium injection.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Cyclophosphamide, Methotrexate and 5-Fluorouracil Combination Chemotherapy Versus Chloroethyl-Cyclohexy-Nitrosourea in the Treatment of Metastatic Prostatic Cancer

In a prospective, randomized study the effect of cyclophosphamide, methotrexate and 5-fluorouracil combination chemotherapy was compared to the single agent, chloroethyl-cyclohexy-nitrosourea, in the treatment of hormonally refractive metastatic prostatic carcinoma. All patients could be evaluated and were followed for at least 2 years or until death. Responses were defined by the National Prostatic Cancer Project criteria. Of 20 patients who received cyclophosphamide, methotrexate and 5-fluorouracil 3 (15 per cent) had partial (median duration of 2.5 months), 4 (20 per cent) had stable (median duration of 5 months) and 13 had progression of the disease. Of 20 patients who received chloroethyl-cyclohexy-nitrosourea none had a partial response, 6 (30 per cent) had stability (median duration of 6.2 months) and 13 had progression of the disease. The over-all response rate for patients receiving cyclophosphamide, methotrexate and 5-fluorouracil was 35 per cent (stable plus partial regressions) and it was 30 per cent for those receiving chloroethyl-cyclohexy-nitrosourea (stable only). Subjective improvement was noted in all 7 patients who responded to combination chemotherapy and in 3 of the 6 patients who responded to the single agent. After 2 courses resistant patients were crossed over to the opposite regimen and none had an objective, stable or subjective response. Although the duration of response was short (2 to 6 months) patients with partial regressions or stabilized disease survived longer (p less than 0.05) than patients whose disease progressed (52 versus 24 weeks, respectively). The mean interval from diagnosis to chemotherapy (lead time) was 40 months for patients who responded to chemotherapy compared to 19 months for those with progression, which suggested a slower growing pattern of disease in those who did respond. There was no improvement in cohort survival with either treatment regimen. Over-all response rates to cyclophosphamide, methotrexate and 5-fluorouracil were not superior to reported responses to cyclophosphamide alone, and both treatment regimens appeared to be only marginally effective in the treatment of endocrine-resistant, advanced prostatic cancer.
Introduction to Personality Procedures

There are wide variety of personality factors that characterize the creative individual and differentiate him from others. There have been studies of the creative individual's life history, his personality and cognitive characteristics, the manner in which he interacts with others, and the way in which the environment in which he works may or may not affect his creative endeavors. In each of these areas, characteristic results for creative persons have been found; differences have also been found among individuals who are and are not regarded as creative. Knowledge of these characteristics comes from studies using various techniques, such as case study, surveys, biographical inventories, and both structured and unstructured psychological tests. These tests and techniques can be administered before and after a person attends a creativity stimulating program to determine whether his scores move in the direction of those found to be characteristic of creative persons.
Hypnosis in the Treatment of Sexual Dysfunction: An Update

AbstractA review of published reports on outcome of hypnotherapy for sexual dysfunction by Brown and Chaves (1980) is updated. Most of the reports include only single cases or small numbers of cases. Larger scale investigations are usually methodologically unsound. The outcome results thus do not permit general conclusions about the effectiveness of hypnotherapy for sexual dysfunction. The data do suggest that sex hypnotherapy is much more for female than for male patients. A tentative inference is that this imbalance is a consequence of greater effectiveness of this form of therapy with female patients.
Development of a SERS Probe for Selective Detection of Healthy Prostate and Malignant Prostate Cancer Cells Using ZnII.

Even in 21st century, prostate cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer death for men. Since normal prostate gland contains the most Zn(II) and there are huge differences in Zn(II) content between the healthy and malignant prostate cancer cells, mobile zinc can be used as a biomarker for prostate cancer prediction. Current article reports the design of novel and highly efficient surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) probe using p-(imidazole)azo) benzenethiol attached gold nanoparticle as a Raman reporter, which has the capability to identify prostate cancer cells based on Zn(II) sensing. A facile synthesis, characterization and evaluation as Zn(II) sensing Raman probe has been reported. Reported data indicate that after binding with Zn(II), Raman reporter attached gold nanoparticle forms assembly structure, which allows selective detection of Zn(II) even at 100 ppt concentration. Theoretical full-wave finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulation has been used to understand huge enhancement of SERS signal. Reported SERS probe is highly promising for in-vivo sensing of cancer, where near IR light can be easily used to avoid tissue auto-fluorescence and to enhance tissue penetration depth. Reported data show that SERS probe can distinguish metastatic cancer cells from normal prostate cells very easily with sensitivity as low as 5 cancer cells/mL. Designed SERS probe has the capability to be used as chemical toolkit for determining mobile Zn(II) concentrations in the biological sample.
Design and implementation of three-dimensional block turbo codes

This paper investigates multi-dimensional Block Turbo Codes (BTCs) with trellis-based decoding, which have the possibility of providing a large range of block sizes. Large block size codes can provide significant coding gain and code rates. BTCs thus provide us more attractive options for a wide range of applications and higher bandwidth efficiency. Due to their excellent power and bandwidth efficiency, BTCs can be applied to many data packet systems such as ATM and MPEG.
Tourism, Poverty Relief, and the Quality-of-Life in Developing Countries

This chapter investigates the relationship between poverty relief, quality-of-life, and tourism within the context of developing countries. Discussion is provided regarding the three most prominent paradigms pertaining to the meaning and measurement of poverty. A review of literature reveals a debate regarding a clear definition of poverty, as well as the potential link between tourism and improvement of the global quality-of-life. Specifically, the study explores three specific propositions discussed in the literature and their policy implications: Tourism expansion may provide poverty relief to people falling under a defined poverty line, augment human development, and decrease the issue of income inequality in developing countries. The chapter affords a revealing and intriguing look into tourism’s role in reducing poverty levels in developing countries.
Super-Resolution of complex exponentials from modulations with known waveforms

In this paper, we investigate parametric estimation of complex exponentials from modulations with known waveforms. This problem arises naturally in radar systems and wireless communications, especially in applications which suffer from multipath effects. Viewing the problem as a group sparse recovery, we recast it naturally into an atomic norm minimization, which has an equivalent semidefinite program (SDP) characterization and thus can be solved efficiently. We experimentally demonstrate the advantage of our approach when compared with a super-resolution method that does not consider multipath effects.
Neurological considerations in achondroplasia.

In achondroplasia, neurological dysfunction is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Fortunately, problems arise not because of dysgenesis of nervous tissue, but are secondary tc bony compression of neural and associated vascular structures, and, therefore, are often amenable to prophylactic or remedial treatment. Furthermore, because the neural compressive syndromes of achondroplasia are highly stereotyped, their recognition and appropriate management are facilitated.
William Whewell and the Concept of Scientific Revolution

Discussions of scientific change have, in recent years, come to center more and more on the concept of scientific revolution. No doubt, one of the reasons for the attention given to scientific revolutions has been the challenging thesis of Thomas S. Kuhn, in his widely-read book, The Structure of Scientific Revolutions.2 The critical response to Kuhn’s book3 has largely been of three kinds: criticising his fundamental thesis or some aspect of it,4 challenging the propriety of using the concept of revolution in the analysis of scientific change,5 and substituting an alternative schema for our understanding of the development of science.6 But no one thus far has seriously taken on the assignment of tracing the origin and vicissitudes of development of the concept and name ‘revolution’ as it has been applied to specific changes in the sciences (as in the Copernican, Newtonian, and Darwinian revolutions)7 or to large-scale changes that have affected science as a whole and man’s views of himself, his universe, and nature. Many historians appear to believe that it is only in very recent years that the concept of revolution has become imposed harshly and anachronistically on the scientific events of the past. Accordingly, there is a special relevance to exploring the history of the successive attempts to explain scientific change by revolutions.
External Pressure and Local Mobilization: Transnational Activism and The Emergence of the Chinese Labor Movement

†This article elucidates connections between two strategies of transnational social movements—external pressure and local mobilization—and two potential outcomes—paternalism and psychological empowerment. Application of this theoretical framework to the nascent Chinese labor movement indicates that an overreliance on an external-pressure approach results in paternalism, thereby precluding psychological empowerment for aggrieved actors and potentially inhibiting movement growth. Conversely, strategies that relegate external support to a secondary role and privilege local mobilization are more likely to result in psychological empowerment. In this study, I argue that psychological empowerment is a prerequisite for the emergence of a worker-based movement in China. Many studies of cooperation between movement actors from the global North and South have seen this relationship as essentially unproblematic. I begin to problematize the inherent power inequalities between the two sets of actors and will theorize the implications for movement emergence in Southern countries.
The Pemphigoid Spectrum

The pemphigoid spectrum represents a group of blistering diseases of the skin defined by autoantibody formation against components of the hemidesmosome that collectively comprise the basement membrane zone. These autoantibodies along with complement are detected in perilesional tissue of affected individuals by direct immunofluorescence. Autoantibodies can also be detected in the sera in some individuals by indirect immunofluorescence and ELISA studies. Histology shows a subepidermal split with variable inflammatory infiltrate in the upper dermis. There are several variants of pemphigoid with unique clinical manifestations. Treatment is aimed at suppressing the misguided immune response through the use of topical and/or systemic steroids and immunosuppressive agents.
Outcomes of familial abdominal aortic aneurysm repair in the Vascular Quality Initiative

Abstract Objective Recent investigations have reported increased rates of aneurysm-related complications after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) in familial abdominal aortic aneurysm (fAAA) patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of open aortic repair (OAR) and EVAR in sporadic AAA (spAAA) and fAAA patients in the Society for Vascular Surgery Vascular Quality Initiative. Methods This was a retrospective review of all AAA repairs in the Vascular Quality Initiative from 2003 to 2017. Patients' data were summarized, and standard statistical analysis was performed. Patients with known genetic syndromes and centers with long-term follow-up of Results From 2003 to 2017, there were 1997 fAAA patients compared with 18,185 spAAA patients undergoing OAR and EVAR during the same study period. Compared with their spAAA counterparts, fAAA patients were younger (P Conclusions This study shows that patients with a familial form of AAA do not have increased morbidity or mortality after AAA repair. Our findings suggest that EVAR and OAR are both safe and effective for fAAA patients. Further studies with longer follow-up are needed to best care for this unique cohort of patients.
Coconut Fiber Cement Panels as Wall Insulation and Structural Diaphragm

The study considers applications for natural fiber composites for affordable housing projects located in the two districts of Gujarat, India and Gorkha, Nepal with the goal of addressing issues of thermal comfort and lateral loading from seismic activity. To help alleviate some of these issues, the team worked with the Hunnarshala Foundation, in Bhuj, Gujarat, India, to develop a fiber cement composite that could be applied to the interior or exterior of a home and provide both insulative and structural improvements. Thermal conductivity of the composites were measured using a heat flux machine and experimental results of 0.16 W/m•K to 0.19 W/m•K showed an improvement in thermal conductivity compared to current wall cladding materials ranging from 1.60 - 1.88 W/m•K. Modeling of the building envelope was completed using the EnergyPlus™ tool and show that homes using the fiber cement composites would have an overall reduction in heating requirement of Nepalese homes by 14% and a reduction of 11% for homes in North India. The study used coconut husk fibers (referred to as coconut coir), rattan, and pine wood fibers in addition to Portland cement, fly ash, and hydrated lime in the fabrication of fiber cement composite samples. Flexural strength of these fiber samples were 70% stronger than comparison specimens, suggesting possible application for wall cladding to reduce out-of-plane failure during seismic events. Field tests conducted in Gujarat validated lab results as well qualitative perceptions of the material. Continued work with local partners presents several possible applications of coconut coir fiber cement composites for the retrofit existing housing and construction of new buildings.
Board Diversity: How Board Values and Discretion Impact The Appointment of Female Directors

Board diversity brings a variety of organizational benefits. As such, scholars have examined organizational, individual, and behavioral drivers of female board representation. However, little atten...