cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparative isozyme polymorphisms of north American eastern gamagrass,Tripsacum dactyloides var.dactyloides and maize,Zea mays L.

Random samples, consisting of at least 100 individual seedlings, were taken from the diploid (2n=2x=36) eastern gamagrass (Tripsacum dactyloides var.dactyloides) and assayed to determine which of 12 enzyme marker loci and isozyme systems would be most informative in providing satisfactory resolution of both maize andTripsacum isozyme systems. For comparison, eight maize inbreds were included in the study to aid evaluation and comparison of the various isozyme systems. In addition, evaluations were conducted to identify if the identified optimum isozyme system could be used to detectTripsacum introgression in maize following a maize ×Tripsacum backcrossing scheme. Using the established isozyme techniques for maize (Zea mays L.), theAdh, Pgd, Cat, Est, B-Glu, Got, Idh, Tpi isozyme systems detected no polymorphism among theTripsacum individuals assayed. TheEst andB-Glu systems forTripsacum were unscorable due to poor staining and resolution. TheAcp, Mdh, Pgm, andPhi isozyme systems were found to be satisfactory markers for differentiating between eastern gamagrass individuals as well as detectingTripsacum introgression in maize. The availability of useful isozyme systems which can simultaneously provide significant isozyme resolution of maize,Tripsacum and maize-Tripsacum backcross hybrids, on a single gel system, will be useful for the detection of marker assistedTripsacum introgression into maize. In addition, the identification of a set of variable biochemical markers should also assist breeding, selection and genetic manipulations in eastern gamagrass.
Numerical Scheme for the Solution of Fractional Differential Equations of Order Greater Than 1

This paper presents a numerical scheme for the solutions of Fractional Differential Equations (FDEs) of order α, 1 < α < 2 which have been expressed in terms of Caputo Fractional Derivative (FD). In this scheme, the properties of the Caputo derivative are used to reduce an FDE into a Volterra type integral equation. The entire domain is divided into several small domains, and the distribution of the unknown function over the domain is expressed in terms of the function values and its slopes at the node points. These approximations are then substituted into the Volterra type integral equation to reduce it to algebraic equations. Since the method enforces the continuity of variables at the node points, it provides a solution that is continuous and with a slope that is also continuous over the entire domain. The method is used to solve a simple FDE using two different types of polynomials, namely cubic order and fractional order. Results obtained using both types of polynomials agree well with the analytical results. However, the fractional order polynomials give more accurate results than the cubic order polynomials do. This suggests that for the numerical solutions of FDEs fractional order polynomials may be more suitable than the integer order polynomials. A series of numerical studies suggests that the algorithm is stable.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
The Use of Leviticus in Ezra- Nehemiah

In light of the current disparity of views regarding the dating of Leviticus and Ezra-Nehemiah, this study revisits similar traditions found in these books in order to gain a sense of logical progression. The author calls attention to elements from Leviticus which are present in Ezra-Nehemiah but not found elsewhere in the Torah. She argues for the chronological priority of significant cultic traditions from Leviticus over their counterparts in Ezra-Nehemiah.
Myths About Pimps: Conflicting Images of Hypermasculine Pimps in U.S. American Hip-Hop and Bisexual Pimps in the Novels of Donald Goines and Iceberg Slim

The traditional image of the urban U.S. American pimp functions as a powerful symbol of Black hypermasculinity throughout contemporary hip-hop culture. This image perpetuates entrenched stereotypes that characterize Black males as violent, rapacious beasts and Black females as hypersexed, valueless mules. Donald Goines and Iceberg Slim, in their novels Whoreson (1972/2007) and Pimp (1969/2007), employ pimp characters in direct conflict with the American hip-hop version of the pimp in their marked openness to non-normative sexualities, signaling an alternative possibility for Black male sexuality. Bell hooks and Darieck Scott argue that Black males must quit trying to compete with White males for sexual supremacy and embrace a politics of failure marked by new constructions of sexuality that are less destructive. Rejecting a sexuality based on hypermasculine White patriarchy in favor of a more open Black sexual politics creates a sexual map that may lead to a uniquely Black sexual politics.
Do They Stay or Do They Go? Residents Who Become Faculty at Their Training Institutions.

Objective Few data exist on the topic of internal hiring of trainees in academic medicine. This study examines nationally representative data to determine the frequency of faculty psychiatrists who are employed in the same department in which they completed their residency training.
Geographic variation in serious nonfatal firearm injuries in Pennsylvania.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to characterize the geographic epidemiology of serious nonfatal firearm injuries (NFFI) within Pennsylvania during a 6-year period. Methods: A historical review of data from the Pennsylvania Trauma System Foundation trauma registry was completed using county-level data. Based on a format adapted from the United States Department of Agriculture, NFFI in Pennsylvania were classified by their county of occurrence: central city counties, metropolitan counties, nonmetropolitan counties, or rural counties. Population-based rates of NFFI were then calculated, as were NFFI as a proportion of the number of injuries within each region. These rates were stratified by intent of injury, scene of injury, and type of firearm. Results: A total of 100,703 trauma cases were reported to the Pennsylvania Trauma System Foundation from 1988 through 1993, of which 5,847 were serious NFFI. Nonfatal firearm assaults increased from rural counties to central city counties, whereas unintentional NFFI decreased (p < 0.05). A 225% increase in the number of NFFI, from 445 cases in 1988 to 1,004 cases in 1993, was noted in the central city counties. Comparatively, the increase in the noncity regions was 145%, from 182 cases in 1988 to 263 in 1993. Nonfatal firearm injuries occurred most often at home in noncity counties (rural, nonmetropolitan, and metropolitan counties) (47.9%). This is in contrast to central city counties, where NFFI occurred significantly more often in the street (53.5%) (p < 0.05). Handgun NFFI increased, whereas rifle NFFI decreased, from rural counties to central city counties (p < 0.05). Relative to population size, the risk of shotgun injuries was greatest in central city counties and lowest in rural counties. Shotgun injuries also accounted for a significantly longer hospital stay (15.06 days) compared with handgun injuries (10.38 days) and rifle injuries (11.81 days) (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Significant variation in NFFI was observed across population-based regions in Pennsylvania. Rural areas demonstrated relatively high risks of NFFI committed unintentionally, in the home, and with rifles. As regional populations increase, relatively high risks of NFFI, committed as assaults, in the street, and by handguns, are highlighted. Although hand-guns were the most prominent firearm associated with NFFI, nonfatal shotgun injuries produced substantially longer hospital stays and may be an underappreciated cause of nonfatal firearm assaults in the urban setting.
A chloride channel blocker reduces acetylcholine uptake into synaptic vesicles at the frog neuromuscular junction

Abstract A key mechanism for loading acetylcholine (ACh + ) into synaptic vesicles uses energy to transport H + into the vesicle interior and then exchanges H + for ACh + . This mechanism requires anions to follow the H + into the vesicles to prevent the building up of an overwhelming electrical gradient across the vesicle membrane. Frog nerve-muscle preparations were treated with hypertonic solution in which sodium gluconate was the major constituent, which substantially increases the sizes of the quanta by increasing their ACh + content. The Cl − channel blocker 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino)benzoic acid (NPPB) antagonized the increases in quantal size, so it seems likely that Cl − follows H + to prevent the buildup of a potential gradient across the vesicular membrane.
Colonic excretion of iodide in normal human subjects.

Patterns of fecal radioiodine excretion were studied in seven normal young men with intact, unblocked thyroid glands, who received repeated oral daily doses of [125I]iodide in an attempt to achieve isotopic equilibrium. Fecal radioactivity was assumed to have originated either in the circulating inorganic radioiodine (radioiodide) compartment or in the circulating hormonal protein-bound iodine (PBI) compartment. Activity in the PBI compartment was measured directly in serum samples from which radioiodide had been removed by dialysis or resin treatment. Activity in the radioiodide compartment was measured by the difference between total and hormonal radioiodine, and also as a projection from the rate of urinary excretion of radioiodine. These compartments were fitted to the observed sequential fecal radioiodine data in each subject to identify the origins of the fecal radioactivity, using the SAAM modeling program. The fraction of fecal radioactivity attributable to iodide was 0.55 ± 0.35 (mean ± SD) (geom...
The albino locus produces abnormal responses to opiates in the mouse

Abstract Pedigreed inbred lines of pigmented mice were compared with albino lines differing at either a single locus or by a chromosomal segment of interest, for their responses to morphine. In either of two tests, behavioral activation or reduction in core temperature, albino mice were aberrant in their responses, demonstrating reliably less sensitivity to morphine than closely related pigmented lines. These finding suggest the need for caution in the use of albino lines in opiate reseach.
Polar organizers mark division axis prior to preprophase band formation in mitosis of the hepaticReboulia hemisphaerica (Bryophyta)

Changes in the pattern of microtubules during the cell cycle of the hepaticReboulia hemisphaerica (Bryophyta) were studied by indirect immunofluorescence using conventional and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The first indication that a cell is preparing for division is fusiform shaping of the nucleus accompanied by the appearance of well-defined polar organizers (POs) at the future spindle poles. Microtubules emanating from the POs ensheath the nucleus and eventually develop into the half-spindles of mitosis. Some of the microtubules from each PO pass tangential to the nucleus and interact in the region of the future mitotic equator. A preprophase band (PPB) forms in this region later in prophase and coexists with the prophase spindle. Thus, the plane of division appears to be determined by interaction of opposing arrays of microtubules emanating from POs. Prometaphase is marked by disappearance of the POs, loss of astral microtubules, and conversion of the fusiform spindle of prophase to a truncated, barrel-shaped spindle more typical of higher plants. Restoration of cortical microtubules in daughter cell occurs on the cell side distal to the new cell plate, but nucleation of microtubules is associated with the nuclear envelope and not with organized POs. At the next division POs appear at opposite poles of preprophase nuclei with no evidence of division and migration that is characteristic of cells with centriolar centrosomes. These data lend additional support for the view that mitosis in hepatics is transitional between green algae and higher plants.
The health education section: 38 years of growth.

Abstract The author traces the growth of ACHA's Health Education Section from its beginnings with a handful of members in the late 1950s to its position of increasing leadership in the organization. She describes the growth of innovative programs the section's more than 300 health educators developed as they expanded the concept of health education and promotion beyond the walls of traditional health centers into the broader university community. College health educators must participate in efforts to establish accountability for prevention and promotion strategies that include community health as well as clinical preventive services.
Expression of GABAB receptor in the avian auditory brainstem: Ontogeny, afferent deprivation, and ultrastructure

Nucleus magnocellularis (NM), nucleus angularis (NA), and nucleus laminaris (NL), second- and third-order auditory neurons in the avian brainstem, receive GABAergic input primarily from the superior olivary nucleus (SON). Previous studies have demonstrated that both GABAA and GABAB receptors (GABABRs) influence physiological properties of NM neurons. We characterized the distribution of GABABR expression in these nuclei during development and after deafferentation of the excitatory auditory nerve (nVIII) inputs. We used a polyclonal antibody raised against rat GABABRs in the auditory brainstem during developmental periods that are thought to precede and include synaptogenesis of GABAergic inputs. As early as embryonic day (E)14, dense labeling is observed in NA, NM, NL, and SON. At earlier ages immunoreactivity is present in somas as diffuse staining with few puncta. By E21, when the structure and function of the auditory nuclei are known to be mature, GABAB immunoreactivity is characterized by dense punctate labeling in NM, NL, and a subset of NA neurons, but label is sparse in the SON. Removal of the cochlea and nVIII neurons in posthatch chicks resulted in only a small decrease in immunoreactivity after survival times of 14 or 28 days, suggesting that a major proportion of GABABRs may be expressed postsynaptically or on GABAergic terminals. We confirmed this interpretation with immunogold TEM, where expression at postsynaptic membrane sites is clearly observed. The characterization of GABABR distribution enriches our understanding of the full complement of inhibitory influences on central auditory processing in this well-studied neuronal circuit. J. Comp. Neurol. 489:11–22, 2005. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Negative consequence of benevolent sexism on efficacy and performance

Purpose – Previous research demonstrates the damaging effects of hostile sexism enacted towards women in the workplace. However, there is less research on the consequences of benevolent sexism: a subjectively positive form of discrimination. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – Drawing from ambivalent sexism theory, the authors first utilized an experimental methodology in which benevolent and hostile sexism were interpersonally enacted toward both male and female participants. Findings – Results suggested that benevolent sexism negatively impacted participants' self-efficacy in mixed-sex interactions. Extending these findings, the results of a second field study clarify self-efficacy as a mediating mechanism in the relationship between benevolent sexism and workplace performance. Originality/value – Finally, benevolent sexism contributed incremental prediction of performance above and beyond incivility, further illustrating the detrimental consequences of benevolently sex...
Library strategic alliances and the digital library in the 1990s: The OhioLINK experience

Abstract In 1987, Ed Walters defined five forms of networking for libraries “sustained by several distinctive purposes and missions: (1) the Unit Cost Networks, (2) Multi-State Regional Auxiliary Enterprise Networks, (3) Authority Sanctioned Networks, (4) Discipline and Type of-Library Networks, and (5) Local Consortia or Proximity Networks.” Even then the definitions overlapped and individual libraries might be actively involved in all five types. Information technology is defining in new ways what may be accomplished in library consortia networking and the possibilities are constantly changing. What remains the same, then as now, is that the success of the network is also defined by the social dynamics—organizational issues and inter-group working relationships. The most striking thing about the OhioLINK effort is not that new state funding gave it strong impetus nor that it is using UNIX systems rather than mainframes for its technical support, but that the success of the effort as always depends on inter-institutional cooperation and the adaptation of the participants to a shared mission which may constrain local independence—C.B.L., Carnegie Mellon University.
Isolation and partial purification of cytochrome P-450 from uninduced mouse liver

Summary Cytochrome P-450 has been partially purified from uninduced mouse liver to a specific activity of 4.2 nmole/mg, and contains no cytochrome b 5 or NADPH-cytochrome-c-reductase. Microsomes were isolated by calcium aggregation. Proteolysis and polyethylene glycol titration followed by column chromatography on DEAE cellulose removed all of the cytochrome-c-reductase and b 5 giving a 25% – 35% recovery of P-450.
Meteorological measurements during the Lower Rio Grande Valley environmental study

Abstract This paper describes the meteorological conditions observed in Brownsville, Texas, during the Lower Rio Grande Valley Environmental Study. This study was conducted in two parts during the spring and summer of 1993. Air pollution and meteorological data were acquired from the top of a building located at the University of Texas at Brownsville campus approximately 1 km north of the Rio Grande River. Meteorological measurements taken at this central site included 15-min averages of air temperature, horizontal wind speed, and wind direction. Meteorological observations recorded at a National Weather Service station located at Brownsville International Airport were obtained to supplement the data acquired at the central site. Daily increases in the wind speed were observed during both studies due to convective heating and the onset of the sea breeze. Wind flow was varied from the northeast clockwise to the south during the spring. The flow in the summer, however, was almost exclusively from the east-southeast through the south-southeast. Integral parameters (wind run, resultant transport distance and direction, and recirculation factor) developed by Allwine and Whiteman (1994) were used to assess the air pollution potential for Brownsville and the Lower Rio Grande Valley.
Preparing for the new world order: Interdisciplinary model for training primary care teams

Health care and continuing education are at an important change point. With the increasing competitiveness, efficiency, and customer service orientation of the health care environment, health care delivery and organizational structures are rapidly changing. In order to prepare providers for this environment, continuing education programs must mirror and prepare for organizational, functional, and role changes. To meet these challenges, we developed a program to train primary care teams. The program was based on needs identified by client facilities, incorporated information on changes in the health care environment and business continuous quality improvement tools innovations, and used adult learning principles, including collaboration, respect, informality, reciprocity, and grouping learners according to interests. The program model focused on scientific content, work tasks, and team process. Components of the program included information on national health care changes, clarification of roles and responsibilities, individual and team assessment, Continuous Quality Improvement Tools, statistical tools, communication, conflict management, consensus building, and action planning. A total of 46 facilities and 180 participants attended one of four different sessions, which included follow-up at 3 and 6 months post conferences. Teams were evaluated using a standard satisfaction index (conference), the Team Review Questionnaire (6 months post conference), and action plan progress (3 and 6 months post conferences). The model of this program reflects our belief that information alone is not enough to effect change. For continuing education to remain relevant, the content of programs must match the changing needs of health care providers and their institutions and the process of instruction must fit and model these new models and behaviors.
Effect of autonomic blockade, postural changes and isometric exercise on doppler indexes of diastolic left ventricular function

Abstract Previous studies have demonstrated substantial changes in Doppler-derived indexes of left ventricular (LV) diastolic function in response to changes in loading conditions. To assess the influence of autonomic reflexes on these indexes, 2-dimensional and Doppler echophonocardiography were performed in 8 normal male subjects before and during autonomic blockade (0.2 mg/kg of propranolol and 0.04 mg/kg of atropine, intravenously) in the supine, passive upright 80° tilt and passive leg-raised positions, and during supine isometric exercise. During autonomic blockade in the supine position, there were significant increases in transmitral peak late filling velocity (A) (mean ± standard error of the mean +34 ± 7%) and isovolumic relaxation time (+18 ± 9%), and significant decreases in transmitral peak early filling velocity (E) (-20 ± 7%), deceleration time (−35 ± 7%) and E/A ratio (−40 ± S%). E/A ratio decreased from 2.0 ± 0.1 1.2 ± 0.3 with autonomic blockade. When either upright tilt or isometric handgrip exercise was combined with autonomic blockade, the pattern of diastolic filling became distinctly “abnormal,” with E/A ratio decreasing to 0.9 ± 0.1. The effect of volume loading (increased end-diastolic volume and increased peak E) was seen in the legs-raised position only during autonomic blockade. It is concluded that autonomic blockade substantially alters the Doppler indexes of LV diastolic filling and modifies both hemodynamic response and Doppler indexes produced by positional changes and by isometric exercise.
The terrestrial cosmic ray flux: Its importance for climate

There has been prolonged debate in the scientific community as to whether or not changes in solar activity significantly affect Earth's climate. One of the main arguments against solar influence is that because the intensity of solar radiation changes by too little (˜0.1%) during the course of a solar cycle (or on longer time scales) to have a significant impact on changes in Earth's climate, an amplifying mechanism must be at work if solar influence is to be taken seriously. Ney [1959] proposed that the solar-modulated terrestrial cosmic ray flux (CRF) is another solar influence that must be considered as possibly affecting climate. The CRF affects the electrical conductivity of the atmosphere through ion production and is the meteorological variable subject to the largest solar cycle modulation that penetrates into the denser layers of the atmosphere.
Clinical Features and Treatment Response of Light Chain (AL) Amyloidosis Diagnosed in Patients With Previous Diagnosis of Multiple Myeloma

OBJECTIVE To identify and assess the clinical features and treatment response of light chain (AL) amyloidosis diagnosed in patients with previous diagnosis of multiple myeloma (MM). PATIENTS AND METHODS From a prospectively maintained database, we identified 47 patients seen between January 1, 1990, and August 31, 2008, with a diagnosis of AL amyloidosis that was made at least 6 months after MM diagnosis; these patients form the study group. RESULTS Among the 47 patients, 36 developed typical features, 3 had atypical features, and 8 had an incidental finding of amyloidosis. Amyloid deposits were demonstrated in bone marrow, subcutaneous fat aspirate, or organ biopsy in 24, 19, and 12 patients, respectively. One organ was involved in 29 patients (62%), whereas 11 patients (23%) had involvement in more than one organ. At diagnosis of AL amyloidosis, treatment was changed or started in 22 patients, whereas the same treatment was continued in 21 patients, and no treatment data were available for the rest. The best hematologic response included partial response or better in 11 patients (23%) and stable disease in 18 patients (38%). Improvement in an organ was seen in 3 of the 21 evaluable patients. The median overall survival from diagnosis of AL amyloidosis was 9.1 months (95% confidence interval, 4-14). Of the 6 patients still alive, 2 underwent peripheral blood stem cell transplant, and none had cardiac involvement or involvement in more than one organ. CONCLUSION Delayed onset of AL amyloidosis is rarely seen in patients with MM and requires a high index of suspicion for prompt diagnosis. Outcome of these patients is poor, especially in the presence of cardiac involvement.
Dismissing skeptical possibilities

L'A. rejette l'hypothese sceptique que l'homme n'a pas de connaissance du monde exterieur et qu'il est en effet victime de tromperie massive des sens.
Self-aligned diffusion technique for n-InP JFETs

A self-aligned diffusion process has been demonstrated in the fabrication of n-InP JFETs on semi-insulating InP. This process utilises the anisotropic and selective etching properties of InP/GaInAs materials. Using this technique, sub-micrometre gate lengths can be achieved even with conventional photolithography. Devices with trans-conductance of >35mS/mm, leakage current of < 10nA/mm and gate capacitance of <0.7pF/mm have been fabricated with a cutoff frequency of 7 GHz.
Tensor mesons in AdS/QCD

We explore tensor mesons in AdS/QCD focusing on f{sub 2}(1270), the lightest spin-2 resonance in QCD. We find that the f{sub 2} mass and the partial width {gamma}(f{sub 2}{yields}{gamma}{gamma}) are in very good agreement with data. In fact, the dimensionless ratio of these two quantities comes out to be within the current experimental bound. The result for this ratio depends only on N{sub c} and N{sub f}, and the quark and glueball content of the operator responsible for the f{sub 2}; more importantly, it does not depend on chiral symmetry breaking and so it is both independent of much of the arbitrariness of AdS/QCD and completely out of reach of chiral perturbation theory. For comparison, we also explore f{sub 2}{yields}{pi}{pi}, which, because of its sensitivity to the UV corrections, has much more uncertainty. We also calculate the masses of the higher spin resonances on the Regge trajectory of the f{sub 2}, and find they compare favorably with experiment.
Ordered Raft Domains Induced by Outer Leaflet Sphingomyelin in Cholesterol-Rich Asymmetric Vesicles

Sphingolipid- and cholesterol-rich liquid-ordered (Lo) lipid domains (rafts) are thought to be important organizing elements in eukaryotic plasma membranes. How they form in the sphingolipid-poor cytosolic (inner) membrane leaflet is unclear. Here, we characterize how outer-leaflet Lo domains induce inner-leaflet-ordered domains, i.e., interleaflet coupling. Asymmetric vesicles studied contained physiologically relevant cholesterol levels (∼ 37 mol %), a mixture of SM (sphingomyelin) and DOPC (dioleoylphosphatidylcholine) in their outer leaflets, and DOPC in their inner leaflets. Lo domains were observed in both leaflets, and were in register, indicative of coupling between SM-rich outer-leaflet-ordered domains and inner-leaflet-ordered domains. For asymmetric vesicles with outer-leaflet egg SM or milk SM, a fluorescent lipid with unsaturated acyl chains (NBD-DOPE) was depleted in both the outer- and inner-leaflet-ordered domains. This suggests the inner-leaflet-ordered domains were depleted in unsaturated lipid (i.e., DOPC) and thus rich in cholesterol. For asymmetric vesicles containing egg SM, outer-leaflet Lo domains were also depleted in a saturated fluorescent lipid (NBD-DPPE), while inner-leaflet Lo domains were not. This indicates that inner- and outer-leaflet Lo domains can have significantly different physical properties. In contrast, in asymmetric vesicles containing outer-leaflet milk SM, which has long acyl chains capable of interdigitating into the inner leaflet, both outer- and inner-leaflet Lo domains were depleted, to a similar extent, in NBD-DPPE. This is indicative of interdigitation-enhanced coupling resulting in inner- and outer-leaflet Lo domains with similar physical properties.
Maternity length of stay and public policy: Issues and implications

T HE CORPORATIZATION of health delivery has defined a leaner standard of care by attempting to manage care through restricting the types and amounts of clinical services available to clients. Although health care costs are showing the lowest increase in aggregate growth in 30 years (Levit, 1996), physicians, nurses, and patients alike worry that as a result of these cost-saving efforts, the quality of the care may be suffering. Private, for-profit, managed care organizations (MCOs), promising accountability and lower premiums, have restructured the current health care system using rules that govern how much care is available and in what settings. This column gives an overview of the public policy issues and implications that relate to maternity length of stay legislation from a state and federal perspective. The rapid expansion of price-sensitive managed care plans and their attendant attempts at medical decision-making is one of the ironies of the latest failure of federal health care reform. Nowhere is this more evident than in the political and legislative debate surrounding hospital length of stay for maternity services. Routine obstetric and neonatal hospital stays have decreased over the last 2 decades, from approximately 4 days in 1970 to 2 days in 1992 for vaginal deliveries and from 8 to 4 days for cesarean sections (Centers for Disease Control [CDC], 1995). Today, in mature managed care markets, "drive-through deliveries," the prac-
Dynamic shape analysis of program heap using graph spectra (NIER track)

Programs written in languages such as Java and C# maintain most of their state on the heap. The size and complexity of these programs pose a challenge in understanding and maintaining them; Heap analysis by summarizing the state of heap graphs assists programmers in these tasks. In this paper we present a novel dynamic heap analysis technique that uses spectra of the heap graphs to summarize them. These summaries capture the shape of recursive data structures as dynamic invariants or likely properties of these structures that must be preserved after any destructive update. Initial experiments show that this approach can generate meaningful summaries for a range of subject structures.
Relativistic formulation of the radiative transitions of charmonium and b -quarkonium

Bander, Silverman, Klima, and Maor recently developed a relativistic formalism for quark-antiquark bound states. It was used to calculate the spectra and leptonic decay widths of charmonium, b-quarkonium, D mesons, F mesons, B mesons, and mesons composed of light quarks. The form of the interactions between quark and antiquark was highly motivated by QCD. We extend this relativistic treatment to a relativistic formulation of radiative decays that automatically takes into account the effects of recoil, uses boosted final-state meson wave functions, includes relativistic bound-state wave functions involving relativistic mixtures of terms, and treats the valence quarks as four-component spinors. We then calculate radiative transition rates of the charmonium and b-quarkonium systems in this formalism and find that transitions which can be compared with experiment are in good agreement. Predictions are also made for decays that are not yet measured.
Should we all have a sympathectomy at birth? Or at least preoperatively?

The sympathetic nervous system appears useful to wild animals in helping to mobilize energy stores and in facilitating escape from threatening situations. But, as Stone et al.1 suggest, such reactions may not be beneficial in anesthetized humans inasmuch as myocardial oxygen requirement may increase beyond supply. Do the adverse effects of stress now outweigh the benefits an intact sympathetic nervous system conveys? Should we ideally all be sympathectomized at birth, or at least preoperatively? Before answering this not so tongue-in-cheek question, we should first consider the details of the study by Stone et al.1 which has stimulated this question.
Eliciting performance: deterministic versus proportional prizes

Two standard schemes for awarding a prize have been examined in the literature. The prize is awarded $$(\pi _{D})$$ deterministically: to the contestant with the highest output; $$(\pi _{P})$$ probabilistically: to all contestants, with probabilities proportional to their outputs. Our main result is that if there is sufficient diversity in contestants’ skills, and not too much noise on output, then $$\pi _{P}$$ will elicit more output on average than $$\pi _{D}$$ . Indeed if contestants know each others’ skills (the complete information case) then the expected output at any Nash equilibrium selection under $$\pi _{P}$$ exceeds that at any individually rational selection under $$\pi _{D}$$ . If there is incomplete information, the inequality continues to hold when we restrict to Nash selections for both schemes.
Immediate and short-term response of understory fuels following mechanical mastication in a pine flatwoods site of Florida, USA

Mechanical fuel hazard reduction treatments are widely implemented in fire-prone ecosystems, but research evaluating their effects on fuel dynamics has focused only on woody-dominated post-treatment fuels. In the southeastern US, one of the most fire-prone regions of the world, mechanical fuels reduction is being increasingly used, yet the resulting fuelbeds have yet to be fully characterized for their fire risk. In order to broaden our understanding of the longevity and effectiveness of these treatments, mechanical mastication (‘‘mowing’’) was examined in a common pine ecosystem of the southeastern US Coastal Plain, where the post-mastication fuel environment was dominated by non-woody fuels. Fuel dynamics differed between recently burned mature stands, mature stands that had not burned for several years, and younger pine plantations. Foliar litter dominated (46–69%) the 17.1–23.1 Mg ha 1 of post-mastication surface fuels across these ecosystems, where pre-treatment understories were dominated by palmetto and gallberry shrubs. Although surface fuels compacted over time, the shrub layer recovered quickly, contributing to the result that stand-alone mechanical treatments did not reduce overall fuel loads. Increases in surface fuels followed by rapid shrub recovery may indicate short-term treatment efficacy, with narrow windows of opportunity for post-treatment fuel reduction burns. The fuelbed characteristics and fuel dynamics observed in these treated sites broaden our understanding of mechanical fuels reduction treatments in general, and provide the critical data for fuel model development.
Charge balance control schemes for cascade multilevel converter in hybrid electric vehicles

This paper presents transformerless multilevel converters as an application for high-power hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) motor drives. Multilevel converters: (1) can generate near-sinusoidal voltages with only fundamental frequency switching; (2) have almost no electromagnetic interference or common-mode voltage; and (3) make an HEV more accessible/safer and open wiring possible for most of an HEV's power system. The cascade inverter is a natural fit for large automotive hybrid electric drives because it uses several levels of DC voltage sources, which would be available from batteries, ultracapacitors, or fuel cells. Simulation and experimental results show how to operate this converter in order to maintain equal charge/discharge rates from the DC sources (batteries, capacitors, or fuel cells) in an HEV.
Strategies for Cytokine Modification and Stem Cell Mobilization for Acute Myocardial Infarction

Previous dogma held that an acute myocardial infarction (MI) resulted in absolute death of the involved myocardium and could only be modulated by reperfusion therapy. Recent data demonstrating the presence of a natural repair process stimulated by the release of chemokines in response to injury have challenged that belief. Unfortunately, this natural repair mechanism occurs at a rate that precludes any meaningful recovery of myocardial tissue and function. The feasibility of myocardial repair/regeneration has been demonstrated through delivery of either exogenously expanded stem cells or endogenously mobilized stem cells expanded by growth factors (i.e., granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor). Although data regarding the use of various growth factors in order to attenuate the extent of damage or facilitate repair of injured myocardium remain limited, the early experiences have suggested safety. From these data, one may envision a potential therapeutic strategy that augments the naturally occurring repair process early following a MI through mobilization of stem cells that will minimize damage and limit the dysfunction for a substantial proportion of patients.
Viscoelastic response of topological tight-binding models in two and three dimensions

The topological response to external perturbations is an effective probe to characterize different topological phases of matter. Besides the Hall conductance, the Hall viscosity is another example of such a response that measures how electronic wave functions respond to changes in the underlying geometry. Topological (Chern) insulators are known to have a quantized Hall conductance. A natural question is how the Hall viscosity behaves for these materials. So far, most of studies on the Hall viscosity of Chern insulators have focused on the continuum limit. The presence of lattice breaks the continuous translational symmetry to a discrete group and this causes two complications: it introduces a new length scale associated with the lattice constant, and makes the momentum periodic. We develop two different methods of how to implement a lattice deformation: (1) a lattice distortion is encoded as a shift in the lattice momentum and (2) a lattice deformation is treated microscopically in the gradient expansion of the hopping matrix elements. After establishing the method of deformation, we can compute the Hall viscosity through a linear response (Kubo) formula. We examine these methods for three models: the Hofstadter model, the Chern insulator, and the surface of a 3D topological insulator. Our results in certain regimes of parameters, where the continuum limit is relevant, are in agreement with previous calculations. We also provide possible experimental signatures of the Hall viscosity by studying the phononic properties of a single-crystal 3D topological insulator.
Task-Level vs. Segment-Level Quantitative Metrics for Surgical Skill Assessment

Objective Task-level metrics of time and motion efficiency are valid measures of surgical technical skill. Metrics may be computed for segments (maneuvers and gestures) within a task after hierarchical task decomposition. Our objective was to compare task-level and segment (maneuver and gesture)-level metrics for surgical technical skill assessment. Design Our analyses include predictive modeling using data from a prospective cohort study. We used a hierarchical semantic vocabulary to segment a simple surgical task of passing a needle across an incision and tying a surgeon’s knot into maneuvers and gestures. We computed time, path length, and movements for the task, maneuvers, and gestures using tool motion data. We fit logistic regression models to predict experience-based skill using the quantitative metrics. We compared the area under a receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for task-level, maneuver-level, and gesture-level models. Setting Robotic surgical skills training laboratory. Participants In total, 4 faculty surgeons with experience in robotic surgery and 14 trainee surgeons with no or minimal experience in robotic surgery. Results Experts performed the task in shorter time (49.74 s; 95% CI = 43.27-56.21 vs. 81.97; 95% CI = 69.71-94.22), with shorter path length (1.63 m; 95% CI = 1.49-1.76 vs. 2.23; 95% CI = 1.91-2.56), and with fewer movements (429.25; 95% CI = 383.80-474.70 vs. 728.69; 95% CI = 631.84-825.54) than novices. Experts differed from novices on metrics for individual maneuvers and gestures. The AUCs were 0.79; 95% CI = 0.62-0.97 for task-level models, 0.78; 95% CI = 0.6-0.96 for maneuver-level models, and 0.7; 95% CI = 0.44-0.97 for gesture-level models. There was no statistically significant difference in AUC between task-level and maneuver-level (p = 0.7) or gesture-level models (p = 0.17). Conclusions Maneuver-level and gesture-level metrics are discriminative of surgical skill and can be used to provide targeted feedback to surgical trainees.
Designing Coatings in the Presence of Manufacturing Errors

A novel robust optimization algorithm is demonstrated, which attempts to account expected coating errors. Monte Carlo simulations show the robust approach improves manufacturing yields relative to conventional optimization.
Children of alcoholics: an update.

One of four children in the United States lives in a family in which the child is exposed to alcoholism. Children of alcoholics (COAs) are two to ten times more likely to develop alcoholism than non-COAs. This paper reviews studies that have attempted to identify risk factors that mediate the increa
Reactions of the Three-Lined Potato Beetle, Lema trilineata (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), to Its Host and Certain Nonhost Plants

The mechanisms of host-plant selection pertaining to phytophagous insects have been widely studied, but investigations have been limited principally to those insects damaging valuable crop plants. It is suggested that host-selection habits of weed-feeding insects be studied also, since the latter are certainly of economic importance. The feeding and oviposition behavior of the three-lined potato beetle, Lema trilineata (Olivier), was studied. Normally the host plants of this insect, an oligophagous chrysomelid, are solanaceous plants of the genus Datura . Larvae attempted to feed on any solanaceous or non-solanaceous plant offered even though some plants were toxic and others unsuitable for larval growth and development. Adults were more fastidious in selecting hosts for feeding and oviposition. Neither larvae nor adults responded to synthetic nutrient or nonnutrient diets containing Datura leaf extracts or leaf powder as readily as they responded to a fresh leaf. All evidence indicated that the feeding behavior of this insect is conditioned by a combination of factors in the food medium. Adult beetle feeding and oviposition behavior in several types of cages showed that the insect is influenced more by the physical environment within the cage than by its size or shape. These studies pointed out the need for additional basic research into plant-insect relationships for a better understanding of host-plant specificity.
An Interview with Liz Wool, CCRA, CMT

> I am pleased to feature Liz Wool, CCRA, CMT, as the interviewee for this issue. Liz is another passionate and long-contributing member to the industry, as well as to ACRP. She is the president of QD-Quality and Training Solutions, Inc. (QD-QTS), a clinical research consultancy and training
Levedura vermelha do arroz e berberina no tratamento da dislipidemia: qual a evidência?

Aim: To determine if red yeast rice (RYR) and berberine (BBR) are effective in lowering serum levels of LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglycerides (TG). Data sources: PubMed and databases of evidence-based medicine. Review methods: Guidelines, meta-analyses (MA), systematic reviews (SR), randomized controlled trials (RCT) and observational studies in English, Portuguese and Spanish were searched, using the MeSH terms (cholesterol, LDL, triglycerides, red yeast rice and berberine). Articles published between January of 2003 and January of 2014, including patients aged 18 years old and older without familial dyslipidemia were selected. The level of evidence (LE) and the strength of recommendation (SR) were assessed using the Strength of Recommendation Taxonomy (SORT) scale from the American Academy of Family Physicians. Results: Of the 34 articles found, 10 met the inclusion criteria. One MA, two SR, four RCT and one retrospective observational study described the effectiveness of RYR for the reduction of LDL-C levels (LE 3). Triglycerides were also effectively decreased by RYR in the MA, in one of the SR and in the RCT (LE 3). The MA and SR that analysed BBR showed its benefit in reducing LDL-C and TG (LE 3). The association of both substances, evaluated in a RCT, was also effective in lowering the levels of LDL-C. Conclusions: The available evidence regarding the reduction of LDL-C and TG levels with administration of RYR and/ or BBR was considered limited (SR C). Thus, before recommending these substances in the treatment of dyslipidemia, more studies of higher quality are needed to demonstrate their beneficial effects and safety. Better control in their production and marketing is also required.
Simultaneous determination of 23 phthalates in edible oil by SPE- stable isotope dilution gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

Objective To establish a method for the simultaneous determination of 23 phthalate acids esters( PAEs) in edible oil by solid phase extraction( SPE)- stable isotope dilution gas chromatography – mass spectrometry( GC- MS). Methods The samples were added internal standards and extracted with acetonitrile,purified by SILICA /PSA SPE kits and eluted by acetonitrile. After that,the eluents were concentrated to dry with nitrogen under 45 ℃ water bath and n- hexane was used to dissolve residues. The separation was carried out on DB- 5MS capillary chromatogram column. The detection of 23 PAEs was achieved in the electron impact ionization( EI) source and selected ion monitoring( SIM) mode and was quantitatively analyzed by internal standard method. Results The concentrations of the 23 PAEs were 0. 2 mg /L ~ 4 mg /L with good linear relationship,and the correlation coefficients r 0. 998. Under the optimized conditions,the limits of determination( LOD) of the 23 phthalates were0. 05 mg /kg ~ 0. 1 mg /kg. The recoveries of the method were ranged from 86. 4% to 113%,and the relative standard deviations( RSD) were between 1.87% and 10.5%( n =5). At last,the contents of 23 PAEs in commercial edible oil were detected and analyzed by this method. Conclusion The method is sensitive,accurate and reproducible and it has the feasibility and maneuverability. It can be characterized as a reliable method for detection of 23 phthalates in edible oil.
Investigation on mode of on-site examination in drug registration

Standardization of drug registration must be done from the beginning of drug research and development.How to affirm the submitted data's reality and ensure equity and justice in drug registration is an important part of work of the Provincial Drug Administration Authorities.New modes and methods of on-site examination of drug registration were investigated in our study,according to current situation of on-site examination in our country,the drug registration administration system and on-site examination situation of U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and combined with regulations on drug registration in our country.Our aim is to provide new ideas for drug administration,to enhance the development of our country's pharmaceutical industry,and guarantee that safe and effective drugs are available to our people.
Preparation and Quality Control for Infant Hepatitis I oral Li puid

Objective To investigate the preparat ion and puality control for infant hepatitis I oral liquid.Methods Infant hepatitis I oral lipuid was prepared using traditional method,i.e. cooked with w ater and then filtered. Thin layer chromatograghy (TLC) was used to identify rhizome polygoni cuspidati and radix salviae miltorrh izae . Results The preparation method was simple and effective. in fant hepatitis I oral lipuid prepared using this method was stable. TLC could id entify effective reagents. Conclusions The preparation method is straightforward. Quality co ntrol is easy. It can be applied to similar situations.