cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of transcatheter closure through the femoral veins on patent ductus arteriosus

Objective To investigate the safety and efficacy of transcatheter closure of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) with simple femoral vein approach. Methods Forty-five patients with transcatheter closure of PDA by simple femoral vein approach were retrospectively analyzed. There were 28 males and 17 females. The children’ s ages ranged from 5 months to 6 years old(mean 21 months). Weights: from 4.9 kilograms to 22.5 kilograms(mean 9.7 kilograms). Puncture the femoral veins, insert a pigtail catheter over the wire guide, implante occludes after arteriography from patent ductus arteriosus to descending aortic arch, and then assess the effectiveness by ultrasonic cardiogram (UCG) within 24 h, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months respectively. Results Only two cases failed for tortuous patent ductus arteriosus, which made the wire couldn’t get through patent ductus arteriosus from pulmonary artery, and they were solved by punctureing the femoral arterial. And the other 43 cases had success, without any complications. Conclusions Transcatheter closure of PDA with simple femoral vein approach is safe, effective, easy to operate and can reduce the use of contrast media. It is worthy of clinical promotion. Key words: Patent ductus arteriosus; Transcatheter closure; Femoral vein approach
Th17 and autoimmune diseases

naive CD4+ T helper cells can be induced to differentiate towards different subsets according to thelocal cytokine milieu. When the growth factor (TGF)-β and IL-6 are present, naive CD4+ T helper cells alwaysdifferentiate into Th17----a new T cell subset which is characterized by the expression of specific transcriptionfactor orphan nuclear receptor (ROR)-γt. There is considerable evidence for the importance of Th17 in the de-velopment and progression of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. In contrast, CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+ regula-tory T cells(Treg) have anti-inflammatory properties and can cause quiescence of autoimmune diseases. As aresult, it can be proposed that the immune response towards Th17 or Th1 may be responsible for the develop-ment and progression of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases in humans. Blocking critical cytokines in vivosuch as IL-17、IL-6 may result in a new balance between Th1 ,Th17 and Treg,which will induce the quiescenceof inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Key words: Th17 ; Interleukin-17 ; Autoimmune diseases
Disclosures on Network Management Practices and Performance of Broadband Service

This research addresses the following question: “Do customers understand the implications of network management practices and performance characteristics disclosed by broadband Internet access service providers?” Disclosures are required by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in its Open Internet ruling. Court support for transparency requirements was not based on reclassification of BIAS providers as common carriers; thus, these requirements are likely to remain even if a new FCC goes ahead with its proposal to undo the 2015 classification. The research is based on four test surveys answered by 888 U.S. participants on Amazon’s Mechanical Turk (M-Turk) based on disclosures as of October 2016. Participants answered questions on one of four surveys, with questions appropriate to the disclosures of: AT&T, Comcast, Cox or T-Mobile. M-Turk participants were randomly assigned one of the four surveys. Based on a logit regression model, there is no disclosure consistently better among the four disclosures included in the study. Depending on the different concepts addressed by the survey, e.g., network congestion, speed, latency, end-to-end connection, among others, some disclosures may be better than others, with no single one being overall the best. The disclosures fail to achieve the goal of informing the consumer so that he/she can make better choices. Less than 10% of the participants in the survey, comprehend all the network management practices implemented by broadband providers. The consequences of complex practices, such as buffer tuning and Binge On™, are not understood by more than 90% of the participants in the survey. Thirty percent of the participants do not understand what network congestion is. Participants tend to associate network congestion with how they individually use their broadband service rather than how a group of users is collectively using their provider’s local infrastructure. They incorrectly believe that network congestion depends on what application they are personally using, like video streaming, and not with periods of peak usage by multiple subscribers. Based on the results and conclusions in this study, disclosures should be re-designed to achieve their objective, i.e., informing the customer of the provider’s network management practices and performance characteristics in a language and format that customers can understand so as to make informed decisions.
Changes in Health Care Access and Utilization for Low-SES Adults Aged 51-64 Years After Medicaid Expansion.

OBJECTIVES Whether the Affordable Care Act (ACA) insurance expansions improved access to care and health for adults aged 51-64 years has not been closely examined. This study examined longitudinal changes in access, utilization, and health for low-socioeconomic status adults aged 51-64 years before and after the ACA Medicaid expansion. METHODS Longitudinal difference-in-differences (DID) study before (2010-2014) and after (2016) Medicaid expansion, including N = 2,088 noninstitutionalized low-education adults aged 51-64 years (n = 633 in Medicaid expansion states, n = 1,455 in nonexpansion states) from the nationally representative biennial Health and Retirement Study. Outcomes included coverage (any, Medicaid, and private), access (usual source of care, difficulty finding a physician, foregone care, cost-related medication nonadherence, and out-of-pocket costs), utilization (outpatient visit and hospitalization), and health status. RESULTS Low-education adults aged 51-64 years had increased rates of Medicaid coverage (+10.6 percentage points [pp] in expansion states, +3.2 pp in nonexpansion states, DID +7.4 pp, p = .001) and increased likelihood of hospitalizations (+9.2 pp in expansion states, -1.1 pp in nonexpansion states, DID +10.4 pp, p = .003) in Medicaid expansion compared with nonexpansion states after 2014. Those in expansion states also had a smaller increase in limitations in paid work/housework over time, compared to those in nonexpansion states (+3.6 pp in expansion states, +11.0 pp in nonexpansion states, DID -7.5 pp, p = .006). There were no other significant differences in access, utilization, or health trends between expansion and nonexpansion states. DISCUSSION After Medicaid expansion, low-education status adults aged 51-64 years were more likely to be hospitalized, suggesting poor baseline access to chronic disease management and pent-up demand for hospital services.
Diet Quality and Long-Term Absolute Risks for Incident Cardiovascular Disease and Mortality.

Abstract Background Long-term absolute risks for cardiovascular disease and mortality and cardiovascular disease-free survival according to diet quality at different adult ages are unclear. Methods Data from 6 prospective cohorts collected in 1985-2016 were analyzed (n = 29,497). Baseline diet quality was assessed by alternate Healthy Eating Index 2010 (aHEI-2010), alternate Mediterranean (aMED) diet score, and Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) score. Absolute risks were estimated using modified Kaplan-Meier analysis and cardiovascular disease-free survival using Irwin's restricted mean. Analyses were stratified by sex and baseline age: young (20-39 years), middle-aged (40-59), and older (60-79). Results Comparing participants in the lowest quintile with those in the highest quintile of aHEI-2010 score, the 40-year risks for incident cardiovascular disease were 14.3% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 10.0-18.6) compared to 5.9% (3.0-8.9) in young men, 8.8% (4.3-13.3) compared to 3.0% (1.6-4.4) in young women, 39.6% (36.1-43.2) compared to 30.8% (26.2-35.3) in middle-aged men, and 32.9% (28.0-37.8) compared to 19.5% (16.6-22.4) in middle-aged women. For older adults, the 30-year risks for incident cardiovascular disease were 54.7% (49.3-60.2) compared to 49.7% (44.5-55.0) in men and 48.3% (44.0-52.5) compared to 42.4% (38.2-46.7) in women. Similar inverse associations were identified for all-cause mortality. Compared with participants in the lowest quintile of aHEI-2010 score, those in the highest quintile had ~0.5-2.2 years of longer cardiovascular disease-free survival. Results based on DASH score, but not aMED score, were similar to results based on aHEI-2010 score. Conclusions Consuming a higher quality diet was associated with lower long-term absolute risks for cardiovascular disease and mortality and longer cardiovascular disease-free survival, regardless of sex or age at dietary assessment.
Outcomes in infants < 29 weeks of gestation following single-dose prophylactic indomethacin.

Prophylactic indomethacin (3 doses) decreases patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) and intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) in preterm infants. The study aim was to determine whether single-dose indomethacin (SD-INDO) decreases PDA, IVH, and improves motor function. A retrospective cohort (2007–2014) compared infants born < 29 weeks who did (n = 299) or did not (n = 85) receive SD-INDO and estimated outcomes association with ordinal logistic regression, adjusting for multiple variables using propensity scores. Infants who received SD-INDO were more premature (p < 0.001) but had lower odds of PDA (OR 0.26 [0.15, 0.44], p < 0.005), PDA receiving treatment (OR 0.12 [0.03, 0.47], p < 0.005), death (OR 0.41 [0.20, 0.86], p = 0.02), and CP severity (OR 0.33 [0.12, 0.89], p = 0.03). There was less IVH (OR 0.58 [0.36, 0.94], p = 0.03) when adjusted for gestational age. SD-INDO is associated with decreased PDA and CP severity and improved survival.
GPS satellite clock estimation using global atomic clock network

We report the GPS satellite clock estimation using 20 globally distributed receivers with an external hydrogen maser atomic clock. By applying corrections for the Sagnac effect, the relativistic effect due to orbit eccentricity, tropospheric and ionospheric delays, satellite and receiver antenna phase center offsets and variations, solid earth tides, ocean tide loading, phase wind-up effect, and P1-C1 bias, our satellite clock results matches the IGS final clock product within ± 1.4 ns with comparable frequency stability for an averaging time of less than 1000 sec and a 10–30% worse frequency stability for an averaging time of greater than 1000 sec, on MJD 58244. This small atomic clock network results in a fast computation that becomes increasingly appealing when the real-time satellite orbit and clock estimation is needed and as the GNSS constellations and the GNSS signals expand.
Ischemic Placental Disease, Preterm Delivery, and their Association with Opioid Use During Pregnancy.

Opioids affect placental development and function in animal models, but human data on their association with ischemic placental disease are limited. Using a cohort of pregnant women in the US nationwide Medicaid Analytic eXtract (2000-2014), we compared women with ≥2 opioid dispensings in pregnancy to unexposed women. Given an uncertain etiologically relevant window, we assessed exposure occurring in early pregnancy, late and not early pregnancy, and both early and late pregnancy. For placental abruption, preterm delivery, small for gestational age (SGA), and preeclampsia, we estimated adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) using Cox proportional hazard models adjusting for demographics, indications/comorbidities, and medications. Of 1,833,871 eligible pregnancies, ≥2 opioid dispensings were filled by 6.5%. We observed an early exposure aHR of 1.34 (95% CI 1.26-1.43) for placental abruption, 1.21 (1.18-1.23) for preterm delivery, 1.13 (1.09-1.17) for SGA, and 0.95 (0.91-0.98) for preeclampsia. Estimates for late exposure were attenuated. Early and late exposure was associated with higher aHRs for placental abruption (1.62, 1.47-1.78), preterm delivery (1.37, 1.33-1.42) and SGA (1.26, 1.19-1.33), but not preeclampsia (0.99, 0.93-1.05). Prescription opioids may modestly increase risk of placental abruption, preterm birth and SGA, but they do not appear to be associated with preeclampsia.
An Experimental Study of the Effects of Patient Race, Sexual Orientation, and Injection Drug Use on Providers’ PrEP-Related Clinical Judgments

Social biases may influence providers’ judgments related to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and patients’ consequent PrEP access. US primary and HIV care providers (n = 370) completed an experimental survey. Each provider reviewed one fictitious medical record of a patient seeking PrEP. Records varied by patient race (Black or White) and risk behavior (man who has sex with men [MSM], has sex with women [MSW], or injects drugs [MID]). Providers reported clinical judgments and completed measures of prejudice. Minimal evidence of racially biased judgments emerged. Providers expressing low-to-moderate sexual prejudice judged the MSM as more likely than the MSW to adhere to PrEP, which was associated with greater PrEP prescribing intention; sexual prejudice was negatively associated with anticipated MSM adherence. Providers judged the MID to be at higher risk, less likely to adhere, less safety-conscious, and less responsible than both the MSM and MSW; adverse adherence and responsibility judgments were associated with lower prescribing intention.
Studies of cell division (mitosis and cytokinesis) by dynamic secondary ion mass spectrometry ion microscopy: LLC-PK1 epithelial cells as a model for subcellular isotopic imaging.

The feasibility of the renal epithelial LLC-PK1 cell line as a model for cell division studies with secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) was tested. In this cell line, cells undergoing all stages of mitosis and cytokinesis remained firmly attached to the substrate and could be cryogenically prepared. Fractured freeze-dried mitotic cells showed well-preserved organelles as revealed by fluorescence imaging of rhodamine-123 and C6-NBD-ceramide by confocal laser scanning microscopy. Secondary electron microscopy analysis of fractured freeze-dried dividing cells revealed minimal surface topography that does not interfere in isotopic imaging of both positive (39K, 23Na, 24Mg, 40Ca, etc.) and negative (31P, 35Cl, etc.) secondaries with a CAMECA IMS-3f ion microscope. Mitotic cells revealed well-preserved intracellular ionic composition of even the most diffusible ions (total concentrations of 39K+ and 23Na+) as revealed by K : Na ratios of approximately 10. Structurally damaged mitotic cells could be identified by their reduced K : Na ratios and an excessive loading of calcium. Quantitative three-dimensional SIMS analysis was required for studying subcellular calcium distribution in dividing cells. The LLC-PK1 model also allowed SIMS studies of M-phase arrested cells with mitosis-arresting drugs (taxol, monastrol and nocodazole). This study opens new avenues of cell division research related to ion fluxes and chemical composition with SIMS.
DEVELOPMENT OF AN OBJECTIVE INSTRUMENT TO MEASURE IDENTITY STATUS IN TERMS OF OCCUPATION CRISIS AND COMMITMENT

Using male/female high school seniors and college students (freshman through seniors), a 40-item, forced-choice, easily scored, group-administered, objective instrument (DISI-O) was developed, corr...
Getting deterrence right

In recent years, scholars have begun to argue that police interventions provide an effective approach for gaining both special and general deterrence against crime. A series of experimental and quasi-experimental studies has shown that the police can be effective in preventing crime (Braga, 2001, 2005; Skogan and Frydl, 2004; Weisburd and Eck, 2004), and that such crime prevention benefits are not offset by displacement of crime to areas near to police interventions (Braga, 2001; Weisburd et al., 2006). Durlauf and Nagin (2011: 14) drew from this literature to argue that, “Increasing the visibility of the police by hiring more officers and by allocating existing officers in ways that heighten the perceived risk of apprehension consistently seem to have substantial marginal deterrent effects.” Indeed, they concluded that crime prevention in the United States would be improved by shifting resources from imprisonment to policing. A recent innovation in policing that capitalizes on the growing evidence of the effectiveness of police deterrence strategies is the “focused deterrence” framework, which is often referred to as “pulling-levers policing” (Kennedy, 1998, 2008). Pioneered in Boston as a problem-oriented policing project to halt serious gang violence during the 1990s (Braga, Kennedy, Waring, and Piehl, 2001), the focused deterrence framework has been applied in many U.S. cities through federally sponsored violence-prevention programs such as the Strategic Alternatives to Community Safety Initiative and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) (Dalton, 2002). Focused deterrence strategies honor core deterrence ideas, such as increasing risks faced by offenders, while finding new and creative ways of deploying
An extended thermal Lattice Boltzmann model for transition flow

Abstract In the last two decades, mathematical models based on the Lattice Boltzmann method have been developed in an effort to accurately capture flow characteristics in rarefied conditions, including thermal effects. In order to improve their performance to characterize fluid conditions for the entire transition flow regime, a new wall-distance function has been developed based on existing Molecular Dynamics data and implemented to a D2Q13 Lattice Boltzmann model. The ability of the improved Lattice Boltzmann model to capture thermal effects on fluid conditions due to heat conduction and convection is demonstrated by simulating rarefied Fourier flow and Couette flow within micro/nano-channels, respectively, and validated against Direct Simulation Monte Carlo data as well as data based on the linearized Boltzmann equation. The results show that the proposed Lattice Boltzmann model is capable of simulating conditions, including thermal effects, in rarefied flow for the entire Knudsen number range representing slip, transition, and the low end of molecular flow regimes.
Reciprocal periodicity in cyclic AMP binding and phosphorylation of differentiating Dictyostelium discoideum cells.

Abstract The binding of [ 3 H]cyclic AMP to cell surface receptors of differentiated D. discoideum cells at 25° is an oscillatory process with a periodicity of 2 min. This alternating change in the cells' binding capacity for cyclic AMP may be the basis for the refractory period to cyclic AMP stimulation, an essential feature of the chemotactic system. The incorporation of [ 32 P] by whole cells from [ γ 32 P]ATP is also oscillatory with a periodicity identical to that of [ 3 H]cyclic AMP binding. However, the two processes are inversely related in time such that periods of maximal cyclic AMP binding correspond to periods of minimal cellular phosphorylation. These results suggest a receptor kinase/phosphatase mediated desensitization of the cyclic AMP receptor.
Cartan components and decomposable tensors

We study tensor products Vλ ⊗ Vμ of irreducible representations of a connected, simply-connected, complex reductive group G. In general, such a tensor product is no longer irreducible. A fundamental question is how the irreducible components are embedded in the tensor product. A special component of the tensor product is the so-called Cartan component Vλ+μ which is the component with maximal highest weight. It appears exactly once in the decomposition. Another interesting subset of Vλ ⊗ Vμ is the set of decomposable tensors. The following question arises in this context: Is the set of decomposable tensors in the Cartan component of such a tensor product given as the closure of the G-orbit of a highest weight vector? If this is the case, we say that the Cartan component is small. We give a characterization and a combinatorial description of representations with small Cartan components. Our results show that in general Cartan components are small.
Use of Synergy in the Identification of Strains of Citrus Yellow Vein Virus

IN 1957 a virus-induced vein yellowing disease was found in four Eustis limequat (Citrus aurantifolia (Christm.) Swing, × Fortunella japonica (Thunb.) Swing.) trees in California1. Although the virus has been shown experimentally to have a wide host range within the citrus family, it has not been found to occur naturally in other limequat trees or any other citrus plants. Cross-protection examination revealed that although the yellow vein virus will interact in various ways with certain of the other citrus viruses, it is not related to them2,3. This communication presents evidence of the existence of strains of the yellow vein virus based on cross-protection tests and studies of the synergistic interaction between yellow vein and vein enation viruses.
Floquet states and intersubband absorption in strongly driven double quantum wells

The effects of an intense driving field on the linear intersubband-absorption spectrum of a symmetric double quantum well are nonperturbatively calculated within the Floquet theory. The dependence of the absorption spectrum on the intensity of the driving field is qualitatively different for photon energies larger and smaller than the splitting of the excited-state doublet: In the former case the splitting of the two absorption lines originally present in the spectrum of the undriven double quantum well is altered by the intensity of the driving field. For certain intensities, a collapse of the tunnel splitting is predicted. In the latter case photon replicas of the original lines appear in the spectrum of the driven quantum well. The absorption strength of these additional lines depends nonmonotonically on the intensity of the driving field. It is shown that these effects can be interpreted as generalizations of the Rabi or ac Stark splitting, which results from Floquet theory in the limit of the driving frequency being in resonance with the splitting of the excited-state doublet.
Robust synthesis via bilinear matrix inequalities

The μ/Km-synthesis formulation for robust controller synthesis with frequency dependent scalings/multipliers is shown to be equivalent to a bilinear matrix inequality (BMI) feasibility problem. Formulating the non-convex μ/Km-synthesis problem as a BMI problem allows local joint controller and multiplier synthesis using finite dimensional LMI-like optimization methods and also the application of global optimization techniques. The BMI approach improves on the standard D, G(SINGLE BOND)K-iteration, M(SINGLE BOND)K-iteration approaches to μ/Km-synthesis, and additionally allows controller order and structure constraints.
Monogenic dominant sulfonylurea resistance in sugarbeet from somatic cell selection

Injury to sugarbeet, Beta vulgaris L., from sulfonylurea herbicide residues from preceding cropping years has kindled interest in developing resistant cultivars. This study was conducted to obtain chlorsulfuron (2-chloro-N-[[(4-methoxy-6-methyl-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)amino]carbonyl]benzenesulfonamide) resistance from cell cultures and to determine its inheritance and magnitude. Utilizing annual diploid sugarbeet clone REL-1, dispersed suspension cultures were initiated from callus induced on leaf disk cultured on a modified Murashige and Skoog (MS) agar medium + 1.0 mg L⁻¹ N⁶-benzyladenine (BA) and placed in the liquid form of the same medium. Unmutagenized cell clusters were plated on solid medium containing 2.8 nM chlorsulfuron in MS + 1.0 mg L⁻¹ BA. A single colony arose, from which shoots were regenerated. Shoots were resistant to 28 nM chlorsulfuron, a concentration that killed similar shoots of REL-1. Resistance (designated Sur) was inherited as a monogenic dominant. In vitro shoot resistance to chlorsulfuron was 300 to 1000-fold greater than in REL-1. Resistance was also expressed in leaf disk expansion in vitro with MS + 1.0 mg L⁻¹ BA. Acknowledgement is made to the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station for its support of this research.
Long-term followup of newborns with myelodysplasia and normal urodynamic findings: Is followup necessary?

Purpose: A subset of newborns with myelodysplasia have normal bladder function on urodynamic assessment. We analyzed long-term followup in this population to determine the necessity for subsequent urological surveillance.Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the records of 25 of 204 newborns (12%) with myelodysplasia in whom neurourological evaluation was normal after surgical repair of the spinal defect. Initial assessment included complete urodynamic study, renal ultrasound, urinalysis and urine culture. These patients were reevaluated every 3 months until age 3 years, semiannually until age 6 years and yearly thereafter. The longest followup was 18.6 years.Results: Of the 25 newborns 22 had myelomeningocele and 3 had meningocele. During a mean followup of 9.1 years urodynamics subsequently showed neurourological deterioration in 8 children (32%). No changes in urodynamics were observed in any patient older than 6 years. All children with neurourological deterioration underwent magnetic res...
Role of soluble guanylyl cyclase-cyclic GMP signaling in tumor cell proliferation

Abstract Our previous studies demonstrate a differential expression of nitric oxide (NO) signaling components in ES cells and our recent study demonstrated an enhanced differentiation of ES cells into myocardial cells with NO donors and soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) activators. Since NO–cGMP pathway exhibits a diverse role in cancer, we were interested in evaluating the role of the NO-receptor sGC and other components of the pathway in regulation of the tumor cell proliferation. Our results demonstrate a differential expression of the sGC subunits, NOS-1 and PKG mRNA and protein levels in various human cancer models. In contrast to sGC α 1 , robust levels of sGC β 1 were observed in OVCAR-3 (ovarian) and MDA-MB-468 (breast) cancer cells which correlated well with the sGC activity and a marked increase in cGMP levels upon exposure to the combination of a NO donor and a sGC activator. NOC-18 (DETA NONOate; NO donor), BAY41-2272 (3-(4-amino-5-cyclopropylpyrimidin-2-yl)-1-(2-fluorobenzyl)-1 H -pyrazolo[3,4- b ]pyridine); sGC activator), NOC-18 + BAY41-2272, IBMX (3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine; phosphodiesterase inhibitor) and 8-bromo-cGMP (cGMP analog) caused growth inhibition and apoptosis in various cancer cell lines. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms involved in growth inhibition, we evaluated the effect of activators/inhibitors on ERK phosphorylation. Our studies indicate that BAY41-2272 or the combination NOC-18 + BAY41-2272 caused inhibition of the basal ERK1/2 phosphorylation in OVCAR-3 (high sGC activity), SK-OV-3 and SK-Br-3 (low sGC activity) cell lines and in some cases the inhibition was rescued by the sGC inhibitor ODQ (1 H -[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3- a ]quinoxalin-1-one). These studies suggest that the effects of activators/inhibitors of NO–sGC–cGMP in tumor cell proliferation is mediated by both cGMP-dependent and independent mechanisms.
Diel feeding chronology, gastric evacuation and estimated daily ration of juvenile coho salmon, Oncorhynchus kisutch (Walbaum), in the coastal marine environment

The feeding periodicity of juvenile coho salmon. Oricorhjticliur kisirtcli. was examined from stomach collections taken during five sampling periods in coastal waters off Oregon. Significant dilrercnces in stomach content weight werc found between several consecutive 3-hour periods. with peak fullness occurring in carly morning and around dusk. The rates of gastric evacuation of euphausiid mcals were measured in the laboratory at two temperatures. The decline in stomach contcnts was best described by an exponential model: 90% evacuation of the wet weight contents rcquircd an estimatcd 38.4 and 18.1 h at 11.4 and 13.7" C, respectively. The method of Elliott & Persson WBS used to rstimatc a daily ration of 3.4 and 3.7% of the wet body weight at the two tciiiperiilures.
GROWTH OF FATIGUE CRACKS EMANATING FROM NOTCHES IN SiC PARTICULATE ALUMINUM COMPOSITE

— The initiation and growth of cracks emanating from blunt notches in 6061-Al alloy reinforced with 25% particulate Sic metal matrix composite were investigated. To elucidate the role of aging condition of the matrix on the fatigue behavior, the studies were carried out at T6 and overaged conditions. The results show that the number of cycles required for initiation of fatigue cracks are not influenced with the notch severity and the aging condition of the matrix. The overaging heat treatment resulted in slower fatigue crack growth rates. The failure of the Sic particles during the fatigue process is given as the reason for the both observed initiation and crack growth characteristics. It is also shown that the growth rate of cracks emanating from blunt notches can be accurately described by an equivalent stress intensity factor range ΔKeq. This could provide an adequate engineering method for design against fatigue failure from various stress concentrations for this composite system.
Ultrastructural localization of P2 protein in actively myelinating rat Schwann cells

: The myelin specific protein, P2, was localized immunocytochemically in electron micrographs of 4-day-old rat peripheral nerve by a preembedding technique. P2 staining was restricted to Schwann cells that had established a one-to-one relationship with an axon. P2 antiserum produced a diffuse staining throughout the entire cytosol of myelinating Schwann cells. In addition, the cytoplasmic side of Schwann cell plasma membranes and the membranes of cytoplasmic organelles that were exposed to cytosol were stained by P2 antiserum. This cytoplasmic localization of P2 protein is similar to that described for soluble or peripheral membrane proteins that are synthesized on free ribosomes. P2 antiserum stained the cytoplasmic side of Schwann cell membranes that formed single or multiple loose myelin spirals around an axon. In the region of the outer mesaxon, P2 antiserum stained the major dense line of compact myelin. These results demonstrate that P2 protein is located on the cytoplasmic side of compact myelin membranes and are consistent with biochemical studies demonstrating P2 to be a peripheral membrane protein.
Parental Substance Use, Family Support and Outcome Following Treatment for Adolescent Psychoactive Substance Use Disorders.

ABSTRACT Families are found to play an important role in adolescent substance abuse. This study examined family variables that may influence adolescent substance use during the 6 months following inpatient treatment: (1) parental substance use; (2) family aftercare attendance; and, (3) adolescent ratings of family helpfulness. It was hypothesized that the effects of parental substance use on adolescent use would be mediated by family aftercare attendance and family helpfulness ratings. Adolescent inpatients (N = 103; M age = 16) were assessed during treatment and 6 months later. Results revealed no relationship between either parental substance use and family aftercare attendance or reports of family helpfulness. More frequent family aftercare attendance and higher ratings of helpfulness were associated with less adolescent use during follow-up. Findings highlight the importance of family behaviors on adolescent substance abuse treatment outcome.
Transitory growth control of apple seedlings with less persistent triazole derivatives

Paclobutrazol, triapenthenol (RSW0411), and BAS111 were applied to 4-week-old Delicious apple seedlings (Malus domestica Borkh.) as a root drench at 0.1, 1.0, and 10.0 mg per plant. Paclobutrazol eliminated shoot extension growth for 8 weeks at all three rates. RSW0411 controlled shoot elongation only at the highest rate. BAS111 produced the widest response, with shoot growth ranging from 38% to 93% of controls for the highest and lowest rates, respectively. Generally, leaf area decreased and leaf density increased with increasing rates of all chemicals. Root weight of plants treated with paclobutrazol nearly doubled but increased only slightly with RSW0411 and BAS111. Chemical analysis of the leaf tissue 8 weeks after treatment showed paclobutrazol levels highest, followed by RSW0411 and BAS111.
Some 7-(β-D-glucopyranosyloxy)coumarins for use as fluorogenic substrates

Abstract Several 7-(β- D -glucopyranosyloxy) derivatives of 3-substituted coumarins were synthesized as potential substrates for the enzyme β- D -glucosidase. Two of these were prepared by Knoevenagel condensation of 4-(β- D -glucopyranosyloxy)-2-hydroxybenzaldehyde with ethyl acetoacetate and ethyl cyanoacetate, respectively. One of these, 3-acetyl-7-(β- D -glucopyranosyloxy)coumarin, was hydrolyzed by β- D -glucosidase at a rate 1.9 times that of 7-(β- D -glucopyranosyloxy)-4-methyl-coumarin. This behavior provides a method potentially more sensitive than established procedures for the measurement of β- D -glucosidase activity.
CORRUPTION AND THE COMPOSITION OF TAX REVENUE IN MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICAN ECONOMIES1

Regression results from a panel of 53 Middle East and African economies suggest that corruption has a quite large negative and statistically significant impact on tax revenues, mainly reflecting the impact of corruption on tax collections from social security, and taxes on domestic goods and services and international trade transactions. Policy changes to boost tax revenues might usefully focus on changes in direct taxes and efforts to combat corruption in tax collections should focus on indirect taxes.
The bottle bill: Perceptions of inconvenience, litter and willingness to pay in Western New York

Abstract Returnable container legislation in New York requires that all carbonated soft drink and beer containers carry a minimum five-cent deposit and bans detachable metal tabs and nonbiodegradable plastic loops. A continuing environmental policy issue is whether the benefits of a less-littered environment and reduction of solid waste are greater than the increase in retail prices and inconvenience costs to the consumer. This paper reports consumer estimates of the inconvenience of returning beverage containers to a store, perceptions of the litter problem, and willingness to pay to reduce litter in Wellsville, NY. Nearly two-thirds of the respondents believe that litter is a major problem. Most important, 76% of those interviewed reported they were willing to pay 10 cents, and 42% thought they were willing to pay 15 cents to reduce litter. Nearly one-half of the respondents did not think returning containers to the store would be inconvenient, but 22% stated that the process would be inconvenient. Correlations between the attitudes and income, education, and age are reported. These findings will be of interest to New Yorkers as they evaluate the bottle bill, as well as to individuals in other states considering returnable container legislation.
Sex differences in weight-stimulating effect of B12 in rats on diets of varying composition.

SummaryComparison of the average weight gains made by young, growing rats (offspring of B12-depleted animals) on diets of varying fat and carbohydrate content, with and without B12, shows that subcutaneous administration of B12 produces increased weight gains in both sexes on all four of the rations studied. It appears that when the calories are derived primarily from carbohydrate the vitamin exerts a greater effect on weight gain in young, growing, female rats than in their littermate males. The weight stimulating effect of B12 is more marked in females on high carbohydrate diets than in littermate sisters on diets of like protein content but with the calories provided by fat or a mixture of fat and carbohydrate
Digital image analysis of EUS images accurately differentiates pancreatic cancer from chronic pancreatitis and normal tissue

Background Concomitant changes of chronic pancreatitis markedly degrade the performance of EUS in diagnosing pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PC). Digital image analysis (DIA) of the spatial distribution of pixels in a US image has been used as an effective approach to tissue characterization. Objective We applied the techniques of DIA to EUS images of the pancreas to develop a classification model capable of differentiating pancreatic adenocarcinoma from non-neoplastic tissue. Design Representative regions of interest were digitally selected in EUS images of 3 groups of patients with normal pancreas (group I), chronic pancreatitis (group II), and pancreatic adenocarcinoma (group III). Texture analyses were then performed by using image analysis software. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used for data reduction, and, later, a neural-network–based predictive model was built, trained, and validated. Setting Tertiary academic medical center. Patients Patients undergoing EUS of the pancreas. Results A total of 110, 99, and 110 regions of interest in groups I, II, III, respectively, were available for analysis. For each region, a total of 256 statistical parameters were extracted. Eleven parameters were subsequently retained by PCA. A neural network model was built, trained by using these parameters as input variables for prediction of PC, and then validated in the remainder of the data set. This model was very accurate in classifying PC with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.93. Limitation Exploratory study with a small number of patients. Conclusions DIA of EUS images is accurate in differentiating PC from chronic inflammation and normal tissue. With the potential availability of real-time application, DIA can develop into a useful clinical diagnostic tool in pancreatic diseases and in certain situations may obviate EUS-guided FNA.
Course‐Embedded Assessments for Evaluating Cross‐Functional Integration and Improving the Teaching‐Learning Process

Within its broad business perspective competency, the AICPA indicates that schools should evaluate the extent to which students are able to apply crossfunctional academic training. This paper describes an effort at one university to assess students' development of a cross‐functional view of business. Based on our experiences with iterative revisions in the assessment process over four years within a single course, this paper offers a case study of the process of defining a competency, specifying intended learning outcomes, selecting course‐embedded assessment methods, evaluating the results, and using that information to guide changes in the teaching‐learning process. In addition to addressing some important dimensions of common techniques used to assess an individual student's learning, this article also illustrates the use of scoring rubrics in the assessment process. This paper is relevant not only to those who are interested in cross‐functional integration, but also to accounting educators who are int...
A comparison between GO/aperture-field and physical-optics methods of offset reflectors

Both geometrical optics (GO)/aperture-field and physical-optics (PO) methods are used extensively in the diffraction analysis of offset parabolic and dual reflectors. An analytical/numerical comparative study is performed to demonstrate the limitations of the GO/aperture-field method for accurately predicting the sidelobe and null positions and levels. In particular, it is shown that for offset parabolic reflectors and for feeds located at the focal point, the predicted far-field patterns (amplitude) by the GO/aperture-field method will always be symmetric even in the offset plane. This, of course, is inaccurate fur the general case and it is shown that the physical-optics method can result in asymmetric patterns for cases in which the feed is located at the focal point. Representative numerical data are presented and a comparison is made with available measured data.
Behavioral Treatment of a Selective Mute Mexican American Boy.

This case study describes a selective mute Mexican-American boy who, at initial referral, had never spoken to peers or teachers while in school. The treatment procedure employed shaping and reinforcement of speech in therapy sessions. These sessions involved the psychologist alone, the classroom teacher and psychologist, the boy's best friend and the psychologist, a small assertiveness skills group, and a small group for reading instruction. Results indicated that the subject first whispered one word and then gradually expanded his vocalizations from one-word answers to complete sentences over a 3-year period. By the end of the treatment, he answered questions in a normal tone of voice but rarely asked questions. Through the use of shaping, positive reinforcement, and stimulus fading, the treatment was successful in helping the boy to speak in several settings. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Sources of variability in grain boundary segregation

Abstract This paper considers the sources of variability in segregation to random high angle grain boundaries. The variation in segregation to most grain boundaries is within ±30% of an average value. However, the composition of some boundaries is even farther away from the average. Although deviation in fracture path, bulk chemical inhomogeneities, and a lack of equilibrium can contribute to the variation, analysis of the data clearly shows that differences in grain boundary structure must play a role. The cause of the relationship between structure and segregation is discussed in terms of chemical bonds that are formed between the segregant and the metal atoms comprising the boundary. Finally, it is shown that variation in segregation in a single boundary is not as great as the variation among grain boundaries.
Modeling and Trajectory Optimization of Water Spray Cooling in a Liquid Piston Air Compressor

An efficient and sufficiently power dense air compressor/expander is the key element in a Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) approach. Efficiency can be increased by improving the heat transfer between air and its surrounding materials. One effective and practical method to achieve this goal is to use water droplets spray inside the chamber when air is compressing or expanding. In this paper, the air compression cycle is modeled by considering one-dimensional droplet properties in a lumped air model. While it is possible to inject water droplets into the compressing air at any time, optimal spray profile can result in maximum efficiency improvement for a given water to air mass ratio. The corresponding optimization problem is then defined based on the stored energy in the compressed air and the required input works. Finally, optimal spray profile has been determined for various water to air mass ratio using a general numerical approach to solve the optimization problem. Results show the potential improvement by acquiring the optimal spray profile instead of conventional constant spray flow rate. For the specific compression chamber geometry and desired pressure ratio and final time used in this work, the efficiency can be improved up to 4%.
Attitudes toward condom use among high school and university students in Zimbabwe.

Utilizing a sample of students (N = 504) from Matabeleland Zimbabwe Africa this study investigated the extent to which knowledge of AIDS and two components of the Health Belief Model are related to: 1 ) attitude toward condom use and 2) intentions to use a condom in future sexual encounters. Results indicated that knowledge of AIDS is not significantly related to any of the two dependent variables. However belief in the efficacy of condoms and lack of barriers to the use of condoms were significantly related to both dependent variables. Discussion focused on the role of religion and SES in influencing attitudes and decisions about condom use. (authors)
CFD simulation of shear-induced aggregation and breakage in turbulent Taylor-Couette flow

An experimental and computational investigation of the effects of local fluid shear rate on the aggregation and breakage of approximately 10 microm latex spheres suspended in an aqueous solution undergoing turbulent Taylor-Couette flow was carried out. First, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were performed and the flow field predictions were validated with data from particle image velocimetry experiments. Subsequently, the quadrature method of moments (QMOM) was implemented into the CFD code to obtain predictions for mean particle size that account for the effects of local shear rate on the aggregation and breakage. These predictions were then compared with experimental data for latex sphere aggregates (using an in situ optical imaging method). Excellent agreement between the CFD-QMOM and experimental results was observed for two Reynolds numbers in the turbulent-flow regime.
A visual study of particle deposition and reentrainment during depth filtration of hydrosols with a polyelectrolyte

Abstract A new experimental apparatus was developed to observe and photographically record the process of particle deposition and pore-clogging during deep bed filtration of sols in a model porous medium. Runs were made for twelve different sets of conditions, using three different pH values and four different concentrations of a commercial cationic polyelectrolyte. All other conditions were kept constant. In most cases of practical interest, it was observed that the main mechanism through which deposited particles alter the geometry of the flow channels is throat-clogging. In the case of weakly unstable hydrosols, clogging occurs either by gradual constriction of a throat or by sudden blocking caused by a reentrained cluster. In the case of agglomerated hydrosols, throat-clogging is caused by growing pillar-like deposits and by sudden blocking. Throat-clogging causes profound changes in the local flow pattern, which in turn result in an increase of the local capture efficiency and a decrease of the local flow rate. Throat-clogging leads systematically to the formation of deposits resembling “pendants”, “pouches” and cascades of pendants and pouches. In the case of hydrosols with reversed charge (due to polymer overdosing) a checkerboard pattern of deposition develops. These observations explain the initial increase of deep bed filtration efficiency and the following monotonic decrease. They also explain the drastic decrease of permeability caused by only small amounts of deposited matter.