cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Moldable parallel job scheduling using job efficiency: an iterative approach

Currently, job schedulers require "rigid" job submissions from users, who must specify a particular number of processors for each parallel job. Most parallel jobs can be run on different processor partition sizes, but there is often a trade-off between wait-time and run-time--asking for many processors reduces run-time but may require a protracted wait. With moldable scheduling, the choice of job partition size is determined by the scheduler, using information about job scalability characteristics.We explore the role of job efficiency in moldable scheduling, through the development of a scheduling scheme that utilizes job efficiency information. The algorithm is able to improve the average turnaround time, but requires tuning of parameters. Using this exploration as motivation, we then develop an iterative scheme that avoids the need for any parameter tuning. The iterative scheme performs an intelligent, heuristic based search for a schedule that minimizes average turnaround time. It is shown to perform better than other recently proposed moldable job scheduling schemes, with good response times for both the small and large jobs, when evaluated with different workloads.
Stabilized baseplate technique for interocclusal records

A technique that provides a stabilized baseplate to facilitate jaw registrations in partially edentulous arches with prepared teeth has been described. The technique provides for accurately recording maxillomandibular relations when there are few teeth and interarch stabilization is difficult to achieve.
Random-field model of exchange anisotropy at rough ferromagnetic-antiferromagnetic interfaces.

A field-asymmetric offset of the hysteresis loop in ferromagnetic-antiferromagnetic sandwiches, one of the manifestations of so-called exchange anisotropy, can be predicted from the presence of random interface roughness giving rise to a random field acting on the interface spins. The antiferromagnet breaks up into domains of size determined by the competition of exchange and an additional uniaxial in-plane anisotropy, and this size sets the scale for averaging of the random field.
Development of a nonisothermal Knudsen effusion method and application to PAH and cellulose tar vapor pressure measurement

The Knudsen effusion technique has long been employed as an indirect method for determining the vapor pressures of low-volatility materials. The method is tedious and, if not carefully applied, subject to considerable errors in temperature measurement. It is also desirable to shorten the time of measurement in some cases, since when working with either mixtures or thermally labile materials the long time scales of the usual measurement can result in significant changes in composition while waiting for pseudo-steady state to obtain. For these reasons, a new method, based on the traditional Knudsen effusion technique, was developed. The resulting nonisothermal method is a straightforward modification of the usual Knudsen effusion technique, generally requiring few changes in equipment and only a limited change in procedures. The technique has been applied to polycyclic aromatics and pyrolysis tars.
Loss of heterozygosity and mutational analyses of the ACTRII gene locus in human colorectal tumors.

The activin type II receptorgene (ACTRII) is mutated in 58.1% of microsatellite-unstable (MSI-H) colorectal cancers and is a close relative of the TGFβ-1 type II receptor, which is known to be involved in both MSI-H and non–MSI-H colorectal carcinogenesis. We therefore sought to determine whether ACTRII was involved in non–MSI-H colorectal cancers. We evaluated ACTRII inactivation by allelic deletion, loss of mRNA expression, or somatic mutation in 51 non–MSI-H colon cancers. Loss of heterozygosity (LOH) at the ACTRII locus (2q23.1) was found in 9 (17.6%) of 51 primary tumors. Loss of ACTRII mRNA expression was seen in one (14.3%) of the seven LOH-positive primary tumors from which total RNA was available. We also performed DNA sequencing analysis of tumors showing LOH. One LOH-positive primary tumor exhibited a novel germline missense sequence alteration (amino acid substitution, 117 Ile to Phe) that was not found in 23 additional normal individuals, implying that this alteration is not a frequent polymorphism. We conclude that ACTRII is probably involved in both non–MSI-H and MSI-H colorectal carcinogenesis, but more frequently in the latter subgroup.
Association of physical activity and renal parameters in subjects with and without metabolic syndrome in NHANES III

Purpose To determine association between physical activity and renal parameters including Glomerular Filtration rate, (GFR), Serum Creatinine, Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) and Proteinuria (Urine Albumin to Creatinine Ratio) in subjects with and without metabolic syndrome. Methods Subjects were classified as having metabolic syndrome if they had 3 of the following 5 components: high blood pressure, high serum triglycerides, high waist circumference, high plasma glucose, and low HDL-cholesterol. Physical activity was defined as the number of physical activity sessions in the prior 30 days as reported by the subjects on the questionnaire. Renal parameters were measured in laboratory analysis, and GFR was calculated from serum creatinine using the MDRD formula. Linear regression for the cross-sectional association of physical activity with the individual renal parameters was adjusted for age, race, sex, education, hypertension, diabetes, household size, family size, hypertension, diabetes and poverty income ratio. Results Analysis was performed on 15,705 subjects, of whom 53% were female, 42% non-Hispanic White, 27% African American, and 27% Mexican American. Metabolic syndrome was present in 20%. In unadjusted regression in subjects with vs. without metabolic syndrome, physical activity had mixed association with GFR (β = 0.02; p p p = 0.0001 vs. β = 0.0007; p p = 0.21 vs. β = 0.0003; p = 0.002) and a significant positive association with BUN (β = 0.011; p = 0.04 vs. β = 0.005; p = 0.001). In adjusted regression in subjects with vs. without metabolic syndrome, physical activity had a significant positive association with GFR (β = 0.05; p p p = 0.02 vs. β = 0.0001; p = 0.11); no association with proteinuria (β = 0.0002; p = 0.62 vs. β = 0.0001; p = 0.07) and no association with BUN (β = 0.004; p = 0.43 vs. β = 0.002; p = 0.09). Conclusion Higher levels of physical activity were associated with better GFR regardless of metabolic syndrome.
Agar Culture Medium modified to approximate Soil Conditions

SMALL soil or mud surface plants frequently fail to develop their characteristic morphology when grown on an ordinary agar medium. In particular this applies to the parts penetrating the substrate. Inspection frequently suggests that what is wrong is that agar, unlike soil, is a medium which does not exclude light as a formative factor. We have devised a simple corrective system with good results.
Foreign Body Reaction (Gossypiboma) Masking as Recurrent Ovarian Cancer

Abstract Surgicel is an absorbable sterile mesh composed of oxidized cellulose used to control capillary or venous bleeding. Although the manufacturer recommends its removal after hemostasis is achieved, in clinical practice it is usually left in situ to reabsorb spontaneously, usually with no untoward effect. We report the first case of foreign body reaction (gossypiboma) masking as recurrent malignancy discovered 13 months post-cytoreductive surgery for ovarian carcinoma.
Management of the picture archiving and communications system archive at Texas Children's Hospital.

As hospitals convert from conventional film-based imaging to picture archival and communications systems (PACS), methods for managing an enormous library of images must change considerably. While most hospitals are required to retain general, non-mammographic, radiologic images for 7 years beyond the examination date, our pediatric hospital must maintain images until the child’s eighteenth birthday, plus the 5-year statute of limitations. Although the physical extent of an electronic archive is tiny compared with a film archive, a long-range strategy is required to ensure that electronic images acquired today can be retrieved and viewed 23 years in the future. Challenges to the long-term stability of the electronic archive include the limited and uncertain shelf life of high-density electronic storage media, the finite maintainability of the electromechanical systems for reading the media, the short product lifetime of software for accessing the images, rapid development of higher density storage products, and the exponential advancement of computer and networking technology that fuels product obsolescence. Since we cannot assure the function of our current archive in two decades, we are committed to a continual process of migration of old electronic image data to newermedia and systems. As an early-adopter of PACS technology, Texas Children’s Hospital’s (TCH) archive management experience is relevant to others. Although not filled to capacity, our first digital archive, based on phase-change write-once-read-many (WORM) technology, was forced into an inactive status by softwareand hardware changes. Our second set of archives was partially filled withlow-density magneto-optical disk (MOD) media, when the drives were upgraded tohigh density and then filled to capacity. This undesirable situation forced us into shelf management of media. Our third-generation archive is based on a helical tape library with the capacity to contain 7 years of examinations. We will describe the motivation for data migration, limitations in the methods available to perform the migration, and unanticipated benefits of the migration process.
Running an NSF REU program: observations, comments and suggestions

The Department of Computer Science at the University of Alabama, in conjunction with the National Science Foundation (NSF), offered a Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program during the summer of 1991. This paper discusses the administration, structure, organization, and research efforts associated with this program.
Perceptions of People with Disabilities: When is Accommodation Fair?

We experimentally examined fairness perceptions of accommodating people with disabilities by manipulating the granting of an accommodation, reward structure, and the best performer on a word search task. Data from 134 undergraduate students indicated that granting an accommodation was seen as less fair than not granting it, that having a person with a disability excel in performance was seen as less fair than when the person did not excel, and that fairness perceptions were lowest when the person with a disability received an accommodation and excelled in performance. Although the intent of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is to level the playing field for people with disabilities, our results show that when an accommodation helps the requester, others think it is unfair.
A comparison of Ultraspeed and Ektaspeed dental x-ray film: in vitro study of the radiographic appearance of interproximal lesions.

Abstract This study investigated the difference between Ektaspeed and Ultraspeed dental x-ray film in detecting incipient interproximal carious lesions, in vitro. Molars and premolars were radiographed with 60, 70, or 90 kVp and 15 mA. Time was varied, so the density of all films was closely matched. The radiographs were viewed by ten dentists who judged the presence and extent of caries according to a predetermined scale. Inter-rater reliability was determined for each film type and tooth surface by using Pearson's Product-Moment Correlation Test. Results showed that inter-rater reliability was high and significant at p
Non-Gray Phonon Transport Using a Hybrid BTE-Fourier Solver

Non-gray phonon transport solvers based on the Boltzmann transport equation (BTE) are frequently employed to simulate sub-micron thermal transport. Typical solution procedures using sequential solution schemes encounter numerical difficulties because of the large spread in scattering rates. For frequency bands with very low Knudsen numbers, strong coupling between the directional BTEs results in slow convergence for sequential solution procedures. In this paper, we present a hybrid BTE-Fourier model which addresses this issue. By establishing a phonon group cutoff (say Kn = 0.1), phonon bands with low Knudsen numbers are solved using a modified Fourier equation which includes a scattering term as well as corrections to account for boundary temperature slip. Phonon bands with high Knudsen numbers are solved using a BTE solver. Once the governing equations are solved for each phonon group, their energies are then summed to find the total lattice energy and correspondingly, the lattice temperature. An iterative procedure combining the lattice temperature determination and the solutions to the modified Fourier and BTE equations is developed. The procedure is shown to work well across a range of Knudsen numbers.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
RN workgroup job satisfaction and patient falls in acute care hospital units.

OBJECTIVE:The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between registered nurse (RN) workgroup job satisfaction and patient falls on 4 types of acute care hospital units.BACKGROUND:Although a link has been found between nurse job satisfaction and quality of patient care, little research has
Evaluation of Irrigated Tall Fescue–Legume Communities in the Steppe of the Southern Rocky Mountains

Producers in the irrigated steppe of the southern Rocky Mountains are seeking ways to improve the summer productivity of their established cool-season grass pastures, commonly tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.). From 1994 to 1997, a study was conducted under irrigation at the New Mexico State University Alcalde Sustainable Agriculture Science Center, in which dry matter yield of monoculture tall fescue was compared with that of swards containing tall fescue in mixtures with alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.), cicer milk vetch (Astragalus cicer L.), and kura clover (Trifolium ambiguum M.B.) in a randomized complete block design with three blocks. Percent tall fescue in the sward and the yield of tall fescue in mixtures declined from 1994 to 1996 and then increased in all mixtures except tall fescue-kura clover in 1997. Dry matter yields of alfalfa and cicer milkvetch increased until 1996 then declined, while birdsfoot trefoil equilibrated in 1996 and 1997 and kura clover continued to increase. Combined dry matter yields followed a trend similar to that of the legume yields except that, in 1996 and 1997, yields of the tall fescue-cicer milkvetch mixture were comparable to those of monoculture tall fescue, which were 5.76 and 6.72 Mg ha -1 for 1996 and 1997, respectively. Over the life of the study, tall fescue-cicer milkvetch yielded less than one-half that of tall fescue-alfalfa while mixtures of tall fescue with birdsfoot trefoil or kura clover were equal to each other and intermediate to the others.
Parametric and semiparametric hypotheses in the linear model.

The independent additive errors linear model consists of a structure for the mean and a separate structure for the error distribution. The error structure may be parametric or it may be semiparametric. Under alternative values of the mean structure, the best fitting additive errors model has an error distribution which can be represented as the convolution of the actual error distribution and the marginal distribution of a misspecification term. The model misspecification term results from the covariates' distribution. Conditions are developed to distinguish when the semiparametric model yields sharper inference than the parametric model and vice versa. The main conditions concern the actual error distribution and the covariates' distribution. The theoretical results explain a paradoxical finding in semiparametric Bayesian modelling, where the posterior distribution under a semiparametric model is found to be more concentrated than is the posterior distribution under a corresponding parametric model. The paradox is illustrated on a set of allometric data. The Canadian Journal of Statistics 39: 165–180; 2011 ©2011 Statistical Society of Canada Le modele lineaire avec des erreurs additives et independantes consiste en une structure pour la moyenne et une structure separee pour la distribution des erreurs. Cette derniere structure peut etre parametrique ou semi-parametrique. Sous des valeurs alternatives de la structure sur la moyenne, le modele pour les erreurs additives ayant le meilleur ajustement peut etre ecrit comme la convolution de la vraie distribution des erreurs et de la distribution marginale du terme representant l'inexactitude du modele. Celui-ci provient de la distribution des covariables. Des conditions, sous lesquelles un modele semi-parametrique conduit a une meilleure inference que le modele parametrique, sont etablies. Le cas contraire est aussi considere. Les principales conditions concernent la vraie distribution des erreurs et celle des covariables. Les resultats theoriques expliquent le paradoxe trouve avec la modelisation semi-parametrique ou la distribution a posteriori est plus concentree sous un modele semi-parametrique que sous le modele parametrique correspondant. Le paradoxe est illustre a l'aide d'un jeu de donnees allometriques. La revue canadienne de statistique 39: 165–180; 2011 © 2011 Societe statistique du Canada
Effect of hyperbaric oxygen on leucocyte lysosomes.

Es wird nachgewiesen, dass hyperbare O2-Behandlung die Freisetzung von Sulfatase aus lysosomen, beziehungsweise neutrophilen Leukozyten nicht beeinflusst.
Satisfaction and gender issues in otolaryngology residency

Objective To evaluate the otolaryngology residency experience with attention to operative experience, career guidance, and gender. Study design and setting Otolaryngology residents were anonymously surveyed by mail about their residency experience. The 22-item survey was scored on a 5-point ordinal Likert scale. Responses were analyzed with respect to gender and postgraduate year (PGY) level. Results Complete surveys were returned by 261 otolaryngology residents (24% female). PGY level correlated with confidence that surgical skills were appropriate (P = 0.003), establishment of solid career network (P = 0.003), and confidence that surgical abilities are adequate for practice (P = 0.028). Female residents reported less confidence that surgical skills were appropriate (P = 0.050) and that surgical abilities were adequate for postresidency practice (P = 0.035). Women were encouraged to enter private practice more often (P = 0.012), were less likely to have a solid career network (P = 0.025), and were less confident about being able to run their own practice (P = 0.036) Conclusions Significant differences exist for several questions regarding surgical confidence and career issues, even after correction for PGY level.
Prospective Evaluation of Adverse Events Following Lower Gastrointestinal Tract EUS FNA

OBJECTIVES:There are virtually no data concerning the risk of adverse events (AEs) following lower gastrointestinal (LGI) endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). Our aim was to determine the incidence and factors associated with AEs following LGI EUS fine needle aspiration (FNA).METHODS:We conducted a prospect
Coaxial supersonic jet-flows, shock structure and related problems with noise-suppression assessment and prediction

It is now reasonably well established that the intense noise radiated by a single turbulent, heated, under or overexpanded round jet of high specific thrust can be significantly reduced if instead, 'equivalent' multinozzle coaxial supersonic jet flows of the same total thrust and mass flow rate were to be operated in the inverted pressure mode. A summary of some of the relevant observations on the coaxial supersonic jet flows and their shock structure is presented. Attention is given to the scope of the optical studies, the development of shock structure, the effects of exit stagger, coaxial supersonic jet flows with inner nozzle overexpanded, the role of the lip thickness, the role of the exit area ratios, cold/heated coaxial supersonic jet flows, acoustic observations, the conventional pressure mode of operation, comparative noise reduction assessment, and problems and prospects of noise prediction.
Temperature modulation of the kinetics of phosphoglucose isomerase genetic variants from the sea anemone Metridium senile

The allozymes involved in a one-locus, two-allele polymorphism for phosphoglucose isomerase from populations of the sea anemone Metridium senile from the northeast coast of North America exhibit different heat stabilities. The electrophoretically slow form is more stable than the fast, whether or not the enzyme is protected by added 6-phosphogluconate. In addition, Km of glucose-6-phosphate (G6P) values are significantly higher for the slow than for the fast allozyme, the reverse of the situation in the gluconeogenic direction. Km of G6P values for the mixture of isozymes produced by heterozygotes fall intermediate between those for the two homozygotes. All genotypes produce enzymes that have slightly U-shaped Km vs. temperature curves; these patterns result in differences in thermal sensitivity of reaction rates at low substrate concentrations between high and low temperature ranges. The fast allozyme has higher Vmax values than the slow at all environmentally realistic temperatures. These kinetic differences in the glycolytic direction result in higher Vmax/Km ratios for the fast than for the slow allozyme at all tested temperatures, with the greatest absolute difference falling at 25°C; again, the heterozygote is intermediate. These kinetic differences may yield increased adaptation to thermal aspects of the environment.
Correlation of stability to varied CdCl2 treatment and related defects in CdS/CdTe PV devices as measured by thermal admittance spectroscopy

Abstract A correlation between the CdCl 2 treatment and the change in conversion efficiency with light and heat stress indoors (stability) has been shown previously by our group for CdS/CdTe:Cu PV devices. In the present work CdTe devices were fabricated with various CdCl 2 treatments and with and without a Cu containing back contact. The electrical characteristics of the defects acting as traps in these devices were studied using thermal admittance spectroscopy (TAS). The activation energy E t − E V , the apparent capture cross section and the densities of state functions (using Walter's method) of the traps in the devices were estimated.
Dying words: endangered languages and what they have to tell us

Dying words: endangered languages and what they have to tell us, edited by Nicholas Evans, Oxford and Malden, MA, Wiley-Blackwell, 2010, xii + 287 pp., £55.00/US$104.95 (hardback), ISBN 978-0-631-2...
Shallow and Deep Phases of Comprehension of Discourse by Children.

Children listened to stories which contained two kinds of anomalies. One type of anomaly was produced by violating semantic restrictions (violation of sentence), and the other anomaly was based on conflicting propositions at two points in a story (violation of discourse). The capacity to detect violations of relations within sentences developed more rapidly than the capacity to detect violations of relations within discourse. The research gives an estimate of the child's developing capacity to integrate and store the structure of stories.
The effect of shoe wedges and lifts on symmetry of stance and weight bearing in hemiparetic individuals.

Abstract Rodriguez GM, Aruin AS. The effect of shoe wedges and lifts on symmetry of stance and weight bearing in hemiparetic individuals. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2002;83:478-82. Objective: To determine the effect of shoe wedges and lifts on symmetry of stance and weight bearing in hemiparetic individuals. Design: Weight bearing on the paretic side was measured in patients with hemiparesis during quiet standing and in conditions of compelled weight shift. Setting: Free-standing acute inpatient rehabilitation hospital. Participants: Nine individuals with hemiparesis as a result of unilateral stroke who were able to stand for 3 to 5 minutes without assistance or rest, and satisfied other inclusion criteria. Interventions: Compelled shift of the body weight was induced with different shoe wedges (5°, 7.5°, 12.5°) or shoe lifts (0.6, 0.9, 1.2cm), which extended under the entire shoe of the unaffected limb. Weight-bearing symmetry scores were used to characterize the symmetry of stance. Main Outcome Measures: Weight-bearing symmetry scores. Results: Without a shoe wedge or a shoe lift, weight-bearing symmetry was characterized by underloading of the paretic limb (39.90% ±.80% of body weight). Weight shift induced by shoe wedges or shoe lifts applied to the unaffected limb promoted improved symmetry of weight bearing and stance. A shoe wedge of 5° provided the most symmetrical weight distribution (51.44% ± 1.88% of body weight). Conclusion: Shoe wedges and shoe lifts under the unaffected limb induced compelled weight shift toward the paretic limb, resulting in improved symmetry of stance of individuals with mild hemiparesis. We suggest that improved symmetry of bipedal standing obtained with a shoe wedge or a shoe lift applied to the unaffected limb can help overcome the learned disuse of the affected limb. We further suggest that weight distribution induced by shoe wedges or shoe lifts may help in the treatment of ambulatory hemiparetic individuals with asymmetrical stance caused by unilateral stroke. © 2002 by the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine and the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Finding the T-cell antigen receptor: past attempts and future promise.

Obtention recente, dans plusieurs laboratoires, d'anticorps monoclonaux specifiques de cellules T clonees particulieres. Par la caracterisation des proteines reconnues par ces anticorps, on peut s'attendre a ce que les genes codant pour le recepteur pour l'antigene des cellules T soient isoles dans un proche avenir
Interaction of two equal co-rotating viscous vortices in the presence of background shear

The interactions of two equal co-rotating vortices under the influence of both viscosity and uniform background shear are investigated using two-dimensional numerical simulations. A range of values of the shear strength parameter, , and initial aspect ratio, , are considered for two values of circulation Reynolds number . The primary effect of viscosity is to increase the core size a(t) in time while the primary effect of shear is to vary the separation distance b(t) in time. For sufficiently separated vortices, the motion of the vortices is well-described by a point vortex model with linear shear. The present simulations show that for a viscous symmetric vortex pair there are two distinct flow regimes, merger and separation, with the boundaries separating these regimes well-predicted by the point vortex model and largely independent of over the range tested. Results also indicate that the onset of merging occurs when attains the critical value found for vortex pairs without shear.
Effect of cadmium on epithelial membranes

Abstract Cd2+ (10−3 m ) on the external side of the frog skin, increased the electrical potential difference (PD), short-circuit current (SCC), and resistance across this membrane. The effect was irreversible. Cd2+ (10−3 m ) on the serosal side of the toad urinary bladder inhibited the SCC, but this was increased by 10−3 m and 10−4 m at the mucosa or 10−4 m at the serosa. The increases in SCC were inhibited by amiloride, indicating the effect was due to a stimulation of active transmural sodium transport. The increased resistance seen in the frog skin may reflect a decreased permeability to chloride. These results indicate that cadmium can influence active ion transport and the permeability of epithelial membranes.
A cryogenic shipping container for wet or dry ice temperatures.

Summary An inexpensive cryogenic shipping container is described which provides 72 to 96 hr of holding at less than −50°C for dry ice shipments, and 48 to 72 hr at less than +15°C for wet ice temperature shipments. There are over 300 cubic inches of product space available.
Better growth decisions: early mover, fast follower or late follower?

Purpose – The article seeks to explain how companies seeking to fuel growth by entering new markets should analyze when it is wise to be an early mover, fast follower or late follower. Each option requires a different competitive strategy.Design/methodology/approach – The paper observes how three companies used early mover advantage to cement leadership in certain markets. It then suggests what approaches and industry circumstances allow fast followers and late followers in other settings to triumph.Findings – The paper reveals that to chart potential strategies, managers should determine where their enterprise fits among three general types of business models: Solution shops like niche scientific instrument makers and customized software application developers create specially made offerings. They often dominate at the early stage of an industry. Value‐chain business models organize companies like automakers into systems that promote efficiency, consistency, market power, and access to sales channels. Fa...
Emergence of Teicoplanin Resistance During Therapy of Staphylococcus aureus Endocarditis

Serial isolates of Staphylococcus aureus showing two- to eightfold increases in teicoplanin minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and twofold or less increases in MICs of other glycopeptides were recovered from the blood of a patient with endocarditis in whom drug therapy was unsuccessful. Comparable resistance emerged during teicoplanin treatment of rabbits with endocarditis caused by the original susceptible parent strain. For the parent strain, spontaneous resistance to teicoplanin at concentrations of 2-10 times the MIC was detected in vitro at frequencies of 10(-7) to 10(-9). Similar results were found for isolates of S. aureus from other geographic locations. Resistance was constitutive and not plasmid mediated, and its acquisition was not associated with changes in cytoplasmic membrane proteins. Teicoplanin was less effective than vancomycin at inhibiting peptidoglycan synthesis in resistant strains, suggesting that there is differential interference with the access of teicoplanin to or interaction with its target(s). Alternatively, teicoplanin and vancomycin may differ in some detail(s) of their mechanism of action against S. aureus.
High-performance flexible microwave passives on plastic

We report the demonstration of bendable inductors, capacitors and switches fabricated on a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate that can operate at high microwave frequencies. By employing bendable dielectric and single crystalline semiconductor materials, spiral inductors and metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitors with high quality factors and high resonance frequencies and single-pole, single-throw (SPST) switches were archived. The effects of mechanical bending on the performance of inductors, capacitors and switches were also measured and analyzed. We further investigated the highest possible resonance frequencies and quality factors of inductors and capacitors and, high frequency responses and insertion loss. These demonstrations will lead to flexible radio-frequency and microwave systems in the future.
Menu engineering: A strategy for seniors to select healthier meals:

Aims: The specific objective of this ongoing investigation is to assess various menu manipulations and nutrition labelling to determine if they can effectively guide the older adult consumer to select healthier food items from a menu offering meals with differing nutritional attributes.Methods: One of three randomly assigned menus and a questionnaire were distributed to 150 senior adults (> 60 years of age) living in three assisted living residences, three congregate senior day programmes, and one senior church group in New Jersey, USA. A generic control menu, a treatment menu that used various merchandizing tools to promote the healthier menu items and the same treatment menu with nutritional labels added were designed. Participants selected their top five choices and then answered a short questionnaire, which surveyed demographics and menu selection background information.Results: The researchers found that certain menu merchandizing tools were effective, while nutrition labelling did not have a substan...
Patterns of oocyte development and related changes in plasma 17-β estradiol, vitellogenin, and plasma chemistry in English sole Parophrys vetulus Girard

Abstract Ovarian development was monitored in female English sole Parophrys vetulus Girard from three sites in Puget Sound: Sinclair Inlet and Port Susan, where fish are normally resident, and University Point, a known spawning area for English sole. Histological changes in ovary and liver as well as changes in plasma estradiol and vitellogenin levels, gonadosomatic index, hepatosomatic index, and calcium, phosphate, magnesium, glucose, triglyceridesm total protein, and albumin concentrations in the plasma over the reproductive cycle were assessed. Vitellogenesis in female English sole began in the early fall, and swapping activity reached its peak in February. Oocyte development was group synchronous with two distinct clutches of oocytes in the maturing ovary. In general, the cytological and physiological changes which English sole underwent during the reproductive cycle were similar to those observed in other teleost species. However, certain distinctive features were observed, including a high prevalence of atresia of nonyolked oocytes.
Relative Efficacy of Radiant and Convective Heat in Incubators in Producing Thermoneutrality for the Premature

Summary: To determine which warming system more closely approximates a neutral thermal environment, the oxygen consumptions of 16 premature babies < 1500 g were measured in a convectively heated incubator and a radiantly heated incubator. Both systems were controlled to maintain a skin temperature of 36°C. The oxygen consumptions of the infants were not significantly different in the two incubators; thus, there was no detectable advantage to the use of convective or radiant energy in approximating a neutral thermal environment in an incubator for the small premature infant. That proportion of total heat loss from the babies due to radiant losses in the convective incubator was directly calculated from incubator temperature using equations described in the paper, and found to be 68 ± 3% SE.
Generation of phenotypically distinct macrophagehepatoma hybrid clones

By fusion of C3H/HeJ splenic adherent mononuclear cells enriched for macrophages with HPRT-deficient C57L/J HH− hepatoma cells, we have generated six macrophage-hepatoma hybrid clones. The hybrid nature of isolated clones was demonstrated by karyotypic analysis. The hybrid clones were screened for macrophage properties by assaying the presence of two enzymes: nonspecific esterase and lysozyme. Three of six hybrids expressed higher amount of la antigen and less amount of FcR; the other three hybrids expressed higher amount of FcR, but no la antigen. Phagocytosis of serum-opsonized beads is positively correlated with FcR expression, while the proliferation of antigen-primed lymphocytes is only induced by antigenpulsed hybrids expressing la antigen. One hybrid clone (MH3−1) secreted significant higher level of PGE2 and also expressed la antigen with higher ability of antigen-presentation. The data suggest that the cell hybridization can segregate macrophage-featured phenotypes into different hybrid clones which perform distinct functions. It may facilitate the study on the relationship of macrophage functions and the relationship between the functions and defined cell structure.
Gas pressure measurements and control in the Tara Tandem Mirror experiment

The Tara Tandem Mirror has a 10 m long, 22 cm diameter central cell plasma heated by fundamental ion cyclotron heating. Typical central cell parameters in unplugged operation are n = 3 × 1012/cm3, Ti⊥ = 300 eV, Ti∥ ≃ 75 eV. The axisymmetric plug cell incorporates sloshing ions and ECH to generate axial confining potentials. The axisymmetric central cell and plug comprise a max B mirror which is observed to operate in both flute stable and unstable regimes. The flute instability is m = 1 and can be stabilized by an outboard anchor. The anchor plasma is formed by electron and ion cyclotron heating. Satisfactory operation of a tandem mirror requires extensive control of neutral gas from neutral beam (NB) sources [1] and startup. Tara makes extensive use of Ti gettering in the beamlines, beam dumps and plasma surfaces for both hydrogen pumping and reflux control. A description of this technology along with its impact on plasma performance is discussed.
NEW CRITERIA FOR CONCEPT EVALUATION

Traditional concept testing has reached a plateau. Researchers have learned to successfully predict trial but have not discovered a way to determine marketplace success or failure at the concept stage. The key to making progress in this area is to define an opportunity prior to concept evaluation. This article elaborates on ways for defining such opportunities.
Feature-based differences between mammograms

A novel technique for assessing local and global differences between mammographic images was developed. This method uses correlations between abstract features extracted from corresponding views to compare image properties without resorting to processes that depend on exact geometrical congruence, such as image subtraction, which have a tendency to produce excessive artifact. The method begins by normalizing both digitized mammograms, after which a series of global and local feature filters are applied to each image. Each filter calculates values characterizing a particular property of the given image, and these values, for each property of interest are arranged in a feature vector. Corresponding elements in the two feature vectors are combined to produce a difference vector that indicates the change in the particular properties between images. Features are selected which are expected to be relatively invariant with respect to breast compression.
An acoustic gray scale for scanning acoustic microscopy and diagnostic ultrasound.

The principle of a true acoustic gray scale standard is presented and experimentally applied to the Scanning Acoustic Microscope (SAM). The implementation is based on the impedance matching property of a quarter wave impedance transformer through which precise changes in reflection coefficient may be produced in a single material. The performance of the first implementation designed for 375 MHz operation is described and the implications of its use are discussed in detail. The application of the principle to diagnostic ultrasound is also treated.
Design of a low-profile two-axis solar tracker

Abstract This paper proposes a low-profile tracker comprised of two coplanar and perpendicular linear actuators coupled with a single linkage arm and pivots. Two-axis solar trackers are a necessary component to all types of concentrating solar power systems with the exception of parabolic trough systems, and have also been incorporated into grid-scale photovoltaic power facilities resulting in 30% energy production gains. Use of trackers, however, necessitates additional capital and careful placement to minimize shading by adjacent trackers, as well as sturdy foundations and heavy capacity hardware when high accuracy is required. The proposed tracker is inherently accurate and sturdy due to its large base and unique linkage geometry. A prototype was built and tracking capability was demonstrated by measuring the receiver temperature from a concave mirror. The shadow footprint of the tracker is simulated and compared to existing mast-style trackers. The simulation is run to coincide with the winter solstice, when the sun is lowest in the sky, and shadows are largest. Although the tracker utilizes translational motion, no significant change in the shadow footprint is observed.
Knowledge of AIDS, perceived risk of AIDS, and at-risk sexual behaviors among older adults.

Purpose To identify older adults' knowledge of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), perceptions of their risk of AIDS, and at-risk behaviors by using a questionnaire derived from the health belief model. Data Sources A descriptive correlation design was used to survey persons 50 years of age and older who participate in university-based senior programs. The sample of 166 persons (55% return rate) had a mean age of 71 years and included 33% males. The sample is representative of the participants in these programs. Conclusions Five hypotheses based on the health belief model were tested. Statistical analyses showed significant predictors of the likelihood of using recommended safe sexual practices were gender, knowledge of AIDS, perceived susceptibility to AIDS, and perceived threat of AIDS. The results indicated the respondents were knowledgeable about human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission through casual contact and medical aspects of AIDS. Although the respondents recognized the seri-ousness of AIDS, they generally did not believe that they were susceptible to this disease, even though about 10% indicated sexual activity outside of a long-term relationship. Implications for Practice The study findings support the need for nurse practitioners to assess sexual behaviors in and provide information about safe sex practices to older clients because of the documented rising incidence of AIDS in persons over 50 years of age.
An evaluation of thermography in the detection of breast cancer. A cooperative pilot study.

A collaborative study of 3,518 patients in several medical centers was designed to determine the sensitivity and specificity of thermography as compared to mammographic and clinical examinations. For 862 patients who had breast surgery or a biopsy, the sensitivity and specificity was 0.823 and 0.784 respectively for physical examinations, 0.721 and 0.798 for thermographic reading with clinical data, and 0.703 and 0.807 for mammography. Of additional interest was the observation that each of the procedures (physical examination, mammography, and thermography) selects different subgroups of cases. The results indicate that further evaluation of thermography as a screening technique for breast cancer is warranted. Such evaluation should be in the form of a controlled clinical trial.
Development of pseudohyphae by embedded haploid and diploid yeast.

Diploid strains of S. cerevisiae are known to develop pseudohyphae in response to starvation for nitrogen. We report that both haploid and diploid yeast grow in a filamentous form when embedded in solid media. This is not a response to starvation, since yeast grown on rich media and overlaid with rich agar grow within the agar as pseudohyphae. While we find that the only element of diploidy required for formation of pseudohyphae in response to nitrogen starvation is the a1/α2 repressor, pseudohyphal development by embedded cells does not require a1/α2. Deletion of BUD 5 prevented the formation of pseudohyphae by embedded cells, suggesting that these structures are the result of ordered filament formation rather than agar penetration. Deletion of STE 12 prevented the formation of pseudohyphae by all cell types, showing that the same signal transduction pathway is used by embedded cells as by those responding to nitrogen starvation. Different cell types of yeast thus form filaments in response to several kinds of environmental stimuli.
From Exclusion to Participation: Turning Senegal's Forestry Policy Around?

Abstract A century of centralized forestry policies has excluded Senegal's forest villagers from charcoal production and marketing. Policies have given access to marketing and labor opportunities to urbanbased merchants who hire Guinean migrant laborers. While forest villagers neither produce nor consume charcoal, commercial production is cutting forests on which villagers rely. In 1993, progressive forestry agents ushered in a new “participatory” forestry code. But, this new policy may not be equitable nor beneficial, and it risks adding control over village labor (for forest management) to the long list of Forest Service controls. Locally accountable representation, local decision-making powers and simple local management enabling policies could diminish these risks.
Childhood injuries and Erikson's psychosocial stages

Childhood injury epidemiologists and injury control researchers commonly use a 40-year-old epidemiologic agent-host-environment model to explain injuries and have not considered the value of placing childhood injuries in the context of general theories of human development. The psychosocial stages elucidated by Erik H. Erikson may be a useful heuristic approach for childhood injury investigators to consider. Examples of common childhood injuries during the first 4 psychosocial stages, trust vs. mistrust, autonomy vs. shame and doubt, initiative vs. guilt and industry vs inferiority are presented to illustrate how Erikson’s theory may be of value in understanding and con-trolling the prevalence of childhood injuries in the United States.
Side effects of corticosteroid therapy.

AbstractBackgroundCorticosteroids have been used for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease since the late 1940s. Upwards of 80% of patients may respond acutely to treatment with these medications, although 20% or more may be refractory and others become dependent on corticosteroid use to suppr
Hatching rhythms of Uca thayeri Rathbun: timing in semidiurnal and mixed tidal regimes.

Abstract We compared the timing of larval release by Uca thayeri exposed to different tidal regimes. Crabs on Florida's East Coast experience semidiurnal tides, whereas crabs on the Florida's West Coast experience mixed tides. In both populations, hatching occurred shortly after high tide. On the East Coast, most crabs released their larvae between dusk and midnight, a few days before the maximum amplitude spring tides. On the West Coast, most crabs released their larvae during the afternoon tropic tides of greater amplitude. West Coast crabs may release during the day because ebbing tides at night are too weak for effective transport. Thus, at each location, hatching occurs when phase relationships between the ebbing tides, the light–dark cycle, and tidal amplitude are most favorable. Further study is required to determine whether females on each Coast show fixed responses to each tidal regime, or whether they can alter their hatching rhythms upon exposure to different tides.
Cardiac motion in diffusion-weighted MRI of the liver: artifact and a method of correction.

Purpose: To characterize cardiac motion artifacts in the liver and assess the use of a postprocessing method to mitigate these artifacts in repeat measurements. Materials and Methods: Three subjects underwent breathhold diffusion-weighted (DW) scans consisting of 25 repetitions for three b-values (0, 500, 1000 sec/mm2). Statistical maps computed from these repetitions were used to assess the distribution and behavior of cardiac motion artifacts in the liver. An objective postprocessing method to reduce the artifacts was compared with radiologist-defined gold standards. Results: Signal dropout is pronounced in areas proximal to the heart, such as the left lobe, but also present in the right lobe and in distal liver segments. The dropout worsens with b-value and leads to overestimation of the diffusivity. By reference to a radiologist-defined gold standard, a postprocessing correction method is shown to reduce cardiac motion artifact. Conclusion: Cardiac motion leads to significant artifacts in liver DW imaging; we propose a postprocessing method that may be used to mitigate the artifact and is advantageous to standard signal averaging in acquisitions with multiple repetitions. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2012;318-327. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.