cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A theory of government enterprise: University Ph. D. production

In a recent study, Lindsay (1976) proposed a theory of government enterprise based in part on the costs of monitoring managerial performance. He argued that because the public authority (in his case Congress) does not in general establish product value by market price, it must rely on measuring product attributes; since the authority will be able to monitor only highly visible product attributes, managers will direct resources toward these attributes and away from less visible and unmeasured attributes. Proprietary firms, in contrast, rely on paying customers to meter all of the product's attributes, with undesirable deviations in the attribute mix reflected in falling product price and profits. The more complete monitoring of product attributes for proprietary firms will insure that their products more closely match consumer demands and are thus of a higher quality. Empirically, Lindsay implements his theory by comparing VA hospitals with proprietary and voluntary hospitals, theorizing that because Congress meters output by patient days but not patient care, VA hospital managers will have an incentive to keep the wards filled but devote fewer resources to care. This leads him to predict, and indeed confirm, that the average length of stay, for a given ailment, is substantially longer in VA than voluntary hospitals. In this paper, I examine the same phenomena as it occurs in public universities. In public universities, tuition is held below the market clearing price, preventing market valuation of the product mix, and forcing the public authority to monitor a subset of product attributes. In general, the attribute selected is simply enrollment, with funding directly linked to the number of FTE (full time equivalent) students an attribute strikingly similar to beddays in hospitals. As a result, one can predict that university managers will divert resources toward enrollment and away from instruction, e.g., larger classes, lower admission standards, fewer auxiliary facilities, less financial assistance, less preparation for the classroom by instructors. If these policies are not met by an equivalent fall in standards for awarding degrees, public university students should have a diminished chance of earning a degree. It is this possibility which I wish to test. Though a fall in standards may occur, there is a priori reason to believe
Spanning “Bleeding” Boundaries: Humanitarianism, NGOs, and the Civilian-Military Nexus in the Post–Cold War Era

How do nongovernmental (NGO), international (IO), and military organizations cope with their dependencies and address their perceptual and real differences in order to coordinate their field operations? This question is addressed through the creation of a matrix grouping civilian (NGOs and IOs) and military operations into four general types: peacekeeping; disaster relief; complex humanitarian emergencies/warfare; and stabilization and reconstruction. Second, using Galbraith's information processing approach to organizational design, a range of formal coordination mechanisms that organizations use at the strategic and operational levels to help them cope with their dependencies in different field operations is identified. Third, the author underscores how communities of practice are emerging as informal mechanisms of coordination among civilian and military organizations. And finally, a framework of organizational forms that views communities of practice as an alternative to hierarchy and markets is offered. Believing communities of practice hold the most promise for coordination in the human security domain when hierarchies are politically untenable and markets lack accountability, the author concludes with implications for interorganization coordination research and practice.
Messages as active agents

Network algorithms are usually stated from the viewpoint of the network nodes, but they can often be stated more clearly from the viewpoint of an active message, a process that intentionally moves from node to node. This paper gives some examples of this notion, and then discusses a means of implementing it. This implementation applied in both directions also demonstrates the logical equivalence of the two viewpoints.
World Shift: Interests, Norms and Identities

This essay is adapted from the conclusion to Daniel N. Nelson and Laura Neack, eds., Global Society in Transition: An International Politics Reader (London: Kluwer Law International, 2002), pp. 528 Hardcover.
Acquired generalized hypohidrosis/anhidrosis with subclinical Sjögren's syndrome: Report of a case with diffuse syringolymphoid hyperplasia and lymphocytic sialadenitis

The pathogenesis and the underlying pathologic changes of acquired generalized hypohidrosis/anhidrosis (AGHA) are largely unknown. We studied a case of AGHA in a young woman suffering from heat intolerance and progressive loss of sweating. Pathologic study of affected skin revealed unique syringolymphoid hyperplasia with T cell infiltration, suggesting a T cell-mediated autoimmune disease. The patient also had subclinical Sjogren's syndrome and diffuse hair loss. The pathogenesis of the latter two conditions is believed to be related to the patient's AGHA.
Enhanced Motion Perception as a Psychophysical Marker for Autism

In recent decades, the incidence of autism has reached epidemic proportions. The ever-mounting burden of disease from autism spectrum disorders highlights the urgency of developing effective treatment options. However, this remains a formidable task. Although autism is characterized by core symptoms
Age stratified comparative analysis of perioperative, functional and oncologic outcomes in patients after robot assisted radical prostatectomy--A propensity score matched study.

Abstract Introduction and objectives Our goal was to evaluate the perioperative, functional and intermediate term oncological outcomes of robot assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) in patients ≥70 years. Materials and methods The study population (N = 3241) consisted of consecutive patients who underwent RARP for localized prostate cancer by a single surgeon (VP) from January 2008 through February 2012. A query of our Institutional Review Board approved registry identified 400 men ≥70 years of age, with good functional status (Charlson co-morbidity index Results Full nerve sparing as well as the ease of nerve sparing were similar in 2 groups. Intra-operative complications were comparable. Postoperative complication occurrence rates were similar. At mean follow up of 34.1 months and 37.2 months respectively in younger and older patients, the continence rate was comparable in 2 groups (91.3% and 87.3%).Average time to continence and potency were similar in 2 groups. A greater proportion of younger patients became potent than elderly (52.3% vs 33.5%,p Conclusions In appropriately selected patients (minimal comorbidities with CCI ≤2, life expectancy >10 years, localized prostate cancer) RARP is a reasonable option in patients ≥70 years and provides comparable perioperative, functional and intermediate term oncologic outcomes as compared to younger patients.
Alterations of the B-Cell Response by HIV-1 Replication

While the hallmark of HIV-1 infection is the progressive depletion of CD4+ T cells, extensive B-cell dysfunction ensues that impairs the quality of the humoral response. HIV-1 infection causes hypergammaglobulinemia, polyclonal activation, loss of memory B-cell subsets, B-cell exhaustion, aberrant B-cell surface markers, and impaired humoral responses against infections and vaccinations. The totality of the mechanisms that contribute to B-cell dysfunction in vivo is unknown, although roles for HIV proteins (Env, Tat, and Nef) and virions binding to CD21 on B cells have been identified. Recent studies suggest that early antiretroviral therapy, that minimizes virus replication, can profoundly preserve the early B-cell response to HIV-1. Thus, it is clear that there is an intricate interplay between HIV replication and stimulation of the host B-cell response to infection. A better understanding of how HIV-1 subverts a productive B-cell response is needed to inform vaccine strategies that aim to elicit long-lived plasma cells and memory B-cell responses that can act quickly upon antigen stimulation.
Isotope Shift in the First Spectrum of Atomic Lithium

The isotope shift in Li i has been studied in the hollow cathode spectrum from separated isotopes with the aid of a Fabry-Perot interferometer. Specific shifts have been determined for the $2s$, $2p$, $3s$, $3p$, $3d$, $4s$, $4d$, $5s$, and $5d$ levels. The inadequacy of the Hughes-Eckart approximation is pointed out.
Influence of a lymphokine fraction containing eosinophil stimulation promoter (esp) on oxidative and degranulation responses of murine eosinophils.

Abstract Eosinophil stimulation promoter (ESP)-containing lymphocyte supernatant fluids have previously been demonstrated to enhance the ability of normal eosinophils to mediate destruction of Schistosoma mansoni eggs. In this study we have examined the ability of an ESP-positive lymphokine fraction to simulate biochemical effector systems directly and to alter the activities of eosinophils exposed to the phagocytic stimulus opsonized zymosan. Eosinophils from proteose-peptone-induced peritoneal exudates of CBA/J mice infected for 3–5 weeks with Toxocara canis or for 8–9 weeks with S. mansoni were purified on metrizamide or Percoll density gradients. Fractions of spleen cell culture supernatant fluids containing ESP activity were pooled after Sephadex G-75 chromatography for study of the responses of purified eosinophils. During a 30-min incubation ESP significantly increased the release of the eosinophil small granule enzyme arylsulfatase B. In the same experiments release of the specific granule enzyme peroxidase was not increased by ESP exposure. During a 60-min incubation oxidative activities measured by hexose monophosphate (HMP) shunt or nitroblue tetrazolium reduction were not altered by ESP either in resting eosinophils or those phagocytosing opsonized zymosan. However, 24-hr culture of eosinophils with ESP significantly increased their subsequent HMP shunt response to either opsonized zymosan or phorbol myristate acetate. Hence we have observed that ESP causes selective and time-dependent changes in the biochemical effector functions of murine eosinophils.
The conversion of achiral molecules in chiral crystals to chiral molecules

N,N-Diisopropylbenzoylformamide, benzil, and 4,4'-dimethylchalcone are achiral molecules that crystallize in chiral space groups. It is possible with suitable reagents in water to convert these molecules in the crystals directly into chiral molecules. In the case of the chalcone asymmetric induction in its reaction is observed.
Autoreactive T cells promote post-traumatic healing in the central nervous system

In general, autoimmune responses are considered harmful to the host. In the best-defined model of autoimmune disease, murine experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE), for example, brain-protein-specific autoimmune responses of both major classes, type-1 and type-2, have been implicated in causing brain pathology. We induced type-1 and type-2 autoimmunity to myelin oligodendrocyte protein (MOG) in C57.BL/6 mice. Instead of using pertussis toxin (PTX) to open the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which is the classic procedure, we set an aseptic cerebral injury (ACI) to see what the consequences of pre-primed, autoreactive type-1 and type-2 memory T cells gaining access to the brain in the course of sterile tissue injury would be. Neither of these autoimmune response types induced pathology; on the contrary, both accelerated re-vascularization and post-traumatic healing. The data suggest that induction of either type-1 or type-2 autoimmune responses is not inherently noxious to the host, but can have beneficial effects on tissue repair. Autoimmune pathology may develop only if molecules of microbial origin such as pertussis toxin additionally induce the "infectious nonself/danger" reaction in the antigen-presenting cells (APC) of the target organ itself.
Prevention of hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis in Japanese quail by high intake of soy protein

This study was undertaken to determine the influence of levels of soy protein on cholesterol metabolism and the development of atherosclerosis in Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica). Quail were fed purified diets containing one of four levels (10, 20, 40 or 60%) of soy protein either with (atherogenic) or without (control) 0.5% cholesterol. Results showed that higher proportions of protein (40 and 60%) in atherogenic diets had a preventive effect on the development of atherosclerosis in adult male quail. For the atherogenic diets the higher protein levels resulted in significantly lower serum and aorta cholesterol concentrations than observed with the 10 or 20% protein levels and free of aortic atherosclerosis. A dual isotope technique was used to measure the absorption rates for cholesterol in quail fed with 20 and 40% soy protein. Absorption rates were not affected by the level of dietary protein but were influenced by the presence of dietary cholesterol. Relative rates were 40% in quail fed control diets and 30% in quail fed atherogenic diets. The excretion of neutral sterols, largely cholesterol, and bile acids increased with the high intake of soy protein. These results demonstrate that in quail the presence of higher dietary levels of soy protein has both a hypocholesterolemic action and a preventive effect on cholesterol-induced atherosclerosis and one of the possible mechanisms is through increased excretion of cholesterol.
T helper type 1 cytokines and keratinocyte growth factor play a critical role in pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia initiation during cutaneous leishmaniasis

Pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia (PEH) is an exuberant proliferation of the epidermis. The underlying mechanism(s) that lead to PEH have not been completely elucidated. Here, we characterize PEH during the healing stages of cutaneous leishmanial ulcers in mice. During experimental cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) C57BL/6 mice produce PEH, and BALB/c do not. A series of immunohistochemical and immunological studies were performed to identify the secretory products of PEH regulation. We observed that the distribution of TNF-α and IFN-γ under PEH had a stripe-like diffuse pattern and localized in the upper part of the papillary dermis directly under the proliferating epidermis. Macrophages were identified as the major source of TNF-α (56.3%). The importance of IFN-γ and TNF-α in PEH development was proven by the initiation of PEH after three intralesional injections of TNF-α and IFN-γ every three days in infected BALB/c mice. In C57BL/6 mice, keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) expressing cells were found immediately under the basal membrane of the hyperplastic epidermis in comparison with sporadic KGF positive cells deep in the dermis of BALB/c mice. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis demonstrated increased KGF and KGF receptor expression in uninfected C57BL/6 mice as compared to BALB/c mice. These data indicate that Th1 cytokines and KGF play a critical role in PEH initiation during CL.
Long-Term Proliferation of Human Melanocytes Is Supported by the Physiologic Mitogens α-Melanotropin, Endothelin-1, and Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor

We have successfully established normal neonatal and adult human melanocyte cultures in a growth medium containing the physiologic mitogens basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF; 0.6 ng/ml), endothelin-1 (endo-1; 10 nM), and alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH; 10 nM). The latter two factors replaced the commonly used mitogens 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA) and bovine pituitary extract (BPE), respectively. Basic FGF alone maintained the viability but did not induce the proliferation of melanocytes. The addition of endo-1 to the bFGF-containing medium resulted in reduction of tyrosinase activity without enhancement of proliferation. However, the addition of alpha-MSH to the bFGF-containing medium potentiated melanocyte proliferation and tyrosinase activity. The concomitant addition of endo-1, alpha-MSH, and bFGF significantly increased the entry of melanocytes into S phase and potentiated their proliferation. Melanocytes maintained under these conditions had the same tyrosinase activity as those maintained in a medium containing alpha-MSH and bFGF. The signal transduction pathway induced by either endo-1 or bFGF, but not alpha-MSH, includes the activation of the mitogen-activated (MAP) kinase pathway. The addition of both endo-1 and bFGF had more than an additive effect on the MAP kinase extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2 (ERK2). This effect was further increased by the addition of alpha-MSH to these two growth factors. In summary, we have devised a growth medium for human melanocytes based on the use of physiologic mitogens that substituted for routinely used artificial and undefined growth factors. The resulting cultures should be desirable for clinical uses and permissive for the expression of in vivo relevant responses to regulatory factors.
Walk in my shoes: The case for a practicum with a publisher

Library acquisitions is, in many ways, a business to be managed. Practical experience, as well as thorough grounding in theory, are essential for an efficient, cost-effective acquisitions operation. The author's experiences as a publisher, after many years in librarianship, convinced her that library school students would benefit from a practicum in a publishing business. In such a setting, they would be exposed not only to business practices and decisions, but also to many libraries' acquisitions departments. Such training is not institution specific, and a student could see the full range of acquisitions activities from a non-traditional perspective.
The effect of barbiturates on microtubular assembly

Purified tubulin was prepared from fresh pig brain. Purity was determined by gel electrophoresis. Polymerization and depolymerization of microtubules were studied as a function of the presence (10 −3 M ) and absence of phenobarbital. The drug markedly depressed tubular assembly. Dialysis of presumably protein bound phenobarbital affected recovery of polymerization properties favorably, but only to 65% of control levels. Protein assembly was determined by biophysical methodology as incubation of tubulin proceeded at 37°C. Phenobarbital added to assembly medium interrupted polymerization and reduced both viscosity and turbidity. The various preparations were monitored by transmission electron microscopy. The lessened production of tubules in presence of drug was characterized by the presence of tubules of only 10 μ m in length. The significance of this drug effect on CNS development is discussed.
A snapshot of child psychologists' social media activity: Professional and ethical practice implications and recommendations.

In the face of the ever-growing popularity of social media, psychologists continually encounter new dilemmas regarding our ethical and professional principles. Negotiating the balance between the intrinsically public nature of social media participation and the highly private nature of the therapeutic relationship can be a challenge. Psychologists working with children and adolescents are of particular interest, given both the popularity of social media among children and teens and the specific treatment concerns on which clinical work often focuses. The authors surveyed 246 psychologists and psychologists-in-training regarding their own blogging and social networking practices, as well as their behavior around their clients’ online presence. A majority of respondents indicated that they participate in some form of social media and a lesser, though sizable, percentage reported viewing information about their clients online. Many respondents indicated that they have encountered concerning material on their clients’ social media pages, and there does not appear to be a clear consensus about how psychologists handle matters of Internet safety and privacy with their underage clients. Based on the responses to this survey, a series of considerations and guidelines for our professional practice are proposed, and psychologists are encouraged to engage in thoughtful self-reflection as they establish their own policies regarding these matters.
Sustained hyperoxia-induced NF-κB activation improves survival and preserves lung development in neonatal mice

Oxygen toxicity contributes to the pathogenesis of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Neonatal mice exposed to hyperoxia develop a simplified lung structure that resembles BPD. Sustained activation of the transcription factor NF-κB and increased expression of protective target genes attenuate hyperoxia-induced mortality in adults. However, the effect of enhancing hyperoxia-induced NF-κB activity on lung injury and development in neonatal animals is unknown. We performed this study to determine whether sustained NF-κB activation, mediated through IκBβ overexpression, preserves lung development in neonatal animals exposed to hyperoxia. Newborn wild-type (WT) and IκBβ-overexpressing (AKBI) mice were exposed to hyperoxia (>95%) or room air from day of life (DOL) 0–14, after which all animals were kept in room air. Survival curves were generated through DOL 14. Lung development was assessed using radial alveolar count (RAC) and mean linear intercept (MLI) at DOL 3 and 28 and pulmonary vessel density at DOL 28. Lung tissue was collected, and NF-κB activity was assessed using Western blot for IκB degradation and NF-κB nuclear translocation. WT mice demonstrated 80% mortality through 14 days of exposure. In contrast, AKBI mice demonstrated 60% survival. Decreased RAC, increased MLI, and pulmonary vessel density caused by hyperoxia in WT mice were significantly attenuated in AKBI mice. These findings were associated with early and sustained NF-κB activation and expression of cytoprotective target genes, including vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2. We conclude that sustained hyperoxia-induced NF-κB activation improves neonatal survival and preserves lung development. Potentiating early NF-κB activity after hyperoxic exposure may represent a therapeutic intervention to prevent BPD.
The Trim39 ubiquitin ligase inhibits APC/CCdh1-mediated degradation of the Bax activator MOAP-1.

Proapoptotic Bcl-2 family members, such as Bax, promote release of cytochrome c from mitochondria, leading to caspase activation and cell death. It was previously reported that modulator of apoptosis protein 1 (MOAP-1), an enhancer of Bax activation induced by DNA damage, is stabilized by Trim39, a protein of unknown function. In this paper, we show that MOAP-1 is a novel substrate of the anaphase-promoting complex (APC/CCdh1) ubiquitin ligase. The influence of Trim39 on MOAP-1 levels stems from the ability of Trim39 (a RING domain E3 ligase) to directly inhibit APC/CCdh1-mediated protein ubiquitylation. Accordingly, small interfering ribonucleic acid–mediated knockdown of Cdh1 stabilized MOAP-1, thereby enhancing etoposide-induced Bax activation and apoptosis. These data identify Trim39 as a novel APC/C regulator and provide an unexpected link between the APC/C and apoptotic regulation via MOAP-1.
Development of Golgi Apparatus in Water- and Soil-grown Roots of Vicia faba Seedlings

WHILE Vicia faba is generally quoted as the type seed for successful germination in water under laboratory conditions, it is, nevertheless, noted that germination in sand is more rapid and much more reliable.
Expectations for the Early TPF-C Mission

We use Monte Carlo techniques to estimate the results and character of the early TPF-C mission. Using 108 samples to represent the planets of interest, we compute the completeness of the first search observations of prioritized target stars with optimized exposure times that sum to one year total. Assuming simple observing protocols and decision rules for searching, verifying, and characterizing observations, and taking into account ranges of probabilities for confusion sources (, we find that a median 2.2 planets are found, verified, and characterized in one year of exposure time, with the 68 highest priority stars searched.
Fragmentation and Power: Reconceptualizing Policy Making under Japan's 1955 System

In the 1980s, a wave of new–extremely clever and detailed–studies revolutionized the Japanese politics field. The empirical findings of this ‘new paradigm’ literature remain the conventional wisdom on Japanese policy-making patterns under the ‘1955 System’. In this paper, we offer a critical reinterpretation of the new paradigm literature. We do not offer new empirical analysis, but, rather, reconsider this conventional wisdom by putting a new spin on the evidence previous authors utilized to analyze the policy-making process in Japan under the 1955 System. Contrary to the conventional view of strong central bureaucratic power, we argue that in the 1960s policy making was quite fragmented. In contrast to literature suggesting substantial politician influence in the 1980s, we argue that there was a decline in the influence of politicians in general in policy making.
Self-assembly of gibberellic amide assemblies and their applications in the growth and fabrication of ordered gold nanoparticles.

Gibberellins are a group of naturally occurring diterpenoid based phytohormones that play a vital role in plant growth and development. In this work, we have studied the self-assembly of gibberellic acid, a phytohormone, which belongs to the family of gibberellins, and designed amide derivatives of gibberellic acid (GA3) for the facile, green synthesis of gold nanoparticles. It was found that the derivatives self-assembled into nanofibers and nanoribbons in aqueous solutions at varying pH. Further, upon incubation with tetrachloroaurate, the self-assembled GA3-amide derivatives efficiently nucleated and formed gold nanoparticles when heated to 60??C. Energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy analyses revealed that uniform coatings of gold nanoparticles in the 10?20?nm range were obtained at low pH on the nanowire surfaces without the assistance of additional reducing agents. This simple method for the development of morphology controlled gold nanoparticles using a plant hormone derivative opens doors for a new class of plant biomaterials which can efficiently yield gold nanoparticles in an environmentally friendly manner. The gold encrusted nanowires formed using biomimetic methods may lead on to the formation of conductive nanowires, which may be useful for a wide range of applications such as in optoelectronics and sensors. Further, the spontaneous formation of highly organized nanostructures obtained from plant phytohormone derivatives such as gibberellic acid is of particular interest as it might help in further understanding the supramolecular assembly mechanism of more highly organized biological structures.
A taxonomic assessment of the type series of Albertosaurus sarcophagus and the identity of Tyrannosauridae (Dinosauria, Coelurosauria) in the Albertosaurus bonebed from the Horseshoe Canyon Formation (Campanian–Maastrichtian, Late Cretaceous)This article is one of a series of papers published in this Special Issue on the theme Albertosaurus.

The type series of Albertosaurus sarcophagus, consisting of a type (CMN 5600) and a paratype (CMN 5601) is inadequately established, since it has not been demonstrated that the specimens represent ...
Continuous extrapleural intercostal nerve block with continuous infusion of lidocaine after thoracotomy. A descriptive pilot study.

Continuous extrapleural intercostal block (EPIB) with bupivacaine has been reported to be an effective analgesic technique in patients after thoracotomy. We report a retrospective study of EPIB using a continuous infusion of 1% lidocaine hydrochloride at a dose of 1 mg/kg/h. A posterior parietal pleural pocket was created and cannulated with a 16-g polyethylene catheter. Lidocaine was perfused over a 3-day period following surgery. Patients also had access to morphine sulfate via patient-controlled analgesia. Eighteen consecutive posterolateral thoracotomies (in 17 patients) performed during a 6-month period were reviewed. Serum lidocaine exceeded the toxic level of 5 µg/mL in only one patient, a 104.5-kg man who had a level of 5.9 µg/mL on postoperative day 2 but experienced no clinical toxicity. Pain was evaluated by verbal analog scores (0=no pain and 10=worst pain), which averaged 3.02, 3.14, and 2.8 in the 3 days following surgery. Mean total daily MS doses were 24.3,37.75, and 34.32 mg (range, 0 to 94 mg). Sedation was scored on a 1 to 5 scale. Mean scores were 2.78, 2.56, and 2.6. No patient died or had a major respiratory complication. Continuous EPIB with lidocaine appears to be a promising adjuvant technique in the management of postthoracotomy pain. Effectiveness needs to be confirmed in a prospective randomized study.
A 32nm SRAM reliability macro for recovery free evaluation of NBTI and PBTI

A scalable test structure for recovery free evaluation of the impact of NBTI and PBTI on read/write operation in a SRAM macro has been developed. A novel non-invasive methodology keeps the stress interrupts for measurements within a few microseconds, preventing unwanted BTI recovery, while providing a parallel stress-measure capability on 32kb sub-arrays. Measurement results in a 32nm high-κ/metal-gate silicon-on-insulator process show that proposed schemes provides 35mV better accuracy in read V MIN and 10X accuracy in BFR.
The influence of high school dropout and school disengagement on the risk of school-age pregnancy.

Using data from a recent longitudinal cohort of 8th graders, I found that factors relevant to teens' school experiences—including characteristics of their school and classroom, their family background, and individual engagement—were associated with the risk of school-age pregnancy leading to a live birth. The research tested whether high school dropout status, or other measures of school engagement, similarly influenced the likelihood of school-age pregnancy among White, Black, and Hispanic teens. A set of proportional hazards models indicated that for all racial and ethnic groups, high levels of school engagement were associated with postponing pregnancy. Among White and Hispanic teens, dropouts—especially young dropouts—were more likely to have a school-age pregnancy, net of other family and educational factors. Although African American teens did not show a relation between dropping out and the risk of pregnancy, other measures of engagement were important predictors of having a school-age pregnancy fo...
On graphs of minimum skew rank 4

The zero–nonzero pattern of a skew-symmetric matrix defines a graph. The minimum rank of all real skew-symmetric matrices with a given graph is studied. The probabilistic method is used to show that for sufficiently large , there is a regular graph of order whose complement has girth at least 5 and for which every skew-symmetric matrix with graph has rank at least 6. This settles an open problem. It is also proved that almost all graphs on vertices do not allow a skew-symmetric matrix whose rank is less than .
SRC-2 is an essential coactivator for orchestrating metabolism and circadian rhythm.

Synchrony of the mammalian circadian clock is achieved by complex transcriptional and translational feedback loops centered on the BMAL1:CLOCK heterodimer. Modulation of circadian feedback loops is essential for maintaining rhythmicity, yet the role of transcriptional coactivators in driving BMAL1:CLOCK transcriptional networks is largely unexplored. Here, we show diurnal hepatic steroid receptor coactivator 2 (SRC-2) recruitment to the genome that extensively overlaps with the BMAL1 cistrome during the light phase, targeting genes that enrich for circadian and metabolic processes. Notably, SRC-2 ablation impairs wheel-running behavior, alters circadian gene expression in several peripheral tissues, alters the rhythmicity of the hepatic metabolome, and deregulates the synchronization of cell-autonomous metabolites. We identify SRC-2 as a potent coregulator of BMAL1:CLOCK and find that SRC-2 targets itself with BMAL1:CLOCK in a feedforward loop. Collectively, our data suggest that SRC-2 is a transcriptional coactivator of the BMAL1:CLOCK oscillators and establish SRC-2 as a critical positive regulator of the mammalian circadian clock.
Integrated MSS effects: an empirical health care investigation

Since accurate decisions are required for effective management, much research has focused on information systems that support decision making. Recently, this research has engendered frameworks, such as the management support system (MSS), that are designed to provide comprehensive and integrated support for the decision making process. Few, if any, studies have empirically measured the effects of these frameworks on decision making. This article offers empirical evidence on MSS effectiveness. It overviews the decision making process, presents an MSS for supporting the process, and assesses the influences of the MSS on the process and outcomes of health care decision making. The paper also examines the implications of the analyses for information systems research and health care practice.
Study to examine wind-driven currents

The effects of the wind on currents along northern California will be examined under a $6.4 million study beginning April 1. The 4-year program, called Coastal Ocean Dynamics Experiment (CODE), is funded by the National Science Foundation. Oceanographers from five institutions will participate. Focus of the study will be on the physical conditions involved in ocean movement, including water and air temperatures, and wind speed and direction. CODE's overall objective is to identify and quantify the processes that govern wind-driven currents over the continental shelf along a 97-km stretch of California. Data from Point Arena to Bodega Bay will be collected by using moored instruments, floating buoys, shipboard observations, land-based stations, and aircraft.
Holocene carbonatite-nephelinite tephra deposits of Oldoinyo Lengai, Tanzania

Natrocarbonatite and nephelinite tephra have been erupted together from Oldoinyo Lengai over the past few thousand years. The oldest deposits with recognizable natrocarbonatite are thin tuff beds probably between 2000 and 5000 years in age. Tuffs and agglomerates with an age of about 1250–2000 years contain evidence strongly suggestive of natrocarbonatite ash. The volcano is mantled by nephelinite-carbonatite ash deposits, termed the Footprint Tuff, that were erupted about 600 years ago. Evidence is contradictory as to whether natrocarbonatite was discharged during the cone-building phase of eruptions, which ended about 15,000 years ago. Nephelinite-carbonatite ash erupted in 1966 contains an unidentified mineral, designated NCS, with a chemical composition of Na4.09Ca2.76Si5O14.81. It may be genetically related to natrocarbonatite magma as it has thus far been identified only in the younger tephra deposits of Oldoinyo Lengai, most of which contain evidence of natrocarbonatite. A tephra deposit termed the Footprint Tuff contains footprints thought to be preserved by the rapid recrystallization of primary natrocarbonatite. Calcite of natrocarbonatite origin forms an estimated 15–20% of the airfall tuffs, and natrocarbonatite probably equalled or exceeded the volume of nephelinite tephra at the time of eruption. Nyerereite ([Na0.82K0.18]2 Ca[CO3]2) and gregoryite ([Na0.78K0.05] [Ca0.17CO3]) were primary minerals in the natrocarbonatite, as in modern lavas of Oldoinyo Lengai. Unlike modern lavas, the groundmass contained a substantial amount of silicate material. Noncarbonate minerals in the Footprint Tuff include nepheline, melilite, augite, wollastonite, melanite, fluorite, and NCS. The Footprint Tuff was cemented soon after deposition, very likely by trona. Gaylussite, pirssonite, or both, were probably later alteration products in the transformation of natrocarbonatite ash to form calcite. Oxygen and carbon isotopic re-equilibration were essentially decoupled in alteration of natrocarbonatite ash. δ18O values of this calcite suggest extensive to complete oxygen exchange, but δ13C values are in and near the range for unaltered natrocarbonatite. Carbon exchange may have been retarded in ash alteration by the high pH of pore fluid.
Ultrasound Neurography in the Evaluation of Sciatic Nerve Injuries

[Purpose] The aim of this clinical study was to investigate the benefits and the basic principles of ultrasonographic examination in the evaluation of sciatic nerve injuries. [Subjects and Methods] Patients with sciatic nerve injury were evaluated using a real-time utrasonographic examination. The capabilty of ultrasonography in terms of determination of the type and the localization of injury, the position of the proximal and distal nerve segments, the presence or absence of a neuroma, and perilesional scar tissue were evaluated in all cases. [Results] Ten cases with sciatic nerve injury were evaluated with real time sonography. Perilesional scar tissue formation was found in 4 (40%) cases. Two (20%) cases had stump neuroma diagnosed by sonographic examination. The capability of ultrasonographic examination was satisfactory for all evaluation parameters. [Conclusion] Ultrasonographic examination of sciatic nerve lesions may be used for the description of the degree of injury, determination of complete or incomplete nerve sectioning, the presence of hematoma and foreign body, the continuity of nerve, determination of nerve stumps, formation of perilesional scar tissue, and the presence of neuroma.
Ruby as a Macroscopic Fluorescing and Laser Material

We consider ruby as a linear, uniaxial, maxwellian medium, which, in its absorbing state, has axially dependent material constants. It is made active by pumping with electric fields, in the region of shorter-wavelength absorption bands, which, by means of an energy transfer, induce source-type electric fields having constant amplitudes in the R1 and R2 regions, and make possible absorption, spontaneous emission, and stimulated emission. Experiments indicate that the absorption, fluorescence, and laser action are all maximum for electric fields perpendicular to the optic axis, and minimum when the electric field is parallel to the optic axis; the relative irradiances and shapes of the R1 and R2 bands in all cases depend upon the orientation of the plane of polarization of the emerging radiant flux relative to the optic axis. Attempts are made to compute the spectral distributions in the R1 and R2 bands for the ordinary and extraordinary waves, neglecting all boundary-value problems. Agreement was found to be possible only in the region below the threshold of laser action.
Observation of oceanic origin of Sahel precipitation from space

Abstract The West African Monsoon region is of great concern due to the negative ecological, economical, and societal impacts of the persistent drought. Our results support the established postulation that the onset of summer rain in the southern region is associated with the migration of the inter-tropical convergence zone and in phase with the meridional moisture transport from the Gulf of Guinea. We present recent satellite measurements that illustrate the phase shift of the precipitation in the northern region, the Sahel, with respect to the region to the south. These satellite data and associated analysis techniques let us combine the effect of the onshore flow at the surface and offshore transport aloft to demonstrate with sufficient clarity that the depth-integrated moisture advection across the west coast, from the open Atlantic Ocean into the Sahel region, is in-phase with the annual and inter-annual variations of Sahel rainfall, but out-of-phase with rainfall in the southern region around the Gulf of Guinea. The peak Sahel rainfall is associated with the short-lived net moisture influx from the Atlantic, which may interact with local instability related to the African Easterly Waves. The data show two precipitation regimes in Western Africa Monsoon region associated with moisture input from two different regions of the ocean.
Quantitative analysis of Dunaliella salina diacylglyceryltrimethylhomoserine and its individual molecular species by high performance liquid chromatography

Abstract A reverse phase high performance liquid chromatographic method has been devised for resolving the molecular species of 1 (3),2-diacylglyceryl-0−4′-(N,N,N,-trimethyl)-homoserine (DGTS), a lipid now known to occur widely in algae and certain divisions of higher plants. With this method, DGTS can be quantitated in amounts as low as 0.5 μg, and the individual molecular species can be recovered for further study. The molar ratio of DGTS to total phospholipids is 0.65 in Dunaliella chloroplasts and 0.57 in microsomes. The molecular species composition is similar to that of phosphatidylcholine (PC) of the same membranes but very different from that of all other major glycerolipids.
Binding of125I-cholecystokinin-octapeptide in the paraventricular but not the supraoptic nucleus is increased by ovariectomy

Abstract Specific, high affinity binding of125I-cholecystokinin-octapeptide (CCK) in the paraventricular nucleus was found to be confined to the anterior pole of the posterior magnocellular subdivision (PVHpm). Tissue sampled from intact male and female rats revealed only low CCK binding in the PVHpm; however, binding was greatly increased by ovarietomy. By contrast, binding was uniformly high throughout the supraoptic nucleus of intact males and females and was unaffected by ovariectomy. These results are interpreted in terms of the potential influence of CCK and estrogen on neurosecretion of oxytocin and CCK.
Increase in bone mass after correction of vitamin D insufficiency in bisphosphonate-treated patients.

Objective: To assess the relative contribution of vitamin D insufficiency to loss of bone mineral density (BMD) in patients taking bisphosphonates.Methods: Patients were eligible for inclusion if they had osteoporosis or osteopenia and demonstrated a decline in BMD during the preceding year while taking stable doses of alendronate or risedronate, plus supplemental calcium and vitamin D. Patients with previously known secondary causes of osteoporosis were excluded from the study. Eligible patients underwent prospective measurement of bilateral hip and lumbar spine BMD by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD), 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, intact parathyroid hormone, osteocalcin, and thyroid-stimulating hormone (thyrotropin), and urinary calcium:creatinine ratio.Results: Annual BMD was assessed in 175 previously bisphosphonate-responsive patients with low BMD. Of the 175 patients, 136 (78%) had either a significant interval increase or no change in BMD, whereas 39 (22%) had a signi...
Comparison of interleukin 10 homologs on dermal wound healing using a novel human skin ex vivo organ culture model

Background Anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-10 has been shown to induce regenerative healing in postnatal wounds. A viral homolog of IL-10 produced by human cytomegalovirus (CMV IL-10) similarly generates potent immunoregulatory effects, but its effects on wound healing have not been investigated. Currently, there are limited cost-effective methods of screening vulnerary therapeutics. Taken together, we aim to develop and validate a novel human ex vivo dermal wound model and hypothesize that CMV IL-10 will enhance dermal wound healing.
Is data-centric storage and querying scalable?

The scalability of a wireless sensor network has been of interest and importance. We use a constrained optimization framework to derive fundamental scaling laws for both unstructured sensor networks (which use blind sequential search for querying) and structured sensor networks (which use efficient hash-based querying). We find that the scalability of a sensor network's performance depends upon whether or not the increase in energy and storage resources with more nodes is outweighed by the concomitant application-specific increase in event and query loads. We have figured out the theoretical scaling laws for the networks of 2 dimensional deployment in our previous work [2]. We report on our work-in-progress aimed at extending the scaling laws to networks of various dimensional deployment. As a recent achievement, we find that m⋅q1/2 must be O(N d?1/2d) for unstructured networks, and m⋅q d/d+1 must be O(N d?1/d) for structured networks, to ensure scalable network performance, where m is the number of events sensed by a network over a finite period of deployment, q is the number of queries for each event, d is the dimension of deployment, and N is the size of the network. These conditions determine (i) whether or not the energy requirement per node grows without bound with the network size for a fixed-duration deployment, (ii) whether or not there exists a maximum network size that can be operated for a specified duration on a fixed energy budget, and (iii) whether the network lifetime increases or decreases with the size of the network for a fixed energy budget. An interesting finding of this extension is that 3D uniform deployments are inherently more scalable than 2D uniform deployments, which in turn are more scalable than 1D uniform deployments.
Transitioning to digital radiography.

Objective – To describe the different forms of digital radiography (DR), image file formats, supporting equipment and services required for DR, storage of digital images, and teleradiology. Background – Purchasing a DR system is a major investment for a veterinary practice. Types of DR systems include computed radiography, charge coupled devices, and direct or indirect DR. Comparison of workflow for analog and DR is presented. Summary – On the surface, switching to DR involves the purchase of DR acquisition hardware. The X-ray machine, table and grids used in analog radiography are the same for DR. Realistically, a considerable infrastructure supports the image acquisition hardware. This infrastructure includes monitors, computer workstations, a robust computer network and internet connection, a plan for storage and back up of images, and service contracts. Advantages of DR compared with analog radiography include improved image quality (when used properly), ease of use (more forgiving to the errors of radiographic technique), speed of making a complete study (important for critically ill patients), fewer repeat radiographs, less time looking for imaging studies, less physical storage space, and the ability to easily send images for consultation. Conclusions – With an understanding of the infrastructure requirements, capabilities and limitations of DR, an informed veterinary practice should be better able to make a sound decision about transitioning to DR.