cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of undesirable fibrous tissue in processing carrots using Computed Tomography (CT) and structural fiber biochemistry.

Abstract This research was designed to investigate the presence of undesirable fibrous tissue in carrots through Computed Tomography (CT) images. Also, the structural polymers content (cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin) of different types of fibrous tissue, fibrous-free and fibrous carrots were determined by a laboratory analytical procedure (National Renewable Energy Laboratory standards). CT scans were performed on 224 fresh carrots, containing varying undesirable fibrous tissue levels, using a GE-BrightSpeed® RT-Elite CT system (Buckinghamshire, UK). Two-dimensional (2D) CT images were acquired every 2.5 mm, at a voltage and current equal to 120 kV and 240 mA, respectively. Hounsfield-Unit (HU) values (tissue physical densities) were extracted from different 2D CT image regions from dissimilar carrot components (phloem, xylem and vascular cambium), in fibrous and fibrous-free carrots. A significant decrease (P
"Come code with codester": an educational app that teaches computer science (abstract only)

Despite dramatic changes in technology over the past several years, educating young students in computer science at the elementary school level remains a challenge. Tackling this issue, we created 'Codester,' a novel Android application, as a tool to engage learners in the basics of computer science and to teach them computational thinking. Unlike other educational coding programs such as Scratch and Lego Mindstorms, our app is unique because it is mobile and allows users to learn a variety of concepts at a rapid rate. By running user studies for participants in grades 1-3 and 4-6, we quantified the effectiveness of Codester. Students were challenged and developed logic skills throughout the sessions. Using surveys, pretests, and posttests, we found an improvement in the five main computational thinking concepts that Codester teaches: sequencing, iteration, code reuse, decision-making, and logic. The participants especially showed an increased understanding of the code reuse concept: grade 1-3 students improved by 32% at the end of the program; grade 4-6 users improved by 43%. Additionally, the software and the tablet platform were attractive to the participants. Eighty percent of students stated that they enjoyed using the tablets to learn new material, and 72% said that they would like to continue learning with Codester. These figures show a promising increase of interest in coding and thus match the goal of our app: teach youngsters programming in a fun and challenging way. Please see www.codesterapp.com.
Effects of hydrogen during molecular beam epitaxy of GaN

We study the effect of introducing hydrogen gas through the RF plasma source during plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy of GaN(0001). The well-known smooth-to-rough transition that occurs for this surface as a function of decreasing Ga flux in the absence of H is found to persist even with H present. But, the critical Ga flux for this transition is increased by the presence of H, and for sufficiently high H pressure a new 2 × 2 surface structure that is believed to be H-terminated is observed. Under Ga-rich conditions, the presence of hydrogen is found to induce step bunching on the surface, from which we argue that H selectively bonds to surface step and/or kink sites. (© 2005 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Relationships of pH to exchange rates and deuterium isotope effects in the fumarase reaction

Abstract The rates of the 3 H malate ah 3 H HOH , 14 C fumarate ah 14 C malate and 18 O malate ah 18 O HOH exchanges were measured in the fumarase reaction at equilibrium and high substrate concentration over the pH range 5.0–9.6. Exchange rates were near maximal at pH 7.3, with a ratio of 0.38:1.0:1.8 for the 3 H, 14 C, and 18 O exchanges, respectively. All exchanges approached zero at the pH extremes. The ratio of exchange rates approached equality as pH was increased, indicative of change in relative ratelimiting steps. As pH was decreased, the ratio of the 18 O: 14 C exchange reached a maximum of 2.3 at pH 6.7 and remained above 2 down to pH 5.0, indicative that CO bond breaking remains the most rapid step event at low pH. Replacement of H by D in the CH bond broken when HOH is eliminated had no effect on the rate of fumarate formation at pH 7.3 and 9.6, but a small effect ( k H k D = 1.3 ) was revealed at pH 5. The deuterium substitution had only a very small effect on the rate of 18 O exchange at pH 7.3 ( k H k D = 1.15 ). The findings add to the probability of an intermediate with considerable carbonium ion character in fumarase catalysis.
In vitro depression of cellular immunity by Friend virus leukemic spleen cells.

Murine spleen lymphocytes show a marked depression in their response to concanavalin A (Con A) 14 days after Friend virus (FV) infection. This depression is related to the appearance of FV antigen-containing cells in the spleen. Statolon treatment 3 days after FV inoculation suppresses FV disease and restores the responsiveness of lymphocytes to Con A. The addition of as few as 1 leukemic to every 5 normal spleen cells inhibits the Con A response of the latter cells. Normal spleen lymphocytes are not inhibited by the addition of FV or leukemic spleen cell culture fluid. Leukemic cells have an increased avidity for Con A and preferentially remove it from the culture medium. However, increasing the concentration of Con A in the medium did not overcome the depressive effects of the leukemic spleen cells on normal cells, indicating that depression of the normal cellular response to Con A had been produced by the leukemic cells. The data suggest that this depressive effect is mediated via membrane-membrane contact between the two cell types.
Use of frozen semen to avoid human immunodeficiency virus type 1 transmission by donor insemination: a cost-effectiveness analysis.

Abstract Objective Reappraisal of current guidelines mandating frozen-thawed semen. Design Cost-effectiveness analysis comparing the use of frozen semen with the use of fresh semen from the same donors without a second antibody test. Setting A Markov model computer simulation. Patient(s) A theoretical cohort of 80,000 women whose husbands are azoospermic. Intervention(s) Simulation with calculation of costs and payoffs. Main outcome measure(s) Total lifetime direct health care costs, costs per live birth, life expectancy, quality adjusted life years (QALY), marginal cost effectiveness ($/QALY). Result(s) If all 80,000 women who undergo donor insemination in the United States each year chose to use fresh semen from donors screened according to the current practice guidelines but without semen cryopreservation, there would be 8,881 more births and the mean cost per live birth would be $15,501 less. One recipient would become infected with HIV-1 every 5.1 years, during which time over 180,000 noninfected children would be born. The average life expectancy of recipients would be reduced by 2 days, but their quality-adjusted life expectancy would increase by over 1 month. Medicolegal costs to physicians would need to exceed $780 million per infection to equalize the cost effectiveness of the fresh and frozen policies. Conclusion(s) The guidelines should be revised to allow the use of fresh semen by informed recipients.
Advancing partnered research in the VA healthcare system: the pursuit of increased research engagement, responsiveness, and impact.

Organization scholars and astute leaders have known for half a century that involving people in decision-making increases their motivation to implement decisions1 and that integrating research and practice in an organization is associated with higher organizational performance.2 Yet this knowledge has not been used very effectively in implementing research evidence into practice, and the pipeline metaphor of translating research into practice inherently ignores these organizational facts. The pipeline portrays the development of knowledge as the domain of researchers, to be translated into usable form for practitioners and organizations. It also portrays a sequential process that leaves the potential users of research out of its development, contrary to what is needed to motivate the use of research findings. Conducting partnered research and evaluation through bidirectional communication and engagement of key stakeholders holds significant promise for improving the impact of research through the design and implementation of evidence-based practice and policy.
A review of advocate-scientist collaboration in federally funded environmental breast cancer research centers.

BackgroundThe Long Island Breast Cancer Study Project was the first federally funded study of environmental causes of breast cancer. Although advocates were expected to participate in this study, t...
Litigation or Arbitration: View from the Trenches

In my business as president of a large consulting engineering firm, it was standard practice to avoid arbitration clauses in contracts. We routinely struck the clause from standard American Institute of Architects (AIA) agreements, and this seemed to be common practice among other architectural and engineering firms with which we did business. Now, I recognize that practice was likely because of a lack of understanding of the arbitration process. Here are a few of the issues that have changed my mind about the effectiveness of arbitration. Subsequently, I will discuss three conflicts resolved in litigation and court-ordered mediation that might have had different results had we had an arbitration clause in our contract.
The nature of the sodium dependence of amino acid transport by system A of the s37 cell

Abstract The present study was undertaken to answer a specific question: is the activity of amino acid transport system A entirely abolished in the absence of sodium in the medium, or does some residual activity of system A remain? A biphasic double-reciprocal plot was obtained for histidine uptake from media in which sucrose, potassium ion, or choline replaced sodium ion. The uptake of labeled N-methyl-2-aminoisobutyric acid or labeled histidine from sodium-free media was inhibited by added N-methyl-2-aminoisobutyric acid. N-methyl-2-aminoisobutyric acid also inhibited transport of labeled alanine when system L was already blocked in a choline chloride medium. Concentrative uptake of N-methyl-2-aminoisobutyric acid or alanine occurred in a choline chloride medium. Uptake of N-methyl-2-aminoisobutyric acid was saturable in the absence of sodium ion, but was stimulated by the presence of sodium ion. A non -saturable uptake route was not detectable in the S37 cell. The activity of amino acid transport system A in the S37 cell is clearly enhanced by the presence of sodium ion, but sodium ion is not an obligatory requirement for transfer of amino acids through system A to occur.
Post-traumatic female urethral reconstruction

Post-traumatic urethral damage resulting in urethrovaginal fistulas or strictures, though rare, should be suspected in patients who have unexpected urinary incontinence or lower urinary tract symptoms after pelvic surgery, pelvic fracture, a long-term indwelling urethral catheter, or pelvic radiation. Careful physical examination and cystourethroscopy are critical to diagnose and assess the extent of the fistula. A concomitant vesicovaginal or ureterovaginal fistula should also be ruled out. The two main indications for reconstruction are sphincteric incontinence and urethral obstruction. Surgical correction intends to create a continent urethra that permits volitional, painless, and unobstructed passage of urine. An autologous pubovaginal sling, with or without a Martius flap at time of reconstruction, should be considered. The three approaches to urethral reconstruction are anterior bladder flaps, posterior bladder flaps, and vaginal wall flaps. We believe vaginal flaps are usually the best option. Options for vaginal repair of fistula include primary closure, peninsula flaps, bilateral labial pedicle flaps, and labial island flaps. Outcomes are optimized by using exacting surgical principles during repair and careful postoperative management by an experienced reconstructive surgeon.
The Cost of Compliance to Sarbanes-Oxley: An Examination of the Real Estate Investment Industry

SUMMARY: Studies documenting the increased audit cost of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 have focused on large cross industry samples of industrial firms. To control for differences in industry and business complexities such as foreign operations or segments, these studies have relied on various dichotomous variables. In addition, the studies have either focused on the cost of Section 404 related to internal control testing or assumed that the increases in audit pricing occurred in 2002 when the law was enacted. By focusing on one industry (REITS), we find that dummy variables may not adequately capture the effect of complexity in an industry. We also show that considering within-industry variations in audit pricing leads to the conclusion that the increase due to SOX is actually lower than previously thought. Finally, by structuring the tests to measure separately for the costs of the audit independence provisions and the internal control provisions, we find that the costs of SOX were much greater than th...
The "soap opera" effect in story recall.

When people learn a series of actions of a character, their memory is strongly influenced, we suggest, by beliefs about that character’s motives. Motives serve as schema for deciding the meaning of the actions, their importance, and their interconnections. In two experiments, subjects read and later remembered some dull activities of a character. Experimental subjects knew what this character was worrying about (e.g., an unwanted pregnancy); control subjects did not. Recall and recognition showed that motive subjects distorted many of the colorless events to be motive relevant. Although the motive schema helped connect the disparate actions, it interfered with accurate recording and recall of the details.
Prognostic value of flow cytophotometric DNA content analysis in single treatment stage IB-IIA squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix

Abstract DNA content was measured flow cytometrically in archival tissue from 65 single-treatment stage IB and IIA squamous cell carcinomas of the cervix with at least 5 years of clinical followup. Thirty-five cases were treated exclusively by hysterectomy and thirty exclusively by radiation therapy. Tumors were categorized into four groups on the basis of DNA content and cell cycle distribution. DNA content was measured relative to the position of the first resolvable cell peak. G2/M and S-phase fractions were estimated as percentage of cells with DNA contents greater than or equal to relative position 1.70 and percentage of cells with relative positions between 1.20 and 1.70, respectively. The 40 tumors characterized as either aneuploid or nondemonstrably aneuploid with high S-phase fraction estimate had a 5-year recurrence rate significantly higher than that of the 25 tumors categorized as tetraploid or nondemonstrably aneuploid with low S-phase fraction estimate (52 and 4%, respectively; χ 2 = 15.8, P χ 2 = 7.95, P χ 2 = 5.7, P
The Cost-Effectiveness of Improving Diabetes Care in U.S. Federally Qualified Community Health Centers

Deficiencies in the quality of care of chronic conditions such as diabetes are well recognized as a major public health problem (Committee on Quality of Health Care in America 2001; McGlynn et al. 2003). Concerns regarding these deficiencies have led to significant public investment in quality improvement (QI) programs and related disease management programs (Fleming et al. 2001; Casalino 2005). One of the longest-running national QI programs is the Health Disparities Collaboratives (HDC) initiated in 1998 by the Health Resources and Services Administration's Bureau of Primary Health Care (HRSA's BPHC) in federally qualified community health centers (HCs). This program began with a focus on improving the quality of diabetes care. Short-term studies of the Diabetes HDC have shown that the program improved processes of diabetes care after 1 year of implementation (Chin et al. 2004). Long-term follow-up of the Diabetes HDC over 4 years has more recently demonstrated improvements in processes of care such as use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and aspirin as well as intermediary outcomes including glucose and lipid control (Chin et al. forthcoming). Although many QI programs and disease management programs have been found to improve chronic care (Chodosh et al. 2005), the value of such programs has been rarely assessed with cost-effectiveness analyses (CEA). CEA is used to illustrate the economic value of new treatments, tests, and programs and these results provide policy makers with a common metric for comparing diverse technologies and programs. CEA of QI programs would allow comparison of QI programs with other health care technologies and inform resource allocation decisions. In addition, CEA results can help identify the components of chronic care that are likely to produce the largest health benefits for patients. These analyses can help those implementing QI programs decide where to target future improvements. We set out to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the Diabetes HDC program combining data from a study of the program's effectiveness with a comprehensive simulation model of diabetes complications.
Large-scale synthesis of perpendicularly aligned helical carbon nanotubes.

Large-scale perpendicularly aligned helical carbon nanotube arrays were prepared by co-pyrolysis of Fe(CO)5 and pyridine onto the pristine quartz glass plates in a tube furnace at 900−1100 °C under a mixture flow of Ar and H2. The resultant aligned helical carbon nanotubes could not only facilitate the structure−property characterization for helical carbon nanotubes but also allow them to be effectively incorporated into devices for practical applications.
On problems of Erdös and Rudin

A well-known conjecture of W. Rudin is that the set of squares is a ∧p-set for all p>4. In particular, this implies that for all e>0, there exists a constant ce such that ∫Π∑j=1keinj2λ4dx14⩽cek12+e for any k distinct integers n1…nk. In this article we give a combinatorial interpretation of the inequality above in the spirit of ⧹|q⧹|q sum and product sets along graphs as considered by P. Erdos and E. Szemeredi (Studies in Pure Mathematics, pp. 213–218). We also show that the left-hand side of the inequality is bounded by Cek34(logk)148−e.
A Comparison of LSM, LSF, and LSCo for Solid Oxide Electrolyzer Anodes

Composite electrodes of yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) with La 0.8 Sr 0.2 MnO 3 (LSM), La 0.8 Sr 0.2 FeO 3 (LSF), and La 0.8 Sr 0.2 CoO 3 (LSCo) were prepared and tested as solid oxide electrolyzer (SOE) anodes and solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) cathodes at 973 K, using cells with a YSZ electrolyte and a Co-ceria-YSZ counter electrode. The LSM-YSZ electrode was activated by cathodic polarization but the enhanced performance was found to be unstable during electrolysis, with the electrode impedance increasing to near its unenhanced state after 24 h. LSF-YSZ and LSCo-YSZ electrodes exhibited a nearly constant impedance, independent of current density, during both SOE and SOFC operation. The performance of an LSF-YSZ composite for electrolysis current densities above 200 mA/cm 2 was unaffected by changing the O 2 partial pressure from ∼10 -2 to 1 atm, while the lower O 2 pressure harmed the performance of the LSCo-YSZ composite. The implications of these results for the characterization and optimization of SOE anodes is discussed.
Influence of Inhibitors of Protein Synthesis on Interferon Formation in Mice.

Abstract The existence of preformed interferon in the tissues of intact animals has been clearly demonstrated by the experiments reported. This was shown by the finding that doses of puromycin or cycloheximide which effectively inhibited protein synthesis did not prevent the appearance of circulating interferon in mice injected with bacterial endotoxin. In contrast, interferon induction by Brucella abortus or NDV was eliminated by blockade of protein synthesis. Further evidence for the presence of preformed interferon in intact mice was provided by experiments in which only cycloheximide was injected. Effective blockade of protein synthesis was accompanied by the appearance in the circulation of significant amounts of a viral inhibitor which was indistinguishable from virus-induced interferon.
The corporate suppression of inventions, conspiracy theories, and an ambivalent American dream

(1996). The corporate suppression of inventions, conspiracy theories, and an ambivalent American dream. Science as Culture: Vol. 6, No. 2, pp. 194-219.
Robust feature extraction for rapid classification of damage in composites

The ability to detect anomalies in signals from sensors is imperative for structural health monitoring (SHM) applications. Many of the candidate algorithms for these applications either require a lot of training examples or are very computationally inefficient for large sample sizes. The damage detection framework presented in this paper uses a combination of Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) along with Support Vector Machines (SVM) to obtain a computationally efficient classification scheme for rapid damage state determination. LDA was used for feature extraction of damage signals from piezoelectric sensors on a composite plate and these features were used to train the SVM algorithm in parts, reducing the computational intensity associated with the quadratic optimization problem that needs to be solved during training. SVM classifiers were organized into a binary tree structure to speed up classification, which also reduces the total training time required. This framework was validated on composite plates that were impacted at various locations. The results show that the algorithm was able to correctly predict the different impact damage cases in composite laminates using less than 21 percent of the total available training data after data reduction.
A case of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma-associated pemphigus foliaceus and use of rituximab for treatment.

Background: Pemphigus foliaceus (PF), an autoimmune skin disorder resulting in the formation of superficial blisters, is a rarely reported skin manifestation of non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). Typical therapies for PF in non‐malignant cases include immunosuppressants such as corticosteroids. We report the case of a patient undergoing therapy for NHL who subsequently developed PF which resolved following treatment with rituximab, an anti‐CD20 monoclonal antibody. Case report: A 73‐year‐old Caucasian male who received a course of rituximab for NHL 3 years prior, presented with atypical urticarial lesions that developed into blisters. Pathological determination identified the lesions as PF. Traditional corticosteroid therapy failed to resolve the PF lesions. However, in this clinical situation, the patient responded to a repeat rituximab administration with complete resolution of the PF lesions. Discussion: Paraneoplastic pemphigus, the most serious form of pemphigus, is more commonly associated with malignanc...
Cystic adenomatoid malformation involving an entire lung in a 22-year-old woman

Congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation is an uncommon cause of respiratory distress in infants and is a rare entity in adults. Presentation in older patients is that of recurrent pulmonary infections. Usually a single lobe is involved. This report describes congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation involving the entire right lung in a 22-year-old woman presenting with gastrointestinal bleeding due to cavernous transformation of the portal and splenic veins.
Electromechanical devices with enhanced inductance via electrodynamic interactions

Abstract This paper presents the concept, theory, and demonstration of electromechanical devices that employ energy conversion and mechanical energy storage in order to boost the apparent one-port electrical inductance. Two different structures – moving-magnet and moving-conductor – are used to demonstrate the concept. An electromechanical lumped element model is derived that both explains the physics and guides the design. Measurements of mesoscale proof-of-concept devices indicate an inductance boost of up to three orders of magnitude compared to static electrical devices, with maximum inductive quality factor up to 7.4. These structures are presented as a first step toward ultra-high-inductance-density microfabricated “electromechanical inductors” ultimately intended for power converter applications.
Involvement of a Membrane-Bound Class III Adenylate Cyclase in Regulation of Anaerobic Respiration in Shewanella oneidensis MR-1

Unlike other bacteria that use FNR to regulate anaerobic respiration, Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 uses the cyclic AMP receptor protein (CRP) for this purpose. Three putative genes, cyaA, cyaB, and cyaC, predicted to encode class I, class IV, and class III adenylate cyclases, respectively, have been identified in the genome sequence of this bacterium. Functional validation through complementation of an Escherichia coli cya mutant confirmed that these genes encode proteins with adenylate cyclase activities. Chromosomal deletion of either cyaA or cyaB did not affect anaerobic respiration with fumarate, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), or Fe(III), whereas deletion of cyaC caused deficiencies in respiration with DMSO and Fe(III) and, to a lesser extent, with fumarate. A phenotype similar to that of a crp mutant, which lacks the ability to grow anaerobically with DMSO, fumarate, and Fe(III), was obtained when both cyaA and cyaC were deleted. Microarray analysis of gene expression in the crp and cyaC mutants revealed the involvement of both genes in the regulation of key respiratory pathways, such as DMSO, fumarate, and Fe(III) reduction. Additionally, several genes associated with plasmid replication, flagellum biosynthesis, and electron transport were differentially expressed in the cyaC mutant but not in the crp mutant. Our results indicated that CyaC plays a major role in regulating anaerobic respiration and may contribute to additional signaling pathways independent of CRP.
Community-dwelling cocaine-dependent men and women respond differently to social stressors versus cocaine cues.

Summary There are likely to be gender differences in determinants of relapse to drug use following abstinence in cocaine-dependent individuals. Cocaine-dependent women are more likely to attribute relapse to negative emotional states and interpersonal conflict. Cocaine dependence has also been linked to dysregulation of stress response and the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis which may differ between genders. Subjective and HPA-axis responses to a social evaluative stressor, the Trier Social Stress Test (TRIER), and in vivo cocaine-related cues were examined in the present study. Results: There were no gender differences in magnitude of craving responses to the TRIER or the CUE. Both genders had a greater craving response to the CUE than to the TRIER, but the magnitude of the difference was greater for men than women (p = 0.04). Cocaine-dependent subjects, compared to the control group, had significantly higher response throughout the TRIER (p
Patterns of Exploration and Learning with Hypermedia

Spatial navigational techniques have been proposed to assist hypermedia users in discerning the structure of the content, facilitating both the organization and integration of new information. In this study, novice hypermedia users tended to use a fairly passive strategy for selecting their movement through the system, based more on screen position rather than deliberate conceptual choices, whether they had a graphical browser for navigation or just hotwords in the text. Most made a deliberate effort to view all screens but often felt confused. Suggestions for improving navigational aids based on path data analysis, survey data, and user interviews are given.
Semantic deformation transfer

Transferring existing mesh deformation from one character to another is a simple way to accelerate the laborious process of mesh animation. In many cases, it is useful to preserve the semantic characteristics of the motion instead of its literal deformation. For example, when applying the walking motion of a human to a flamingo, the knees should bend in the opposite direction. Semantic deformation transfer accomplishes this task with a shape space that enables interpolation and projection with standard linear algebra. Given several example mesh pairs, semantic deformation transfer infers a correspondence between the shape spaces of the two characters. This enables automatic transfer of new poses and animations.
Estimation of monotonic behavior of reinforced concrete columns considering shear-flexure-axial load interaction

SUMMARY Reinforced concrete columns with insufficient transverse reinforcement and non-seismic reinforcement details are vulnerable to brittle shear failure and to loss of axial load carrying capacity in the event of a strong earthquake. In this paper, a procedure is presented after examining the application of two macro models for displacement-based analysis of reinforced concrete columns subjected to lateral loads. In the proposed model, lateral load-deformation response of the column is simulated by estimating flexural and shear deformation components separately while considering their interaction and then combining these together according to a set of rules depending upon column's yield, flexural and shear strengths. In addition, lateral deformation caused by reinforcement slip in beam–column joint regions and buckling of compression bars are taken into account and considered in the analysis. Implementation of the proposed procedure produces satisfactory lateral load–displacement relationships, which are comparable with experimental data. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Detours and shortcuts on the road to maternal mortality reduction.

Although progress has been slower than we hoped at the official founding of the Safe Motherhood Initiative in Nairobi Kenya in 1987 many accomplishments have also been achieved which are set forth in other articles in this Series. However some worrying developments in programme strategies have occurred during the past few years. Some of these strategies are advertised as shortcuts on the road to safer motherhood. They often have intuitive appeal and they satisfy the real sense of urgency to make progress. Unfortunately they might not lead us to substantial long-term gains and could in fact be detours rather than shortcuts. Detours are not necessarily dangerous but they can waste time and resources (financial human intellectual and even emotional) that could be used more effectively. Moreover people could think that maternal mortality is being addressed in a substantial way when this is not the case. These strategies are often promoted by international agencies and donors and governments are pressured to adopt them. (excerpt)
Duplex decomposition and general segregation of lotteries of a gain and a loss: An empirical evaluation

Abstract We investigate the empirical validity of two hypotheses, duplex decomposition (DD) and general segregation (GS), regarding decomposition of a binary gamble of a gain and a loss into two unitary gambles in which one consequence of each gamble is no change from the status quo. Four binary lotteries (money gambles with specified probabilities) and four decomposed lotteries designed to test GS and four decomposed lotteries to test DD were constructed, and certainty equivalents (CEs) were estimated for each lottery. Respondents’ indifference between a binary lottery and a decomposed lottery was determined by evaluating the equality between the CE of a mixed binary lottery and the CE of the corresponding decomposed lottery. Given the variability of estimates of CEs and the lack of a clear statistical definition for the equality between two CEs, we applied several criteria: we counted responses where the difference between two CEs was either ±2% (the strictest criterion), ±4%, ±6%, or ±8% (the most lenient criterion) of the range of lottery outcomes. The results showed that under the strictest criterion, GS held for 25% of the responses and DD for 22%. Under the most lenient criterion, GS held for 56% of the responses and DD for 52%. Depending upon the criterion used, between 39 and 75% of the responses were consistent with at least one of the hypotheses. Several methodological problems in determining the indifference between two lotteries are discussed.
Artemisinin-Derived Dimer Diphenyl Phosphate Is an Irreversible Inhibitor of Human Cytomegalovirus Replication

We previously reported that among a series of artemisinin-derived monomers and dimers, dimer diphenyl phosphate (838) was the most potent inhibitor of human cytomegalovirus (CMV) replication. Our continued investigation of a prototypic artemisinin monomer (artesunate [AS]) and dimer (838) now reveals that both compounds have specific activity against CMV but do not inhibit lytic replication of human herpesvirus 1 or 2 or Epstein-Barr virus. AS and 838 inhibited CMV replication during the first 24 h of the virus replication cycle, earlier than the time of ganciclovir (GCV) activities and prior to DNA synthesis. Neither compound inhibited virus entry. Quantification of DNA replication and virus yield revealed a similar level of inhibition by GCV, but AS and 838 had a 10-fold-higher inhibition of virus yield than of DNA replication, suggesting that artemisinins could inhibit CMV through multiple steps: a predominant early inhibition and possibly an additional step following DNA replication. During the strong early CMV inhibition, the transcription of immediate-early genes was not significantly downregulated, and viral protein expression was reduced only after 48 h. AS and GCV were reversible CMV inhibitors, but the inhibition of CMV replication by 838 was irreversible. Combinations of GCV and 838 as well as GCV and AS were highly synergistic. Finally, treatment with 838, but not AS, prior to CMV infection demonstrated strong anti-CMV activity. These findings illustrate the unique activities of dimer 838, including early and irreversible CMV inhibition, possibly by tight binding to its target.
MMSE decision feedback equalization of pulse position modulated signals

We propose a minimum mean squared error (MMSE) decision feedback equalizer (DFE) for pulse position modulated (PPM) signals in the presence of intersymbol interference (ISI). While traditional uses of PPM may not have ISI, PPM is a candidate modulation scheme for ultra wideband (UWB), and may experience ISI in that application. First, we review the previous work on the subject which used the zero-forcing criterion under strict assumptions about the channel and equalizer lengths. Then, we derive a computationally efficient MMSE equalizer which removes these restrictions, and is suitable for use with stochastic gradient descent algorithms. Finally, we demonstrate the performance of the proposed equalizer with simulations.
Quantifying hepatic fibrosis using a biexponential model of diffusion weighted imaging in ex vivo liver specimens

Abstract The purpose of this study was to evaluate the non-Gaussian behavior of diffusion related signal decay of the ex vivo murine liver tissues from a dietary model of hepatic fibrosis. To this end, a biexponential formalism was used to model high b -value diffusion imaging (up to 3500 s/mm 2 ), the findings of which were correlated with liver histopathology and compared to a simple monoexponential model. The presence of a major, fast diffusing component and a minor, slow diffusing component was demonstrated. With increasing hepatic fibrosis, the fractional contribution of the fast diffusing component decreased, as did the diffusion coefficient of the fast diffusing component. Strong correlation between the degrees of liver fibrosis and a two-predictor regression model incorporating parameters of the biexponential model was found. Using Akaike's Information Criterion analyses, the biexponential model resulted in an improved fit of the high b -value diffusion data when compared to the monoexponential model.
Novel scaffolds fabricated from protein-loaded microspheres for tissue engineering

Abstract Biodegradable scaffolds play an important role in tissue engineering by providing physical and biochemical support for both differentiated and progenitor cells. Here, we describe a novel method for incorporating proteins in 3D biodegradable scaffolds by utilizing protein-loaded microspheres as the building blocks for scaffold formation. Poly( l , d -lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres containing bovine serum albumin (BSA) were fused into scaffolds using dichloromethane vapor for various time intervals. Microspheres containing 0, 0.4, 1.5, 4.3% BSA showed that increased protein loading required increased fusion time for scaffold fabrication. Protein release from the scaffolds was quantified in vitro over 20 days and compared to that of loose microspheres. Scaffolds had a slightly lower (up to 20%) release over the first 10 days, however, the cumulative release from both microspheres and scaffolds at the end of the study was not statistically different and the rate of release was the same, indicating that microsphere release can be predictive of scaffold kinetics. Scaffolds fused from larger (113.3±58.0 μm) rather than smaller (11.15±11.08 μm) microspheres, generated pores on the order of 200 μm as compared to 20 μm, respectively, showing control over pore size. In addition, four dyes (carbon black, acid green, red 27, and fast green FCF) were encapsulated in PLGA microspheres and fused into homogeneous and partitioned scaffolds, indicating control over spatial distribution within the scaffold. Finally, the scaffolds were seeded with fibroblast cells, which attached and were well spread over the polymer surface after 4 h of incubation. These results highlight the versatility of this simple scaffold fusion method for incorporating essentially any combination of loaded microspheres into a 3D structure, making this a powerful tool for tissue engineering and drug delivery applications.
Gray scale for scanning acoustic microscopy

The principle of a true acoustic Gray-scale standard is presented and experimentally applied to the scanning acoustic microscope (s.a.m.). 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.
Identification and characterization of seven new exon 11-associated splice variants of the rat mu opioid receptor gene, OPRM1

The mouse mu opioid receptor (OPRM1) gene undergoes extensive alternative splicing at both the 3'- and 5'-ends of the gene. Previously, several C-terminal variants generated through 3' splicing have been identified in the rat OPRM1 gene. In both mice and humans 5' splicing generates a number of exon 11-containing variants. Studies in an exon 11 knockout mouse suggest the functional importance of these exon 11-associated variants in mediating the analgesic actions of a subset of mu opioids, including morphine-6β-glucuronide (M6G) and heroin, but not others such as morphine and methadone. We now have examined 5' splicing in the rat. The current studies identified in the rat a homologous exon 11 and seven exon 11-associated variants, suggesting conservation of exon 11 and its associated variants among mouse, rat and human. RT-PCR revealed marked differences in the expression of these variants across several brain regions, implying region-specific mRNA processing of the exon 11-associated variants. Of the seven rat exon 11-associated variants, four encoded the identical protein as found in rMOR-1, two predicted 6 TM variants, and one, rMOR-1H2, generated a novel N-terminal variant in which a stretch of an additional 50 amino acids was present at the N-terminus of the previously established rMOR-1 sequence. When expressed in CHO cells, the presence of the additional 50 amino acids in rMOR-1H2 significantly altered agonist-induced G protein activation with little effect on opioid binding. The identification of the rat exon 11 and its associated variants further demonstrated conservation of 5' splicing in OPRM1 genes among rodents and humans. The functional relevance of these exon 11 associated variants was suggested by the region-specific expression of their mRNAs and the influence of the N-terminal sequence on agonist-induced G protein coupling in the novel N-terminal variant, rMOR-1H2. The importance of the exon 11-associated variants in mice in M6G and heroin analgesia revealed in the exon 11 knockout mouse implies that these analogous rat variants may also play similar roles in rat. The complexity created by alternative splicing of the rat OPRM1 gene may provide important insights of understanding the diverse responses to the various mu opioids seen in rats.
Neurological recovery after decompressive craniectomy for massive ischemic stroke.

Introduction: Decompressive craniectomy has demonstrated efficacy in reducing morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients with massive hemispheric cerebral infarction. However, little is known about the patterns of functional recovery that exist in patients after decompressive craniectomy, and controversy still exists as to whether craniotomy and infarct resection (“strokectomy”) are appropriate alternatives to decompression alone. We therefore used functional magnetic resonance imaging (f-MRI) to assess the extent and location of functional recovery in patients after decompressive craniectomy for massive ischemic stroke. Methods: f-MRI was obtained in three patients with massive nondominant cerebral infarction who had undergone decompressive craniectomy for severe cerebral edema 13 to 26 months previously. Brain activation was triggered by hand-gripping or foot-movement tasks. Imaging results were combined with periodic clinical follow-up to determine the extent of neurological recovery. Results: Activation of the contralateral hemisphere was seen in the sensorimotor cortex, premotor, and supplementary motor areas. Lesser activation patterns were seen in equivalent regions of the infarcted hemisphere. Peri-infarct activation foci were seen in two of the three patients, but no activation occurred within the area of infarction as defined by the initial stroke seen on diffusion-weighted MRI. All three patients demonstrated some corresponding neurological improvement. Conclusion: After massive hemispheric cerebral infarction requiring decompressive craniectomy, patients may experience functional recovery as a result of activation in both the infarcted and contralateral hemispheres. The evidence of functional recovery in peri-infarct regions suggests that decompression alone may be preferable to strokectomy where the risk of damage to adjacent nonischemic brain may be greater.
New species of the ostracod genus Ambocythere

Three new species of Ambocythere are described, A. caudata and A. ramosa from the North Atlantic and A. exilis from the Miocene of the Dominican Republic. In addition occurrences of this genus in s...
Independent Computations for Safe Remote Electronic Voting (Transcript of Discussion)

So this is a good follow-on to the previous papers. I’ve been working on electronic voting for several years, and as a retired U.S. Marine, I voted absentee for 20 years, and having not known much about voting and the electoral process when I was voting, when I began studying the electoral process I realized how many times I sent my ballot in and it wasn’t counted, because, for example, in the military when you make a mistake you cross it out with a pencil and you initial it. Well when I did that on my ballot, that ballot went in the trashcan. Of course I had no idea. So since I’ve been involved with information security for a while, when I retired from the Marine Corps, I made this a focus of my research.
Unwarranted Conclusions Regarding Attitudes About Evolution

I applaud Dorothy Matthew's recent article (August 2001) for addressing the critical question of how best to test evolution and for its description of a very creative curriculum. In the described study, student attitudes towards evolution were tested before and after presentation of a curriculum that contained creation stories. The article's conclusion was that a curriculum which includes creation stories is more effective in fostering scientific views than traditional curricula that lack creation stories.
Joel et al.'s method systematically fails to detect large, consistent sex differences

In their widely publicized paper, Joel et al. (1) make two empirical claims about sex differences in features of the human brain: ( i ) “…internal consistency [in individuals’ sex-differentiated brain features] is rare” (p. 15472) and ( ii ) the amount of overlap in sex-differentiated features of male and female brains “undermines any attempt to distinguish between a ‘male’ and a ‘female’ form for specific brain features” (p. 15471). We argue that claim i is based on faulty methodology, and claim ii is misleading if extended to overall sex differences in brain structure. In regard to claim ii , Joel et al. (1) did not conduct analyses (e.g., discriminant analyses) designed to … [↵][1]1To whom correspondence should be addressed. Email: marcodg{at}unm.edu. [1]: #xref-corresp-1-1
Model and form factor dependence in the reaction ep→e ' K + Λ

The reaction $\mathit{ep}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{e}^{'}{K}^{+}\ensuremath{\Lambda}$ was investigated using a tree-level effective Lagrangian model with coupling parameters fit to empirical cross sections for the reaction $\ensuremath{\gamma}p\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{K}^{+}\ensuremath{\Lambda}$. The model incorporates both spin $\frac{1}{2}$ and spin $\frac{3}{2}$ resonances in the $s$ and $u$ channels, as well as $K(892)$ and $K(1270)$ resonances in the $t$ channel. Results for the electroproduction cross sections were obtained with four different photoproduction fits, which yield roughly equivalent descriptions of the empirical photoproduction cross sections but which vary in their predictions for photoproduction polarization observables. Electromagnetic form factors are incorporated in a manner similar to previous calculations except that a multiplicative factor is introduced into the masses associated with the $s$- and $u$-channel transition form factors so that the sensitivity of the calculated cross sections to these form factors can be studied. Results are presented for the unpolarized differential cross section in a variety of kinematical situations and for particular contributions to the cross section in one particular kinematic situation. The sensitivity of the results to both the photoproduction fit employed and to the transition form factors depends to some extent on the kinematics, but in general, the calculated cross sections are more sensitive to the transition form factors than to the photoproduction fit. Our results suggest that electroproduction data, in conjunction with a reaction model that quantitatively fits the photoproduction data, may provide significant constraints on the electromagnetic form factors associated with resonance excitation.
Diffuse tracheobronchial thickening: Interesting diagnostic considerations

Abstract:Relapsing polychondritis is a rare inflammatory disorder of cartilaginous and proteoglycan-rich tissues, commonly affecting the nasal and auricular cartilages, joints, tracheobronchial cartilage, cardiovascular system, as well as a number of other organ systems. The etiology of relapsing po