cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Selection and retention of managers in the US restaurant sector

Reports on a survey of chain and independent restaurants in the USA designed to learn about current practices in selection and retention of managerial personnel; of 584 surveys sent out, 112 were returned for a response rate of 19.2 per cent. Findings indicate that reference checks, structured interviews and unstructured interviews are the most frequently‐used and effective selection procedures. Chain restaurants are more likely to use structured interviews, credit checks and police checks than independent restaurants. Annual managerial turnover is 18.6 per cent for the combined sample and costs US$8,858 per turnover incident. Chain restaurants report higher and more costly managerial turnover (29.7 per cent for chains against 5.8 per cent turnover for independents; US$11,112 per incident for chains against US$3,386 for independents). Provides two examples of good selection practices.
Cellular and molecular mechanisms of opioid tolerance and dependence

Recent cellular models of opioid tolerance and dependence have incorporated the idea that excitatory amino acid systems may have an important role in these phenomena. Fundytus and Coderre have developed a model that suggests a prominent role for metabotropic glutamate receptors in the initiation and the development of opioid tolerance and dependence. This Commentary briefly reviews Fundytus and Coderre's model of tolerance and dependence, offering comparisons and contrasts with the model of Mao, Price, and Mayer, which suggests a central role for N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors. Strengths and weaknesses of these models are discussed, as well as potential revisions that may lead to a more complete model of these phenomena.
Cancer among first-degree relatives of probands with invasive and borderline ovarian cancer.

Abstract Objective: The familial clustering of ovarian, breast, endometrial, colon, and prostate cancer was compared in first-degree relatives of probands with invasive and borderline ovarian cancer to determine coaggregation. Methods: Probands ( n = 392), who had been patients in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology at Washington University, were ascertained consecutively. Family history on 2192 first-degree relatives was collected by personal interviews of the probands and other family members. Estimates of prevalence of cancers in first-degree relatives of the two proband groups were compared. Survival analysis was used to examine the age-at-onset distribution of each cancer in relatives of invasive probands versus relatives of borderline probands. Results: Among the relatives were 24 cases of ovarian cancer, 46 cases of breast cancer, 13 cases of endometrial cancer, and 25 and 28 cases of colon and prostate cancer, respectively. There were no significant differences in the prevalence of any of these cancers in relatives of the invasive and borderline probands. Cumulative lifetime risk estimates did not differ between the relatives of the two groups for any cancers. Age-at-onset of ovarian cancer did not differ between probands with positive family histories of the five cancers and those with negative histories. The inability to reject the null hypothesis of no differences in the first-degree relatives of our two study groups might be from insufficient power to detect small differences, given our sample size. Conclusion: These results suggest that relatives of patients with invasive and borderline ovarian cancer might share similar cancer risks and age-at-onset distributions.
On the embrittlement of steels by hydrogen sulfide

Results of fracture toughness testing of specimens of 4340 steel as a function of H/sub 2/S gas pressure are presented. Observations indicated a delayed crack tip plasticity effect caused by the H/sub 2/S gas. Evidence is presented that indicated that the cracking initiated at the fatigue precrack proceeded in the form of a tunnel crack configuration and that the crack tunneling left strips of material along each edge approx. 10/sup -4/ m in width which finally underwent a tearing or collapse. This strip collapse appeared to result in plastic zone growth under static load in H/sub 2/S. (BLM)
Fast Algorithms for Approximating the Singular Value Decomposition

A low-rank approximation to a matrix A is a matrix with significantly smaller rank than A, and which is close to A according to some norm. Many practical applications involving the use of large matrices focus on low-rank approximations. By reducing the rank or dimensionality of the data, we reduce the complexity of analyzing the data. The singular value decomposition is the most popular low-rank matrix approximation. However, due to its expensive computational requirements, it has often been considered intractable for practical applications involving massive data. Recent developments have tried to address this problem, with several methods proposed to approximate the decomposition with better asymptotic runtime. We present an empirical study of these techniques on a variety of dense and sparse datasets. We find that a sampling approach of Drineas, Kannan and Mahoney is often, but not always, the best performing method. This method gives solutions with high accuracy much faster than classical SVD algorithms, on large sparse datasets in particular. Other modern methods, such as a recent algorithm by Rokhlin and Tygert, also offer savings compared to classical SVD algorithms. The older sampling methods of Achlioptas and McSherry are shown to sometimes take longer than classical SVD.
BUDGETING: The Major Task of the Financial Manager

The task of the financial manager of a library is a formidable one. Wacht defines a financial manager as a person who manages the resources of an economic entity for the purposes of influencing the future outcome of its operations. The financial manager plays the major role in planning and measuring the organization's needs for funds, raising the necessary funds, and making certain that the funds acquired are properly employed. A financial manager must also estimate the future cash flow associated with individual projects, in addition to the funds necessary for the total operation of a library. Other duties include the evaluation of prospective new investments and programs on the organization's operations.
Advancements in Fail Safe Response With Bistable Composite Structures

Cars have dent resistant side panels, crumple zones and composite bumpers to absorb and disperse impact energy protecting occupants. Each of these improvements share a common feature: once activated or deformed, their load carrying capacity is diminished. A bistable structure is such that, once activated, it has a second stronger phase which has the ability to sustain higher loads. This allows for a better distribution of damage, and in addition the structure keeps its integrity for a longer time. Initial tests have verified this concept proving that a bistable structure under tensile loading has the capacity of absorbing more energy than a similar monolithic structure under the same load conditions. Bistable structure behavior has also been shown for a system composed of advanced fiber reinforced composites, which has the potential of being a break-through for applications where energy absorption is sought.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Explaining individual level support for organ procurement policy

Abstract The demand for human organs for transplantation – both from live and deceased donors – has become a public health issue in the United States, as thousands of Americans die each year due to the lack of a needed transplant. The current policy basis for organ procurement is voluntarism as federal organ procurement policy, based on the 1984 National Organ Transplant Act (NOTA), prohibits the exchange of human organs for “valuable consideration.” While an increasing number of policy analysts, including some ethicists, have advocated for financial incentives to induce more donations, a variety of factors – such as the legislative status quo, ongoing ethical concerns, and uncertain public support – have resulted in little use of financial incentives. We argue that a better understanding of public opinion is an important prerequisite for any move toward the use of financial incentives. Consequently, we develop and test a model to explain individual level attitudes toward legalizing and regulating the sale of human organs for transplant. We find that political ideology, gender, age and geographic region are important predictors of support.
Mapping the Collagen-binding Site in the I Domain of the Glycoprotein Ia/IIa (Integrin α2β1)

The I domain present within the α2 chain of the integrin α2β1 (GPIa/IIa) contains the principal collagen-binding site. Based on the crystal structure of the α2-I domain, a hypothetical model was proposed in which collagen binds to a groove on the upper surface of the I domain (Emsley, J., King, S. L., Bergelson, J. M., and Liddington, R. C. (1997) J. Biol. Chem. 272, 28512–28517). We have introduced point mutations into 13 residues on the upper surface of the domain. Recombinant mutant proteins were assayed for binding to monoclonal antibodies 6F1 and 12F1, to collagen under static conditions, and for the ability to retain adhesive activity under flow conditions. The mutations to residues surrounding the metal ion-dependent adhesion site that caused the greatest loss of collagen binding under both static and flow conditions are N154S in the βA-α1 turn, N190D in the βB-βC turn, D219R in the α3-α4 turn, and E256V and H258V in the βD-α5 turn. Mutation in one of the residues that coordinate the metal binding, S155A, completely lost the adhesive activity under flow but bound normally under static conditions, whereas the mutation Y285F had the converse effect. We conclude that the upper surface of the domain, including the metal ion-dependent adhesion site motif, defines the collagen recognition site.
Rate constant and RRKM product study for the reaction between CH3 and C2H3 at T = 298 K

The total rate constant k1 has been determined at P = 1 Torr nominal pressure (He) and at T = 298 K for the vinyl-methyl cross-radical reaction CH3 + C2H3 yields products. The measurements were performed in a discharge flow system coupled with collision-free sampling to a mass spectrometer operated at low electron energies. Vinyl and methyl radicals were generated by the reactions of F with C2H4 and CH4, respectively. The kinetic studies were performed by monitoring the decay of C2H3 with methyl in excess, 6 < |CH3|(sub 0)/|C2H3|(sub 0) < 21. The overall rate coefficient was determined to be k1(298 K) = (1.02 +/- 0.53)x10(exp -10) cubic cm/molecule/s with the quoted uncertainty representing total errors. Numerical modeling was required to correct for secondary vinyl consumption by reactions such as C2H3 + H and C2H3 + C2H3. The present result for k1 at T = 298 K is compared to two previous studies at high pressure (100-300 Torr He) and to a very recent study at low pressure (0.9-3.7 Torr He). Comparison is also made with the rate constant for the similar reaction CH3 + C2H5 and with a value for k1 estimated by the geometric mean rule employing values for k(CH3 + CH3) and k(C2H3 + C2H3). Qualitative product studies at T = 298 K and 200 K indicated formation of C3H6, C2H2, and C2H5 as products of the combination-stabilization, disproportionation, and combination-decomposition channels, respectively, of the CH3 + C2H3 reaction. We also observed the secondary C4H8 product of the subsequent reaction of C3H5 with excess CH3; this observation provides convincing evidence for the combination-decomposition channel yielding C3H5 + H. RRKM calculations with helium as the deactivator support the present and very recent experimental observations that allylic C-H bond rupture is an important path in the combination reaction. The pressure and temperature dependencies of the branching fractions are also predicted.
Conformation of N2-methylguanosine, a modified nucleoside of tRNA.

Abstract The crystal structure of N2-methylguanosine (m2G), a modified nucleoside of tRNA, has been determined from three-dimensional x-ray diffractometer data. The N2-methyl substituent in the crystal structure is proximal to the imidazole ring, though in solution, it shows no restricted rotation across the CN bond. From a comparison of the earlier crystal structure studies of G and m22G with m2G, it is found that the methylation of the 2-amino group leads to altered stacking and conformation of the nucleoside. The methyl groups play a predominant role in the stacking of the bases. The molecules of m2G and m22G both have the syn conformation across the glycosidic bond despite the lack of 0(5′) H…N(3) hydrogen bond. Also, both the methylated molecules exhibit non-standard conformations across the C(4′)C(5′) bond. It is suggested that such alterations in the stacking and conformation of m2G, rather than destabilization of the Watson-Crick hydrogen bonding, is important in the biological role of m2G as a part of the DHU stem of tRNA.
Photocurrent polarization anisotropy of randomly oriented nanowire networks.

While the polarization sensitivity of single or aligned NW ensembles is well-known, this article reports on the existence of residual photocurrent polarization sensitivities in random NW networks. In these studies, CdSe and CdTe NWs were deposited onto glass substrates and contacted with Au electrodes separated by 30–110 µm gaps. SEM and AFM images of resulting devices show isotropically distributed NWs between the electrodes. Complementary high resolution TEM micrographs reveal component NWs to be highly crystalline with diameters between 10 and 20 nm and with lengths ranging from 1 to 10 µm. When illuminated with visible (linearly polarized) light, such random NW networks exhibit significant photocurrent anisotropies ρ = 0.25 (σ = 0.04) [ρ = 0.22 (σ = 0.04)] for CdSe (CdTe) NWs. Corresponding bandwidth measurements yield device polarization sensitivities up to 100 Hz. Additional studies have investigated the effects of varying the electrode potential, gap width, and spatial excitation profile. These exp...
ROS sets the stage for macrophage differentiation

While M1 macrophages are highly pro-inflammatory and microbicidal, M2 macrophages and the related tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) regulate tissue remodeling and angiogenesis and can display immunomodulatory activity. In July issue of Cell Research, Zhang et al. show that ROS production, critical for the activation and functions of M1 macrophages, is necessary for the differentiation of M2 macrophages and TAMs, and that antioxidant therapy blocks TAM differentiation and tumorigenesis in mouse models of cancer.
Ambiguity in American monetary and fiscal policy

Abstract Macroeconomic models of all stripes incorporate descriptions of fiscal policy as explicit history-contingent plans. Relative to those ideal descriptions, American fiscal policy today is ambiguous. This short paper, the text of a lunch time talk, describes how American fiscal policy has been ambiguous since the birth of the Republic and how some past ambiguities were resolved.
Democratic process and the theater of the oppressed

This chapter describes the methodology of the Theater of the Oppressed as developed by Augusto Boal along with examples of its application.
Electron microscopic characterization of a γ-TiAl alloy

Abstract Analytical transmission electron microscopy techniques were used to characterize a γ-TiAl (Ti-48Al-2Nb-0.3Ta, at%) alloy. It was shown that the second-phase particles persisting in the as-extruded and heat-treated conditions were α-Al2O3, introduced probably during the melting stage.
PROBABILISTIC MODEL FOR POLYCRYSTALLINE MICROSTRUCTURES WITH APPLICATION TO INTERGRANULAR FRACTURE

A 2-part probabilistic model for polycrystalline microstructures is described. The model utilizes a Poisson--Voronoi tessellation for the grain geometry and a vector random field model for the crystallographic orientation. The grain geometry model is calibrated to experimental data through the intensity of the Poisson point field underlying the Poisson--Voronoi tessellation and the orientation random field is calibrated to experimental data through its marginal distributions and second moment properties. Realizations of the random microstructure are generated by use of translation methods and are used, with simplified mechanical models, to study the problem of intergranular fracture. Findings show intergranular cracks exhibit some statistical properties of a scaled Brownian motion process.
Lung and heart-lung transplantation in patients with end-stage cystic fibrosis: the Stanford experience.

Abstract Background . Bilateral lung (BLTx) and heart-lung transplantation have gained wide acceptance as treatment of end-stage lung disease from cystic fibrosis. We reviewed our 13-year experience with thoracic transplantation for cystic fibrosis with an operative approach that favors use of cardiopulmonary bypass for BLTx. Methods . Sixty-four patients with cystic fibrosis underwent heart-lung transplantation (n = 22, 34.4%) or BLTx (n = 42, 65.6%) between 1988 and 2000. Mean age and weight at transplantation were 29 ± 8 years and 51 ± 11 kg, respectively. Mean follow-up for survivors was 4.4 ± 3.6 years. Immunosuppression regimen included cyclosporine, tapered corticosteroids, azathioprine, and induction therapy with OKT3 (murine monoclonal antibodies) or rabbit antithymocyte globulin. Cardiopulmonary bypass was used in all but 5 patients (7.8%). However, in 8 (19%) of the 42 patients having BLTx, only the grafting of the second lung was performed with cardiopulmonary bypass. Results . The operative mortality rate was 1.6%. The actuarial survival rates at 1 year, 3 years, 5 years and 10 years were 93.2%, 77.7%, 61.8%, and 48.1%, respectively, with no significant difference between BLTx and heart-lung transplantation. The major hospital complications were pneumonia (n = 11, 17.2%) and bleeding (n = 8, 12.5%). Clinically significant reperfusion injury was observed in 6 patients, 3 of whom required reintubation. Freedom from acute lung rejection beyond 1 year was 47.7%. One patient underwent late retransplantation, and 4 required bronchial stenting. Obliterative bronchiolitis accounted for eight (50.0%) of 16 late deaths. Conclusions . Though postoperative bleeding and pneumonia are still of concern, satisfactory early and intermediate-term results can be expected in patients undergoing BLTx or heart-lung transplantation for cystic fibrosis. Cardiopulmonary bypass can be used for BLTx with no adverse impact on intermediate and long-term outcomes.
Impairment of Coronary Arteriolar Endothelium-Dependent Dilation after Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube Inhalation: A Time-Course Study

Engineered nanomaterials have been developed for widespread applications due to many highly unique and desirable characteristics. The purpose of this study was to assess pulmonary inflammation and subepicardial arteriolar reactivity in response to multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) inhalation and evaluate the time course of vascular alterations. Rats were exposed to MWCNT aerosols producing pulmonary deposition. Pulmonary inflammation via bronchoalveolar lavage and MWCNT translocation from the lungs to systemic organs was evident 24 h post-inhalation. Coronary arterioles were evaluated 24-168 h post-exposure to determine microvascular response to changes in transmural pressure, endothelium-dependent and -independent reactivity. Myogenic responsiveness, vascular smooth muscle reactivity to nitric oxide, and α-adrenergic responses all remained intact. However, a severe impact on endothelium-dependent dilation was observed within 24 h after MWCNT inhalation, a condition which improved, but did not fully return to control after 168 h. In conclusion, results indicate that MWCNT inhalation not only leads to pulmonary inflammation and cytotoxicity at low lung burdens, but also a low level of particle translocation to systemic organs. MWCNT inhalation also leads to impairments of endothelium-dependent dilation in the coronary microcirculation within 24 h, a condition which does not fully dissipate within 168 h. The innovations within the field of nanotechnology, while exciting and novel, can only reach their full potential if toxicity is first properly assessed.
The Expression Pattern of Thyroid Hormone Response Genes in the Tadpole Tail Identifies Multiple Resorption Programs

Abstract Expression of genes up-regulated by thyroid hormone (TH) during amphibian tail resorption was localized byin situhybridization. The constitutive thyroid hormone receptor (TRα) and its heterodimeric partners (RXRα and RXRβ) are expressed ubiquitously in the resorbing tail. A group of early response genes, including those encoding transcription factors, are expressed at greatest levels within tissues whose cells attempt to grow and differentiate in the tail, but eventually succumb to the resorption program. The TH-inducible TR isoform, TRβ, is expressed ubiquitously in the tail, but especially high in fibroblasts. Similarly, a group of delayed response genes including two proteolytic enzymes that appear to execute the tail resorption program, is expressed specifically in fibroblasts that line and surround the notochord and lie beneath the epidermal lamella (subepidermal fibroblasts). During active tail resorption these fibroblasts invade their neighboring epidermal and notochord lamellae as part of the resorption process. Expression analysis implicates the single layer of invasive subepidermal fibroblasts as crucial in tail resorption. Stromelysin-3 is up-regulated by TH with early kinetics, and is expressed most actively in fibroblasts within the tail fins. None of the proteases are expressed in the tadpole epidermis, which will be replaced entirely during metamorphosis. While very few TH response genes are expressed in tadpole muscle, many are activated in fibroblasts that surround muscle and could induce muscle cell death by proteolysis of the extracellular matrix. These distinct localization patterns suggest that the common fate of all cell types within the tail is the result of multiple genetic programs.
Control lyapunov functions and hybrid zero dynamics

Hybrid zero dynamics extends the Byrnes-Isidori notion of zero dynamics to a class of hybrid models called systems with impulse effects. Specifically, given a smooth submanifold that is contained in the zero set of an output function and is invariant under both the continuous flow of the system with impulse effects as well as its reset map, the restriction dynamics is called the hybrid zero dynamics. Prior results on the stabilization of periodic orbits of the hybrid zero dynamics have relied on input-output linearization of the transverse variables. The principal result of this paper shows how control Lyapunov functions can be used to exponentially stabilize periodic orbits of the hybrid zero dynamics, thereby significantly extending the class of stabilizing controllers. An illustration of this result on a model of a bipedal walking robot is provided.
Metaplastic breast carcinoma metastatic to the lung mimicking a primary chondroid lesion: Report of a case with cytohistologic correlation

This case study illustrates the unusual morphologic findings of a metastatic breast carcinoma to the lung. The tumor showed chondromatous differentiation and mimicked a primary chondroid lesion of the lung on fine-needle aspiration and needle core biopsy. The patient was a 59-year-old woman with a previous history of stage II carcinoma of the breast, which had been reported as "poorly differentiated, infiltrating ductal carcinoma," with two of 13 axillary lymph nodes showing metastatic ductal carcinoma. The pathology report received from the outside institution contained no mention of metaplastic components, and because the new pulmonary lesion was a peripherally located, well-circumscribed mass found incidentally on abdominal computed tomography scan in the lower lung field cuts, pulmonary chondroid hamartoma was initially postulated as a preliminary diagnosis. However, on review of the outside glass slide material from a prior lumpectomy, chondromatous differentiation was identified and a final diagnosis of metaplastic carcinoma of the breast with pulmonary metastasis was made. To the best of our knowledge, this is the only reported case of a metastasis of metaplastic breast carcinoma initially identified from fine-needle aspiration biopsy. The importance of recognizing and reporting metaplastic elements in primary breast tumors is discussed, and the value of direct morphologic comparison of cytologic material to prior histology is emphasized.
Genomic imprinting: Implications for behavioral genetics

In recent years it has become apparent that the parental origin of genetic material has an impact on gene expression and this effect has become known as genomic imprinting. The evidence for the influence of genomic imprinting on behavior and in the etiology of certain neurobehavioral disorders is discussed. The possibilities for a role for genomic imprinting in the inheritance of behaviors related to alcohol abuse and alcoholism and in the paternal alcohol syndrome are also explored.
Process for the Capture and Reuse of the 4,4‘-Dimethoxytriphenylmethyl Group during Manufacturing of Oligonucleotides

In a standard amidite coupling-based automated oligonucleotide synthesis campaign, the 4,4‘-dimethoxytriphenylmethyl (DMT) protecting group is discarded as waste along with large amounts of dichlor...
Metal chelate polymers as selective sorbents for gas chromatography

Abstract Metal complexes of bis-β-diketonate ligands form polymers that are useful as selective sorbents for gas chromatography. The sorbents are capable of selectively retaining many oxygen- and nitrogen-containing compounds. The retained compounds can be desorbed for subsequent analysis by heating the metal polymer. The sorbent properties of the complexes depend on both the metal and the ligand. Temperature also has an effect on the retention properties of the sorbents. It is possible to employ series of sorbents with different metal polymers. Application of such a series permits the conversion of a sample with a complex chromatogram into a set of samples with simpler chromatograms.
Optical coherence tomography and histologic measurements of nerve fiber layer thickness in normal and glaucomatous monkey eyes.

Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is a multifactorial optic neuropathy in which there is a characteristic acquired loss of retinal ganglion cells and atrophy of the optic nerve.1 Specifically, the glaucomatous eye may have diffuse or focal narrowing or notching of the optic nerve head (ONH) neuro-retinal rim and diffuse or localized abnormalities in the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), especially in the inferior and superior ONH poles.1 The progression, and often the development, of glaucoma is associated with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP).2-4 Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a technology capable of producing high-resolution optical cross-sections of the retina, providing quantitative measurement of the thickness of the circumpapillary RNFL, the macular retinal thickness, and the ONH morphology.5-8 It is likely that longitudinal quantitative assessment of RNFL thickness may be a good indicator of glaucomatous damage and, therefore, may be useful in the diagnosis and management of glaucoma.9,10 We hypothesize that the OCT is capable of accurately detecting RNFL loss associated with glaucoma. The purpose of the present study was to use a primate model of glaucoma to ascertain the ability of OCT to detect thinning of the RNFL in response to exposure to elevated IOP and to assess the accuracy of those OCT measurements by confirming them with direct histomorpho-metric measurements of the RNFL.
Abdominal obesity, insulin resistance, and colon carcinogenesis are increased in mutant mice lacking gastrin gene expression.

BACKGROUND The authors recently reported that gastrin gene knockout (GAS-KO) mice had an increased risk for colon carcinogenesis in response to azoxymethane (AOM) compared with their wild type (WT) littermates. In the current report, the authors discuss the predisposition of GAS-KO mice to develop obesity and metabolic hormonal changes that may contribute to their increased risk of colon carcinogenesis. METHODS The weight and deposition of fat was monitored in the mice over a 14 month period, using magnetic resonance imaging and nuclear magnetic resonance techniques. Changes in plasma concentrations of ghrelin, leptin, insulin, and glucose were assessed using radioimmunoassay analysis and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Preneoplastic markers of colon carcinogenesis (aberrant crypt foci [ACFs]), in response to AOM, were measured in a subset of obese versus lean GAS-KO mice and were compared with the markers in WT mice. RESULTS Increases in visceral adiposity were evident by age 2 months in GAS-KO mice, resulting in macroscopic obesity by age 7 months. Hyperinsulinemia and insulin:glucose ratios were increased significantly in GAS-KO mice as young as 1 month and preceded alterations in nonfasting leptin and ghrelin levels. The number of ACFs per mouse colon were increased significantly in the following order: obese GAS-KO mice > lean GAS-KO mice > WT mice. Fasting plasma insulin levels were 0.88 ± 0.1 ng/mL, 1.45 ± 0.3, and 2.76 ± 0.9 ng/mL in the WT, GAS-KO lean, and GAS-KO obese mice, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The current results suggest the novel possibility that loss of amidated gastrins may increase adipogenesis, hyperinsulinemia, and colon carcinogenesis in GAS-KO mice. The increase in colon carcinogenesis may be due in part to hyperinsulinemia, increased obesity, and other associated hormone changes that were measured in GAS-KO mice. Cancer 2005. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
Enoxaparin in Clinical Practice and Clinical Trials of Non-ST-Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome (NSTE-ACS)

Non-ST elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome (NSTE-ACS) is a myocardial ischemic disorder frequently caused by coronary artery plaque rupture and partial or transient vessel occlusion. Platelets and thrombin play pivotal roles in formation and propagation of thrombus at the site of plaque disruption and embolization into the vascular bed. With the outgoing development of antithrombotic, antiplatelet, and mechanical therapies, the management of NSTE-ACS is constantly evolving. Heparins are the cornerstone of antithrombotic therapy in the current management of NSTE-ACS. Unfractionated heparin and fractionated heparins like enoxaparin have been studied in several large clinical trials and found to be effective in reducing death and myocardial infarction rates. For medical management alone or primarily (conservative strategy), enoxaparin has been shown to be superior to unfractionated heparin. With an early invasive strategy providing better clinical outcome compared to a conservative strategy, the paradigm of ACS management has shifted in favor of early (within 48 hours of admission) cardiac catheterization. The effectiveness of enoxaparin compared to unfractionated heparin is now being re-considered in the era of poly-pharmacotherapy and an early invasive strategy for ACS management. We review the role of enoxaparin in the contemporary treatment of NSTE-ACS utilizing recent clinical trial data.
New delivery approaches for pediatric brain tumors

For many types of childhood brain tumors, including malignant gliomas, disease progression at the primary site is the predominant mode of treatment failure. Accordingly, interest has been directed during the last decade on exploring strategies to enhance the delivery of therapeutically active agents into the tumor microenvironment. Two approaches that have been the focus of considerable attention in the treatment of adult malignant brain tumors include interstitial administration of chemotherapeutic agents using time-release polymers and convection-enhanced delivery of immunotoxin conjugates targeted to receptors overexpressed in brain tumors relative to normal brain cells. Although it remains to be determined whether these approaches will lead to meaningful improvements in disease control and long-term prognosis in children with brain tumors, the encouraging results from studies in adults support the rationale for further exploring these strategies in the pediatric setting.
The Consequences of Intelligence Testing in the Public Schools Before and After Desegregation

Before and after school desegregation, black, chicano, and poor children are mote likely to be labeled as mentally retarded and be placed in programs for the educable retarded than are anglo or upper status children. Similarly, black, chicano, and poor children are less likely to be seen as physically handicapped. These findings are a result of the use of intelligence tests as the means by which children are labeled mentally retarded. IQ tests ought to be eliminated from the schools because of factors 1) intrinsic to the tests themselves, 2) characteristic of the testing process, 3) related to the societal and educational connotations that the test has, and 4), as seen in the data reported here, the “institutional racism” which is a consequence of their use.
180: Can contraction patterns predict adverse neonatal outcomes?

adverse neonatal outcomes? Heather Frey, Methodius Tuuli, Kimberly Roehl, Anthony Odibo, George Macones, Alison Cahill Washington University in St. Louis, Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Louis, MO OBJECTIVE: Uterine contractions influence placental perfusion and maternal-fetal gas exchange. Therefore, uterine activity during labor may impact fetal and consequently, neonatal wellbeing. We sought to estimate the association between contraction patterns in labor and neonatal outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a nested case-control study within a consecutive term birth cohort of all women admitted in labor with intrauterine pressure catheters (IUPCs) who reached the second stage over a five year period. Cases were defined as women delivering neonates with composite morbidity, defined as: intensive care unit (NICU) admission, umbilical artery pH 7.1, or 5-minute Apgar score 7. Women in the control group delivered without any elements of the neonatal composite morbidity. Exclusion criteria included multiple gestations, intrauterine fetal demise, and major fetal anomalies. Uterine contraction patterns measured by intrauterine pressure catheters (IUPCs) in the last 30 minutes prior to delivery were abstracted by formally trained obstetric research nurses. Contraction frequency, duration, Montevideo units (MVUs), and baseline tone were compared. Multivariable logistic regression was used to adjust for potential confounders. The ability of contraction parameters to predict adverse neonatal outcomes was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curves. RESULTS: Sixty-three cases of adverse neonatal outcomes and 2,294 controls without the composite outcome were compared. Contraction duration, MVUs, and baseline uterine tone did not significantly differ between cases and controls. Contraction frequency also was not significantly different in the two groups after controlling for oxytocin use. Neither individual parameters nor models including multiple parameters predicted the composite adverse outcome (AUC 0.59). CONCLUSION: Using standard measures of uterine activity, contraction patterns 30 minutes prior to delivery do not differ among women with and without adverse neonatal outcomes, and cannot be used to predict neonatal outcome.
Far-sighted strong equilibrium and oligopoly

Abstract This note introduces a new solution concept: Far-Sighted Strong Equilibrium , and applies it to oligopoly. I show that for the classical oligopoly model, the symmetry joint profit maximization allocation is Far-Sighted Strong Equilibrium of Order One.
High-Energy-Proton Fission Cross Sections of U, Bi, Au, and Ag Measured with Mica Track Detectors

The interaction of 0.6-29-GeV protons with U, Bi, Au, and Ag was studied with mica track detectors. Binary fission events were identified as correlated pairs of tracks. A fragment registered an acceptable track if its mass was \ensuremath{\ge}30 and its kinetic energy g6-8 MeV. The results show: The U fission cross section ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{f}(\mathrm{U})$ is 1400 mb up to 1.0 GeV and decreases monotonically to 670 mb at 29 GeV; ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{f}(\mathrm{Bi})$ increases from 125 mb at 150 MeV to a broad maximum of 215 mb at \ensuremath{\sim}600 MeV, and then decreases to 105 mb at 29 GeV; ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{f}(\mathrm{Au})$ varies little, 59-76 mb, in the energy region 0.6-29 GeV (the highest values appear at 2 and 3 GeV); no binary events were observed from Ag targets: upper limits are 0.3 mb at 0.6 GeV, 2 mb at 1.0 GeV, 5 mb at 2-13 GeV, and 6 mb at 29 GeV. Effects of secondary particles were shown to be negligible; the experimental uncertainty varies from \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}10 to \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}20%. Ternary fission events (140) were seen for U starting at 1.0 GeV, and for Bi and Au starting at 2.0 GeV. The yields are about 1-2 per 1000 binaries. Many single unpaired tracks were also observed, and their yield increases with beam energy. From U, most of these seem to be from a small fraction of asymmetric fissions where one of the partners is below recording threshold. From Bi and Au, most of the single tracks are high-energy spallation residues.
Solutions of two paramagnetic ions for use in nuclear magnetic resonance phantoms

The introduction of paramagnetic ions to affect relaxation times has been used in a variety of nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR) applications. All such relaxants used in NMR phantoms to date have consisted of a single paramagnetic ion. The disadvantage of this is that only one relaxation time can be adjusted as desired, either T 1 or T 2. This study demonstrates that, by properly choosing two paramagnetic ions, it is possible to adjust both T 1 and T 2 independently over a wide range of values. Specifically, solutions of MnCl2 and NiCl2 were prepared that simultaneously matched target T 1 and T 2 values to within approximately 6%.
On chaos in digital filters: Case b = -1

The authors extend the symbolic analysis of digital filters with overflow nonlinearity to all values of the parameter a. While the behavior of digital filters for mod a mod 2. >
Reusable low-error compressive sampling schemes through privacy

A compressive sampling algorithm recovers approximately a nearly sparse vector x from a much smaller “sketch” given by the matrix vector product Φx. Different settings in the literature make different assumptions to meet strong requirements on the accuracy of the recovered signal. Some are robust to noise (that is, the signal may be far from sparse), but the matrix ¦ is only guaranteed to work on a single fixed x with high probability—it may not be re-used arbitrarily many times. Others require ¦ to work on all x simultaneously, but are much less resilient to noise. In this note, we examine the case of compressive sampling of a RADAR signal. Through a combination of mathematical theory and assumptions appropriate to our scenario, we show how a single matrix ¦ can be used repeatedly on multiple input vectors x, and still give the best possible resilience to noise.
biparous:A Novel bHLH Gene Expressed in Neuronal and Glial Precursors inDrosophila

Abstract Genetic studies have uncovered many genes that are involved in the first steps of neuronal development in Drosophila. Less is known about the intermediate steps during which individual precursor cells follow either the neuronal pathway or the glial pathway. We report the identification of a novel bHLH gene, biparous, expressed in neuronal and glial precursors in Drosophila. Unlike most bHLH genes, biparous expression continues to the final stages of neurogenesis in the embryo. Expression of biparous is not observed in end stage postmitotic neurons and precedes the expression of repo, a gene activated in later stages of glial differentiation. The bHLH domain is sufficiently different from previously described bHLH domains to imply a novel function.
Magnetic fields, convection and solar luminosity variability

Model calculations universally indicate that heat transport from the solar interior is almost entirely by convection in the outer envelope. Spiegel and Weiss1 have recently discussed how magnetic fields can intrude into this envelope to affect convection and thus introduce transients into the Sun's luminosity. I demonstrate here from Fourier transform spectrometer observations of Fraunhofer line asymmetry that granular convection is retarded in the presence of surface magnetism. I then present full disk observations which suggest a lessening of convection over the past 5 yr. As this time interval coincides with the rise from a minimum to a maximum of solar activity, with the presumed injection of new magnetic flux from the interior, the resolved disk and full disk observations are consistent. Finally I note the continued temporal decrease in the spectroscopic temperature of the low photosphere and consider how a change of convection and the lowering temperature may be related.
Thrombolysis of Clotted Hemodialysis Grafts with Tissue-type Plasminogen Activator

PURPOSE To evaluate prospectively the efficacy of treating thrombosed hemodialysis arteriovenous polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) grafts using tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) and percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA). MATERIALS AND METHODS Forty-two sequential thrombosed PTFE dialysis grafts in 33 patients presented for declotting. All 42 grafts were treated with a modified lysis and PTA technique with use of 2 mg tPA and 3,000–5,000 U heparin in a total volume of 5 mL, administered into the graft via an angiocatheter. The elapsed time from tPA injection until completion was recorded. Prospective data collection included demographic information, technical details of the procedure, immediate outcomes, complications, and patency rates. RESULTS Technical success, defined as complete graft recanalization with a palpable thrill after treatment plus successful hemodialysis, was achieved in all cases, except five. These five cases were deliberate graft closures due to inadequacy of the outflow veins to support an arteriovenous graft after successful lysis. Mean lysis time was 40.8 minutes and mean room procedure time after the lysis period was 65.4 minutes. Eight procedure-related complications occurred (two major and six minor). The follow-up period was 4–241 days, with an estimated mean of 157 days. The 30-day and 90-day primary patency rates were 57% and 50%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Treatment of thrombosed PTFE dialysis grafts with use of 2 mg tPA and 3,000 U of heparin is safe and effective. Use of this modified lysis and PTA technique allows an expeditious procedure in the angiography suite. However, this technique precludes imaging of the outflow veins before treatment, so that grafts entering diffusely diseased veins may need to be closed after successful lysis.
An electrically-stimulate optically-record microsystem based on active CMOS multi-electrode array for dissociated cell cultures

Calcium fluorescence-based optical recording combined with patch-clamp stimulation has become the standard technique for analyzing neural network behavior. At best, stimulation is limited to only a few channels in this case. Passive multielectrode arrays for two-dimensional electrophysiology only offer electrode densities of 60 electrodes per mm2. Here, we report an active multielectrode array, constructed with a standard complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) technology, to perform localized extracellular stimulation of dispersed cell cultures. A 256×256 array integrated with in-pixel stimulators on a 4-by-4 mm2 CMOS chip noninvasively stimulate hippocampal cells cultured on chip at cellular resolution. Combined with calcium imaging using high-affinity indicators, we demonstrate the ability to observe spatiotemporal dynamics of neural activity.
Periodic and traveling wave solutions to Volterra-Lotka equations with diffusion.

Analytic and numerical solutions to two coupled nonlinear diffusion equations are studied. They are the modified equations of Volterra and Lotka for the spatially stratified predator-prey population model. In a bounded domain with the reflecting boundary, equilibrium, stability, and transition to time-periodic solutions are analyzed. For a wide class of initial states, the solutions to the initial boundary-value problem evolve into their corresponding stable, space-homogeneous, periodic oscillations. In an unbounded domain, a family of traveling wave solutions is found for certain exponential, initial distributions in the limit as the diffusion coefficient v1 of the prey tends to zero. In the presence of both diffusions, the results of a numerical simulation to an initial-value problem showed the rapid formation of the Pursuit-Evasion Waves whose speed of propagation and amplitudes increase with the diffusion coefficient v1.
Effect of the number of scale points on chi‐square fit indices in confirmatory factor analysis

This article investigates the effect of the number of item response categories on chi‐square statistics for confirmatory factor analysis to assess whether a greater number of categories increases the likelihood of identifying spurious factors, as previous research had concluded. Four types of continuous single‐factor data were simulated for a 20‐item test: (a) uniform for all items, (b) symmetric unimodal for all items, (c) negatively skewed for all items, or (d) negatively skewed for 10 items and positively skewed for 10 items. For each of the 4 types of distributions, item responses were divided to yield item scores with 2,4, or 6 categories. The results indicated that the chi‐square statistic for evaluating a single‐factor model was most inflated (suggesting spurious factors) for 2‐category responses and became less inflated as the number of categories increased. However, the Satorra‐Bentler scaled chi‐square tended not to be inflated even for 2‐category responses, except if the continuous item data ha...
TOWARD A THEORY OF FRIENDSHIP BASED ON A CONCEPTION OF SELF

The present theory of friendship is based on a conception of self that regards a central motive to be the person's concern for the well-being and worth of the entity (s) he identifies as self. This concern manifests itself in tendencies to affirm one's sense of individuality, affirm one's more important self-attributes, evaluate one's self positively, and change toward positive self-growth. Friendship involves investments of self in a relationship characterized by the partners' voluntary interdependence and personalized concern for one another. The investment, entailing expenditures of time, personal resources, and personalized concern yields dividends experienced concretely as a partner's self-affirmation value, ego support value, stimulation value, or utility value. Several facets of friendship growth and change are considered, including the degree to which the relationship is difficult to maintain.