cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multi-authority attribute based encryption

In an identity based encryption scheme, each user is identified by a unique identity string. An attribute based encryption scheme (ABE), in contrast, is a scheme in which each user is identified by a set of attributes, and some function of those attributes is used to determine decryption ability for each ciphertext. Sahai and Waters introduced a single authority attribute encryption scheme and left open the question of whether a scheme could be constructed in which multiple authorities were allowed to distribute attributes [SW05]. We answer this question in the affirmative. Our scheme allows any polynomial number of independent authorities to monitor attributes and distribute secret keys. An encryptor can choose, for each authority, a number dk and a set of attributes; he can then encrypt a message such that a user can only decrypt if he has at least dk of the given attributes from each authority k. Our scheme can tolerate an arbitrary number of corrupt authoritites. We also show how to apply our techniques to achieve a multiauthority version of the large universe fine grained access control ABE presented by Gopal et al. [GPSW06].
Poemage: Visualizing the Sonic Topology of a Poem

The digital humanities have experienced tremendous growth within the last decade, mostly in the context of developing computational tools that support what is called distant reading — collecting and analyzing huge amounts of textual data for synoptic evaluation. On the other end of the spectrum is a practice at the heart of the traditional humanities, close reading — the careful, in-depth analysis of a single text in order to extract, engage, and even generate as much productive meaning as possible. The true value of computation to close reading is still very much an open question. During a two-year design study, we explored this question with several poetry scholars, focusing on an investigation of sound and linguistic devices in poetry. The contributions of our design study include a problem characterization and data abstraction of the use of sound in poetry as well as Poemage, a visualization tool for interactively exploring the sonic topology of a poem. The design of Poemage is grounded in the evaluation of a series of technology probes we deployed to our poetry collaborators, and we validate the final design with several case studies that illustrate the disruptive impact technology can have on poetry scholarship. Finally, we also contribute a reflection on the challenges we faced conducting visualization research in literary studies.
Models of Experimental Evolution: The Role of Genetic Chance and Selective Necessity

We present a theoretical framework within which to analyze the results of experimental evolution. Rapidly evolving organisms such as viruses, bacteria, and protozoa can be induced to adapt to laboratory conditions on very short human time scales. Artificial adaptive radiation is characterized by a list of common observations; we offer a framework in which many of these repeated questions and patterns can be characterized analytically. We allow for stochasticity by including rare mutations and bottleneck effects, demonstrating how these increase variability in the evolutionary trajectory. When the product Np , the population size times the per locus error rate, is small, the rate of evolution is limited by the chance occurrence of beneficial mutations; when Np is large and selective pressure is strong, the rate-limiting step is the waiting time while existing beneficial mutations sweep through the population. We derive the rate of divergence (substitution rate) and rate of fitness increase for the case when Np is large and illustrate our approach with an application to an experimental data set. A minimal assumption of independent additive fitness contributions provides a good fit to the experimental evolution of the bacteriophage φX174.
Comparative analysis of old-age mortality estimations in Africa.

Background Survival to old ages is increasing in many African countries. While demographic tools for estimating mortality up to age 60 have improved greatly, mortality patterns above age 60 rely on models based on little or no demographic data. These estimates are important for social planning and demographic projections. We provide direct estimations of older-age mortality using survey data. Methods Since 2005, nationally representative household surveys in ten sub-Saharan countries record counts of living and recently deceased household members: Burkina Faso, Cote d'Ivoire, Ethiopia, Namibia, Nigeria, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. After accounting for age heaping using multiple imputation, we use this information to estimate probability of death in 5-year intervals (5qx). We then compare our 5qx estimates to those provided by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Population Division (UNPD) to estimate the differences in mortality estimates, especially among individuals older than 60 years old. Findings We obtained information on 505,827 individuals (18.4% over age 60, 1.64% deceased). WHO and UNPD mortality models match our estimates closely up to age 60 (mean difference in probability of death -1.1%). However, mortality probabilities above age 60 are lower using our estimations than either WHO or UNPD. The mean difference between our sample and the WHO is 5.9% (95% CI 3.8–7.9%) and between our sample is UNPD is 13.5% (95% CI 11.6–15.5%). Regardless of the comparator, the difference in mortality estimations rises monotonically above age 60. Interpretation Mortality estimations above age 60 in ten African countries exhibit large variations depending on the method of estimation. The observed patterns suggest the possibility that survival in some African countries among adults older than age 60 is better than previously thought. Improving the quality and coverage of vital information in developing countries will become increasingly important with future reductions in mortality.
Orientation of arachidate chains in Langmuir-Blodgett monolayers on Si(111).

The near-edge x-ray-absorption fine-structure technique is used to determine the orientation of cadmium- and calcium-arachidate chains on Si(111) at monolayer coverage. In our films the Cd-arachidate chain is found to be aligned along the surface normal and Ca arachidate is tilted by 33\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}5\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} relative to Cd arachidate. The results are explained in terms of the surface bonding geometry of the terminal carboxylate group and the lateral interlocking of the zig-zag chains.
Postoperative elevated cortisol excretion is not associated with suppression of 6‐sulfatoxymelatonin excretion

This study tests the hypothesis that elevated postoperative excretion of cortisol is associated with suppression of the nocturnal excretion of 6-sulfatoxymelatonin, the chief metabolite of the circadian hormone, melatonin. Postoperative patients demonstrate circadian rhythm disturbances and suppression of nocturnal melatonin plasma concentration. Since the nocturnal surge in melatonin concentration in normal volunteers is time-locked to the circadian nadir of cortisol concentration, perhaps the attenuation of the nocturnal melatonin surge in postoperative patients results from prolonged elevation in the plasma cortisol concentration. In this observational study performed in 21 patients having unilateral hip or knee arthroplasty, urine was collected every 4 h for the first 48 h after surgery for measurement of urinary 6-sulfatoxymelatonin (EIA) and free cortisol (RIA) excretion. The total (P < 0.05) and peak (P < 0.02) nocturnal 6-sulfatoxymelatonin excretions were lower on the first than the second postoperative night. The nocturnal cortisol nadir preceded the 6-sulfatoxymelatonin surge in 20% of the subjects on night 1 and in 75% of the subjects on night 2. The lack of a consistent relationship between the magnitude or timing of cortisol excretion and 6-sulfatoxymelatonin excretion suggests that cortisol does not mediate postoperative 6-sulfatoxymelatonin suppression.
Appendiceal adenocarcinoma: long-term outcomes after surgical therapy.

Purpose: Appendiceal adenocarcinomas are very rare. We analyzed contemporary outcomes associated with surgical therapies for these malignancies. Methods: Retrospective outcomes for patients treated at a tertiary academic medical center from 1981 through 2001 were analyzed. Results: A total of 36 patients (22 females (61 percent) mean age, 52 years) with appendiceal adenocarcinoma were treated. Eighty-eight percent of patients presented with symptoms of acute appendicitis. Eighteen (50 percent) patients underwent curative resection (7 primary right hemicolectomies, 10 appendectomies + subsequent right hemicolectomy, and 1 appendectomy alone). Mean length of follow-up was 55 months. Overall five-year survival rate was 46 percent. The five-year survival rate after curative resection was 61 percent and after palliative surgery was 32 percent (P < 0.05). Among patients who underwent curative resection, factors associated with improved five-year survival rates included histologic type (79 vs. 32 percent for colonic vs. mucinous types, respectively; P < 0.05), T stage (75 vs. 47 percent for T1 and 2 vs. T3 and 4, respectively; P < 0.05), and tumor grade (100 vs. 46 percent for well-differentiated tumors vs. moderately or poorly differentiated tumors, respectively; P < 0.05). Conclusions: Patients undergoing surgery for appendiceal adenocarcinoma can be stratified according to prognostic variables. The role of adjuvant therapies for patients with poor prognostic factors needs to be evaluated in a multi-institutional setting.
Replication pattern of double minutes derived from an insect cell line

The DNA replication pattern of double minutes derived from an established cell line of Aedes albopictus is described. Although the vast majority of double minutes replicate semiconservatively once during the S phase, some double minutes appear to exhibit different pattern(s). Two theories are suggested as possible explanations of our findings.
Pituitary and serum concentrations of prolactin and gh in snell dwarf mice.

Secretions of prolactin and GH in dwarf mice were studied using homologous radioimmunoassays. Blood samples from adult male and femal dw/dw mice were collected by orbital puncture and by decapitation. Compared to related normals (+/?), pituitary concentrations of GH and prolactin were very low in dw/dw mice, the concentrations of prolactin being more scarce than those of GH. Prolactin and GH concentrations were also lower in sera of dw/dw mice, but the relative differences appeared sex-dependent: serum GH was more reduced in males than in females while serum prolactin was more depressed in females. The data confirm earlier indications of deficiencies in the circulating levels of prolactin and GH in dwarf mice and suggest that the hypoactivity of these hormones may be crucial to some of the anomalies found in this mutant.
A study of HIV positive undocumented African migrants' access to health services in the UK

Newly immigrated persons, whatever their origin, tend to fall in the lower socioeconomic levels. In fact, failure of an asylum application renders one destitute in a large proportion of cases, often resulting in a profound lack of access to basic necessities. With over a third of HIV positive failed asylum seekers reporting no income, and the remainder reporting highly limited resources, poverty is a reality for the vast majority. The purpose of the study was to determine the basic social processes that guide HIV positive undocumented migrant's efforts to gain health services in the UK. The study used the Grounded Theory Approach. Theoretical saturation occurred after 16 participants were included in the study. The data included reflections of the prominent factors related to the establishment of a safe and productive life and the ability of individuals to remain within the UK. The data reflected heavily upon the ability of migrants to enter the medical care system during their asylum period, and on an emerging pattern of service denial after loss on immigration appeal. The findings of this study are notable in that they have demonstrated sequence of events along a timeline related to the interaction between the asylum process and access to health-related services. The results reflect that African migrants maintain a degree of formal access to health services during the period that they possess legal access to services and informal access after the failure of their asylum claim. The purpose of this paper is to examine the basic social processes that characterize efforts to gain access to health services among HIV positive undocumented African migrants to the UK. The most recent estimates indicate that there are a total of 618,000 migrants who lack legal status within the UK. Other studies have placed the number of undocumented migrants within the UK in the range of 525,000-950,000. More than 442,000 are thought to dwell in the London metropolitan area. Even in cases where African migrants enter the UK legally, they often face considerable difficulty in their quest to gain legal employment due to barriers inherent to the system that grants work permits. With over a third of HIV positive failed asylum seekers reporting no income, and the remainder reporting highly limited resources, poverty is a reality for the vast majority.
Adherence to Combination Antiretroviral Therapies in HIV Patients of Low Health Literacy

OBJECTIVE To test the significance of health literacy relative to other predictors of adherence to treatment for HIV and AIDS.
A time dependent model for long mean-free-path transport of neutral particles in plasma etching reactors

Summary form only given. Plasma processing for semiconductor fabrication is moving toward reactors using lower gas pressure, and higher plasma density. At the pressures of interest (1-20 mTorr), the mean free path of neutral species is commensurate with the dimensions of interest (Knudsen number Kn>0.1). As a result, fluid momentum and continuity equations may not be accurate representations of the transport of these species. One method to address long mean-free-path transport is based on the use of a "transition matrix", or "propagator". The propagator specifies the probability that a particle, having suffered a collision or been produced at a remote site, has its next collision at the location of interest. In this work the propagator method has been extended to a time dependent form by utilizing a retarded time. In doing so, we account for the finite flight time of species from the remote site to the local site. The propagator has been implemented as the kinetic module in a 2-dimensional hybrid plasma equipment model, and has been applied to analysis of inductively coupled plasma (ICP) etching reactors. The propagator is first constructed using Monte Carlo techniques by launching particles having a randomly chosen mean-free-paths and velocities, and recording the locations at the end of their flights. MC methods, as opposed to analytic techniques, were used to construct the propagator so that complex equipment geometries could be addressed. In applying the time dependent propagator, species densities at past times are recorded. The instantaneous particle fluxes at local sites are then obtained by interpolating the past history of densities based on the retarded time.
Response of the weanling rat to alpha- or beta-lactose with or without an excess of dietary phosphorus.

Abstract One hundred twenty weanling male albino rats (Sprague-Dawley) were employed in two 3×2 factorial experiments designed to compare effects of substituting α -lactose and β -lactose for the glucose component of diets containing either adequate or excess phosphorus. Rats receiving glucose had no diarrhea and gained faster than rats receiving lactose. Further, glucosefed rats had more carcass fat but less carcass water and calcium than lactose-fed rats. Pair-gain studies indicated that these carcass effects were independent of gain and final body weight. Rats fed lactose had much larger ceca than those fed glucose. Blood samples taken just prior to slaughter revealed higher hematocrits for rats receiving lactose than for those receiving glucose. α -Lactose effected a greater weight gain than β -lactose when fed with adequate phosphorus or with excess phosphorus as H 3 PO 4 . Conversely, with excess phosphorus as Na 2 HPO 4 , β -lactose supported a faster rate of gain than α -lactose. Excess phosphorus provided as H 3 PO 4 uniformly depressed rate and efficiency of gain.
Static power optimization of deep submicron CMOS circuits for dual V/sub T/ technology

We address the problem of delay constrained minimization of leakage power of CMOS digital circuits for dual V/sub T/ technology. A novel and efficient heuristic alogrithm based on circuit graph enumeration is proposed. The experimental results on the MCNC91 benchmark circuits show that up to an order of magnitude power reduction can be achieved without any increase in delay.
Liquid Scintillator Measurements of Angular Elastic Scattering of Neutrons from Carbon, Aluminum, and Sulfur

Angular elastic scattering cross sections have been measured for carbon, aluminum, and sulfur using 2.7-Mev neutrons from the $\mathrm{D}(d, n)$ reaction. A liquid organic scintillator, terphenyl in xylene, was used as the neutron detector. The differential pulse-height spectra for the neutrons scattered from sulfur and for ${\mathrm{Co}}^{60}$ gamma rays are given.
Scanning tunneling microscopy investigations of cluster sizes of molybdenum-based catalysts on graphite

Surface morphologies of molybdenum-based catalysts supported on graphite were investigated with a scanning tunneling microscope. The oxide phases of Mo, Co, and Mo-Co were observed to form distinct types of clusters on graphite. MoOx clusters appeared to be elliptical, with sizes ranging from 100 to 200 A in length and 60 A in width, while CoOx formed round and needle-shaped clusters, about 200 A in size. Oxidized Co-Mo was observed to form ringtype structures which were uniformly 100 A in diameter. This ring-type structure was attributed to the CoMoOx structure with Co decorating the edges of Mo. Sulfided phases of these catalysts were observed to form large slabs on graphite. Sulfided MoOx formed large islands (100 A × 150 A). These may be formed from the aggregation of small MoS2 crystallites. Besides forming large patches, CoS also formed needle-type clusters similar to CoOx, but smaller (120 A) in length. These clusters and patches are believed to be bulk Co9S8. Sulfided CoMoOx formed CoMoS islands similar to the needle-type clusters observed in CoS, but much larger in size, from 300 to 600 A. No MoS2 and CoS types of clusters were observed on this sample. No apparent movement of the clusters was observed during repeated scanning, suggesting that there is an interaction between the cluster and the graphite support.
Implementing medication reconciliation from the planner's perspective: a qualitative study.

Medication reconciliation can reduce adverse events associated with prescribing errors at transitions between sites of care. Though a U.S. Joint Commission National Patient Safety Goal since 2006, at present organizations continue to have difficulty implementing it. The objective of this study was to examine medication reconciliation implementation from the perspective of individuals involved in the planning process in order to identify recurrent themes, including facilitators and barriers, that might inform other organizations’ planning and implementation efforts. We performed semi-structured interviews with individuals who had a role in planning medication reconciliation implementation at a large urban academic medical center in the U.S. and its affiliated Veterans Affairs hospital. We queried respondents’ perceptions of the implementation process and their experience with facilitators and barriers. Transcripts were coded and analyzed using a grounded theory approach. The themes that emerged were subsequently categorized using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). There were 13 respondents, each with one or more organizational roles in quality improvement, information technology, medication safety, and education. Respondents described a resource- and time- intensive medication reconciliation planning process. The planning teams’ membership and functioning were recognized as important factors to a successful planning process. Implementation was facilitated by planners’ understanding of the principles of performance improvement, in particular, fitting the new process into the workflow of multiple disciplines. Nevertheless, a need for significant professional role changes was recognized. Staff training was recognized to be an important part of roll-out, but training had several limitations. Planners monitored compliance to help sustain the process, but acknowledged that this did not ensure that medication reconciliation actually achieved its primary goal of reducing errors. Study findings fit multiple constructs in the CFIR model. Study findings suggest that to improve the likelihood of a successful implementation of medication reconciliation, planners should, among other considerations, involve a multidisciplinary planning team, recognize the significant professional role changes that may be needed, and consider devoting resources not just to compliance monitoring but also to monitoring of the process’ impact on prescribing.
Losartan and E3174 Pharmacokinetics in Cytochrome P450 2C9*1/*1, *1/*2, and *1/*3 Individuals

Study Objective. To determine if differences in the pharmacokinetics of losartan and its pharmacologically active E3174 metabolite exist among individuals expressing the cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2C9*1/*1, *1/*2, and *1/*3 genotypes. Design. Single-dose pharmacokinetic study. Setting. University general clinical research center. Subjects. Fifteen healthy volunteers, five from each genotype: CYP2C9*1/*1, *1/*2, and *1/*3. Intervention. A single oral dose of losartan 50 mg. Measurements and Main Results. Plasma and urine samples were collected for 24 hours, and losartan and E3174 pharmacokinetic data were compared across the three genotypes. Orthostatic blood pressure was measured over 12 hours after dosing. No significant differences were observed among the three groups in losartan or E3174 area under the plasma concentration-time curve, losartan or E3174 elimination half-life, or losartan oral clearance. A significant association between CYP2C9 genotype and losartan to E3174 formation clearance was observed, such that 50% of the variability was accounted for by the genotype. No significant relationship between that genotype and blood pressure was observed at any time. Conclusion. Differences in the pharmacokinetics of losartan and its active E3174 metabolite were not observed in healthy subjects with the genotype of CYP2C9*1/*2 and *1/*3 compared with those expressing Alterations in losartan dosing in CYP2C9*1/*2 and *1/*3 individuals does not appear necessary.
Reduction of ferrate(VI) and oxidation of cyanate in a Fe(VI)–TiO2–UV–NCO− system

Abstract The aqueous photocatalytic degradation of cyanate (NCO − ), which is a long-lived neurotoxin formed during the remediation of cyanide in industrial waste streams, was studied in the ferrate(VI)–UV–TiO 2 –NCO − system. Kinetics measurements of the photocatalytic reduction of ferrate(VI) were carried out as a function of [NCO − ], [ferrate(VI)], [O 2 ], light intensity ( I o ), and amount of TiO 2 in suspensions at pH 9.0. The photocatalytic reduction rate of ferrate(VI) in the studied system can be expressed as - d [ Fe ( VI ) ] / d t = kI o 0.5 [NCO − ] [TiO 2 ]. The rate of photocatalytic oxidation of cyanate with ferrate(VI) was greater than the rate in the analogous system without ferrate(VI). The possibility of involvement of reactive ferrate(V) species for this enhancement was determined by studying the reactivity of ferrate(V) with NCO − in a homogeneous solution using a premix pulse radiolysis technique. The rate constant for the reaction of ferrate(V) and NCO − in alkaline medium was estimated to be (9.60 ± 0.07) × 10 2 M −1 s −1 , which is much slower than the ferrate(VI) self-decomposition reaction ( k ≈ 10 7 M −1 s −1 ). An analysis of the kinetic data in the Fe(VI)–UV–TiO 2 –NCO − system suggests that ferrate(V) is not directly participating in the oxidation of cyanate. Possible reactions in the system are presented to explain results of ferrate(VI) reduction and oxidation of cyanate.
In Vivo Electrical Stimulation Using Multichannel Photolithographic Electrode Atrays

Multichannel electrical stimulation of the auditory nerve is demonstrated in a cat model using photolithographic electrode arrays. Evoked potentials from the auditory cortex are used to map the location of fibers activated by different electrodes in the array. The evoked responses obtained are equivalent to those produced by fine wire electrodes currently used for functional stimulation of the auditory system.
Continuous-time random walk for open systems: Fluctuation theorems and counting statistics

We consider continuous-time random walks (CTRW) for open systems that exchange energy and matter with multiple reservoirs. Each waiting time distribution (WTD) for times between steps is characterized by a positive parameter alpha , which is set to alpha=1 if it decays at least as fast as t{-2} at long times and therefore has a finite first moment. A WTD with alpha<1 decays as t{-alpha-1} . A fluctuation theorem for the trajectory quantity R , defined as the logarithm of the ratio of the probability of a trajectory and the probability of the time reversed trajectory, holds for any CTRW. However, R can be identified as a trajectory entropy change only if the WTDs have alpha=1 and satisfy separability (also called "direction time independence"). For nonseparable WTDs with alpha=1 , R can only be identified as a trajectory entropy change at long times, and a fluctuation theorem for the entropy change then only holds at long times. For WTDs with 0<alpha<1 no meaningful fluctuation theorem can be derived. We also show that the (experimentally accessible) nth moments of the energy and matter transfers between the system and a given reservoir grow as t{nalpha} at long times.
Tourism vs. commercial fishers:: development and changing use of Key West and Stock Island, Florida

Abstract For more than 200 years, commercial fishing was the most important economic activity in Key West, Florida. Over the last 20 years however, this way of life has been squeezed off the island, until there is no longer a commercial (as opposed to charter) fishing industry present on the Key. The “squeeze” is attributable to space competition from businesses associated with the explosive growth of the tourism sector in recent years. This paper relates a bit of the historical background of both the commercial fishing and the tourism industries. It goes on to examine some of the economic factors that converged to displace fishing activity to a nearby Key (Stock Island). This case study considers some of the implications for Key West of placing almost total economic reliance on the tourism segment.
Concurrent attenuation of, and energy harvesting from, surface vibrations: experimental verification and model validation

Fundamental studies in vibrational energy harvesting consider the electromechanically coupled devices to be excited by uniform base vibration. Since many harvester devices are mass–spring systems, there is a clear opportunity to exploit the mechanical resonance in a fashion identical to tuned mass dampers to simultaneously suppress the vibration of the host structure via reactive forces while converting the ‘absorbed’ vibration into electrical power. This paper presents a general analytical model for the coupled electro-elastic dynamics of a vibrating panel to which distributed energy harvesting devices are attached. One such device is described which employs a corrugated piezoelectric spring layer. The model is validated by comparison to measured elastic and electric frequency response functions. Tests on an excited panel show that the device, contributing 1% additional mass to the structure, concurrently attenuates the lowest panel mode accelerance by >20 dB while generating 0.441 µW for a panel drive acceleration of 3.29 m s−2. Adjustment of the load resistance connected to the piezoelectric spring layer verifies the analogy between the present harvester device and an electromechanically stiffened and damped vibration absorber. The results show that maximum vibration suppression and energy harvesting objectives occur for nearly the same load resistance in the harvester circuit.
Ewing's Sarcoma and Primitive Neuroectodermal Family of Tumors

Ewing's sarcoma (ES) initially was believed to be of perivascular endothelial origin. The Ewing's sarcoma family of tumors (EFT) includes ES of bone (ESB), extraosseous ES (EES), peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumor of bone (pPNET), and malignant small-cell tumor of the thoracopulmonary region, or Askin's tumor, all of which are now known to be neoplasms of neuroectodermal origin. The degree of neuronal differentiation has been used for histopathologic subclassification of the EFT as classical ES (ESB or EES), which is characterized by minimal evidence of neural differentiation, and pPNET, which displays evidence of neural differentiation by standard microscopy, electron microscopy, or immunohistochemistry. Because the behavior, prognosis, and treatment appear to be similar for all subsets of EFT, this histopathologic subclassification may not be clinically significant, though some debate remains whether neural differentiation predicts for inferior outcome.
Evidence for a role for α6(∗) nAChRs in l-dopa-induced dyskinesias using Parkinsonian α6(∗) nAChR gain-of-function mice.

Abstract l -Dopa-induced dyskinesias (LIDs) are a serious side effect of dopamine replacement therapy for Parkinson’s disease. The mechanisms that underlie LIDs are currently unclear. However, preclinical studies indicate that nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) play a role, suggesting that drugs targeting these receptors may be of therapeutic benefit. To further understand the involvement of α6β2 ∗ nAChRs in LIDs, we used gain-of-function α6 ∗ nAChR (α6L9S) mice that exhibit a 20-fold enhanced sensitivity to nAChR agonists. Wildtype (WT) and α6L9S mice were lesioned by unilateral injection of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA, 3 μg/ml) into the medial forebrain bundle. Three to 4 wk later, they were administered l -dopa (3 mg/kg) plus benserazide (15 mg/kg) until stably dyskinetic. l -dopa-induced abnormal involuntary movements (AIMs) were similar in α6L9S and WT mice. WT mice were then given nicotine in the drinking water in gradually increasing doses to a final 300 μg/ml, which resulted in a 40% decline AIMs. By contrast, there was no decrease in AIMs in α6L9S mice at a maximally tolerated nicotine dose of 20 μg/ml. However, the nAChR antagonist mecamylamine (1 mg/kg ip 30 min before l -dopa) reduced l -dopa-induced AIMs in both α6L9S and WT mice. Thus, both a nAChR agonist and antagonist decreased AIMs in WT mice, but only the antagonist was effective in α6L9S mice. Since nicotine appears to reduce LIDs via desensitization, hypersensitive α6β2 ∗ nAChRs may desensitize less readily. The present data show that α6β2 ∗ nAChRs are key regulators of LIDs, and may be useful therapeutic targets for their management in Parkinson’s disease.
The summer uptake and release of nitrogen by an intertidal oyster reef

Abstract It has long been speculated that oyster reefs process estuarine nutrients, but direct observation of this has been difficult. With a plastic tunnel (BEST - Benthic Ecosystem Tunnel), input/output concentrations of nitrogen and water velocities over an oyster reef were measured for 7 tidal cycles during summer conditions. Ammonia was always released from the oyster reef and average rates varied from 2825 to 15 304 μmol·m −2 ·h −1 . Ammonia release was usually higher on the ebb tide than the flood tide. It is speculated that nitrogen uptake and release may be a function of not only feeding and digestive behaviour, but also of water velocity. The magnitude of ammonia release is much higher than any previous observations on natural benthic systems, suggesting that oyster reefs may be important components in nitrogen cycling in estuaries.
Immobilization of human thrombomodulin to expanded polytetrafluoroethylene.

Background. The success of synthetic grafts for vascular reconstruction remains limited by thrombosis and intimal hyperplasia. In addition to the well-described antithrombotic effects of thrombomodulin, we have demonstrated that recombinant human thrombomodulin (rTM) inhibits arterial smooth muscle cell proliferation induced by thrombin. This study investigated the binding of functional rTM to expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE). Methods. Immobilization of rTM was achieved by either (1) a direct coating or (2) a two-step binding process using a water-soluble condensing cross-reaction agent EDAC to modify the ePTFE surface followed by binding of rTM. The samples were then subjected to a tangential shaken wash. The evidence of bound rTM was evaluated by both morphologic and functional studies. Results. SEM, BSI, and X-ray microanalysis identified that the two-step binding method resulted in significantly greater binding of rTM molecules to ePTFE pre- and post a 7-h wash than the direct coating method. With the two-step binding method rTM ranging from 0.25 to 12.5 μg immobilized to ePTFE-activated protein C (APC) in a concentration-dependent manner by more than 6000-fold compared to the buffer control (P < 0.04) and 50–85% more than direct coating (P < 0.004). With direct coating, the level of APC dropped significantly to near 40% of the preshaken level at 2 h and diminished to 26% at 7 h. Whereas, the level of APC with the two-step binding stabilized at 51 and 49% after being shaken 2 and 7 h, respectively. Conclusion. Functional rTM binding to ePTFE was significantly improved with a new two-step binding method.
NUCLEATING SITES FOR THE ASSEMBLY OF CYTOPLASMIC MICROTUBULES IN THE ECTODERMAL CELLS OF BLASTULAE OF ARBACIA PUNCTULATA

In the ectodermal cells of sea urchin blastulae, the microtubules converge and appear to make contact with three distinct cytoplasmic foci or satellites associated with the basal body of the cilium. Beneath the nucleus, which lies in the apical end of the cell, the microtubules are aligned predominantly parallel to the cell's long axis and could thus make contact with the satellites as is directly suggested by observations on sections at or near the planes of the satellites. After the embryos are treated with low temperature (0°C), the microtubules disassemble; however, the satellites can still be recognized. Upon rewarming, the microtubules reappear. In early stages of reformation, when the tubules in the cell consist of short segments, tubules have only been found in the apical part of the cell. One end of each microtubule appears to make contact with its respective satellite, or is aligned so that it could contact one of the satellites, provided serial sections were cut and collected in order. After longer periods of recovery, the microtubules elongate; as before, one end of each makes contact with a satellite or is aligned so that it could attach to a satellite. Segments of microtubules seen in the basal region of the cell are aligned parallel to the long axis of the cell as in the untreated ectodermal cells and are therefore interpreted as extensions of those tubules making contact with one of the satellites. On the basis of these observations, we suggest that assembly of microtubules is initiated at the satellites. These sites, perhaps best referred to as "nucleating sites," thereby could exert considerable control over the distribution of microtubules in cells. It is hoped that this preliminary report will be followed up by a more detailed study using serial sections.
Picasso: an experiment in hypercube operating system design

Any new computer system organization raises many questions about hardware, system software, algorithms, and programming; multicomputers are no exception. The commercial emergence of hypercubes has made it possible to move many research questions from theoretical to experimental venues. However, hardware availability does more than permit implementation of previously tested ideas. The feasibility of many application and operating system algorithms can only be determined experimentally. We believe it is difficult, if not impossible, to experimentally examine these issues singly — they interact in both obvious and subtle ways. This paper describes the Picasso hypercube operating system, a part of the Picasso project at the University of Illinois. Motivated by the need for a flexible operating system testbed, the design of Picasso has exposed several important, and necessary, features of multicomputer operating systems designed for research. We present the design and current performance of Picasso, discuss the lessons learned, and conclude with an overview of future research plans.
The Role of Parents in Chinese Heritage-Language Schools.

Abstract This paper looks at the Chinese heritage language schools in metropolitan Phoenix area and examines what role parents of the students play in the schools. Based on semi-structured interviews, class observations and publication from the local Chinese schools, this study shows that although Chinese schools have benefited from the support of parents in many ways, the excessive dependence on them has contributed to some problems in Chinese schools, including low quality of teaching and inadequately prepared teachers. Recommendations are made to improve the situation by exploring the potential resources unavailable among parents. More connections need to be built with Chinese international students, scholars and faculty in education or Chinese program at local universities.
Does the direction of portal blood flow determine outcome with small-diameter prosthetic H-graft portacaval shunt?

Background. Partial portal decompression, as attained by small-diameter prosthetic H-graft portacaval shunting, continues to gain popularity because of favorable outcomes. This study was undertaken to determine whether the direction of preshunt or postshunt portal blood flow or reversal in the direction of portal flow occurred with shunting effect outcome after small-diameter prosthetic H-graft portacaval shunt. Methods. In 56 consecutive patients the direction of portal flow was determined before and after shunting. The direction of portal blood flow before and after shunting and changes in the direction of portal flow that occur with shunting were correlated with 30-day and 1-year survival, as well as with the rate of postshunt encephalopathy. Results. Portal pressures significantly decreased in all with shunting. Whether or not stratified by Child's classification, neither the preshunt nor postshunt direction of portal flow affected 30-day or 1-year survival or incidence of encephalopathy. Eleven patients (significant at p < 0.001, Fisher's exact test) had reversal of portal blood flow with shunting without an increase in 30-day or 1-year survival or incidence of encephalopathy. Conclusions. Small-diameter prosthetic H-graft portacaval shunts significantly reduce portal pressure and lead to reversal of portal flow in significant numbers. Significant hepatic dysfunction is uncommon after shunting. Neither the direction of preshunt or postshunt portal blood flow nor the reversal of portal blood flow with shunting has an effect on clinical outcome after small-diameter prosthetic H-graft portacaval shunt.
Substantial Gains in Bias Reduction from Matching with a Variable Number of Controls

In observational studies that match several controls to each treated subject, substantially greater bias reduction is possible if the number of controls is not fixed but rather is allowed to vary from one matched set to another. In certain cases, matching with a fixed number of controls may remove only 50% of the bias in a covariate, whereas matching with a variable number of controls may remove 90% of the bias, even though both control groups have the same number of controls in total. An example of matching in a study of surgical mortality is discussed in detail.
Management of Refractory Epilepsy

The term refractory epilepsy is utilized in veterinary medicine to describe a condition in which an animal with epilepsy fails to attain satisfactory seizure control or suffers intolerable side effects despite appropriate therapy with conventional antiepileptic drugs. Refractory epilepsy is an important problem in small animal practice as it occurs in approximately one-third of dogs with epilepsy. Consequently, there is much interest in identifying ways to more effectively treat this population of animals. More than a dozen new antiepileptic drugs have been approved for humans over the last 2 decades, and several of these drugs, including gabapentin, zonisamide, levetiracetam, and pregabalin, have been evaluated for the treatment of refractory seizures in veterinary patients. Nonmedical methods to treat poorly controlled epilepsy are also being explored. The 2 alternative forms of therapy that have shown the most promise in humans with epilepsy are electrical stimulation of the brain and dietary modification, both of which have also been evaluated in dogs. This overview summarizes the available data on pharmacologic as well as nonmedical treatment options for dogs and cats with refractory epilepsy. Although many forms of therapy are currently being utilized in clinical practice, our knowledge of the safety and efficacy of these treatments is limited. Additional randomized controlled trials are needed to better evaluate these novel therapies for refractory epilepsy in dogs and cats.
Consumers' Perceptions of Fairness and the Resultant Effect on Customer Satisfaction

ABSTRACT This study investigated the effects of interactional, distributive, and procedural fairness on overall fairness and customer satisfaction and of overall fairness on customer satisfaction across a broad spectrum of service encounter outcomes within the service sector, not just in the context of a service failure. Nearly 50% of those encounters recalled represented hospitality and leisure businesses exclusively. The model tested here has been adapted from a larger theoretical model of the customer's path to loyalty which is an adaptation of previous models of the service profit chain, customer satisfaction with service failure and recovery, and complaint handling relationships. This research provides practical information that can lead to a better understanding of customers' evaluation methods and be used to guide the formation of improved service strategies that provide fairness, a key to satisfaction in hospitality, leisure and service sector affiliated businesses.
Comparison of interface pressures in the pediatric population among various support surfaces.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the interface pressures under the bony prominences of children on several support surfaces to evaluate benefit, in terms of the lowest interface pressures, and cost-effectiveness. Design: A descriptive study design was used. Setting/Subjects: A convenience sample of 54 healthy children from the community ranging in age from infancy through 16 years was enrolled through advertisements in the hospital newsletter. The study was conducted in the General Clinical Research Center located within Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas. Instruments: The instrument used to measure the interface pressures was the Mini-Texas Interface Pressure Evaluator. Methods: A comparison was done to evaluate interface pressures under the occiput for infants to children younger than 6 years of age and under the occiput, coccyx, and heel for 6- to 18-year-olds. Five surface combinations were used for measurements: a standard hospital bed or crib mattress; mattress with Delta foam overlay; a mattress with a Gel-E-Donut pillow; a mattress with a Delta foam overlay plus Gel-E-Donut pillow; and an Efica low-air-loss bed. Results: The standard hospital mattress yielded the highest interface pressures. The Delta Foam overlay alone or in combination with the Gel-E-Donut pillow produced the lowest occipital pressures in all age groups. The Delta foam overlay produced comparable pressures to the Efica low-air-loss bed when measuring the coccyx and heel interface pressures. Conclusions: The Delta Foam overlay alone or in combination with the Gel-E-Donut pillow is a cost-effective and therapeutic choice for pressure reduction as demonstrated in this study of healthy children. (J WOCN 2002;29:242-51.)
Low-temperature aqueous-phase reforming of ethanol on bimetallic PdZn catalysts

Bimetallic PdZn catalysts supported on carbon black (CB) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were found to be selective for CO-free H2 production from ethanol at low temperature (250 °C). On Pd, the H2 yield was low (~0.3 mol H2/mol ethanol reacted) and the CH4/CO2 ratio was high (~1.7). Addition of Zn to Pd formed the intermetallic PdZnβ phase (atomic ratio of Zn to Pd is 1) with increased H2 yield (~1.9 mol H2/mol ethanol reacted) and CH4/CO2 ratio of 200 °C, 65 bar). No CO was detected for all the catalysts performed in aqueous-phase reaction, indicating that both monometallic Pd and bimetallic PdZn catalysts have high water-gas shift activity during APR. However, the yield of H2 is considerably lower than the theoretical value of 6 H2 per mole ethanol which is due to the presence of oxygenated products and methane on the PdZn catalysts.
Fabrication and optimization of single-junction nc-Si:H n–i–p solar cells using Si:H phase diagram concepts developed by real time spectroscopic ellipsometry

Abstract In this study, we have developed and applied deposition phase diagrams in the plane of the bulk layer thickness db and the H2-dilution ratio R = [H2]/[Si2H6] for Si:H materials deposited by 70 MHz VHF PECVD from [H2] + [Si2H6] mixed gases on c-Si/(native-oxide)/n-layer substrates. To establish the phase diagrams, series of Si:H depositions having different R values over the range of 60–150 were measured in real time using a rotating-compensator multichannel ellipsometer. Using phase diagram concepts for guidance, we have fabricated high efficiency single-junction nc-Si:H n–i–p solar cells with ∼3 A/s intrinsic layers using the VHF PECVD process. We have found that the nc-Si:H solar cells with the best performance are obtained by incorporating i-layers deposited in the single-phase nanocrystalline silicon regime near the transition boundary to mixed-phase (a + nc)-Si:H. Applying insights from real time spectroscopic ellipsometry moreover, we have investigated in detail the effects of the phase of the underlying n-layer on the phase evolution of the overdeposited Si:H i-layer and on the overall device performance. With the strategy developed here, a stabilized efficiency of η = 9.46% (Voc = 0.516 V, Jsc = 24.65 mA/cm2, FF = 0.744) has been achieved for nc-Si:H solar cells (0.25 cm2 in active area) fabricated with an i-layer deposition rate of ∼2.2 A/s.
Recognition memory and cardiac vagal tone in 6-month-old infants

Abstract Individual differences in visual recognition memory and cardiac vagal tone were assessed in 14 6-month-old infants. A multi-dimensional problem was presented with the paired-comparison technique to assess recognition memory. Cardiac vagal tone was evaluated by quantifying the amplitude of respiratory sinus arrhythmia. Individual differences in spontaneous baseline cardiac vagal tone were correlated with two measures of visual recognition memory. Infants characterized by high cardiac vagal tone looked for shorter periods at the standard (i.e., familiar) stimulus during familiarization and looked for longer periods at the novel stimulus during the test trials. In response to the visual stimulus during the familiarization and test trials, heart rate decelerated only for the infants who performed well on the visual recognition memory task (i.e., those who looked longer at the novel stimulus than the familiar stimulus).