cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Where is AACSB Now? An Interview with Porter, McKibbin and Blood

Gerald Ramey interviews Drs Porter, McKibbin and Blood about new accreditation standards implemented by the American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). The major consensus of opinion being that as long as there is good communication through the schools system, accreditation will be an advantage.
Use of propofol for office-based anesthesia: effect of nitrous oxide on recovery profile.

Abstract Study Objective: To evaluate the effect of nitrous oxide (N 2 O) on the recovery profile and the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) after office-based surgery performed under propofol anesthesia. Design: Prospective, randomized, single-blind study. Setting: Office-based surgical center. Patients: 69 ASA physical status I, II, and III healthy, consenting outpatients undergoing superficial surgical procedures lasting 15 to 45 minutes. Interventions: After a standard propofol induction (1.5 mg · kg −1 IV), anesthesia was initially maintained with propofol, 100 μg · kg −1 · min −1 IV, in combination with either air or N 2 O 65% in oxygen. The propofol infusion rate was subsequently varied to maintain an adequate depth of anesthesia. All patients received local anesthetic infiltration prior to the surgical incision, as well as during the operation. No prophylactic antiemetics were administered. Measurements and Main Results: Recovery times and the incidences of PONV were recorded during the first 24 hours after surgery. Early and late recovery variables were similar in the two treatment groups; however, 65% N 2 O produced a 19% decrease in the propofol maintenance dosage requirement. One patient (3%) experienced nausea prior to discharge in the propofol-N 2 O group, and two patients (6%) experienced nausea at home in the propofol alone group. None of the patients vomited or received antiemetic medication during the 24 hours postdischarge period. Ninety-seven percent of patients receiving propofol alone and all of the patients in the propofol-N 2 O group were "very satisfied" with their anesthetic experience. Conclusions: In outpatients undergoing office-based surgical procedures with propofol anesthesia, administration of 65% N 2 O decreased the anesthetic requirement without increasing PONV. Therefore, use of a propofol-N 2 O combination may be a cost-effective alternative to propofol alone for office-based anesthesia.
Stage-specific family structure models: implicit parameter restrictions and Bayesian model comparison with an application to prosocial behavior

The two most frequently used specifications in stage-specific family structure analyses of young adult outcomes-state × stage and event × stage-impose restrictions on the parameters of the underlying model of child development. The restrictions imposed by the state specification have substantive a priori disadvantages, implying that use of the state specification requires justification by a specification test. Because the state and event specifications are non-nested, a classical approach to specification testing runs into practical problems. We demonstrate the advantages of a Bayesian approach to the specification testing problem using two applications to young adult prosocial behavior-charitable giving and volunteering. Substantive results are that family structure transitions during adolescence are negatively associated with subsequent giving, and transitions during middle childhood are positively associated with subsequent volunteering. There are other substantive results that would have been missed had we not realized that the state and event specifications impose restrictions on the underlying model and had we not made specification testing a prerequisite for substantive analysis.
Effect of random noise and peak asymmetry on the precision and accuracy of measurements of the column efficiency in chromatography

Abstract The reproducibility and bias of the measurement of column efficiency from chromatographic peaks were studied. Peaks of various signal-to-noise and τ/σ ratios, a measure of the asymmetry of a peak, were generated by computer simulation. A range of experimental peaks were also analyzed. Column efficiencies for a variety of peaks were computer calculated, using eight commonly employed methods. The results are compared. The moment method gave the best results in almost all instances of noisy or skewed peaks, except in the simulated noisy cases with a signal-to-noise ratio of less than 40, and seems to be the most accurate method for the measurement of column efficiency for those with access to a computer for calculations. The most common method, the half-height method, surprisingly seems fairly sensitive to noise fluctuations, and di not perform as well as some of the other methods, including the 3σ, 4σ and 5σ methods, in the most noisy instances.
Surface Recognition among Oral Bacteria: Multigeneric Coaggregations and their Mediators

Nearly all human oral bacteria participate in intergeneric coaggregation, which is defined as cell-to-cell recognition and adherence between bacterial pairs from different genera.’ It is becoming increasingly clear that coaggregation is a critical factor in bacterial colonization and accretion on oral surface~.~.~ Furthermore, the concept of multigeneric coaggregates,6 interacting bacterial networks composed of coaggregating cells of three or more genera, is central to understanding the accumulation of dental plaque on teeth. While the recent studies of initial adherence by bacteria to oral surfaces are briefly covered here, the major focus of this article is the potential role of multigeneric coaggregations in the bacterial ecology of the oral cavity. Their relevance to (1) a lotic or flowing environment; (2) sequential addition6 or accretion of bacteria on teeth; (3) temporal changes in bacterial populations that accompany progressively more severe stages of periodontal disease;’-I9 and (4) interactive cellular arrangements that illustrate bacterial competitions,2’.22 and rosettesU are discussed. Excepting conjugation systems, reports of intergeneric bacteria-bacteria interactions outside of the oral microflora are few, and the adherence properties of the participating cell types have not been de~cribed.~’~’ Some of these appear to involve nutritiona128*3 or predatory”32 relationships. Ecosystems where coaggregation might be expected to play a role are the large cellular aggregations of metabolic consortia found in anaerobic digestors that convert organic matter into CH, and C02.33.y Although direct cell-to-cell contact between these synmphic organisms has not been reported, it has been proposed that metabolic communication within the extracellular biopolymer matrix occurs by interspecies juxtapositioning rather than between separate clusters of the Merent types of cells.3s In contrast, studies of metabolic communication among the obligately anaerobic methanogenic human oral bacteria in dental plaque are just beginning,19’ and their involvement in coaggregation has not been investigated. Because the bacterial composition of subgingival dental plaque is in a constant state of flux, a recurring theme in this review is the apparent relationship of coaggregating partnerships to their temporal appearance in this ecosystem. Subgingival bacteria that are found in the environment of normal healthy gingiva tend to form coaggregating pairs, whereas those bacteria that predominate in more advanced stages of periodontal disease tend not to recognize the early colonizers.’% Instead, they coaggregate with other bacteria
Low-temperature-calorimetric studies of superconductivity and microstructure in titanium--vanadium alloys

Abstract The results of a low-temperature, specific-heat investigation of a sequence of Ti-V (3–90 at.%) alloys are reported. The electronic specific heat coefficient, γ, and superconducting transition temperature, T c , respond strongly to the composition- and heat-treatment-dependent microstructural states of the alloys. In particular, the presence of ω-phase precipitation is responsible for pronounced depressions of γ and T c in the composition range of about 13 through 25 at.% V. As density-of-states-related quantities, γ, T c , and χ (the magnetic susceptibility, discussed in an earlier paper) all follow similar trends when measured in the as-quenched alloys, ω-Phase, when it occurs in such alloys, reduces the measured γ and χ values by weighted averaging, and reduces T c through the operation of a complete proximity effect. On the other hand, during the aging of a pair of selected members of the series under investigation ( viz ., Ti-V (15 at.%) and Ti-V (19 at.%)), although γ and χ continue to decrease as ω-phase develops, T c increases and the superconducting transition broadens. The aging situation is analyzed in terms of an incomplete proximity effect which evolves as the co-phase pre-cipitates increase in size with aging time.
Stoichiometric preference in copper-promoted oxidative DNA damage by ochratoxin A

The ability of the fungal carcinogen, ochratoxin A (OTA, 1), to facilitate copper-promoted oxidative DNA damage has been assessed using supercoiled plasmid DNA (Form I)-agarose gel electrophoresis and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry with selected-ion monitoring (GC-MS-SIM). OTA is shown to promote oxidative cleavage of Form I DNA with optimal cleavage efficiency occurring under excess Cu(II) conditions. As the concentration of OTA was increased and present in excess of Cu(II) the cleavage was less effective. Parallel findings were found for the ability of the OTA-Cu mixture to facilitate oxidative base damage. Yields (lesions per 10(6) DNA bases) of modified bases upon exposure of calf-thymus DNA (CT-DNA) to OTA-H(2)O(2)-Cu(II) were diminished when the OTA:Cu ratio was increased to 5:1. Electrochemical studies carried out in methanol implicate a ligand-centered 2e oxidation of OTA in the presence of excess Cu(II), while product analyses utilizing electrospray mass spectrometry support the intermediacy of the quinone, OTQ (3), in Cu-promoted oxidation of OTA. The implications of these findings with regard to the mutagenicity of OTA are discussed.
Densities and mobilities of coexisting electrons and holes in GaSb/InAs/GaSb quantum wells

Abstract Quantum wells of GaSb/InAs/GaSb have been prepared by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) with emphasis on the correlation of the growth parameters with their electronic properties as characterized by magnetotransport measurements. An electron mobility of 3.5 × 10 5 cm 2 /V s has been obtained for the first time in the presence of holes. The holes disappear at a critical InAs thickness around 60 A resulting from a semimetal-semiconductor transition.
Estimation of the Cholesky decomposition of the covariance matrix for a conditional independent normal model

In this paper, we consider estimating the Cholesky decomposition (the lower triangular squared root) of the covariance matrix for a conditional independent normal model under four equivariant loss functions. Closed-form expressions of the maximum likelihood estimator and an unbiased estimator of the Cholesky decomposition are provided. By introducing a special group of lower-triangular block matrices, we obtain the best equivariant estimator of the Cholesky decomposition under each of the four losses. Because both the maximum likelihood estimator and the unbiased estimator belong to the class of equivariant estimators with respect to the special group, they are all inadmissible.
Putrescine carbamoyltransferase activity in pea is associated with the ornithine carbamoyltransferase polypeptide and is not involved in putrescine synthesis under physiological conditions

Putrescine carbamoyltransferase (PutCT) has been postulated to function in the synthesis of putrescine (Put) from an N-carbamoylputrescine (NCPut) intermediate in plants. In pea, PutCT activity was associated entirely with ornithine carbamoyltransferase (OCT) protein, which was purified to homogeneity using an immobilized transition-state analog inhibitor (δN-(phosphonacetyl)-L-ornithine). No evidence for a separate PutCT enzyme, similar to that in Streptococcus [15], or PutCT activity associated with a ‘putrescine synthase’-type multifunctional enzyme [13] was found. OCT carried out the carbamoylation of Put and other diamine and polyamine substrates inefficiently and at non-physiological pH (Put carbamoylation: pH 10.8 optimum, Vmax 0.11 μkat/mg protein, Km=6.7 mM for Put and 1.0 mM for carbamoyl-P), when compared with ornithine carbamoylation (pH 8.5 optimum, Vmax=313.9 μkat/mg protein, Km=4.4 mM for ornithine and 0.6 mM for carbamoyl-P). Different subcellular compartmentation of PutCT activity (chloroplast) and the NCPut substrate (cytosol), coupled with a thermodynamically-unfavorable reverse reaction (i.e., Put synthesis from NCPut), suggest that the OCT-associated PutCT activity does not significantly contribute to in vivo Put synthesis in plants.
HISTAMINE AND CORTISOL LEVELS IN SOME HEMATOLOGICAL DISORDERS

Whole blood (WB) and plasma (P1) histamine and P1 cortisol were determined in 20 cases of acute leukemia at diagnosis, after induction therapy and during maintenance. Twelve cases of I.T.P., 7 cases of Henoch-Schonlein purpura and 8 cases of aplastic anemia were also studied and results compared to 50 normal controls. -A significant reduction of WB and P1 histamine was found at diagnosis in acute leukemia and aplastic anemia. The depletion level, particularly in WB, was more marked in aplastic anemia cases. After onset of remission in acute leukemia, the histamine levels of WB and P1 became abnormally high; at maintenance P1 histamine returned to normal levels, while WB histamine remained high. -In I.T.P. no significant change in histamine levels was found. -In Henoch-Schonlein purpura the histamine levels were significantly elevated. -The P1 cortisol levels were significantly higher than normal in acute leukemia cases, decreased but still elevated in remission and during maintenance. They were significantly higher than normal in I.T.P., Henoch-Schonlein purpura and aplastic anemia.
Mean-field-theory study of the energetics of icosahedral, decagonal, and dodecagonal quasicrystals.

Most quasicrystals are found in alloys which have Frank-Kasper phases. These Frank-Kasper phases are characterized by a network of interpenetrating polyhedra, with coordination numbers (CN) 12, 14, 15, and 16. While the CN-12 (icosahedral) polyhedra cause icosahedral and decagonal quasicrystalline order, the CN-14 polyhedra can lead to dodecagonal order. Motivated by the structure of these polyhedra, we have studied the energetics of a number of quasicrystalline structures, which have icosahedral, decagonal, and dodecagonal symmetries, using a modified model of Kalugin, Kitaev, and Levitov. We find that in a region of low to moderate stiffness in parameter space (parametrized by elastic stiffness and temperature), the dodecagonal structure is energetically more stable, while the decagonal structure wins in the high-stiffness regime. The decagonal structure is always lower in energy than the icosahedral structure. The dodecagonal structure, however, has a higher energy barrier with respect to the isotropic phase than the decagonal and icosahedral structures, which have comparable barriers.
Causes for variation in phosphorus soil tests

Abstract Inconsistencies in test results and recommendations among service laboratories often contribute to lack of confidence in soil testing as a diagnostic tool. The North Central Regional Committee on Soil Testing (NCR‐13) recently surveyed testing procedures and conducted a soil sample exchange. These studies indicated considerable diversity in procedures and variations in phosphorus test results among university laboratories. The variations may be due to the following causes: terminology, extractant, extraction vessel, speed and time of shaking. An extraction study showed that, with the Erlenmeyer flask, speed and time of shaking had little effect on the amount of phosphorus extracted. Low phosphorus test values were obtained with a straight walled bottle at speeds of less than 200 OPM due to poor sample agitation. Standardization of soil measuring scoops and a regional bulletin describing recommended testing procedures are steps taken towards greater uniformity.
Magnetic compton scattering using the elliptical multipole wiggler at sector 11-ID-B

Abstract Magnetic Compton scattering has been used to measure the momentum distribution of magnetic electrons in several materials. The polarization and frequency tunability of the elliptical multipole wiggler (EMW) makes it an ideal source for magnetic Compton scattering experiments. We performed the measurements using 50, 100 and 150 keV photons simultaneously. The EMW was operated at Ky=14 (E c =32 keV ) and Kx between 0.6 and 1.03. The degree of circular polarization was about 80% or higher. The sample was mounted between the poles of an electromagnet in a field of 0.8 T. The majority of Compton scattering measurements were performed by switching the magnet polarity. Tests using an iron foil target gave a similar magnetic Compton profile by either switching the magnetic field or the photon helicity. A 9-element Ge solid state detector array was used for detection.
Sourcing strategy: the impact of costs on relationship outcomes

Posits that relationship marketing is often suggested as being the best approach to dealing with suppliers and customers. However, there may be situations where the costs or goals of the parties involved do not require or justify incurring the costs of building a relationship. Presents an empirical analysis of some of the costs that may affect perceptions of a relationship. The independent variables analysed include switching costs, buyer investments, seller investments, and the product’s basis of competitive advantage. The dependent variables include perceptions of the relationship’s value, its expected longevity, and the likelihood of future relationships. Indicates that there are market conditions where the cost of building a relationship may not be worth the investment costs.
Characterization of nanoparticles released during construction of photocatalytic pavements using engineered nanoparticles

With the increasing use of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles in self-cleaning materials such as photocatalytic concrete pavements, the release of nanoparticles into the environment is inevitable. Nanoparticle concentration, particle size, surface area, elemental composition, and surface morphology are pertinent to determine the associated risks. In this study, the potential of exposure to synthetic nanoparticles released during construction activities for application of photocatalytic pavements was measured during laboratory-simulated construction activities of photocatalytic mortar overlays and in an actual field application of photocatalytic spray coat. A scanning mobility particle sizer system measured the size distribution of nanoparticles released during laboratory and field activities. Since incidental nanoparticles are released during construction activities, nanoparticle emissions were compared to those from similar activities without nano-TiO2. Nanoparticle counts and size distribution suggest that synthetic nanoparticles are released during application of photocatalytic pavements. In order to identify the nanoparticle source, nanoparticles were also collected for offline characterization using transmission electron microscopy. However, positive identification of synthetic nanoparticles was not possible due to difficulties in obtaining high-resolution images. As a result, further research is recommended to identify nanoparticle composition and sources.
Integrating information literacy into the education of public health professionals: roles for librarians and the library.

Objective: The paper reviews the core competencies for public health professionals presented in the Institute of Medicine's (IOM's) report, Who Will Keep the Public Healthy: Educating Public Health Professionals for the 21st Century; describes improving information literacy (IL) as a mechanism for integrating the core competencies in public health education; and showcases IL as an opportunity for solidifying partnerships between academic librarians and public health educators. Methods: The IOM competencies, along with explicit examples of library support from a literature review of current IL trends in the health sciences, are analyzed. Results: Librarians can play a fundamental role in implementing the IOM's core competencies in shaping public health education for the twenty-first century. A partnership between public health educators and librarians through a transdisciplinary approach is recommended. Conclusions: IL skills and competencies integrated into public health curricula through a collaborative partnership between public health educators and librarians can help integrate the IOM's core competencies and improve public health education.
RNA folding pathways and kinetics using 2D energy landscapes

RNA folding pathways play an important role in various biological processes, such as (i) the hok/sok (host-killing/suppression of killing) system in E. coli to check for sufficient plasmid copy number, (ii) the conformational switch in spliced leader (SL) RNA from Leptomonas collosoma, which controls trans splicing of a portion of the \(5'\) exon, and (iii) riboswitches—portions of the \(5'\) untranslated region of messenger RNA that regulate genes by allostery. Since RNA folding pathways are determined by the energy landscape, we describe a novel algorithm, FFTbor2D, which computes the 2D projection of the energy landscape for a given RNA sequence. Given two metastable secondary structures \(A,B\) for a given RNA sequence, FFTbor2D computes the Boltzmann probability \(p(x,y) = Z_{x,y}/Z\) that a secondary structure has base pair distance \(x\) from \(A\) and distance \(y\) from \(B\). Using polynomial interpolation with the fast Fourier transform, we compute \(p(x,y)\) in \(O(n^5)\) time and \(O(n^2)\) space, which is an improvement over an earlier method, which runs in \(O(n^7)\) time and \(O(n^4)\) space. FFTbor2D has potential applications in synthetic biology, where one might wish to design bistable switches having target metastable structures \(A,B\) with favorable pathway kinetics. By inverting the transition probability matrix determined from FFTbor2D output, we show that L. collosoma spliced leader RNA has larger mean first passage time from \(A\) to \(B\) on the 2D energy landscape, than \(97.145~\%\) of 20,000 sequences, each having metastable structures \(A,B\). Source code and binaries are freely available for download at http://bioinformatics.bc.edu/clotelab/FFTbor2D. The program FFTbor2D is implemented in C++, with optional OpenMP parallelization primitives.
Assessment of cardiac anatomy using nuclear magnetic resonance imaging

Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging has emerged in the past few years as a completely noninvasive method for medical imaging of internal organs. Because of the loss of signal intensity by motional nuclei (hydrogen) using most proton imaging techniques, flowing blood within the cardiovascular system generates little or no signal and consequently there is high natural contrast between blood and the walls of blood vessels or cardiac chambers. However, motion during imaging also complicates cardiac imaging because signal is lost from the nuclei in the moving cardiac structures. Consequently electrocardiographic gating of data acquisition is required for nuclear magnetic resonance imaging of the heart. Distinct advantages of nuclear magnetic resonance imaging in relation to other imaging modalities are good contrast between soft tissues and the capability for characterization of specific tissues by estimation of magnetic relaxation times. Early in vitro studies measuring relaxation times of myocardial tissue samples of excised hearts indicate that nuclear magnetic resonance imaging will be capable of discriminating infarcted from normal myocardium. Recent studies using electrocardiographically gated nuclear magnetic resonance imaging of dogs with acute infarction showed the infarct as a region of high intensity on spin-echo images. Initial clinical experience with electrocardiographically gated nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (0.35 tesla) in patients has clearly defined internal cardiac anatomy without the use of contrast media. This technique has demonstrated the consequence of previous myocardial infarction such as regional wall thinning, aneurysm, thrombus and contractile dysfunction, a number of pericardial abnormalities and the morphology of hypertrophic and congestive cardiomyopathies.
Happy motoring with ATP synthase

ATP synthase research has reached a milestone as single-molecule techniques are used to examine the direction and stepping of the proton gradient–driven rotation, to determine the effect of forced rotation on ATP synthesis and to synchronously monitor rotation and nucleotide kinetics.
Fermion Q-stars

Abstract We describe fermion Q-stars, a class of non-topological classical solutions of field theories containing interacting fermions and bosons. These objects generalize Q-balls by including fermions and classical Einstein gravity, and have interesting astrophysical applications.
Automatic Reading Of Reconnaissance Film Code Blocks

For several years operational reconnaissance films have been annotated with flight, data digitized in the format of MIL-STD-782 code blocks. It is almost universally accepted in the using services that a code block annotated. on film permanently, visibly, and in direct. association with the pertinent photo imagery-is a long term, continuing, requirement. For over a year, Fairchild Hiller Corporation conducted., a substantial company-funded effort to fully explore all aspects of reading. This work resulted in contracts for a feasibility model. from the Photo Management office of the Naval Air Systems Command, and later for a produc-tion design from the Tri-Service TIPI SPO. The need for automatic re.Hders of the code block is a direct result of the large volume of film being handled. Equipments such as motorized light tables, computer aided mensura tion systems, continuous process film titters and route-and-coverage plotters all will benefit from the use of compact, reliable, error free,. high speed code block readers. -© (1967) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Stock Performance and Intermediation Changes Surrounding Sustained Increases in Disclosure

This paper investigates whether firms benefit from expanded voluntary disclosure by examining changes in capital market factors associated with increases in analyst disclosure ratings for 97 firms. The disclosure rating increases are accompanied by increases in sample firms' stock returns, institutional ownership, analyst following, and stock liquidity. These findings persist after controlling for contemporaneous earnings performance and other potentially influential variables, such as risk, growth, and firm size. While it is difficult to draw unambiguous causal conclusions, these results are consistent with disclosure model predictions that expanded disclosure leads investors to revise upward valuations of the sample firms' stocks, increases stock liquidity, and creates additional institutional and analyst interest in the stocks.
Accuracy of normal approximation for the maximum likelihood estimator and Bayes estimators in the Ornstein–Uhlenbeck process using random normings

Abstract Using different random normings, the paper shows that the distributions of the normalized maximum likelihood estimator and normalized regular Bayes estimators of the drift parameter in the Ornstein–Uhlenbeck process observed continuously over [0,T] converge to the standard normal distribution with an error rate O(T−1/2).
Implant-based breast reconstruction with allograft.

Background: Reconstructive breast surgeons often prefer autologous tissue for those patients who can tolerate it. However, reconstruction with implants is technically easier, quicker, less traumatic, and less costly. Nevertheless, inherent problems associated with implants present some limitations to their use in reconstruction. In this study, a multipurpose application of allogenic dermal grafts to solve the problems seen in immediate breast reconstruction with implants was examined. Methods: After skin-sparing mastectomy, a subpectoral pocket is created for the implant. After the origins of the pectoralis major muscle are released, AlloDerm is sewn to the lower pole of the released muscle. Grafts are tailored according to the dimensions of the defect. AlloDerm, an allogenic dermal graft, is fixed tothepectoralismajorsuperiorly,tothechestwallinferiorlyandinferomedially, and to the serratus anterior flap laterally. A postoperative adjustable implant is placed into the pocket that has bene created. Result: Allograftswereusedtoreconstruct30breastsin24patientsimmediately after skin- or nipple-sparing mastectomy. There was no complication related to simultaneous allograft application. No rippling, symmastia, or bottoming-out deformity was seen. Conclusions: Breast reconstruction with implant and AlloDerm enables the surgeon to create a submuscular pocket large enough to place a fully inflated breast implant. Interposition of a lower-pole internal sling, to increase the capacity of the pectoralis major pocket while providing immediate ability to achieve full or subtotal prosthetic fill and optimal aesthetic breast contouring andtomaintainthickermusclecoverageintheupperandmedialpoleareasand stronger lower pole support, would obviate many of the current disadvantages to implant reconstruction. (Plast. Reconstr. Surg. 120: 373, 2007.)
Redundant residue polynomial codes

In this paper, a new class of error-correcting linear block codes using symbols from GF(2 m ) is presented. These codes are not cyclic codes, but posses instead a unique algebraic structure. It is shown that they are instantaneously decodable with a modest amount of hardware consisting almost entirely of mod 2 adders for correcting burst errors. Furthermore, their efficiency compares favorably with the Varsharmov-Gilbert bound for both random errors over GF(2 m ) and burst errors over GF(2).
BMPs, Smads and metalloproteases: extracellular and intracellular modes of negative regulation

Bone morphogenetic (BMPs), members of the TGF-beta superfamily, have critical functions in many biological contexts. Recent findings in Drosophila and vertebrates suggest that BMP signaling can be modulated extracellularly and intracellularly by the availability of BMP inhibitors and Smads, respectively.
Crystallization and thermal stability of mechanically alloyed W Ni-Fe noncrystalline materials

Abstract Tungsten–nickel noncrystalline alloys containing remnant nanocrystalline W particles have been synthesized by mechanical alloying (MA). Two initial compositions (50 and 75 at.% W) milled for various times have been investigated. The W content of the noncrystalline matrix depends on the MA (milling) time and the overall alloy W content. For 50 at.% W alloys, three exothermic reactions – monitored by differential scanning calorimetry – take place on continuous heating of the alloy. Crystalline W first precipitates from the noncrystalline matrix at about 825 K. This is followed by partial crystallization (to an fcc phase) of the noncrystalline matrix. At even higher temperatures, two intermetallics (NiW and, to a lesser extent, Ni 4 W) form from the remaining Ni–W noncrystalline matrix along with additional amounts of the fcc and W phases. Similar crystallization processes occur for 75 at.% W alloys milled for less than 15 h. However, when milled for times exceeding 15 h, only one exothermic reaction occurs in these alloys. The crystallization temperature is found to increase with increasing W content in the noncrystalline phase.
Morphologic effects of mitoxantrone and a related anthracenedione on lymphoid tissues

A single non-toxic dose of mitoxantrone or a related anthraquinone derivative caused extensive destruction of splenic marginal zone cells in rats and mice. This was followed by phagocytosis of cell debris and long-lasting atrophy. Germinal centers of splenic follicles were also affected. Small doses gave a cumulative effect and tolerance did not develop. Regional draining (but not distant) lymph nodes also had lymphocytic necrosis. The localization of the lymphocytolysis in the spleen may be related to the open circulation of blood in the marginal zone, and to the distribution of B-lymphocytes or B-lymphocyte subsets.
Complications following blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty is one of the most common surgical procedures performed in the USA for both functional improvements in the aging patient as well as aesthetic rejuvenation of the periocular region and midface. A thorough understanding of periocular anatomy, as well as a detailed pre-operative ophthalmic examination is important for a good outcome. While severe complications are rare, the surgeon performing a blepharoplasty should be aware of the possible complications and understand how to minimize them. The authors summarize known the complications of this procedure for the blepharoplasty surgeon and offer the treatment strategies when they occur.
Monism and the possibility of Life after death

Traditionally, when man was viewed as a psycho-physical unity, life after death was deemed quite impossible, particularly in the face of universal human mortality and inevitable bodily corruption. However, some modern anthropologically monistic philosophers, including most notably John Hick, have argued that life after death is possible.
Using Scenario Modeling for Red Spruce Restoration Planning in West Virginia

Active restoration of threatened or endangered species habitat may seem in conflict with the provisions of the Endangered Species Act because of the prohibition of “take,” which can include habitat modification as well as death or harm to individuals. Risk-averse managers may choose to forego active management in known or presumed endangered species habitat to avoid killing an individual or harming critical habitat. We used the landscape-scale model LANDIS-II to simulate red spruce (Picea rubens Sarg.)-dominated forest response to restoration actions for 100 years. Restoration strategies differed in management of the potential habitat for the recently delisted Virginia northern flying squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus fuscus). Model simulations show that active management with protections for existing red spruce stands resulted in a greater area dominated by red spruce than did larger, areawide protections. However, protecting larger areas of potential habitat resulted in an increase in red spruce in areas of low to moderate probability of occurrence for the flying squirrel, potentially increasing the area’s suitability for this species.
Steeping of Poor Quality Wheat. Effects on Physicochemical Properties and Functional Characteristics of the Starch

Wheat of poor baking quality was steeped at temperatures ranging from 5° to 50°C, prior to starch isolation. Physicochemical properties of starch – susceptibility to α-amylase, Amylograph viscosity, and solubility in dimethylsulfoxide – and functional properties – bread and cake baking performance and thickening power – were determined. Starch yield increased as the steeping temperature increased. The susceptibility of starches to α-amylase increased significantly as the steeping temperature of grain increased above 40 °C. Amylograph consistency of starches increased due to temperature of steeping. Increasing the steeping temperature of grain increased starch solubility in dimethyl sulfoxide. Bread baking performance of starches was not significantly affected by the various treatment temperatures and bread of satisfactory quality was obtained. Cakes of very good characteristics were produced with all starches. The thickening power of starches in fillings stored at room and refrigeration temperatures was higher initially for starches isolated at higher temperature. The consistency decreased upon storage in all fillings. Starch with acceptable functional properties could be obtained from a wheat of poor baking quality. Wirkung des Einweichens von Weizen schwacher Backqualitat auf die physikalisch-chemischen und funktionellen Eigenschaften der Starke. Weizen schwacher Backqualitat wurde vor der Isolierung der Starke bei Temperaturen im Bereich von 5° bis 50 °C eingeweicht. Die physikalisch-chemischen Eigenschaften der Starke – Empflindlichkeit gegenuber α-Amylase, Amylograph-Viskositat und Loslichkeit in Dimethylsulfoxid – und die funktionellen Eigenschaften – Eignung zum Backen von Brot und Kuchen sowie Dickungsvermogen – wurden untersucht. Die Starkeausbeute nahm mit steigender Quelltemperatur zu. Die Empfindlichkeit der Starken gegenuber α-Amylase nahm deutlich zu, wenn die Quelltemperatur uber 40 °C anstieg. Die Amylograph-Konsistenz nahm mit der Quelltemperatur zu. Gleichfalls nahm die Loslichkeit der Starke in Dimethylsulfoxid beim Erhohen der Quelltemperatur zu. Die Eignung der Starken zum Backen von Brot wurde durch die verschiedenen Behandlungstemperaturen nicht signifikant beeinflust, und es wurde Brot von befriedigender Qualitat erhalten. Mit allen Starken wurden Kuchen mit sehr guten Eigenschaften hergestellt. Das Dickungsvermogen der Starken in Fullungen, die bei Raum- und Kuhlschrank-Temperaturen gelagert wurden, war zu Anfang bei den Starken hoher, die bei hoherer Temperatur isoliert waren. Die Konsistenz nahm wahrend der Lagerung bei allen Fullungen ab. Aus Weizen schwacher Backqualitat konnte Starke mit annehmbaren funktionellen Eigenschaften erhalten werden.
Aortic Valve Sinus Vorticity Dynamics and the Potential Role of Coronary Flow

Calcific aortic valve disease affects a wide range of the population in the United States. Each year there are approximately 50,000 valve replacements due to this disease [(Freeman & Otto, 2005)]. While it is unclear what the exact causes of CAVD are, it does appear to be correlated to local hemodynamic conditions particularly related to the complex spatio-temporal nature of fluid wall shear stress dynamics that the aortic side of the leaflets experience.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Robotany and Lichtung: a contribution to phenomenological dialogue

This paper discusses phenomenological structures relevant to tangible and embedded interaction through a phenomenological interpretation of an interactive art piece. This discussion distinguishes between two basic traditions in phenomenological philosophy, the Husserlian and the Heideggerian. In addition, it illustrates the notions of Lichtung, intentionality, Verhalten, ready-to-hand and present-at-hand. The paper concludes with some implications of a Heideggerian phenomenological framework.
Approach to Estimating Participant Pollutant Exposures in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis and Air Pollution (MESA Air)

Most published epidemiology studies of long-term air pollution health effects have relied on central site monitoring to investigate regional-scale differences in exposure. Few cohort studies have had sufficient data to characterize localized variations in pollution, despite the fact that large gradients can exist over small spatial scales. Similarly, previous data have generally been limited to measurements of particle mass or several of the criteria gases. The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis and Air Pollution (MESA Air) is an innovative investigation undertaken to link subclinical and clinical cardiovascular health effects with individual-level estimates of personal exposure to ambient-origin pollution. This project improves on prior work by implementing an extensive exposure assessment program to characterize long-term average concentrations of ambient-generated PM2.5, specific PM2.5 chemical components, and copollutants, with particular emphasis on capturing concentration gradients within cities. This paper describes exposure assessment in MESA Air, including questionnaires, community sampling, home monitoring, and personal sampling. Summary statistics describing the performance of the sampling methods are presented along with descriptive statistics of the air pollution concentrations by city.
High-throughput enzyme-linked immunoabsorbant assay (ELISA) electrochemiluminescent detection of botulinum toxins in foods for food safety and defence purposes.

Clostridum species produce seven serotypes (A–G) of botulinum toxin, four of which (A, B, E, and F) are normally associated with human illness. To date, the most reliable test for botulinum toxin is the mouse bioassay. The authors’ laboratory has been exploring the use of an antibody-based assay similar to an enzyme-linked immunoabsorbant assay (ELISA) but utilizing electrochemiluminescent technology (BioVerify® assay) as an alternative to the mouse bioassay for testing food samples. The detection limit of this assay is as low as 10 ng g−1 depending on the food matrix and the serotype detected. Detection of botulinum toxin between 10 and 200 ng g−1 is a linear curve allowing for the possibility of performing quantitative as well as qualitative testing of samples. The ease of the assay, limited sample preparation, and low detection limit make the BioVerify assay and instrument an excellent, high-throughput option for detecting botulinum toxins in food matrices.
Lead in urban and rural song birds

Abstract Comparisons were made of lead concentrations in populations of song birds living in urban and rural areas; lead concentrations were significantly higher in urban populations. Absolute concentrations were well below levels reported to have toxic effects. Dispersal from rural populations would compensate for any deleterious effects of lead on survival and reproduction of urban populations. It is concluded that lead pollution in automobile emissions has no significant effect on urban populations of free-living song birds.
Predation by the desert pupfish,Cyprinodon macularius onCulex mosquitoes and benthic chironomid midges

Predation ofCulex mosquitoes and chironomid midges was demonstrated byCyprinodon macularius Baird & Girard in two types of shallow ponds. In large ponds (5.5×2.6 m) with fish, all mosquito breeding ceased 4 weeks after introduction ofC. macularius. A significant, density-dependent reduction of several chironomid biotypes was sustained, although an increase was evident for other chironomid biotypes. Fish biomass increased 2.43 fold in 76 days in m2 ponds and 23.22 fold in 70 days in larger ponds. Behavioral studies showedC. macularius capable of feeding effectively on mosquitoes in floating algal mats. The desert pupfish deserves serious attention in the biological-integrated control of medically important aquatic arthropods, and may possess attributes making it a preferred, ecologically adapted substitute forGambusia affinis (Baird & Girard) in certain habitats.
Interactive segmentation of brain tumors in MR images using 3D region growing

We have developed an interactive software package designed to assist the radiologist in tissue segmentation for volumetric determination. Our algorithms treat a group of stacked images as a single volume, extending the concepts of traditional region growing and thresholding into three dimensions. Preliminary results from phantom studies indicate that, relative to conventional manual tracking techniques, the benefits of 3D region growing and thresholding include reduced time expenditure and improved determination of contiguous regions. However, heterogeneous signals and poor contrast may limit the usefulness of the automated segmentation algorithm alone. Therefore, several manual editing tools are included. When the automated segmentation tools are coupled with simple editing tools, accuracy of tissue segmentation in the phantom is equal or better than manual tracing alone with significant time savings.
Surgical aspects of the short-bowel syndrome☆

Abstract Background : Surgeons are frequently confronted with patients with the short-bowel syndrome. Important surgical issues are maintaining intestinal continuity, treating complications, and performing procedures to improve intestinal function. Methods : A comprehensive review of the English language literature and the author's own experience were employed to make recommendations about surgical management of the short-bowel syndrome. Conclusion : At the time of initial resection, ostomy formation is often prudent. The decision to restore continuity at a later time should balance anticipated functional outcome against potential complications. Several surgical strategies can be employed at reoperation in these patients to minimize further loss of intestine. Prophylactic cholecystectomy should be considered because of the increased risk of cholelithiasis. Gastric hypersecretion rarely requires operative therapy. Surgical therapy for the short-bowel syndrome includes procedures to slow intestinal transit, optimize intestinal function, and increase intestinal surface area. The choice of operation is influenced by intestinal remnant length and caliber and its function. Only a small proportion of patients are candidates for nontransplant procedures, of which intestinal lengthening is most efficacious. Intestinal transplantation, either alone or combined with the liver, is emerging as the most promising therapy in short-bowel syndrome.
Use of Vanadium Doping for Compensated and Semi-Insulating SiC Epitaxial Layers for SiC Device Applications

Vanadium doping from SiCl4 source during epitaxial growth with chlorinated C and Si precursors was investigated as a mean of achieving compensated and semi-insulating epitaxial 4H-SiC layers for device applications. Thin epilayers were grown at 1450°C with a growth rate of ~6 μm/h. Experiments at 1600°C resulted in the growth rates ranging from 60 to 90 µm/h producing epilayers with thickness above 30 µm. V concentrations up to about 1017cm-3 were found safe for achieving defect-free epilayer surface morphology, however certain degradation of the crystalline quality was detected by XRD at V concentrations as low as 3-5x1015 cm-3. Controllable compensation of nitrogen donors with V acceptors provided low-doped and semi-insulating epitaxial layers. Mesa isolated PiN diodes with V-acceptor-compensated n- epilayers used as drift regions showed qualitatively normal forward- and reverse-bias behavior.
Multispecific drug transporter Slc22a8 (Oat3) regulates multiple metabolic and signaling pathways.

Multispecific drug transporters of the solute carrier and ATP-binding cassette families are highly conserved through evolution, but their true physiologic role remains unclear. Analyses of the organic anion transporter 3 (OAT3; encoded by Slc22a8/Oat3, originally Roct) knockout mouse have confirmed its critical role in the renal handling of common drugs (e.g., antibiotics, antivirals, diuretics) and toxins. Previous targeted metabolomics of the knockout of the closely related Oat1 have demonstrated a central metabolic role, but the same approach with Oat3 failed to reveal a similar set of endogenous substrates. Nevertheless, the Oat3 knockout is the only Oat described so far with a physiologically significant phenotype, suggesting the disturbance of metabolic or signaling pathways. Here we analyzed global gene expression in Oat3 knockout tissue, which implicated OAT3 in phase I and phase II metabolism (drug metabolizing enzymes or DMEs), as well as signaling pathways. Metabolic reconstruction with the recently developed “mouse Recon1” supported the involvement of Oat3 in the aforementioned pathways. Untargeted metabolomics were used to determine whether the predicted metabolic alterations could be confirmed. Many significant changes were observed; several metabolites were tested for direct interaction with mOAT3, whereas others were supported by published data. Oat3 thus appears critical for the handling of phase I (hydroxylation) and phase II (glucuronidation) metabolites. Oat3 also plays a role in bioenergetic pathways (e.g., the tricarboxylic acid cycle), as well as those involving vitamins (e.g., folate), steroids, prostaglandins, gut microbiome products, uremic toxins, cyclic nucleotides, amino acids, glycans, and possibly hyaluronic acid. The data seemingly consistent with the Remote Sensing and Signaling Hypothesis (Ahn and Nigam, 2009; Wu et al., 2011), also suggests that Oat3 is essential for the handling of dietary flavonoids and antioxidants.