cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Accounting Concepts and Economic Opportunities in a Tarascan Village: Emic and Etic Views

One factor influencing business decisions in Cuanajo, Michoacan is the native system of accounts. While accounting systems influence many areas of business decision making, their impact can be most readily seen in analyzing business entry choices. The degree to which accounting systems influence perceptions of opportunities is demonstrated by comparing the local view of business possibilities derived from the native system of accounts (the "emic" view) with the very different picture we get utilizing conceptual tools from formal economics (the "etic" view). Contrasting these two outlooks allows us to see that the native accounting system gives a highly inaccurate view of opportunities. Evidence that the businessmen of Cuanajo are strongly influenced by the local system can be seen in the fact that individuals continually attempt to enter businesses which are "emically" good, but which, in reality, are saturated. It is not suggested that the native accounting system permanently blocks responsiveness to opp...
Alternative Decision Analysis Modeling in the Economic Evaluation of Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitors for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Objectives To provide a review of the studies that use decision models in the economic evaluation of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to address some important issues surrounding the choice of such modeling techniques in these economic evaluations. Methods A systematic literature search was conducted by 1 author from the literature published from January 1996 to March 2005 through Medline, Embase, and Cochrane library databases. Results The review yielded 29 studies that used decision models. Only 10 studies used a decision model in the economic analysis of the TNF inhibitors and were included in the final review. Decision model types included the following in the review articles: decision tree (2), Markov model (7), and discrete event simulation (1). These models vary in complexity and their choice depends on the course of disease, the impact of treatment, and the available data. Conclusions Based on the results derived from alternative modeling techniques, it is safe to say that all methods can provide useful information with regard to economic evaluations of TNF inhibitors. Even though different modeling techniques provide an appropriate representation of available data, their results should be interpreted contingent on the input data, assumptions, sensitivity analyses, and other alternative scenario analyses. Relevance The transparency in the models will encourage end users such as policymakers and prescribers to make informed judgments regarding the appropriateness of the methods and the validity of the results.
An experimental evaluation of skin graft preservation with silicone fluid.

Abstract Short-term preservation of rat skin allografts in dimethylpolysiloxane fluid at different temperatures has been experimentally evaluated and described. Since storage of excised skin in silicone at 12 ° allows graft survival, this suggests to the surgeon the possibility of a very simple and rapid short-term source of skin. Despite the fact that methods are available which permit the preservation of skin for longer periods of time, the silicone technique appears to be much less complicated and exacting. Although the attempts to preserve skin in a freezer (−9.5 °) have failed, further information is needed to evaluate the interrelationship between the time-temperature and the biological effects of skin preserved in silicone fluid.
Hyperlipoproteinemia in spontaneously diabetic guinea pigs.

Abstract A colony of Hartley guinea pigs that exhibit hyperglycemia, glucosuria, and hypertriglyceridemia characteristic of human diabetes mellitus was developed. Initially, a group of guinea pigs that had normal serum glucose concentrations (≤200 mg/dL of serum) at 3 to 4 weeks of age was obtained; however, in some of the animals progressively severe hyperglycemia (300 to 500 mg/dL of serum) and glucosuria (2 g of glucose/24 h) occurred as the animals matured. In addition, the animals exhibiting hyperglycemia and glucosuria had plasma insulin concentrations that were similar to those animals that were not hyperglycemic. The diabetic animals were found to be hypertriglyceridemic, with plasma triglyceride levels of 140 to 290 mg/dL at four months of age. Nondiabetic animals (plasma glucose concentration of ≤200 mg/dL and no glucosuria) had plasma triglyceride concentrations between 37 and 76 mg/dL. Lipoprotein analysis of plasma from nondiabetic and diabetic animals indicated that the diabetics had a fourfold increase in VLDL triglyceride and protein concentrations. The VLDL had an abnormal apolipoprotein composition and had reduced levels of apoprotein-E. The progeny from the mating of diabetic males and females also exhibited the diabetic trait, suggesting that the origin of the disease is genetic. This colony of guinea pigs is being further investigated as a suitable model for the study of the hyperlipoproteinemia of human noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.
A mathematical framework for active steganalysis

A mathematical framework for steganalysis is presented in this Paper, with linear steganography being the main focus. A mathematically formal definition of steganalysis is given. Then active steganalysis, defined as the extraction of a hidden message with little or no a priori information, is formulated as a blind system identification problem within this framework. Conditions for identifiability (i.e., successful steganalysis) are derived. A procedure to systematically exploit any available spatial and temporal diversity information for efficient steganalysis is also discussed. Experimental results are given for steganalysis of Gaussian distributed, spread spectrum image steganography and watermarking. The proposed technique is observed to produce impressive results for a variety of performance measures. Based on the results we conclude that a common belief, namely, spread spectrum steganography/watermarking, is secure because the low strength, noise-like message carrier is no longer valid within the current context. Therefore, new questions regarding steganography security that differ from the standard information theoretic notion are raised and some answers are provided.
Fingerprints on counterfeit currency

A number of techniques, including 5-methoxyninhydrin/ZnCl2, DFO, DMAC, physical developer, colloidal gold, membrane transfer and vapor development, have been explored in an attempt to distinguish between fingerprints on counterfeit currency before and after the inking. Color copying and offset printing counterfeiting were considered. The printing ink proves to be too permeable to permit ready distinction between 'before' and 'after' fingerprints. There are subtle differences between before and after fingerprint fluorescence spectra (5-methoxyninhydrin/ZnCl2). However, given that one has to contend with finger contamination, the spectroscopy is at present not practically useful, but it shows potential if the fingerprint fluorescence spectrum can be correlated quantitatively with the ink absorption spectrum. Time-resolved spectroscopy in concert with rare-earth-based fingerprint development strategies may be useful as well.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Protein and ligand enhanced dissolution of BeO at pH 7

Be is a toxic metal used in both aerospace and defense industries. Lung exposure to Be can lead to a specific immune response called chronic beryllium disease (CBD). CBD has the unique characteristics that it can be triggered by very low level exposures, yet the onset of systems can be delayed from one to over 20 years. This variable delay in the onset of systems implies that a change in the local environment leads to dissolution and bio-availability of the particulate Be. We report here on the dissolution of the highly insoluble BeO in the presence of known Be ligands including the iron transport protein, transferrin, and the ubiquitous citric acid. The presence of ligands even at the 100 μM level led to dissolution of Be to levels that have been shown to cause immune response in both the blood and the lung. Dissolution occurred at pH 7 and was significantly enhanced in a 10 mM phosphate buffer.
Hypergolic Reaction Mechanisms of Catalytically Promoted Fuels with Rocket Grade Hydrogen Peroxide

Abstract The coupling of the physical and chemical processes controlling the ignition delays (τ ign ) of hypergolic propellants complicates the direct analysis of the transient ignition processes. The transport properties of both the propellants and the ambient gas, and the heat of vaporization and reaction affect τ ign and must be considered experimentally. Furthermore, since hypergolic ignition occurs, by definition, on contact, the mechanics of initial contact and subsequent mixing can affect τ ign and must also be considered. Experimental results from a study of the hypergolic ignition of a catalytically promoted fuel with rocket grade hydrogen peroxide (RGHP) are presented. Statistical analysis of the experimental data was conducted to evaluate the relative effects of RGHP concentration, initial ambient pressure, and the ambient gas on τ ign . At RGHP concentrations of less than 92% in water, stable ignition was difficult to achieve. At sufficiently high Lewis number, an oscillatory ignition process ...
Obesity in Low-Income Rural Women: Qualitative Insights About Physical Activity and Eating Patterns

ABSTRACT Body weight is inversely related to socioeconomic status (SES) in women in the United States (U.S.). Reasons for the social differential in weight are poorly understood. This investigation sought to understand overweight and obesity from the perspective of low-income mothers living in rural New York State, focusing in particular on challenges to maintaining a healthy weight that may be unique to rural poverty. In-depth interviews with 28 women, who were interviewed 3 times over a 3-year period, were audiotaped, transcribed, and analyzed using the constant comparative method. Findings suggest that transportation difficulties confined some women to their homes, which were physical settings offering little opportunity for physical activity. Food insecurity and associated fluctuating household food supplies contributed to disordered eating patterns and to perceptions of dietary deprivation that affected food intake. Rural isolation contributed to negative emotional states that some women alleviated b...
On the Estimation of Antarctic Iceberg Melt Rate

Abstract Estimates of Antarctic iceberg melt rates made from field observations, iceberg distribution statistics, laboratory experiments and theoretical studies give a wide range of values. Evaluation of the errors associated with each method allows for the quantitative first-order correction for both the effect of bubbles released from the melting ice on the convective heat transfer and the effect of other forms of iceberg deterioration besides sidewall melting. The results provide a best estimate for the melt rate of 5, 17 and 55 m year−1 at a temperature elevation above the freezing point of Td = 2, 4 and 8°C, respectively. Also, the laboratory, theoretical and field observations indicate that the melt-rate dependence is proportional to Td1.6.
Neoadjuvant endocrine therapy for breast cancer

Neoadjuvant endocrine therapy improves surgical outcomes for postmenopausal women with bulky hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. Recent studies indicate that this approach may also be used in the management of smaller tumors with the hope of predicting outcomes from adjuvant endocrine manipulation. Neoadjuvant endocrine therapy provides a unique opportunity to identify molecular predictors of endocrine responsiveness and agents that can be used in combination with endocrine therapy to improve tumor response and overcome endocrine resistance.
NRAS isoforms differentially affect downstream pathways, cell growth, and cell transformation

Neuroblastoma rat sarcoma (RAS) viral oncogene homolog (NRAS), a small GTPase, is one of the most thoroughly studied oncogenes that controls cell growth, differentiation, and survival by facilitating signal transduction. Here, we identify four novel naturally occurring NRAS isoforms (isoforms 2–5) in addition to the canonical isoform (isoform 1). Expression analyses performed on a panel of several different human malignancies and matching normal tissue revealed distinct isoform expression patterns. Two of the novel isoforms were found in the nucleus and cytoplasm, whereas the others were exclusively cytoplasmic. The isoforms varied in their binding affinities to known downstream targets and differentially regulated the RAS signaling pathway. Strikingly, forced expression of isoform 5, which encodes only a 20-aa peptide, led to increased cell proliferation and to transformation by activation of known NRAS targets. These discoveries open new avenues in the study of NRAS.
Laser deposited biocompatible Ca-P coatings on Ti-6Al-4V: microstructural evolution and thermal modeling.

Abstract A high intensity continuous wave diode pumped ytterbium laser source was used to deposit Ca–P coatings on a Ti–6Al–4V biocompatible alloy in order to generate a physically textured surface, enhancing osseointegration. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) studies were coupled with X-ray and micro diffraction work to determine the structure, composition, and phases present in various zones of a sample prepared across the coating/substrate interaction zone. Three-dimensional thermal modeling was also carried out to determine the cooling rate and maximum temperature experienced by different regions of the substrate. Combining these results provide us with valuable insights regarding the thermo-physical as well as chemical interactions that take place across the coating–substrate interface.
Growth after intestinal resection for Crohn's disease in children, adolescents, and young adults.

Objective: Growth before and after intestinal resection for Crohn's disease (CD) was examined in a group of children, adolescents, and young adults. Methods: Retrospective chart review of patients who had intestinal resections as clinical management of complications of CD between 1985 and 1996. Pre- and postoperative measurements of weight and height were reviewed. Z-scores were computed for weight-forage (WAZ), height-for-age (HAZ), and weight-for-height (WHZ). Two tailed t tests were used to compare postoperative growth patterns. Significance was defined as p < 0.05. Results: Twenty-five subjects (8 females, mean age 16.2 ± 2.8 years with one operation, and 3 males, mean age 15.7 years with multiple operations) were identified. There were significant improvements in the postoperative growth patterns of subjects who had one operation: HAZ (-1.28 ± 1.45 versus −0.98 ± 1.37, p = 0.041), WAZ (-1.35 ± 1.02 versus −0.74 ± 0.93, p = 0.0006) and WHZ (-0.64 ± 0.95 versus −0.23 ± 0.81, p = 0.036). Furthermore, the magnitude of postoperative weight gain directly correlated with the age at CD diagnosis, R2 = 0.16, p = 0.046. Trends towards improved postoperative WAZ (-0.83 versus −0.49) and HAZ (-0.47 versus −0.27) were also observed in the three subjects who had multiple operations. Conclusion: The pattern of weight and height growth was improved after intestinal resection for CD. Nonetheless, close monitoring of postoperative growth is necessary especially in children diagnosed with CD at a young age.
Equatorial scintillations—a review

Abstract The scintillation technique, as is well known, provides an integrated measure of phase and amplitude fluctuations imposed on radio signals over a wide range of frequencies during their propagation through the ionosphere. The large amplitude of equatorial irregularities necessitates the use of frequencies in the GHz band to obtain unambiguously the temporal variation of irregularity intensity and the effect of irregularity anisotropy. Recent observations of equatorial scintillations will be reviewed with an emphasis on GHz measurements. The steep spatial gradients observed in in-situ data and their relationship to intense GHz scintillations will be explored. Co-ordinated measurements of equatorial irregularities by such techniques as radar backscatter, in-situ rocket and satellite, total electron content and 6300 A airglow will be discussed, insofar as they provide a better understanding of the scintillation phenomena. While it is difficult to critically assess results that are so recent and constantly evolving, we have attempted to focus attention on the outstanding problems that still remain in the field.
Evaluation of distance relay performance

POWER swings which result in lin large angles between voltages at the ends of a system and faults cause distance relays to measure impedances tedious to evaluate by mathematical computation. Also the slow clearing of a fault may cause a power swing, so that there will be a combination of swing and fault conditions to analyze. This article describes a method of determining quickly what impedances all phase and ground distance relays measure during all of these fault and swing conditions. The method requires only a ruler and a protractor or a draftsman's 30-degree-60-degree-90-degree triangle, and a knowledge of the positive- and zero-sequence impedances of the system.
Altered dopamine D2 receptor function and binding in obese OLETF rat

A decrease in D2-like receptor (D2R) binding in the striatum has been reported in obese individuals and drug addicts. Although natural and drug rewards share neural substrates, it is not clear whether such effects also contribute to overeating on palatable meals as an antecedent of dietary obesity. Therefore, we investigated receptor density and the effect of the D2R agonist quinpirole (0.05, 0.5 mg/kg, S.C.) on locomotor activity and sucrose intake in a rat model of diet-induced obesity, the CCK-1 receptor-deficient Otsuka Long Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rat. Compared to age-matched lean controls (LETO), OLETF rats expressed significantly lower [125I]-iodosulpride binding in the accumbens shell (-16%, p<0.02). Whereas the high dose of quinpirole increased motor activity in both strains equally, the low dose reduced activity more in OLETF. Both doses significantly reduced sucrose intake in OLETF but not LETO rats. These findings demonstrate an altered D2R signaling in obese OLETF rats similar to drug-induced sensitization and suggest a link between this effect and avidity for sucrose in this model.
Hydrogen-bonded structure and mechanical chiral response of a silver nanoparticle superlattice

Self-assembled nanoparticle superlattices-materials made of inorganic cores capped by organic ligands, of varied structures, and held together by diverse binding motifs-exhibit size-dependent properties as well as tunable collective behaviour arising from couplings between their nanoscale constituents. Here, we report the single-crystal X-ray structure of a superlattice made in the high-yield synthesis of Na(4)Ag(44)(p-MBA)(30) nanoparticles, and find with large-scale quantum-mechanical simulations that its atomically precise structure and cohesion derive from hydrogen bonds between bundledp-MBA ligands. We also find that the superlattice's mechanical response to hydrostatic compression is characterized by a molecular-solid-like bulk modulus B(0) = 16.7 GPa, exhibiting anomalous pressure softening and a compression-induced transition to a soft-solid phase. Such a transition involves ligand flexure, which causes gear-like correlated chiral rotation of the nanoparticles. The interplay of compositional diversity, spatial packing efficiency, hydrogen-bond connectivity, and cooperative response in this system exemplifies the melding of the seemingly contrasting paradigms of emergent behaviour 'small is different' and 'more is different'.
Cynthia Furse to Receive the Hewlett-Packard Harriett B. Rigas Award [Report of Awards and Fellow Committee]

Dr. Cynthia Furse, an active member of the IEEE Antennas and Propagation Society, has been selected to receive the 2009 Hewlett-Packard Harriett B. Rigas Award of the IEEE Education Society. The award will be presented at the Frontiers in Education Conference, San Antonio, Texas, October 18–21, 2009. Congratulations to Cynthia.
Self-beliefs and behavior: The role of self-efficacy and outcome expectation over time

Abstract The present study investigated a self-efficacy based model of mathematical performance, math self-efficacy and outcome expectations. Unlike other studies, the relationship between those self-beliefs, and behavior was measured over a series of behavioral trials. College females took a series of mathematical word problem tests in which they chose the level of problem difficulty and the amount of effort to expand. A path analysis procedure was used to test the relationships based on Bandura's self-efficacy theory. Self-efficacy was, at the beginning of the task, the major contributor to task level choice but it was past behavior that emerged as the primary predictor of future choice. After three trials persistence was related to self-efficacy and previous performance. Implications for further studies and treatment are discussed. A three stage model: transformation, replication and behavioral pattern, was suggested as a means of understanding the dynamic relationship between the beliefs of self-efficacy and outcome expectation, and performance.
An hypothesis of freese and the DNA-protein coding problem

Freese’s Hypothesis states that a single specific alteration in the sequence of nucleotides of an information-bearing DNA molecule results in a specific mutational effect. Within the framework of the DNA-protein coding problem developed elsewhere, and assuming the quasi-ergodicity of the general coding process, it is shown that Freese’s Hypothesis allows us to derive expressions for the length of the smallest mutable DNA molecule and to obtain a bound for the maximal number of allelic molecules of fixed length. To illustrate these ideas, calculations are carried out on appropriate data from bacternophage and man, and the results are shown to differ by a factor of 10 (modulo the rather crude approximations used). It is further shown that, if ρ(N) and ϱ(N) are respectively the number of information-bearing words of lengthN in a given code and the number of words of lengthN, then the number lim ρ(N)/ϱ(N) depends sensitively on the parameter ∈ which specifiesN→∞ the given code. The implications of this result for the spontaneous aggregation of a sufficient number of information-bearing words to characterize an organism are discussed.
A 100-MHz pipelined CMOS comparator

The authors describe the design of a VLSI-compatible CMOS comparator for high-speed applications. An examination of various generic approaches to obtaining the nonlinear amplification needed to perform the function of comparison leads to the conclusion that this amplification can best be obtained by means of regeneration. Based on this conclusion, a CMOS comparator has been designed wherein voltage comparisons are accomplished directly by a pipelined cascade of two regenerative sense amplifiers, without the use of a preamplifier. To ensure an input resolution of at least 8-bits, offset cancellation is incorporated in the first sense amplifier. The comparator has been integrated in a 2- mu m CMOS technology and has a maximum sampling rate of over 100 MHz; it operates from a single +5-V supply and dissipates only 3.6 mW at its maximum sampling rate. >
Speculative Approximations for Terascale Distributed Gradient Descent Optimization

Model calibration is a major challenge faced by the plethora of statistical analytics packages that are increasingly used in Big Data applications. Identifying the optimal model parameters is a time-consuming process that has to be executed from scratch for every dataset/model combination even by experienced data scientists. We argue that the incapacity to evaluate multiple parameter configurations simultaneously and the lack of support to quickly identify sub-optimal configurations are the principal causes.In this paper, we develop two database-inspired techniques for efficient model calibration. Speculative parameter testing applies advanced parallel multi-query processing methods to evaluate several configurations concurrently. Online aggregation is applied to identify sub-optimal configurations early in the processing by incrementally sampling the training dataset and estimating the objective function corresponding to each configuration. We design concurrent online aggregation estimators and define halting conditions to accurately and timely stop the execution.We apply the proposed techniques to distributed gradient descent optimization -- batch and incremental -- for support vector machines and logistic regression models. We implement the resulting solutions in GLADE PF-OLA -- a state-of-the-art Big Data analytics system -- and evaluate their performance over terascalesize synthetic and real datasets. The results confirm that as many as 32 configurations can be evaluated concurrently almost as fast as one, while sub-optimal configurations are detected accurately in as little as a 1/20th fraction of the time.
Degradation reduction in optics imagery using Toeplitz structure

This paper is concerned with improvement in optical image quality by image restoration. Image restoration is an ill-posed inverse problem which involves the removal or minimization of degradations caused by noise and blur in an image, resulting from, in this case, imaging through a medium. Our work here concerns the use of the underlying Toeplitz structure of such problems, and associated techniques for accelerating the convergence of iterative image restoration computations. Denoising methods, including total variation minimization, followed by segmentation-based preconditioning methods for minimum residual conjugate gradient iterations, are investigated. Regularization is accomplished by segmenting the image into (smooth) segments and varying the preconditioners across the segments. By taking advantage of the Toeplitz structure, our algorithms can be implemented with computational complexity of onlyO (ln 2 logn), wheren 2 is the number of pixels in the image andl is the number of segments used. Also, parallelization is straightforward. Numerical tests are reported for atmospheric imaging problems, including the case of spatially varying blur.
Effects of cadence on aerobic capacity following a prolonged, varied intensity cycling trial

We determined if high cadences, during a prolonged cycling protocol with varying intensities (similar to race situations) decrease performance compared to cycling at a lower, more energetically optimal, cadence. Eight healthy, competitive male road cyclists (35 ± 2 yr) cycled for 180 min at either 80 or 100 rpm (randomized) with varying intensities of power outputs corresponding to 50, 65 and 80% of VO2max. At the end of this cycling period, participants completed a ramped exercise test to exhaustion at their preferred cadence (90 ± 7 rpm). There were no cadence differences in blood glucose, respiratory exchange ratio or rate of perceived exertion. Heart Rate, VO2 and blood lactate were higher at 100 rpm vs. 80 rpm. The total energy cost while cycling during the 65% and 80% VO2max intervals at 100 rpm (15.2 ± 2.7 and 19.1 ± 2.5 kcal∙min(-1), respectively) were higher than at 80 rpm (14.3 ± 2.7 and 18.3± 2.2 kcal∙min(-1), respectively) (p < 0.05). Gross efficiency was higher at 80 rpm vs. 100 rpm during both the 65% (22.8 ± 1.0 vs. 21.3 ± 4.5%) and the 80% (23.1 vs. 22.1 ± 0.9%) exercise intensities (P< 0.05). Maximal power during the performance test (362 ± 38 watts) was greater at 80 rpm than 100 rpm (327 ± 27 watts) (p < 0.05). Findings suggest that in conditions simulating those seen during prolonged competitive cycling, higher cadences (i.e., 100 vs. 80 rpm) are less efficient, resulting in greater energy expenditure and reduced peak power output during maximal performance. Key PointsWhen competitive cyclists perform prolonged exercise that simulates racing conditions (i.e., variable, low-moderate submaximal cycling), a higher cadence results in excess energy expenditure and lower gross efficiency compared to a lower cadence at the same power output.Consequently, maximal power output is reduced during a subsequent exercise bout to exhaustion after using a higher cadence.Selection of a lower, more energetically optimal cadence during prolonged cycling exercise may allow competitive cyclists to enhance maximal performance later in a race.
Neuroanatomic Substrates of Depression in the Elderly

The causes of depression in the elderly are poorly understood. The concept that psychological and social factors are the primary contributors to the occurrence of depression in later life, though intuitively appealing, is not supported by available evidence. In addition, genetic factors are less significant in patients presenting with depression for the first time in later life. In this article, the following hypotheses are examined: (1) the aging process facilitates emergence of depression in later life; (2) cerebrovascular pathology plays a role in the etiology of depression in the elderly; and (3) the site and location of changes in the brain provide a basis for understanding neuroanatomic substrates of depression in the elderly. The role of the basal ganglia and different basal ganglia circuits in the pathophysiology of depression is discussed. The clinical significance of the findings of structural changes in the brain are also discussed.
Use of sediment elemental and isotopic compositions to record the eutrophication of a polymictic reservoir in central Texas, USA

Paleolimnological studies are rarely performed on reservoirs because of concern that sediments might not accurately chronicle reservoir history. Eutrophication indicators might behave differently in polymictic reservoirs and stratified natural lakes because of system and/or mixing regime differences. Particulate organic carbon (POC), particulate organic nitrogen (PON), and total phosphorus (TP) concentrations, carbon:nitrogen (C:N) and nitrogen:phosphorus (N:P) ratios, and carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) stable isotopes from a sediment core were measured to demonstrate that sufficient information can be derived from sediments to permit a historical reconstruction. The scattered POC data were likely biased by seasonal/annual variability in allochthonous organic matter (OM) loading. The upwardly increasing PON in the sediment core supported historic primary productivity (PP) data, suggesting PON could be a better PP indicator than POC. The upwardly increasing TP documented historic P enrichment. The upwardly decreasing C:N ratio identified an OM source shift from allochthonous to increasingly autochthonous sources with reservoir age. The upwardly increasing N:P ratio implied that N-fixation rates have increased with reservoir age, to compensate for increasing N limitation as the P loading increased. The δ13C decreased as the PP increased with reservoir age producing an atypical relationship compared to stratified natural lakes. The OM source shifts likely biased the δ13C–PP relationship, and might weaken δ13C-inferred PP reconstructions in similar reservoirs. The δ15N increased with reservoir age, likely resulting from dissolved inorganic N (DIN) source changes, rather than nitrate utilization. Watershed urban growth and dairy operation intensification potentially contributed greater loads of isotopically heavy DIN. This study demonstrated that paleolimnology has great potential to assist eutrophication assessment and management efforts in reservoirs.
Xenopus GDF6, a new antagonist of noggin and a partner of BMPs

In Xenopus, ectodermal cell fates are determined by antagonistic interaction between the BMP subfamily of TGF-(beta) ligands and the organizer-specific secreted factors (e.g. noggin, chordin and follistatin). Inhibition of BMP function by these factors can convert cells from an epidermal to a neural cell fate. In this study, we report that GDF6, a new member of the Xenopus TGF-(beta) family, can function in antagonistic interaction with neural inducers. GDF6 induces epidermis and inhibits neural tissue in dissociated cells, and this activity is blocked by the presence of noggin. We demonstrate that GDF6 binds directly to the neural inducer noggin. Furthermore, we find that GDF6 and BMP2 can form heterodimers and the process seems to require cotranslation of the proteins in the same cells. In normal embryos, GDF6 and BMP2 are coexpressed in several places, including the edge of the neural plate at early neurula stages, suggesting that GDF6 may synergize with BMPs to regulate patterning of the ectoderm. Our data show for the first time that noggin can bind directly to and inhibit another TGF-(beta) family member: GDF6. In addition, BMP and GDF6 heterodimers may play an important role in vivo to regulate cell fate determination and patterning.
Generating extracellular amyloid aggregates using E. coli cells

Diverse proteins are known to be capable of forming amyloid aggregates, self-seeding fibrillar assemblies that may be biologically functional or pathological. Well-known examples include neurodegenerative disease-associated proteins that misfold as amyloid, fungal prion proteins that can transition to a self-propagating amyloid form and certain bacterial proteins that fold as amyloid at the cell surface and promote biofilm formation. To further explore the diversity of amyloidogenic proteins, generally applicable methods for identifying them are critical. Here we describe a cell-based method for generating amyloid aggregates that relies on the natural ability of Escherichia coli cells to elaborate amyloid fibrils at the cell surface. We use several different yeast prion proteins and the human huntingtin protein to show that protein secretion via this specialized export pathway promotes acquisition of the amyloid fold specifically for proteins that have an inherent amyloid-forming propensity. Furthermore, our findings establish the potential of this E. coli-based system to facilitate the implementation of high-throughput screens for identifying amyloidogenic proteins and modulators of amyloid aggregation.
(sup 6)Li and (sup 7)MAS NMR and In Situ X-Ray Diffraction Studies of Lithium Manganate Cathode Materials

{sup 6}Li MAS NMR spectra of lithium manganese oxides with differing manganese oxidation states (LiMn{sub 2}O{sub 4}, Li{sub 4}Mn{sub 5}O{sub 12}, Li{sub 2}Mn{sub 4}O{sub 9}, and Li{sub 2}Mn{sub 2}O{sub 4}) are presented. Improved understanding of the lithium NMR spectra of these model compounds is used to interpret the local structure of the Li{sub x}Mn{sub 2}O{sub 4} cathode materials following electrochemical Li{sup +} deintercalation to various charging levels. In situ x-ray diffraction patterns of the same material during charging are also reported for comparison. Evidence for two-phase behavior for x <0.4 (Li{sub x}Mn{sub 2}O{sub 4}) is seen by both NMR and diffraction.
Sixth spectrum of uranium (U VI)

Eight spectral lines of five-times ionized uranium between 800 and 1930 A are reported. Four terms (5f2F, 6d2D, 7s2S, and 7p2P) are given. Isoelectronic comparisons are made and the effect of crystal fields on the 5f electron is discussed.
Comparison of sequence and structure alignments for protein domains

Profile search methods based on protein domain alignments have proven to be useful tools in comparative sequence analysis. Domain alignments used by currently available search methods have been computed by sequence comparison. With the growth of the protein structure database, however, alignments of many domain pairs have also been computed by structure comparison. Here, we examine the extent to which information from these two sources agrees. We measure agreement with respect to identification of homologous regions in each protein, that is, with respect to the location of domain boundaries. We also measure agreement with respect to identification of homologous residue sites by comparing alignments and assessing the accuracy of the molecular models they predict. We find that domain alignments in publicly available collections based on sequence and structure comparison are largely consistent. However, the homologous regions identified by sequence comparison are often shorter than those identified by 3D structure comparison. In addition, when overall sequence similarity is low alignments from sequence comparison produce less accurate molecular models, suggesting that they less accurately identify homologous sites. These observations suggest that structure comparison results might be used to improve the overall accuracy of domain alignment collections and the performance of profile search methods based on them.
Applications of Behavior Modification in Organizations: A Review and Critique

Behavior modification has many implications for organizations, and yet the recent surge of suggestions for possible applications may go untested. A review and critique of past applications emphasizes critical comments in the areas of metaphysics and ethics, theory, industrial setting and interpretation. Areas for extension of behavior modification are suggested.
Commentary: Evaluating the Validity of Formative and Interim Assessment

In many school districts, the pressure to raise test scores has created overnight celebrity status for formative assessment. Its powers to raise student achievement have been touted, however, without attending to the research on which these claims were based. Sociocultural learning theory provides theoretical grounding for understanding how formative assessment works to increase student learning. The articles in this special issue bring us back to underlying first principles by offering separate validity frameworks for evaluating formative assessment (Nichols, Meyers, & Burling) and newly-invented interim assessments (Perie, Marion, & Gong). The article by Heritage, Kim, Vendlinski, and Herman then offers the most important insight of all; that is, formative assessment is of little use if teachers don't know what to do when students are unable to grasp an important concept. While it is true that validity investigations are needed, I argue that the validity research that will tell us the most—about how formative assessment can be used to improve student learning—must be embedded in rich curriculum and must at the same time attempt to foster instructional practices consistent with learning research.
Race logic: a hardware acceleration for dynamic programming algorithms

We propose a novel computing approach, dubbed "Race Logic", in which information, instead of being represented as logic levels, as is done in conventional logic, is represented as a timing delay. Under this new information representation, computations can be performed by observing the relative propagation times of signals injected into the circuit (i.e. the outcome of races). Race Logic is especially suited for solving problems related to the
High Resolution Millimeter Wave Inspecting of the Orbiter Acreage Heat Tiles of the Space Shuttle

The physical cause of Space Shuttle Columbia's catastrophic failure was a breach in its thermal protection system, caused by a piece of external tank insulating foam (SOFI) separating from the external tank and striking the leading edge of the left wing of the orbiter. Consequently, there is an urgent need for a rapid, robust and life-circle oriented nondestructive testing (NDT) technique capable of inspecting the SOFI as well as the orbiter's protective heat tiles and its fuselage prior and subsequent to a launch. Microwave and millimeter wave NDT methods have shown great potential to achieve these goals using real focused reflectometer techniques and synthetic aperture focused techniques. This paper presents recent results of an investigation for the purpose of detecting anomalies such as debonds and corrosion in the structurally complex multi-sectioned protective heat tiles using a real focused 150 GHz (D-band) reflectometer and wide-band millimeter wave holography at 18-26.5 GHz (K-band) and 33-50 GHz (Q-band). The results of these investigations clearly show the utility of millimeter wave NDT methods for detecting such anomalies. Both methods provide a significant amount of information about the nature of an anomaly including size and location.
Sexual dysfunction, social maladjustment, and psychiatric disorders in women seeking treatment in a premenstrual syndrome clinic.

The NIMH Diagnostic Interview Schedule (n = 43), and the Hopkins Symptom Checklist and Weissman Social Adjustment Scale (n = 35) was administered to assess the prevalence of psychiatric disorders a...
Drug Interactions Involving Antifungal Drugs: Time Course and Clinical Significance

The antifungal armamentarium has expanded greatly over the past two decades. This expansion, along with the pharmacologically complex therapeutic regimens used in treating many patients with systemic fungal disease, enhances the risk of clinically significant drug–drug interactions. This review examines the drug–drug interaction potential of antifungal agents by pharmacologic class and attempts to provide perspective on the time course and clinical significance of these events.
Recent Studies on Feeding Problems in Children with Autism.

This paper reviews recent studies on behavioral interventions for children with autism and feeding problems. The applicability of interventions that have been tested with other populations of children with feeding problems is discussed, as well as directions for future research.
A teratogenic deformity index for evaluating impacts of selenium on fish populations.

Abstract This paper describes a method for using teratogenic deformities in fish as the basis for evaluating impacts of selenium contamination. Teratogenic deformities are reliable bioindicators of selenium toxicosis in fish. They are produced in response to dietary exposure of parent fish and subsequent deposition of selenium in eggs. There is a close parallel between selenium concentrations in eggs, incidence of teratogenic deformities in larvae, and magnitude of reproductive failure. Using these relationships, an index was developed for teratogenic-based assessment of impacts to fish populations. The index is composed of three ratings that signify increasing levels of terata-induced population mortality: 1, negligible impact ( 20% population mortality). Each rating is based on the anticipated population-level impact of the corresponding degree of mortality. Teratogenic-based impact assessment provides a conclusive cause–effect linkage between the contaminant and the fish. It is particularly useful for verifying selenium-induced impacts on reproductive success because poor reproduction can be caused by many things—i.e., fluctuating water levels, nest predation, food shortages, poor recruitment, etc. The index given here should be a useful tool for evaluating the effect of selenium on fish populations. Moreover, application of this technique may save considerable time and money by identifying the most efficient use of manpower and funds early in the assessment process.
Ultra-long cavity hybrid silicon mode-locked laser diode operating at 930 MHz

An integrated 9-cm cavity hybrid silicon laser that is fundamentally mode-locked at 930 MHz is presented. The laser outputs chirped 200-ps pulses at 1.1-ns repetition rate. Harmonic mode-locking up to the 8th harmonic is shown, with 35-ps pulses at the 3rd harmonic.
The traffic measurement and the empirical studies for the Internet

The traffic engineering for a packet switched network such as the Internet is important for the network management and the future network plan. The investigation method for the traffic measurement should be build to understand the characteristics of the network. This paper describes the measurement system for the Internet traffic and shows some aspects of the Internet with the system. The results show some aspects of TCP sessions such as the number of packets, amount for transmission, connection time, the starting time, connection interval and retransmission of packets. The self-similar test for the traffic of the TCP and UDP were also done with the variance time plot and they were self-similar traffic.
Reinvigorating adolescent sexuality education through alternate reality games: the case of The Source

AbstractThis paper presents findings from a focus group study conducted to evaluate The Source, an alternate reality game (ARG). ARGs are a relatively new genre of interactive digital games that use a variety of media to engage game players. We developed modules on sexual health, sexual orientation, and homophobia in a game that was delivered to 133 predominantly African-American and Latino US youth. Ten focus groups were conducted with 43 young people aged 13–18 who played The Source to understand feasibility and acceptability issues and the impact of the game on young people’s attitudes, knowledge, and behaviours. Data were transcribed and analysed for common themes by two independent coders. Four primary themes were identified: (1) the feasibility and acceptability of using an ARG for sexual education; (2) the acceptability of The Source’s specific sexual health content; (3) the game’s influence on sexual health-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours; and (4) the impact of the game on young peopl...
MicroRNA in Leukemias

MicroRNAs are a class of master gene regulators that are extensively deregulated in all leukemias. Distinctive miRNA signatures are expressed in each cytogenetically defined subtype of leukemia which play multifaceted roles in the genesis, pathobiology, progression and clinical outcome of this group of diseases. This chapter aims to provide a comprehensive review of the expression, regulation and cellular targets of the microRNAs in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in order to understand the regulatory role of microRNA in the leukemias as well as to identify novel therapeutic targets.
Characterization of the electrogenic sodium channel from rat brain membranes using neurotoxin-dependent 22Na uptake.

The sodium channel was studied in osmotically-sensitive membrane preparations from rat brain and in innervated and chronically denervated rat soleus and extensor digitorum longus muscles. These experiments were undertaken in order to define a set of parameters for sodium channel function at the subcellular level to be used as a measure of retention of channel integrity upon subsequent isolation of the channel. Various neurotoxins and drugs were employed to control the permeability of the brain membranes to 22Na and the sodium-conductance properties of the muscles. Batrachotoxin (ED50 = 0.2 μM), veratridine (ED50 = 1 μM), or grayanotoxin I (ED50 = 30 μM) stimulated 22Na uptake in brain membranes is inhibited in an apparently uncompetitive manner by the sodium channel blocking agents tetrodotoxin and saxitoxin in a simple competitive manner by Ca2+ and in a partial or allosteric competitive manner by lidocaine and procaine. This 22Na uptake assay, which can be equated to a measure of equilibrium toxin bindi...