cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mother–Child Interactions and the Associations with Child Healthcare Utilization in Low-Income Urban Families

Studies have demonstrated that low-income families often have disproportionately high utilization of emergency department (ED) and hospital services, and low utilization of preventive visits. A possible contributing factor is that some mothers may not respond optimally to their infants' health needs, either due to their own responsiveness or due to the child's ability to send cues. These mother-child interactions are measurable and amenable to change. We examined the associations between mother-child interactions and child healthcare utilization among low-income families. We analyzed data from the Nurse-Family Partnership trial in Memphis, TN control group (n = 432). Data were collected from child medical records (birth to 24 months), mother interviews (12 and 24 months postpartum), and observations of mother-child interactions (12 months postpartum). We used logistic and ordered logistic regression to assess independent associations between mother-child interactions and child healthcare utilization measures: hospitalizations, ED visits, sick-child visits to primary care, and well-child visits. Better mother-child interactions, as measured by mother's responsiveness to her child, were associated with decreased hospitalizations (OR: 0.51; 95% CI: 0.32, 0.81), decreased ambulatory-care-sensitive ED visits (OR: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.44, 0.96), and increased well-child visits (OR: 1.55, 95% CI: 1.06, 2.28). Mother's responsiveness to her child was associated with child healthcare utilization. Interventions to improve mother-child interactions may be appropriate for mother-child dyads in which child healthcare utilization appears unbalanced with inadequate primary care and excess urgent care. Recognition of these interactions may also improve the care clinicians provide for families.
The role of contextual variables in maternal reactions to children's compliance and noncompliance

The present study was designed to assess whether certain contexts influenced material reactions to children's compliant and noncompliant behavior. Study 1 examined the following contextual variables: chronic negative conditions of the child (physical illness and psychological disturbance) and recent life events experienced by the child (both positive and negative). Study 2 examined maternal mood states as another contextual variable. Results indicated that these contexts relate to differential choices of discipline techniques, based on maternal self-report. These data are examined in light of the literature on treatment acceptability and are discussed in terms of a signal-detection model. Clinical applications are addressed, and suggestions for future research are offered.
Comparison of autogenous vein, dacron and Gore-Tex in infected wounds.

Abstract Autogenous vein, Dacron, and GoreTex were evaluated as arterial replacements in wounds inocumulated with S. aureus. The incidence of wound hemorrhage was similar whether synthetic or autogenous materials were used. Experimentally, this indicates no superiority of prosthetic materials or autogenous substances in infected wounds. Thus, extra-anatomic bypass may have to be considered when vascular replacement is required in infected wounds. If impossible, all must be aware of the posibility of sudden, severe postoperative bleeding.
From Tinnitus Data to Action Rules and Tinnitus Treatment

Medical records contain feature values on specific dates, which brings very unstable sampling rate. Therefore popular temporal features, which have been successfully applied to sound data, failed to fully describe the vita behaviors of features and factors of patient and treatment. The authors developed a flexible temporal feature retrieval system based on grouping of similar visiting patterns with connection to an action-rules engine and observed interesting and useful results about how the changes of treatment factors affects the changes of recover.
Off-pump revascularization for significant left ventricular dysfunction.

Left ventricular dysfunction is a predictor of perioperative morbidity and mortality in on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting. Obligatory global myocardial ischemia and injury induced during crossclamping as well as adverse systemic effects of cardiopulmonary bypass may induce a disproportionately greater overall physiologic insult in patients with poor ventricular function. All patients undergoing nonemergency off-pump coronary artery bypass by a single surgeon during an 18-month period were retrospectively analyzed. Two groups with preoperative ejection fraction classified as poor (10%–35%; n = 31) or normal (55%–80%; n = 60) were compared. The mean ejection fractions were 26% ± 1% and 63% ± 1% respectively, p < 0.000001. In those with significant left ventricular dysfunction, there were 2.8 ± 0.1 grafts per patient, time to extubation was 8.4 ± 1.2 hours, and discharge was after 4.9 ± 0.6 days. These results were statistically equivalent to those in the group with normal left ventricular function. Th...
Emerging instructional technologies: Exploring the extent of faculty use of web 2.0 tools at a midwestern community college

The purpose of this research is to provide insight into the several aspects of instructional use of emerging web-based technologies. The study first explores the extent of Web 2.0 technology integration into face-to-face classroom activities. In this phase, the main focus of research interests was on the types and dynamics of Web 2.0 tools used by community college instructors. In the second phase, we were predominantly interested in instructors’ preferences toward tools and the major barriers instructors confront in integrating these tools in a traditional educational setting. The study reveals the extent of instructors’ use of Web 2.0 tools in the classroom relates to a) their level of education and b) training on the tools. Results clearly indicate that level of education and current use of web 2.0 technologies in instruction are major determinants of the instructors’ preferences toward different groups of Web 2.0 tools. Finally, lack of faculty training opportunities was identified as the main barrier for using Web 2.0 technologies. The study offers research based evidence which undoubtedly represent the current trends and issues in the process of technology integration into course curriculum at a community college level. Considering obtained findings, we suggest implementation of an institutional and systematic approach to reinforce inclusion of Web 2.0 technologies in traditional teaching and learning.
Blood pressure reduced by whole grain diet containing barley or whole wheat and brown rice in moderately hypercholesterolemic men

Whole grains have been reported to lower blood pressure, but results have been mixed. This report compares the effects of soluble and insoluble fibers on blood pressure in a whole grain diet. Twenty-one non-hypertensive men (28-62 yr) with elevated plasma cholesterol levels were selected for the study approved by the Institutional Review Board of the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health. Men consumed a Step 1 diet for 2 wk. and then consumed diets with brown rice/whole wheat, barley, or a combination for 5 wk in a Latin square. Systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressures did not change during the Step 1 diet, but were reduced by whole grains whether the fiber was predominantly soluble (barley) or insoluble (brown rice & whole wheat). Urinary excretion of phosphorus, and urea nitrogen were lower after consumption of the barley diet. Increasing whole grain foods in a healthy diet can reduce cardiovascular risk.
Henry James and the United States

Henry James's decision to become a British citizen in 1915, thereby losing his U.S. citizenship, has been discussed often as part of his biography, but it has larger significance in relation to recent discussions of cosmopolitanism. Although he lived in the era of the nation state, James wrote positively about transnational characters and experiences, anticipating recent efforts by intellectuals and artists to think and live beyond the nation and challenge the rhetoric of patriotism.
Un-Marching through Poetry: Peace Walking with William Stafford

(2008). Un-Marching through Poetry: Peace Walking with William Stafford. The Explicator: Vol. 66, No. 3, pp. 130-133.
Simulation and characterization of GaN HEMT in high-frequency switched-mode power converters

High switching frequencies can lead to converters with reduced size and high power density. Using RF/microwave devices, microwave design techniques can be applied to allow soft-switching of devices and thus high efficiency operation, at the cost of higher complexity and component count. This paper explores the use of microwave GaN High Electron Mobility Transistors (HEMT) to realize power conversion in the 10–100 MHz range using conventional PWM techniques that may enable simple, small and efficient converters. Several driver and test circuits are described, simulated and tested, and experimental results are also provided for a floating buck converter operating at 20 MHz and controlled using conventional PWM techniques.
The Ethical Dimensions of Awarding Financial Aid

In countries charging tuition fees, and those that are considering adopting tuition fee policies, recent economic conditions are making education less affordable and accessible for students. To combat these challenges, nations, state/regional governments, and universities are experimenting with financial aid programmes by providing non‐repayable grants and scholarships to reduce price barriers. This paper synthesizes the underlying political and ethical motivations driving these financial aid policies. Aid providers interested in pursuing market prestige may prioritize “merit‐based” aid policies that are influenced by neoliberal norms; alternatively, those interested in equalizing opportunities for price‐sensitive students may prioritize policies guided by egalitarian values related to social justice. The political economy of aiding students has profound effects on educational opportunity, so this paper offers policymakers, researchers, and practitioners a model from which to frame these cross‐cutting and...
Emergency Department Do‐not‐attempt‐resuscitation Orders: Next‐of‐kin Response to the Emergency Physician

Objective:To evaluate the response by families of incompetent, chronically debilitated, and/or terminally ill patients who were contacted for do-not-attempt-resuscitation (DNAR) status by an emergency physician (EP). Methods: A prospective observational study was performed to assess next-of-kin willingness to support DNAR status for incompetent, chronically debilitated, and/or terminally ill patients. The families also were contacted by telephone follow-up 48–72 hours after the ED visit. Upon follow-up evaluation, the families were surveyed regarding prior DNAR instructions and their perceptions of the establishment of DNAR status in the ED. The study was conducted in an urban teaching hospital with an emergency medicine residency training program. Results: Of the 71 patient families contacted, 60 (85%) of the patients had DNAR orders written in the ED. The families of these 60 patients had no negative response regarding contact by ED personnel. Of the II (15%) patients whose families wished no DNAR order, only two families had negative responses to being contacted by the EP. In both cases the families had previously given detailed instructions to the chronic care facility. Conclusion: The EP can play an important role in assisting the decision making process of families of incompetent, chronically debilitated, and/or terminally ill patients regarding institution of DNAR orders in the ED. Improved communication regarding existing DNAR orders with chronic care facilities might minimize the rare complaints received from families with preestablished DNAR orders.
A Connectivity-Based Modeling Approach for Representing Hysteresis in Macroscopic Two-Phase Flow Properties

During CO2 injection and storage in deep reservoirs, the injected CO2 enters into an initially brine saturated porous medium, and after the injection stops, natural groundwater flow eventually displaces the injected mobile-phase CO2, leaving behind residual non-wetting fluid. Accurate modeling of two-phase flow processes are needed for predicting fate and transport of injected CO2, evaluating environmental risks and designing more effective storage schemes. The entrapped non-wetting fluid saturation is typically a function of the spatially varying maximum saturation at the end of injection. At the pore-scale, distribution of void sizes and connectivity of void space play a major role for the macroscopic hysteresis behavior and capillary entrapment of wetting and non-wetting fluids. This paper presents development of an approach based on the connectivity of void space for modeling hysteretic capillary pressure-saturation-relative permeability relationships. The new approach uses void-size distribution and a measure of void space connectivity to compute the hysteretic constitutive functions and to predict entrapped fluid phase saturations. Two functions, the drainage connectivity function and the wetting connectivity function, are introduced to characterize connectivity of fluids in void space during drainage and wetting processes. These functions can be estimated through pore-scale simulations in computer-generated porous media or from traditionalmore » experimental measurements of primary drainage and main wetting curves. The hysteresis model for saturation-capillary pressure is tested successfully by comparing the model-predicted residual saturation and scanning curves with actual data sets obtained from column experiments found in the literature. A numerical two-phase model simulator with the new hysteresis functions is tested against laboratory experiments conducted in a quasi-two-dimensional flow cell (91.4cm×5.6cm×61cm), packed with homogeneous and heterogeneous sands. Initial results show that the model can predict spatial and temporal distribution of injected fluid during the experiments reasonably well. However, further analyses are needed for comprehensively testing the ability of the model to predict transient two-phase flow processes and capillary entrapment in geological reservoirs during geological carbon sequestration.« less
Influence of Electrode Surface Composition and Energetics on Small-Molecule Organic Solar Cell Performance: Polar versus Nonpolar Donors on Indium Tin Oxide Contacts

We present a systematic study of the band-edge energy offsets and shifts in local vacuum levels for indium tin oxide (ITO)/donor heterojunctions, using vacuum-deposited chloroindium phthalocyanine (ClInPc), titanyl phthalocyanine (TiOPc), pentacene (PEN), and copper phthalocyanine (CuPc) donor layers. We include a comparison of the performance of ITO/donor/C60 planar heterojunction (PHJ) organic solar cells (OPVs) as a function of activation and modification of the ITO contact. UV photoemission spectroscopy (UPS) was used to characterize the interfacial region between these donors and ITO to infer the ordering of these first deposited 1–2 monolayers as a function of ITO activation and modification. For the polar donors ClInPc and TiOPc, deposited on air plasma (AP) treated, high work function ITO (φeff ≈ 5.1–5.2 eV), shifts in local vacuum level observed during deposition of the first two monolayers of donor molecules suggest that the halo–metal or oxo–metal bond points (on average) toward the oxide surfa...
Missing Observations in Multivariate Statistics II. Point Estimation in Simple Linear Regression

Abstract We define and evaluate some simple estimators of the linear regression function of y and x, when observations may be missing on y or x. In particular, we compare the zero order estimator, a modified zero order estimator, and mixed estimators relative to the least squares estimator using the ratio of expected mean square errors as our measure of efficiency. Illustrative tables are given to support our conclusions regarding the estimator of choice.
Valuation and classification of company issued cash and share-puts

This paper examines whether investors’ valuations of cash and share-put warrants are influenced by their potential differential effect on firm solvency. It is motivated by the enactment of SFAS 150, which requires that all contingent put warrant obligations be classified as balance sheet liabilities regardless of put type. Consistent with the critics of SFAS150, we show that market participants differentially value cash and share-puts based on their solvency characteristics beyond the firm’s recorded assets and liabilities. Our results add to existing capital structure literature by suggesting that complex financial instruments (such as cash and share-puts) be reported separately from each other on a firm’s balance sheet.
Why Academic Women Do Not Revolt: Implications for Affirmative Action.

Low perceptions of sex discrimination among full-time women faculty interviewed at a multicampus northeastern university in a major metropolitan area are explained and compared with statistical data documenting inequities in salary, promotion, rank, and tenure. Structural reasons for the misperceptions are offered, such as concentration in lowest ranks, pluralistic ignorance, merit myths, and cooptation. Data are generalizable because similar patterns prevail at most educational institutions. The study highlights the irony of the way women perceive their status and their own documentation of the day-to-day inequities which cumulatively result in the statistical patterns now accepted by the United States Supreme Court as prima facie evidence of sex discrimination. Solving status inequalities requires strong social networks among women, according to the author. Affirmative action recommendations are outlined to close the gap between women faculty and administrators without resorting to the courts.
Importance of randomization in microarray experimental designs with Illumina platforms

Measurements of gene expression from microarray experiments are highly dependent on experimental design. Systematic noise can be introduced into the data at numerous steps. On Illumina BeadChips, multiple samples are assayed in an ordered series of arrays. Two experiments were performed using the same samples but different hybridization designs. An experiment confounding genotype with BeadChip and treatment with array position was compared to another experiment in which these factors were randomized to BeadChip and array position. An ordinal effect of array position on intensity values was observed in both experiments. We demonstrate that there is increased rate of false-positive results in the confounded design and that attempts to correct for confounded effects by statistical modeling reduce power of detection for true differential expression. Simple analysis models without post hoc corrections provide the best results possible for a given experimental design. Normalization improved differential expression testing in both experiments but randomization was the most important factor for establishing accurate results. We conclude that lack of randomization cannot be corrected by normalization or by analytical methods. Proper randomization is essential for successful microarray experiments.
Cell contacts in human and bovine lenses

Abstract The cell contacts in both bovine and human lenses were studied with the electron microscope. A vapor fixation procedure was tested and compared to standard fixation procedure. In the cortex of both human and bovine lenses the cell membranes were often separated by an intercellular space about 20 nm in width. Frequently, the membranes were observed to form junctions. After certain fixation procedures these junctions appeared to be septilaminar with a gap of about 2–3 nm between the outer leaflets of the two participating membranes. An extracellular tracer substance, lanthanum hydroxide, was used to study further the nature of these intercellular junctions. In the center of the lenses the membranes were only partly visible. However, fused membranes were most distinct and even more frequent in the lens nucleus than in the cortex. The junctions were generally also here of the gap-junction type.
Long-life Radioactivity in Occasional Thyroids

IN January and February 1964 radioiodine-131 in cattle and sheep thyroids of the northern hemisphere reached the lowest concentrations (< 0.5 µµc./g) and for the longest time in the past 10 years (see ref. 1 for previous results). The lack of interference by iodine-131 and improved instrumentation have permitted γ-spectroscopy of small amounts of long-life radioactive substances in thyroids and some of these could mistakenly be considered iodine-131. In the first two months of 1964, 1–10 per cent of 520 cattle thyroids were detectably radioactive; the glands were received, unselected, from slaughterhouses in several countries, and the sources reported here were (number radioactive/number not detectably radioactive): Cali, Colombia (10/95); Tokyo, Japan (6/94); South Central United States (2/250).
The synthesis of 12-ketostearic acid

A synthesis of 12-ketostearic acid in 78% yield from castor oil by methanolysis to methyl ricinoleate, reduction to methyl-12-hydroxystearate, oxidation to methyl-12-ketostearate, followed by saponification has been described in detail.
Improving hydrogenated fat for the world population

Summary Hydrogenated fat made from vegetable or fish oils has served as an increasing source of calories in both developed and developing countries since its introduction into the diet in 1919. The trans isomers formed during hydrogenation serve as an energy source and have been assumed to act in the same way as the trans fatty acid in butter fat or the tallow rendered from the fat of ruminant animals. More recent studies with porcine fed butter fat vs. hydrogenated fat using corn oil as a control indicated, however, that trans fatty acids in hydrogenated fat inhibit acyl-CoA desaturase enzyme activities. Such activities are involved in the metabolic conversion of essential fatty acids (EFA) to polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), which remodel the vascular cell membrane fatty acids composition resulting in calcification of vascular tissue. The trans fatty acids in butter and ruminant fat do not inhibit acyl-CoA desaturase or remodel vascular cell membrane fatty acid composition. Trans fatty acids in hydrogenated fats increase the production of inflammatory cytokines associated with the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis. Cytokines have a stimulating effect on cyclooxygenase (COX-2) and may inhibit prostacyclin synthase. The elimination of trans fatty acids from hydrogenated fat is desirable for three reasons: they remodel vascular cell membrane fatty acid composition so that the influx of calcium increases; they inhibit prostacyclin synthesis; and they increase the production of proinflammatory cytokines. Vegetable oils can be hydrogenated and rearranged with unhydrogenated vegetable oils to contain no trans or isomeric fatty acids.
Introduction to Special Section on HIV/AIDS and Substance Use in the Caribbean (Part 3): Perspectives on Substance Abuse Treatment as HIV Prevention and Implementation Science in the Youth Culture of Web 2.0:

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) commemorated International Year of Youth with a synthesis report called "Securing the Future Today" about HIV and young people aged 15 to 24 years. The epidemiology of the report was clear: 41% of new infections occur among young people; 5 million are living with HIV; and more than half of the worlds sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are diagnosed in young people (in the United States it is approximately half). The Caribbean and Latin America constitute the fourth most HIV-prevalent region in the world preceded by Eastern and Southern Africa West and Central Africa and South Asia.
Application of Solid Phase Epitaxy for Measuring Dangling Bond Densities and Impurity Ionization in Amorphous Silicon

According to a recent model [1], the enhancement in the rate of the solid phase epitaxial regrowth (SPER) of silicon produced by implanted impurities is determined by the superposition of reconstruction at sites that capture neutral, and ionized, three-fold coordinated dangling bond states. Considerable support for this model is derived from experiments on ionization-enhanced SPER in silicon. In this paper we discuss how this dangling bond model (DBM) could be used to determine the densities of neutral dangling bonds and ionized impurities in amorphous silicon from these experimental results. Both densities, determined by a self-consistent calculation, are in good agreement with those measured by other types of experiments. This result provides further support for the DBM and indicates that simultaneous SPER and ESR measurements could make it possible to depth profile low concentrations of ionized impurities in amorphous silicon.
Norms, economic conditions and household formation: A case study of the Arab world

Very little work has examined the question of household structure in the Arab region, despite the fact that there has been speculation that changes in household patterns have been occurring in recent years due to modernization, urbanization and changing marriage patterns. Using a number of primary data sources, including household surveys from Lebanon, Yemen, Syria, and Egypt, as well as analysis by historians that uses archival sources, this paper compares household structure patterns across time and space, to answer the question—how have household patterns changed and do observed changes provide insights into the impact norms and/or structural factors have and will play in shaping household patterns? The data suggest that while often perceived as being the dominant household structure, extended family households are not the norm in the Arab world, nor have they necessarily predominated since the 1800s. In addition, patterns vary considerably across communities, with extended family households occurring ...
Approximate clustering via core-sets

In this paper, we show that for several clustering problems one can extract a small set of points, so that using those core-sets enable us to perform approximate clustering efficiently. The surprising property of those core-sets is that their size is independent of the dimension.Using those, we present a (1+ e)-approximation algorithms for the k-center clustering and k-median clustering problems in Euclidean space. The running time of the new algorithms has linear or near linear dependency on the number of points and the dimension, and exponential dependency on 1/e and k. As such, our results are a substantial improvement over what was previously known.We also present some other clustering results including (1+ e)-approximate 1-cylinder clustering, and k-center clustering with outliers.
Twin studies of psychiatric illness. Current status and future directions.

ALTHOUGHTWIN TWIN studies have made a major contribution to the field of psychiatry over the last 65 years, recent developments have considerably expanded the range and sophistication of psychiatric twin research. Particularly important have been (1) the introduction of biometrical model fitting, (2) the use of population-based twin samples, and (3) the expansion of twin studies to include two or more disorders, specified environmental risk factors, multiple assessments or informants, nontwin relatives, and longitudinal observations. The equal environment assumption for psychiatric twin studies has been more rigorously examined and continues to receive empirical support. Twin studies are beginning to examine genotypeenvironment interaction in the etiology of psychopathologic conditions and to address the nature of putative environmental risk factors, such as stressful life events. Methods are being developed to incorporate specified genotypes, assessed using modem gene mapping techniques, into twin studies. With increasing conceptual rigor and methodologic sophistication, twin studies will
COLLAPSE AND FRAGMENTATION OF MOLECULAR CLOUD CORES. V. LOSS OF MAGNETIC FIELD SUPPORT

The fragmentation mechanism has been quite successful at providing an explanation for the formation of binary stars during the collapse phase of dense cloud cores. However, nearly all fragmentation calculations to date have ignored the effects of magnetic fields, whereas magnetic fields are generally regarded as the dominant force in molecular clouds. Here, we present the first three-dimensional, radiative hydrodynamical models of the collapse and fragmentation of dense molecular cloud cores, including the effects of magnetic fields and ambipolar diffusion. Starting from a prolate, Gaussian cloud that would collapse and fragment in the absence of magnetic fields (a thermally supercritical cloud), we introduce sufficient magnetic field support [through the magnetic field pressure, B2/8π, with B = B0(ρ/ρ0)κ] to ensure a magnetically subcritical (stable) cloud. The effects of ambipolar diffusion are then simulated by reducing the magnetic pressure scaling factor (B0) over a specified time interval (=tAD), which leads to a magnetically supercritical cloud and collapse. The estimated timescale for ambipolar diffusion in these dense clouds is about 10 free-fall times. The numerical models show that when tAD is as long as 10 or even 20 free-fall times, fragmentation into a binary can still occur. The main effect of the magnetic field support is to delay somewhat the formation of the binary protostar. Once the dynamic collapse phase begins, a rapidly rotating, (βi = Erot/| Egrav | = 0.12) cloud fragments into a binary protostar. While it remains to be seen if magnetic fields can stifle fragmentation in slowly rotating clouds, rapidly rotating, magnetically supported clouds appear to be quite capable of forming binary stars.
Stability and performance of anaerobic fixed film reactors during hydraulic overloading at 10–35°C☆

Abstract Anaerobic fixed film reactors could be hydraulically loaded to 94 kg COD m −3 day −1 for a 24 h period and regain normal performance 12–48 h after overloading. COD conversion decreased with increased overloading and was dependent on operating temperature and type of waste. The quality and amount of digester gas was also affected but returned to normal steady values once overloading was stopped.
The Use of Certain Characteristics for Estimating Egg Production

Abstract FOR many years farmers and commercial poultrymen have sorted the birds in their flocks in July, August, and later, into two groups. One group they considered keeping for another year and the other group they sent to market. These hens were sorted on characteristics that are supposed to indicate production qualities. In selecting his birds, the poultryman must interpret the value of certain biological characters, which are visible externally, in estimating egg production. The interpretative and biological nature of the selection practiced have made it extremely difficult to evaluate many of the characteristics used in such selection. It has been equally difficult to determine the relative importance of any single character to serve as a criterion for estimating egg production. Arbitrary standards often based upon personal bias instead of proved facts have frequently served as a basis for estimating egg production. It was thought that possibly some of the characters . . .
Solving asymmetric variational inequalities via convex optimization

Using duality, we reformulate the asymmetric variational inequality (VI) problem over a conic region as an optimization problem. We give sufficient conditions for the convexity of this reformulation. We thereby identify a class of VIs that includes monotone affine VIs over polyhedra, which may be solved by commercial optimization solvers.
Phospholipid transmethylation in human mononuclear cells is not influenced by mitogens

Abstract The importance of accelerated methyl transfer from methionine to membrane phospholipid (PL) as an early event in lymphocyte activation is vigorously debated. We have examined pokeweed mitogen (PWM)- and phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-stimulated human peripheral blood lymphocytes for this early activation event. Without mitogen, methyl groups rapidly entered into the PL of unfractionated human lymphocytes by 10 min, and then adopted a rate which stayed constant for at least 2hr. Whether or not mitogen was added after a 60-min preincubation, with [ 3 H]methyl methionine, after a further 20 min, Sephadex G-10 adherent monocytes were incorporating methyl groups into PL 4 times faster than B-cells and 9 times faster than T-cells. At 10 7 cells/ml, neither PWM nor PHA changed total PL labeling kinetics, or produced a significant change of methyl groups from phosphatidyl- N -mono- and dimethylethanolamine to phosphatidylcholine or lysophosphatidylcholine in B-cells, T-cells or monocytes, whether these populations were cultured separately or together. Even for the slowly incorporating human T-cells, the background rate of methyl transfer per cell was much greater than that previously reported for mouse or pig mononuclear cells. Accelerated methylation of phospholipid appears not to be a favorable early event by which to study human lymphocyte activation, and we agree with Moore et al. [ J. biol. Chem. 257 , 8183–8189 (1982)] that it may not be a universal activation event.
Characterization of Modified Nucleic Acid Constituents by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Mass Spectrometry

Abstract Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry is being developed for the sensitive detection (pmol-fmol) and structural characterization of modified nucleosides, nucleotides, and oligonucleotides. Two types of mass spectrometers are being used for these studies: 1) Fourier transform mass spectrometry (FTMS), which provides high resolution, accurate mass measurement, and ion manipulation capabilities for studying ionic structures, and 2) time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometry, which has a wide mass range and is suitable for the study of variables affecting ion formation by the laser desorption process. Both of these techniques are being used to develop MALDI methods for the examination of underivatized, polar biomolecules of biological interest, such as DNA adducts. The objective of this report is to demonstrate the applicability of this technique for the detailed characterization of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon adducts of nucleosides and nucleotides.
Neural‐tube Defects and Mid‐cycle Abstinence: a Test of the ‘Over‐ripeness' Hypothesis in Man

SUMMARY The prevalence of mid-cycle abstinence at the time of conception of infants born with neural-tube defects was found to be only 6.7 per cent (8/119) compared with that of 9.8 per cent (32/325) at the time of conception of non-affected siblings. This is suggestive evidence against mid-cycle abstinence—and, by inference, over-ripeness—as an important possible cause of neural-tube defects. RESUME Alteration du tube neural et abstinence du milieu de cycle La presence d'une abstinence de milieu de cycle au moment de la conception d'enfants presentant des troubles du tube neural a ete notee dans 6,7 pour cent des cas seulement (8/119) compare au 9,8 pour cent (32/325) au moment de la conception des freres et soeurs non atteints. Il y a la une indication tres suggestive contre un role possible de l'abstinence a mi-cycle—et par voie de consequence, de la sur-maturite—sur l'apparition d'un defaut du tube neural. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG Neuralrohrdefekte und Abstinenz in der Mitte des Cyclus Der Prozentsatz der Abstinenz in der Mitte des Cyclus zur Zeit der Konzeption von Kindern mit Neuralrohrdefekten betrug nur 6,7 (8/119) verglichen mit 9,8 (32/325) zur Zeit der Konzeption von gesunden Geschwistern. Dies spricht dagegen, eine Abstinenz in der Cyclusmitte—und damit eine Uberreife des Eies—als wichtige mogliche Ursache fur Neuralrohrdefekte anzusehen. RESUMEN Defecto del tubo neural y abstinencia en la mitad del ciclo Se vio que la prevalencia de abstinencia en la mitad del ciclo en el tiempo de la concepcion de ninos nacidos con defecto del tubo neural era solo del 5,7 por ciento (8/119) en comparacion con el 9,8 por ciento (32/325) en el tiempo de la concepcion en los hermanos no afectos. Ello constituye una evidencia sugestiva contra la abstinencia en la mitad del ciclo, y por inferencia una sobremadurez, como una importante causa posible de defecto del tubo neural.
Concurrent abnormal expression of ERBB-2, EGFR, and p53 genes and clinical disease progression of breast carcinoma.

Metastatic phenotype in human solid tumors is believed to follow stochastic acquisition of structural genetic aberrations-so-called multistep tumor progression. We tested this hypothesis in breast carcinoma by immunostaining 89 stage-heterogeneous cases for the products of three genes (p53, ERBB-2, and EGFR) which are frequently altered in this tumor system. Variable relationships were observed between advanced disease stage and immunostaining for individual gene products (ERBB-2 - p = 0.05, EGFR - p = 0.02, p53 - p = 0.12, Chi Square test). Regional or distant metastases at presentation correlated with multiple oncogene/tumor suppressor gene expression abnormalities: node negative - 59% none positive, 29% one positive, 12% two or more positive, vs. node positive - 37% none positive, 23% one positive, 39% two or more positive (p = 0.01). Only 2/12 (17%) of tumors with distant metastases at presentation were negative for abnormal expression of any of these gene products, and 7/12 (58%) were positve for two or three. Among axillary node negative patients who developed recurrences, 67% exhibited staining for at least one gene product, compared to only 27% of those without recurrences (p = 0.02). All 5 cases with abnormal staining for each gene product had regional or distant metastases at presentation and recurred. In multivariate analysis, individual expression of p53 outweighed expression of ERBB-2 and EGFR in correlation with outcome. These data suggest clinical neoplastic progression of breast carcinomas correlates with cumulative genetic events detectable by protein expression. Short term recurrence, however, may correlate more closely with abnormal expression of p53 than with EGFR or ERBB-2.
Nuclear data sheets for A = 215

Abstract Available information on decay characteristics and level structure for all nuclei with A = 215 has been examined. A summary and evaluation of exprimental data, including adopted values and comparison with theory are presented. The individual level schemes are discussed, and comments pertaining to adopted spin and parity assignments and to gamma-ray multipolarities are given. Any apparent discrepancies and inconsistencies are pointed out. Much of the level information in the A = 215 mass chain is obtained from the α=decay of the A = 219 parent nuclei While a summary of these results is reflected in both the level schemes and in discussions under “Level Properties” and “Gamma-Ray Properties”, the actual data are presented under the respective A = 219 parent. Decay energies and separation energies have been taken systematically from the 1977 Mass Adjustment (76WaBo, 77Wa08). Detailed ocmparison has been made between the adopted α-energies and the input values to the Mass Adjustment.
Polylactide–Poly(6-methyl-ε-caprolactone)–Polylactide Thermoplastic Elastomers

Amorphous ABA type block aliphatic polyesters can be useful as degradable and biorenewable thermoplastic elastomers. These materials can be prepared by sequential ring-opening transesterification polymerization (ROTEP) reactions and can exhibit a range of physical properties and morphologies. In this work a set of amorphous polylactide–poly(6-methyl-e-caprolactone)–polylactide aliphatic polyester ABA triblock copolymers were prepared by consecutive controlled ring-opening polymerizations. Ring-opening polymerization of neat 6-methyl-e-caprolactone in the presence of 1,4-benzenedimethanol and tin(II) octoate afforded α,ω-hydroxyl-terminated poly(6-methyl-e-caprolactone). High conversions of 6-methyl-e-caprolactone (>96%) afforded polymers with molar masses ranging from 12 to 98 kg mol–1, depending on monomer-to-initiator ratios, polymers with narrow, monomodal molecular weight distributions. An array of polylactide–poly(6-methyl-e-caprolactone)–polylactide triblock copolymers with controlled molecular weig...
Is obesity a risk factor for progressive radiographic knee osteoarthritis

Objective To examine whether obesity increases the risk of progression of knee osteoarthritis (OA). Methods We used data from the Multicenter Osteoarthritis Study, a longitudinal study of persons with or at high risk of knee OA. OA was characterized at baseline and 30 months using posteroanterior fixed-flexion radiographs and Kellgren/Lawrence (K/L) grading, with alignment assessed on full-extremity films. In knees with OA at baseline (K/L grade 2 or 3), progression was defined as tibiofemoral joint space narrowing on the 30-month radiograph. In knees without OA at baseline (K/L grade 0 or 1), incident OA was defined as the development of radiographic OA at 30 months. Body mass index (BMI) at baseline was classified as normal (<25 kg/m2), overweight (25–<30 kg/m2), obese (30–<35 kg/m2), and very obese (≥35 kg/m2). The risk of progression was tested in all knees and in subgroups categorized according to alignment. Analyses were adjusted for age, sex, knee injury, and bone density. Results Among the 2,623 subjects (5,159 knees), 60% were women, and the mean ± SD age was 62.4 ± 8.0 years. More than 80% of subjects were overweight or obese. At baseline, 36.4% of knees had tibiofemoral OA, and of those, only one-third were neutrally aligned. Compared with subjects with a normal BMI, those who were obese or very obese were at an increased risk of incident OA (relative risk 2.4 and 3.2, respectively [P for trend < 0.001]); this risk extended to knees from all alignment groups. Among knees with OA at baseline, there was no overall association between a high BMI and the risk of OA progression; however, an increased risk of progression was observed among knees with neutral but not varus alignment. The effect of obesity was intermediate in those with valgus alignment. Conclusion Although obesity was a risk factor for incident knee OA, we observed no overall relationship between obesity and the progression of knee OA. Obesity was not associated with OA progression in knees with varus alignment; however, it did increase the risk of progression in knees with neutral or valgus alignment. Therefore, weight loss may not be effective in preventing progression of structural damage in OA knees with varus alignment.
Thermodynamic assessment of the Al–Ca binary system using random solution and associate models

Abstract The thermodynamic properties of the binary Al–Ca system are investigated. The assessment is carried out by means of the computer program Thermo-Calc, using models for the Gibbs energy of individual phases. In the present study, both associate and random solution models are tested for the system to better reproduce the experimental data. The results from the two models are compared with each other and with experimental data in the literature.
A note on the strategic aspects of the transfer paradox

It is well known that an agent can be hurt by accepting a gift, the donor of which is made better off. Why then does the recipient accept this welfare reducing gift? This paper examines the strategic aspects of the paradox. It shows that if the recipient refuses the gift, it would suffer an even greater loss of welfare since there is a mutually advantageous reallocation between the donor and a third agent. It is shown that the recipient does have a viable alternative strategy: it could destroy some of its endowment, raising its welfare level and reducing that of the potential donor.
Numerical study of some age-dependent parameters in root nutrient uptake

Computer simulation of root nutrient uptake has become a very powerfull tool in the analysis of plant and soil characteristics. One of the shortcomings of earlier numerical models is the lack of a proper accounting for age-dependent root parameters. In this article we present an algorithm that not only allows for time-and/or space-varying root growth rates, convective moisture uptake, root density, initial distribution of nutrient, effective diffusion coefficients, and buffer power; but also accounts for time-varying root efflux, root absorption power and maximum nutrient influxive rate. Several elementary numerical examples of NH 4 + , NO 3 − , P and K uptake for roots with temporally varying characteristics are presented.
Dietary intake of community-based HIV-1 seropositive and seronegative injecting drug users

Dietary intake was assessed in a subsample of a cohort of inner-city injecting drug users (IDUs). In this population of predominantly African-American IDUs, including both HIV -1-infected and noninfected men and women, a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and a 24-h recall were administered. One hundred seven volunteers participated. Although total caloric intake was consistently higher with the food frequency method, percent of total calories from fat, protein, and carbohydrates were similar between the FFQ and 24-h recall. Spearman's correlations for agreement between the 24-h recall and the FFQ ranged from 0.22 for vitamin E to 0.52 for carbohydrates. HIV-1 seropositives reported higher protein (p = 0.05) and fat (p = 0.02) consumption than seronegatives according to the 24-h recall. The difference in total fat consumption was due to higher intakes of saturated and monounsaturated fats (p = 0.01). Median intakes of vitamins B2 and B12, pantothenic acid (p < or = 0.05), phosphorous (p < or = 0.01), and selenium (p < or = 0.005) were also greater in HIV-1 seropositives. Reported intake of vitamins A and E, calcium, and zinc were below the recommended daily allowances for both HIV-1 seropositives and seronegatives. Although intakes of most nutrients appeared adequate for the group as a whole, extreme ranges were observed and may be the result of imbalanced food selections and day to day variation. Food group analysis indicated low intakes of fruits, vegetables, milk, and milk products. More research is needed to fully understand the implication of dietary habits and nutritional status in the free-living HIV-1-infected and noninfected IDUs.
Synthetic enzyme inhibitors as antifertility agents

The effect of inhibitors of proteolytic enzymes similar to acrosin was studied to see if they would block fertilization during the in vivo life of the sperm in the female. Capacitated spermatozoa recovered from rabbit uteri were treated with TLCK (tosyl-L lysine chromomethyl ketone) or TPCK (tosylphenylalanine chromomethyl ketone) and inserted into the oviducts of ovulated rabbits. Ejaculated spermatazoa were treated with TLCK NPGB (nitrophenyl p-guanidinobenzoate) or EPGB (Ethyl-p-guanidinobenzoate) and surgically inseminated into 1 uterus of a rabbit; TLCK was inserted into the vagina within 5 minutes of deposition. TLCK completely inhibited fertilization presumably by inhibiting acrosin. TPCK had no antifertility effect of capacitated spermatoza. TLCK and NPGB decreased the fertility of ejaculated sperm. The authors conclude that synthetic trypsin inhibitors successfully prevent fertilization in vivo.
Muslims of Medieval Latin Christendom, c.1050-1614

Introduction: Islam and Latin Christendom to 1050 Part I. Static Diasporas: Muslim Communities of Latin Christendom: 1. The tide turns: the Christian Spains I (c.1050-c.1150) 2. A triumph of pragmatism: the Christian Spains II (c.1150-c.1320) 3. Pushing the boundaries: Italy and North Africa (c.1050-c.1350) 4. Infidels in the Holy Land: the Latin East (1099-1291) 5. Diversity in an age of crises: the Christian Spains III (c.1350-1526) 6. Strangers in strange lands: foreign Muslims and slaves in Latin Christendom (c.1050-c.1550) 7. Christians in name: the Morisco problem (1499-1614) Part II. Living in Sin: Islamicate Society under Latin Dominion: 8. Thought: images and ideals of Muslims and Islamicate society in Latin Christendom 9. Word: law, administration and Islamicate society under Latin rule 10. Deed: the economic, social and cultural life of the Muslims of Latin Christendom Postscript: Convivencia, intolerance ... or 'questions badly put'?