cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Management control in a business network: new challenges for accounting

Purpose – This paper focuses on the implications for management accounting of “connectivity” amongst modern enterprises. It seeks to illustrate how practical guidance for management accountants who work in business networks can be gleaned from analogies out of traditional management accounting.Design/methodology/approach – The paper explores four avenues that demonstrate linkages between accounting formats in centrally coordinated systems and network accounting, namely: cost budgets and cost design; collaborative planning, forecasting and replenishment; multi‐stage performance‐monitoring; and accounting for transaction costs.Findings – Highly interconnected business transforms management accounting into an activity that requires concepts to coordinate (partially) independent management systems. The concepts of distributed decision‐making and trust building through reliable reporting nicely fit this environment. Even though such concepts are widely accepted, as are the notions of transaction cost and colla...
Translation in Escherichia coli mini-cells containing hamster mitochondrial DNA-Co1E1 - Ampr recombinant plasmids.

Abstract Hamster mitochondrial DNA is cleaved into two fragments (4.2 and 11.4 kilobase pairs of DNA (kb)) by the restriction enzyme, Eco RI. Recombinant DNA molecules formed in vitro between an Escherichia coli plasmid, Co1E1 · Amp r , and Eco RI-digested hamster mitochondrial DNA were transformed into E. coli K12. The translation products of the parent plasmid, Co1E1 · Amp r , and recombinant plasmid DNAs containing (i) the 4.2 kb mitochondrial DNA fragment and (ii) the 11.4 kb fragment were characterized on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gels using bacterial mini-cell lysates. The Co1E1 · Amp r plasmid specifies at least six polypeptides whose structural genes comprise 56% of the plasmid DNA. Insertion of hamster mitochondrial DNA at the Eco RI site of the plasmid alters the relative rate of synthesis of these six polypeptides and induces the occurrence of a new band on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gels which is probably not specified by the inserted mitochondrial DNA sequences.
Analysis of Redox Additive‐Based Overcharge Protection for Rechargeable Lithium Batteries

The overcharge condition in secondary lithium batteries employing redox additives for overcharge protection, has been theoretically analyzed in terms of a finite linear diffusion model. The analysis leads to expressions relating the steady-state overcharge current density and cell voltage to the concentration, diffusion coefficient, standard reduction potential of the redox couple, and interelectrode distance. The model permits the estimation of the maximum permissible overcharge rate for any chosen set of system conditions. Digital simulation of the overcharge experiment leads to numerical representation of the potential transients, and estimate of the influence of diffusion coefficient and interelectrode distance on the transient attainment of the steady state during overcharge. The model has been experimentally verified using 1,1-prime-dimethyl ferrocene as a redox additive. The analysis of the experimental results in terms of the theory allows the calculation of the diffusion coefficient and the formal potential of the redox couple. The model and the theoretical results may be exploited in the design and optimization of overcharge protection by the redox additive approach.
Nd and Sr isotope geochemistry of hydrous mantle nodules and their host alkali basalts: implications for local heterogeneities in metasomatically veined mantle

Nd and Sr isotopic data on pargasite Iherzolite inclusions, kaersutite megacrysts and their host alkali basalts are presented here to clarify some questions regarding isotopic equilibration during mantle metasomatism and the role of metasomatism in basalt genesis. Five alkali basalts from Nunivak Island within the Aleutian back-arc basin, have87Sr/86Sr ratios of 0.70251–0.70330 and143Nd/144Nd ratios of 0.51289–0.51304. On a Nd versus Sr isotope composition diagram the basalts overlap the fields of MORB and ocean island basalts. Pargasites and mica separated from hydrous nodules found in these basalts have a range in87Sr/86Sr of 0.70256–0.70337 but identical143Nd/144Nd ratios of 0.51302. The metasomatic fluid represented by the pargasite is in isotopic equilibrium, both for Sr and Nd, with the dry mantle as represented by diopside. Eight alkali basalts from the Ataq diatreme, South Yemen, have87Sr/86Sr range of 0.70335–0.70426 and143Nd/144Nd range of 0.51252–0.51305. On a Nd versus Sr isotope composition diagram the basalts from Ataq plot in two distinct fields, (1) within the field of ocean island basalts, and (2) within the range of continental rift basalts but to the left of the Nd-Sr correlation line, somewhat similar to the Skye and Oslo rift basalts. Diopside and pargasite separated from three nodules at Ataq have a more complex history than those at Nunivak. Two nodules contain pargasite and diopside with identical87Sr/86Sr ratios but different143Nd/144Nd ratios. A third nodule contains diopside with a143Nd/144Nd ratio similar to that of other diopsides. The Nunivak basalts are derived from a source with a time-integrated light-REE depletion, in contrast to the light-REE-enriched nature of the basanites. This is best explained by a recent metasomatic event in the source region which increased the LIL element content of the peridotite thus accommodating higher degrees of melting. The Ataq volcanic rocks seem to tap different sources characterized by both light-REE enrichment and depletion, in contrast to the uniform source of the Nunivak basanites. Production of the Ataq basanites is believed to involve anataxis of metasomatically veined continental mantle where local mantle heterogeneities survived the melting event.
Transient oscillations in nondegenerate two-beam coupling

Abstract The transient oscillations of the transmitted pump and probe intensities in nondegenerate two-beam coupling in media possessing a nonlinear index of refraction are described. These oscillations become evident when the pump-probe detuning or pump and probe intensities change fast compared with the response time of the material. A simple, accurate method for determining the response time of the nonlinearity from these oscillations is derived, and it is used to measure the response time of pink ruby. This method also provides a measure of the nonlinear index.
Risk group stratification in patients undergoing permanent 125I prostate brachytherapy as monotherapy

Abstract Purpose: Patients undergoing prostate brachytherapy (PB) as monotherapy are often selected on the basis of favorable pretreatment factors. However, intermediate and high-risk prostate cancer patients are commonly offered PB as monotherapy without the addition of external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) or hormonal therapy. This series reports the outcome of patients undergoing PB as monotherapy who were stratified into low, intermediate, and high-risk groups with extended follow-up. Methods and Materials: A total of 102 patients with linically localized prostate cancer underwent PB alone as monotherapy. EBRT or hormonal therapy was not part of their initial treatment. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) relapse-free survival (PRFS) was determined in accordance with the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology consensus statement. Patients were stratified as at favorable risk (Stage T1-2a, pretreatment PSA ≤10.0 ng/mL, and Gleason score ≤6), intermediate risk (one prognostic indicator with a higher value), or unfavorable risk (≥2 indicators with higher values). The median follow-up period for patients in this series was 7 years (range 2.1–9.7). The median age at treatment was 71 years (range 54–80), and the median prescribed dose of 125 I was 145 Gy. Results: Forty patients experienced a biochemical relapse at a median of 1.9 years (range 0.4–4.2). The 5-year actuarial PRFS rate for patients with favorable, intermediate, and unfavorable risk was 85%, 63%, and 24%, respectively ( p 10 ng/mL was 78% vs. 35%, respectively ( p = 0.0005). Furthermore, the 5-year PRFS rate for men with a Gleason score of ≤6 vs. ≥7 was 74% vs. 33%, respectively ( p = 0.0001). No difference was found between Stage T1-T2a and Stage T2b or higher (64% vs. 54%, respectively; p = 0.353). Conclusion: On the basis of risk stratification, PB as monotherapy produces comparable PRFS to EBRT and surgery at 7 years of follow-up. PB as monotherapy is particularly ineffective in patients with unfavorable risk factors, and additional therapy is warranted.
Maturity and growth of sablefish, Anoplopoma fimbria, along the U.S. West Coast

Abstract Life history parameters such as growth and reproductive processes are dynamic, and shift with environmental and anthropogenic influences. Providing up-to-date life history information is critical for population dynamic models that are used to manage fisheries. Sablefish, Anoplopoma fimbria, are a valuable groundfish species that support commercial fishing throughout the North Pacific Ocean, including off the U.S. West Coast. Ovaries were histologically assessed for maturity status, intensity of atresia, and the presence of post-ovulatory follicles. We evaluated coast-wide length and age at maturity for 477 female sablefish by fitting a logistic regression model to the proportion mature. We also examined length-at-age data for 525 female sablefish based on the von Bertalanffy growth model. Since maturity and growth are important components of models used to assess the status of sablefish, we explored variation in these life history parameters among three regions along the West Coast separated by major biogeographic features at Cape Mendocino, CA (40°26′ N) and Pt. Conception, CA (34°27′ N). Coast-wide estimates of length (L50) and age (A50) at 50% maturity were 54.64 cm and 6.86 years, respectively. Differences in L50 were found north and south of Cape Mendocino, CA, and by depth (range 55–1280 m). Length at 50% maturity decreased from north to south and with increasing depth within each region. Age at 50% maturity also differed north and south of Cape Mendocino, CA, with female sablefish maturing at a younger age further north. Growth of female sablefish demonstrated similar differences among geographic areas and by depth. Asymptotic size (L∞, cm) tended to increase at higher latitude and decrease with depth, while growth rates (k, year−1) were elevated north of Point Conception, CA, and generally at depths ≤550 m. For female sablefish, the larger size and younger age at 50% maturity, as well as larger asymptotic sizes and somewhat elevated growth rates, were associated with regions within the California Current Ecosystem characterized by elevated productivity and cooler water temperature.
A set of polymorphic nuclear intron markers for conservation genetics and phylogeography of Euphorbia species (Pedilanthus clade)

We developed seven nuclear intron markers for Euphorbia lomelii. New exon-primed intron-crossing (EPIC) oligonucleotides were used for initial amplification and sequencing, then locus-specific primers and restriction-fragment-length polymorphism genotyping assays were designed. Loci showed no significant deviation from Hardy–Weinberg and linkage equilibrium, and they cross-amplify in at least three congeneric species.
Addictive rewards in nuclear weapons development

Over the next decade the U.S. plans to invest U.S.$45 billion in the Stockpile Stewardship and Management Program for nuclear weapons research, development, testing and production. In constant dollars, that amount is well in excess of the annual Cold War spending average of U.S.S3.64 billion for directly comparable activities. The recent testing of nuclear weapons by India and Pakistan are cases of nuclear weapons development unrelated to military security needs. Could there be analogous psychological needs driving nuclear weapons programs in the U.S. long after the Soviet Union has ceased to exist?
Surface replacement: a head is all that’s required—in opposition

Abstract Use of a glenoid component will yield a better clinical result than hemiarthroplasty when there is loss of glenoid articular cartilage and there is an intact or small repairable rotator cuff tear, and when there is significant glenoid wear. In addition when there is good bone quality loss of glenoid cartilage total shoulder arthroplasty is preferred. Hemiarthroplasty is preferred in patients with large cuff tears, or in the very young and active patient.
Globalizing Evolution Female Choice, Nationality, and Perception of Sexual Beauty in China

An evolutionary perspective on physical attractiveness suggests that individuals find those characteristics associated with reproductive success attractive. Theory and existing data consistent with this view link perceptions of physical attractiveness to traits such as symmetry, status, and reproductive value. Here, we take this evolutionary perspective global to ask how do Chinese men and women rate the sexual beauty of East Asian compared with Caucasian models? We enlisted 74 Chinese men and women from Hohhot, a northern city, and Chengdu, a southern city, to rank photos of both Chinese and Caucasian male and female models obtained from Chinese magazines. We also elicited emic accounts for the ratings as complementary source of qualitative data. Results revealed that Chinese women ranked Caucasian male and female models as more attractive. Chinese men, however, did not differentially rank East Asian and Caucasian women, though they did rank Caucasian men as being more attractive. We suggest that, while ...
THE DEVELOPMENT OF AN URBAN SUBSYSTEM: THE CASE OF THE NEGRO GHETTO

The Negro ghetto represents an expanding residential spatial configuration in all of the major metropolitan areas in the United States. The process of ghetto development is essentially related to the refusal of Whites to share residential space with Blacks on a permanent basis, and to the search behavior employed by Blacks in seeking housing accommodations. An attempt has been made to predict the changing scale of the ghetto configuration in Milwaukee, Wisconsin from 1960–1970. A simulation model was developed for this purpose. The model employed can be described as a strict segregation model since all Negro housing demand is satisfied within contiguous space, described here as ghetto space. It is apparent from the results that the model includes some inherent weaknesses, but only a few are related to its conceptual base. In general the simulated pattern of Negro residential occupance in Milwaukee is characterized by general overprediction in a low income area along the eastern side of the ghetto and by underprediction along the northern margin of the ghetto. The actual pattern of black residential-movement in Milwaukee demonstrated that the heaviest entry occurred in an area of more desirable housing.
Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Stage IB2 Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Cervix

Abstract To determine the effects of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in the management of cervical carcinoma Stage IB2 (tumor diameter >4 cm), we reviewed 52 surgically treated patients diagnosed between January 1987 and December 1993. There were 20 patients treated with preoperative neoadjuvant chemotherapy and 32 treated by primary radical hysterectomy. Mean tumor diameter was significantly larger in the neoadjuvant, compared with the primary surgery group (6.5 ± 1.8 vs 5.4 ± 0.7, P = 0.003). In the NAC group, 5 of 20 patients were treated with three courses of cisplatin, methotrexate, and bleomycin every 21 days, whereas 15 of 20 patients received three courses of cisplatin, vincristine, and bleomycin every 10 days. Postoperative adjuvant therapy consisting of either radiation or chemotherapy was employed in 13/20 patients (65%) in the NAC group and 20/32 patients (63%) in the primary surgical group. At a median follow-up of 52.5 months, 4/20 patients (20%) in the NAC group recurred vs 11/32 (34%) in the primary surgery group. The overall response rate to NAC was 90%, with 2/20 complete clinical responders and 16/20 partial responders. High-risk pathologic factors were less commonly observed in the NAC group when compared with the primary surgical group with the incidence of nodal metastases, positive vascular space involvement, undiagnosed parametrial disease, and ≥75% depth of invasion observed in 10.0% vs 37.5%, 20.0% vs 46.9%, 0.0% vs 15.6%, and 30.0% vs 68.8%, respectively. No differences were noted in operative time or blood loss. Cox proportional-hazards analysis indicated that the most significant prognostic factor was depth of invasion. Although the patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy had significantly larger tumors at baseline, their 5-year survival rate was slightly higher than that of the primary surgery group (80.0% vs 68.7%, P = 0.162). Patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy, despite having significantly larger pretreatment tumors, had fewer high-risk pathologic factors, postoperatively. Although this was a small, nonrandomized study, the relative improvement in pathologic response and long-term outcome associated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy was encouraging. This highlights the need for a prospective randomized clinical trial to establish whether neoadjuvant chemotherapy can significantly improve the long-term outcome of women with Stage IB2 squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix.
When children with autism become adults

Autism and related conditions have been described since the 1940s, but official recognition did not come until 1980, with the publication of the DSM-III. Early confusion centered on the validity of the condition, that is, whether it could be considered distinct from childhood schizophrenia. This confusion was clarified with work on clinical phenomenology and genetics of the two conditions. Specifically, differences in clinical features were identified, with autism being marked by profound social difficulties and very early onset relative to schizophrenia. It also became clear that autism was a strongly genetic disorder, distinct from schizophrenia. Autism was associated, at least initially, with a rather poor outcome, with the earliest studies suggesting that about two-third of individuals, as adults, required institutional care 1,2. Early treatment approaches were centered on psychotherapy (often of parent and child), but gradually shifted as work indicated that structured behavioral and educational approaches were associated with better outcome, as was earlier diagnosis and intervention. It has become increasingly clear that greater public awareness, earlier intervention, and more effective management have had a major impact on the outcome of the condition 1.
Friendship and the Development of Self-Schemas The Effects of Talking about Others

Two studies were conducted to examine a model proposed to explain similarity in the self-schemas of friends. According to this model, in the ongoing conversation of friendship, each person becomes aware of the dimensions used by the friend for describing people. Over time each incorporates some of the friend's dimensions for organizing information about others and ultimately for describing the self. In the first study the self-conceptions of friends and nonfriends were compared. As predicted, friends, as compared to nonfriends, had more similar self-schemas, and more readily adopted each other's self-schema dimensions for describing a target. In the second study two unacquainted partners discussed their impressions of a target person. Subsequently, the pairs shared more similar self-schemas and incorporated dimensions from each other's self-schemas for self-description and for description of the target person. Thus, the results of both studies are consistent with the model proposed. Directions for future ...
Does activation of the anti proton, rather than concertedness, determine the stereochemistry of base-catalyzed 1,2-elimination reactions? Anti stereospecificity in E1cB eliminations of β-3-trifluoromethylphenoxy esters, thioesters, and ketones.

As part of a comprehensive investigation on the stereochemical aspects of base-catalyzed 1,2-elimination reactions, we have studied a set of acyclic carbonyl substrates that react by an irreversible E1cB mechanism with largely anti stereospecificity. 2H NMR data show that these reactions using KOH in EtOH/H2O under non-ion-pairing conditions produce a minimum of 85–89% anti elimination on stereospecifically labeled tert-butyl (2R*,3R*)- and (2R*,3S*)-3-(3-trifluoromethylphenoxy)-2,3-2H2-butanoate, S-tert-butyl (2R*,3R*)- and (2R*,3S*)-3-(3-trifluoromethylphenoxy)-2,3-2H2-butanethioate, and the related ketones, (4R*,5R*)- and (4R*,5S*)-5-(3-trifluoromethylphenoxy)-4,5-2H2-3-hexanone. With both diastereomers of each substrate available, the KIEs can be calculated and the innate stereoselectivities determined. The elimination reactions of the β-3-trifluoromethylphenoxy substrates occur by E1cB mechanisms with diffusionally equilibrated enolate-anion intermediates. Thus, it is clear that anti elimination does...
A new fracture assessment approach coupling HR-pQCT imaging and fracture mechanics-based finite element modeling.

A new fracture assessment approach that combines HR-pQCT imaging with fracture mechanics-based finite element modeling was developed to evaluate distal radius fracture load. Twenty distal radius images obtained from postmenopausal women (fracture, n=10; nonfracture, n=10) were processed to obtain a cortical and a whole bone model for each subject. The geometrical properties of each model were evaluated and the corresponding fracture load was determined under realistic fall conditions using cohesive finite element modeling. The results showed that the whole bone fracture load can be estimated based on the cortical fracture load for nonfracture (R2=0.58, p=0.01) and pooled data (R2=0.48, p<0.001) but not for the fracture group. The portion of the whole bone fracture load carried by the cortical bone increased with increasing cortical fracture load (R2≥0.5, p<0.05) indicating that a more robust cortical bone carries a larger percentage of whole bone fracture load. Cortical thickness was found to be the best predictor of both cortical and whole bone fracture load for all groups (R2 range: 0.49–0.96, p<0.02) with the exception of fracture group whole bone fracture load showing the predictive capability of cortical geometrical properties in determining whole bone fracture load. Fracture group whole bone fracture load was correlated with trabecular thickness (R2=0.4, p<0.05) whereas the nonfracture and the pooled group did not show any correlation with the trabecular parameters. In summary, this study introduced a new modeling approach that coupled HR-pQCT imaging with fracture mechanics-based finite element simulations, incorporated fracture toughness and realistic fall loading conditions in the models, and showed the significant contribution of the cortical compartment to the overall fracture load of bone. Our results provide more insight into the fracture process in bone and may lead to improved fracture load predictions.
Semi-mechanistic partial buffer approach to modeling pH, the buffer properties, and the distribution of ionic species in complex solutions.

In many biological science and food processing applications, it is very important to control or modify pH. However, the complex, unknown composition of biological media and foods often limits the utility of purely theoretical approaches to modeling pH and calculating the distributions of ionizable species. This paper provides general formulas and efficient algorithms for predicting the pH, titration, ionic species concentrations, buffer capacity, and ionic strength of buffer solutions containing both defined and undefined components. A flexible, semi-mechanistic, partial buffering (SMPB) approach is presented that uses local polynomial regression to model the buffering influence of complex or undefined components in a solution, while identified components of known concentration are modeled using expressions based on extensions of the standard acid-base theory. The SMPB method is implemented in a freeware package, pHTools, for use with Matlab. We validated the predictive accuracy of these methods by using strong acid titrations of cucumber slurries to predict the amount of a weak acid required to adjust pH to selected target values.
Microscopic mobility in hydrogenated amorphous silicon

Abstract A recent letter by Kakalios (1987) has criticized our suggestion that the microscopic mobility of hydrogenated amorphous silicon increases under high-level double injection. In this Letter, we show that Kakalios misinterpreted our model and misrepresented our data.
Electrochemical formation of a III–V compound semiconductor superlattice: InAs/InSb

Abstract We report on the use of electrochemical atomic-layer epitaxy (EC-ALE) to grow thin-films of the III–V compounds InAs, InSb, and an InAs x Sb 1− x superlattice. EC-ALE is a method for forming compound semiconductors with improved control, compared to other electrodeposition methodologies. It involves the use of surface limited reactions to form deposits an atomic layer at a time, in a cycle. The EC-ALE cycle uses underpotential deposition (upd) to form atomic layers of each of the component elements. One cycle ideally produces one monolayer (ML) of the desired compound. Studies to optimize the InAs cycle are reported, specifically the dependence on the In and As deposition potentials. These studies show that the potentials must be adjusted for each of the first 25 or more cycles, as a contact potential between the Au substrate and the growing semiconductor develops. After deposition of this initial ‘buffer layer’, steady state conditions are reached, and the same potentials can be used without change, for the remaining cycles. The formation of InSb has also been investigated, and the EC-ALE growth of InSb deposits is reported for the first time. Due to a 6% lattice mismatch, and a less than fully optimized cycle, the InSb deposits on Au appear composed of 70 nm particles. By combining the InAs and InSb programs, a superlattice was formed with 41 periods, where each period involved ten cycles of InAs followed by ten cycles of InSb. X-ray diffraction (XRD) indicated a period of 5.5 nm, whereas a 7.4 nm period was expected, based on 1 ML/cycle and the (111) interplanar spacing, derived from the lattice constants for InAs and InSb. Given the stoichiometry of the resulting deposit, and the shorter periodicity observed, it appears that 1 ML/cycle of InAs was formed, while only a 1/2 ML/cycle of InSb was obtained. IR absorption measurements indicate that the deposit was red shifted relative to the lower bandgap compound, InSb (0.17 eV), which is consistent with a type II superlattice. If an alloy had been formed, the bandgap should have been a linear function of the bandgaps and relative mole fractions of InAs and InSb, or about 0.31 eV, twice the observed bandgap.
Characteristics of lithium niobate based capacitors and transistors

Abstract The electrical properties of thin film (<1000 A) capacitor devices of lithium niobate grown on silicon and platinum and of thicker film metal-ferroelectric-semiconductor field effect transistors (MFSFET) with lithium niobate as the gate material were measured. Dielectric constants of the thin films on silicon were as high as 27, while those for films on platinum were as high as 49. The MFSFET structures showed good FET properties, and demonstrated a channel current modulation consistent with switching of the ferroelectric gate by pulsing.
Rotating target neutron generators

Abstract The rotating target neutron source at the Lawrence Livermore Laboratory (RTNS-I) is the most intense dc 14 MeV neutron source now in operation. The source consists of a 400 keV air-insulated accelerator which bombards a titanium tritide target rotating at 1100 rpm. A maximum source strength of 6 × 10 12 n/s can be produced by bombarding the target with a 20 mA beam of deuterons. Useful target life is ∼ 100 h. By extrapolation of the technology of the present source two new neutron sources (RTNS-II) have been designed to produce 4 × 10 13 n/s. These sources and the research facility to house them are now under construction. The facility will be operated by LLL as a national center for fusion reactor materials research.
Treatment of orthostatic hypotension with midodrine and octreotide.

The purpose of this study was to compare two treatments for orthostatic hypotension, midodrine (an alpha adrenergic agonist), and octreotide (an SRIH analogue) to each other and to combination therapy. Sixteen patients participated. Our hypothesis was that the 2 drugs together would be more effective than either drug alone. The effect of the drugs on the hemodynamic response to food ingestion was evaluated while patients were sitting. Midodrine (5 mg orally, 30 min before breakfast) increased mean blood pressure slightly (5-10 mm Hg, over 30 min) before the patients started eating, but it only partially reversed the hypotensive effect of food ingestion. The nadir in postprandial blood pressure after midodrine was 69 +/- 4 mm Hg, not different from placebo (63 +/- 5). Nevertheless, midodrine accentuated the response to sc octreotide (0.5 microgram/kg). Fifteen minutes after octreotide administration to midodrine-pretreated patients, the average mean blood pressure was 115 +/- 9 mm Hg, higher (P = .0095) than after octreotide given alone (102 +/- 7). Drug effects on orthostatic hypotension were assessed by measuring standing time (minutes before symptoms of hypotension or definite hypotension). In the absence of treatment, standing time was 3.5 +/- 7 min; 1 h after 10 mg midodrine, 8.4 +/- 2.7 min (P = .11); after 1.0 microgram/kg octreotide, 13.2 +/- 3.9 min (P = .0034 vs. no treatment); and after both drugs, 21.2 +/- 5.5 min (P = .0002 vs. no treatment, P = .036 vs. octreotide only). The combination of midodrine and octreotide is more potent than either drug alone.
Kinetic Mechanism of Monomeric Non-claret Disjunctional Protein (Ncd) ATPase

The non-claret disjunctional protein (Ncd) is a kinesin-related microtubule motor that moves toward the negative end of microtubules. The kinetic mechanism of the monomer motor domain, residues 335-700, satisfied a simple scheme for the binding of 2'-3'-O-(N-methylanthraniloyl) (MANT) ATP, the hydrolysis step, and the binding and release of MANT ADP, where T, D, and Pi refer to nucleotide triphosphate, nucleotide diphosphate, and inorganic phosphate, respectively, and MtN is the complex of an Ncd motor domain with a microtubule site. Rate constants k1 and k-4 are the rates of a first order step, an isomerization induced by nucleotide binding. The apparent second order rate constants for the binding steps are 1.5 x 10(6) M-1 s-1 for MANT ATP and 3.5 x 10(6) M-1 s-1 for MANT ADP (conditions, 50 mM NaCl, pH 6.9, 21 degrees C). The rate constant of the hydrolysis step (k2) was obtained from quench flow measurements of the phosphate burst phase corrected for the contribution of the rate of product release to the transient rate constant. The rate of phosphate dissociation was not measured; the value was assigned to account for a steady state rate of 3 s-1. The MtN complex is dissociated by ATP at a rate of 10 s-1 based on light scattering measurements. Dissociation constants of Ncd-nucleotide complexes from microtubules increased in the order adenosine 5'-O-(thiotriphosphate) (ATPgammaS) < ADP-AlF4 < ATP < ADP < ADP-vanadate. Comparison of the properties of Ncd with a monomeric kinesin K332 (Ma and Taylor (1997) J. Biol. Chem. 272, 717-723) showed a close similarity, except that the rate constants for the hydrolysis and ADP release steps and the steady state rate are approximately 15-20 times smaller for Ncd. There are two differences that may affect the reaction pathway. The rate of dissociation of MtN by ATP is comparable to the rate of the hydrolysis step, and N.T may dissociate in the cycle, whereas for kinesin, dissociation occurs after hydrolysis. The rate of dissociation of MtN by ADP is larger than the rate of ADP release from MtN.D, whereas for the microtubule-kinesin complex, the rate of dissociation by ADP is smaller than the rate of ADP release. The monomeric Mt.Ncd complex is not processive.
Evaluating the Consequences of Adjusting Fish Stock Assessment Estimates of Biomass for Retrospective Patterns using Mohn's Rho

AbstractA retrospective pattern exists when estimates of some assessment parameter for a given time period (e.g., biomass in a given year) trend in a systematic way as additional periods of data (i.e., typically a year) are added. Causes of such patterns are difficult to determine, and the pattern does not necessarily indicate the direction of the parameter bias. Mohn's rho measures the severity of retrospective patterns and has been used to adjust estimates of biomass and quotas. The consequences of applying Mohn's rho rather than ignoring the pattern are unclear. I used an age-structured simulation based on Atlantic Herring Clupea harengus to evaluate the consequences of ignoring retrospective patterns versus applying Mohn's rho. When the application of Mohn's rho produced more accurate estimates of biomass, subsequent spawning stock biomass and yields were near target levels. When the use of Mohn's rho produced less-accurate estimates of biomass, the results depended on the direction of the pattern. Wi...
Circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) spectra of Samarium(III) in trigonal Na3[Sm(oxydiacetate)3]· 2NaClO4·6H2O

Abstract Circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) from Sm(III) in trigonal Na3[Sm(oxydiacetate)3]· 2NaClO4· 6H2O is reported. This luminescence occurs from the 4G 5 2 multiplet of Sm(III) and, in the spectra reported here, it spans the 4G 5 2 →6HJ(J= 5 2 , 7 2 , and 9 2 ) transition regions of Sm(III). Rotatory and dipole strengths are calculated for all crystal-field transitions lying within these regions, and calculated spectra are produced to help interpret the observed spectra. Comparisons between calculated and observed spectra permit an assessment of the energy and intensity parameters derived from a previous analysis of Na3[Sm(oxydiacetate)3] · 2NaClO4· 6H2O absorption spectra.
Proliferative activity in invasive breast carcinoma: a comprehensive comparison of MIB-1 immunocytochemical staining in aspiration biopsies to image analytic, flow cytometric and histologic parameters.

OBJECTIVE: To use MIB-1 antibody to assess proliferative activity in fine needle aspiration (FNA) samples of invasive breast carcinoma and compare these results to multiple other measures of proliferative activity. STUDY DESIGN: FNA slides from 62 patients with invasive breast carcinoma were subjected to staining with MIB-1. Quantitative MIB-1 values were compared to image analytic proliferative fractions (IPF) obtained from the same FNAs. MIB-1 values were also compared to flow cytometric S-phase fractions (SPF) and S + G2/M-phase fractions (FPF) and to histologic assessment of mitotic count (MC) in resected tumors. RESULTS: MIB-1 values, IPF, SPF, FPF and MC were suitable for evaluation in 55, 53, 50, 50 and 56 cases, respectively. MIB-1 values showed good correlation with IPF in FNAs (correlation coefficient = .57, P <.00001). MIB-1 values also showed correlation with SPF (correlation coefficient =.447, P = .003), FPF (correlation coefficient = .325, P = .023) and MC (correlation coefficient = .402, P = .01) in resected tumors. CONCLUSION: This study supports the use of MIB-1 values obtained from FNA samples for assessment of proliferative activity in invasive breast carcinoma, based on correlation of these values with multiple other parameters of proliferative activity. Assessment of these values can play a role in predicting prognosis and in selecting patients with invasive carcinoma of the breast for preoperative or adjuvant chemotherapy.
The normal increase in adrenal secretion during pregnancy contributes to maternal volume expansion and fetal homeostasis.

This study was designed to test the hypothesis that the increase in maternal cortisol and aldosterone in pregnancy is critical to maternal and fetal homeostasis. Pregnant ewes were adrenalectomized (at approximately 112 days), and aldosterone and cortisol were given to either normal pregnant level (1 mg/kg per day cortisol and 3 μg/kg per day aldosterone) or nonpregnant level (half the dose of either cortisol or aldosterone). Blood samples for measurement of fetal and maternal plasma electrolytes, cortisol, and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) were collected at days 120, 125, and 130; fetal and maternal blood pressure and heart rate and maternal plasma volume were measured at days 120 and 130. Reduction of maternal cortisol or aldosterone decreased maternal plasma volume at 130 days. In the fetuses in the low cortisol group, cortisol concentrations were lower and ACTH concentrations were higher; however, there was no increase in fetal cortisol with age in the low cortisol or low aldosterone groups. Fetal arterial pressure was decreased in all groups of adrenalectomized ewes at 120 days and decreased in the low cortisol group at 130 days. Fetal arterial pressure was significantly related to maternal plasma volume at 130 days. Fetal arterial oxygen tension at 120 days was decreased in fetuses of low aldosterone ewes and was correlated with plasma volume. Overall fetal arterial oxygen tension correlated with fetal cortisol. Fetal ACTH concentrations correlated positively with fetal cortisol but negatively with fetal blood pressure. Maternal adrenal secretion maintains the normal increase in maternal plasma volume and fetal cortisol and indirectly supports fetal arterial oxygen tension, blood pressure, and adrenal secretion.
Treatment of Scaphotrapezio-Trapezoid Arthritis

Arthritis of the scaphotrapeziotrapezoid (STT) joint presents with deep thenar eminence and thumb basilar pain and is often coexistent with carpometacarpal arthritis of the thumb. Conservative treatment includes splinting and corticosteroid injections. Operative treatment consists primarily of fusion of the STT joint, although alternatives include trapeziectomy, fibrous arthroplasty, and prosthetic replacements. When STT arthritis is coexistent with carpometacarpal arthritis, excision of the trapezium and proximal 2 mm of trapezoid has been recommended. Complications of surgery include pericarpal arthrosis, superficial radial nerve injury, and nonunion.
Economic Reform and Armed Conflict in Mozambique

Abstract This paper discusses the evolution of the Mozambican economy in the 1980s. Particular emphasis is placed on the effects of the policy reform package implemented by the government beginning in 1987. This reform, centered around the restoration of economic incentives to the agricultural sector, is an example of a structural adjustment package pursued under extremely adverse conditions. The new strategy has yielded some favorable results, but also illustrates some of the limits of price policy in sub-Saharan Africa.
The difference in spine specimen dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry bone mineral density between in situ and in vitro scans

Abstract Background context Human cadaveric specimens are commonly used to evaluate bone-implant interface strength in osteoporotic spine fixation. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans are usually carried out on explanted spine specimens to measure bone mineral density (BMD) before in vitro biomechanical studies are carried out. Purpose The purposes of this study were to verify and quantify the difference in DXA BMD between unexplanted (in situ) and explanted (in vitro) scans and to develop and validate a correction factor (CF) between in vitro and in situ DXA BMD. Study design This is a retrospective analysis of past DXA scans of explanted specimens and a repeated measure scan rescan study of in situ and in vitro spine specimens. Methods Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scans were previously carried out on 106 male and 83 female lumbar specimens. Using multiple regressions, the correlation functions between Z score, BMD, and age were determined for male and female groups. The CF was developed based on difference in BMD between mean in vitro and population data. Next, in situ DXA scans were carried out on the lumbar spine of four full human cadavers, and subsequently, in vitro scans were repeated after explantation. The CF was applied to these in vitro scan data and the resulting corrected BMD compared with in situ scan values. Results The specimens had significantly lower Z score than population mean. The mean Z score was −0.7±1.4 (p 2 for male specimens and to be a function of age (6.80 Age −0.5 −3.76 Age −0.365 ) for female specimens. In vitro BMD was 96±11% of in situ BMD and was significantly different (p=.04). Corrected BMD after application of CF was 97±11% of in situ BMD and was not significantly different (p=.13). Conclusions In vitro BMD scan on explanted specimens measured lower DXA values than in situ BMD scans on full cadavers. A CF when used resulted in more accurate measure of the in situ BMD.
Construction of a Photometer as an Instructional Tool for Electronics and Instrumentation

An introductory electronics laboratory unit for the undergraduate chemical instrumentation course is presented. In this unit, students use basic electronic components to build a functioning photometer. Students interface the photometer to a microcontroller and write an Arduino program to collect the signal, calculate the absorbance, and display the result on a liquid crystal display (LCD). Students use their home-built instruments to measure the concentration of hexavalent chromium in a series of standard solutions and determine the figures of merit: sensitivity, detection limit, and dynamic range of the instrument. They also used their instrument to measure the concentration of hexavalent chromium in an unknown water sample.
Associations between maternal prepregnancy body mass index and child neurodevelopment at 2 years of age.

Both underweight and obese mothers have an increased risk for adverse offspring outcomes. Few studies have examined the association between prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) and children’s neurodevelopment. We used data from the nationally representative Early Childhood Longitudinal Study-Birth Cohort (ECLS-B; n=6850). Children were classified according to their mother’s prepregnancy BMI (kg m−2) status: underweight (BMI 1 s.d.) mental or motor development, relative to children of normal weight mothers. Compared with children of normal weight mothers, MDI scores were lower among children of mothers of all other prepregnancy BMI categories, with the greatest adjusted difference among children of class II and III obese mothers (−2.13 (95% CI −3.32, −0.93)). The adjusted risk of delayed mental development was increased among children of underweight (risk ratio (RR) 1.36 (95% CI 1.04, 1.78)) and class II and III obese (RR 1.38 (95% CI 1.03, 1.84)) mothers. Children’s PDI scores or motor delay did not differ by maternal prepregnancy BMI. In this nationally representative sample of 2-year-old US children, low and very-high maternal prepregnancy BMI were associated with increased risk of delayed mental development but not motor development.
Preoperative evaluation and a risk assessment in patients undergoing abdominal surgery.

Patients who undergo abdominal surgery present along a variable spectrum of health. This ranges from the healthy young patient undergoing elective hemorrhoid surgery to the octogenarian in unstable health with multiple comorbidities. Regardless of a patient’s current state of health, a preoperative assessment is crucial in planning the operative approach and in recognizing the possible postoperative complications for the implementation of a proper intervention if necessary. A broad evaluation of the patient includes identifying conditions that may predispose the patient to risks and the complications not directly related to the surgical procedure. The purpose of this article is to review the preoperative assessment in patients undergoing simple to complex procedures. The article provides general guidelines for the preoperative workup, which should be individualized for each patient, and the planned procedure, with the goal of reducing the postoperative complications. Risk stratification depends on a patient’s condition and the extension of the planned surgical approach. It may also help to improve the postoperative outcome. A further preoperative workup should be individualized and tailored to the complexity of each case.
Supersymmetry is afraid of condensates

Abstract Supersymmetry is never broken by pair condensates of chiral superfields: the supersymmetry breaking part of Green's functions satisfies an equation which always has an identically vanishing solution. Hence any phase containing pair condensates is unstable due to its positive vacuum energy.
Supporting Families Expressing Grief While Giving Bad News

Case: David, a third year resident, enters the exam room for Andrew’s 2½-year-old well-child visit. His family recently joined the clinic practice. Andrew is running around the room. He makes fleeting contact with the adults in the room. He makes no spontaneous verbalizations. He seems to be driven by a motor. His mother appears unaware of David’s developmental problem or the severity of the condition. David becomes aware that he does not even want to be in the room with this family. He knows the mechanics of how to give bad news. Only, he had not planned on doing it this afternoon during his continuity clinic. Often the need to give bad news cannot be anticipated. David does sit down to talk to with Andrew’s mother at the conclusion of the visit. The Ages and Stages screening questionnaire identified Andrew as a child who needs a comprehensive, developmental evaluation.
Ethical issues in tuberculosis vaccine trials.

Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccines are widely used, even though estimates of efficacy have ranged from zero to 80%. BCG is a relatively safe vaccine, but it can cause disseminated infection, especially in immunocompromised hosts. Thus, the development of a more reliably efficacious and safer vaccine is important to the control of tuberculosis. The testing of any new vaccine in human populations presents a number of ethical challenges that must be addressed. These include (1) the appropriateness of conducting such trials in developing countries; (2) the use of a BCG-vaccinated population as the control group; (3) the provision of tuberculin skin-test screening and preventive therapy to study participants; (4) the involvement of various "communities" in the trial(s); (5) the structure and process of ethical review; (6) establishing an effective method of obtaining informed consent; and (7) the roles and responsibilities of researchers and others in ensuring that trial results are available to the study population after the trial ends.
T lymphocytes mediate hypertension and kidney damage in Dahl salt-sensitive rats

This study examined mechanisms by which immune cells participate in the development of hypertension and renal disease in Dahl salt-sensitive (SS) rats. Increasing dietary salt from 0.4% to 4.0% NaCl significantly increased renal infiltration of T lymphocytes from 8.8 ± 1.2 × 105 to 14.4 ± 2.0 × 105 cells/2 kidneys, increased arterial blood pressure from 131 ± 2 to 165 ± 6 mmHg, increased albumin excretion rate from 17 ± 3 to 129 ± 20 mg/day, and resulted in renal glomerular and tubular damage. Furthermore, renal tissue ANG II was not suppressed in the kidneys of SS rats fed 4.0% NaCl. Administration of the immunosuppressive agent mycophenolate mofetil (MMF; 20 mg·kg−1·day−1) prevented the infiltration of T lymphocytes and attenuated Dahl SS hypertension and renal disease. In contrast to vehicle-treated rats, Dahl SS rats administered MMF demonstrated a suppression of renal tissue ANG II from 163 ± 26 to 88 ± 9 pg/g of tissue when fed high salt. Finally, it was demonstrated that the T lymphocytes isolated from the kidney possess renin and angiotensin-converting enzyme activity. These data indicate that infiltrating T cells are capable of participating in the production of ANG II and are associated with increased intrarenal ANG II, hypertension, and renal disease. The suppression of T-cell infiltration decreased intrarenal ANG II and prevented Dahl SS hypertension and kidney damage. As such, infiltrating cells are capable of participating in the established phase of Dahl SS hypertension.