cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Piaget and Parables: The Convergence of Secular and Scriptural Views of Learning

Jean Piaget is widely acclaimed as a developmental theorist who has contributed much to the understanding of how children learn. While many educators adhere to Piaget's model of learning, few realize that techniques similar in structure were used by Jesus 2000 years ago. Basic components of Piaget's theory, namely assimilation, accommodation, and disequilibration of the learner, are evidenced in the parabolic method used by Jesus. This comparison between Piaget's theory and Christ's parabolic method suggests that an effective teacher would cognitively activate and disequilibrate the learner. Insights from Scripture and Piaget's theory imply that motivation through disequilibration should be effective with students having a variety of experiences, a wide spectrum of abilities, and a mixture of learning styles.
The cross-ethnic equivalence of parenting and family interaction measures among Hispanic and Anglo-American families.

Recently there has been concern over the need for developmental research within ethnic minority populations and interest in family processes within, and variability across, ethnic groups. Unfortunately, most of the research using standard scales of family processes has sampled middle-class Anglo-Americans, and the potential absence of cross-ethnic measurement equivalence threatens the validity of the research using these scales with ethnic minority populations. This study reports confirmatory factor analyses and construct validity coefficients for several parenting and family interaction scales among Anglo-American and Hispanic 8–14-year-old children and mothers. The findings indicate that the Children's Report of Parental Behavior Inventory (except the hostile control subscale), the Parent-Adolescent Communication Scale (open communication subscale only), and the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scales II appear to have sufficient cross-ethnic equivalence for English-speaking Hispanic samples. Further, the Family Routines Inventory and the problem communication subscale could benefit from additional scale development.
Changes in serum potassium concentration with exercise in Hereford calves: effects of adrenalectomy.

Abstract 1. 1. Serum potassium concentration [K+] was measured pre- and postadrenalectomy in three Hereford steer calves before, during and following 3.5 min exercise at their maximal speed capability. 2. 2. Both before and after adrenalectomy, serum [K+] increased an average of 2.4 mEq· 1−1 during exercise and was at control levels 10 min postexercise. 3. 3. Hormones from neither the adrenal cortex nor the adrenal medulla influence serum [K+] dynamics during acute exercise.
The infant mortality-fertility debate: some international evidence.

The aim of this paper is to analyze empirically the causal relationship if any between infant mortality and fertility in thirty-five developing countries. The focus is on possible relationships between the infant mortality rate and the fertility rate. "The hypothesis that infant mortality causes fertility is tested. The possibility of a reverse causation is also analyzed. A one-sided distributed lag test as proposed by Granger...is employed." The results are analyzed in light of several versions of the mortality-fertility proposition including demographic transition theory choice theory Ricardian theory and the modern economic theory of population. (EXCERPT)
Spatial and temporal aspects of sedimentary trace metal concentrations in mid-coast Maine

The concentrations of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Sn and Zn in the surface sediments of 41 stations in the mid-coast Maine region of the Gulf of Maine were determined. The 14 stations located in Casco Bay had previously been surveyed in 1980. Metal concentrations were distributed heterogeneously between subregions of the study area, and generally exceeded pre-industrial levels. Highest levels occurred in Booth Bay, where comparisons with the National Status and Trends Program database conservatively placed Cd, Cu and Pb levels in the top quadrile of sites nationwide. Spatial distributions were consistent with transport from the large Kennebec-Androscoggin watershed, supplemented by localized inputs. Within Casco Bay, Cd, Cr, Pb and Zn appeared to have declined since 1980, while Ni was unchanged and Cu increased throughout the entire Bay.
Children's comprehension of comparative forms

Abstract Children aged from 3.5 to 5.5 years were tested on their comprehension of the terms taller, shorter, more, and less in five types of sentences: truncated, explicit standard, expanded explicit standard, two-dimensional second-clause subject noun, and two-dimensional second-clause subject pronoun. Many childen performed poorly on less and shorter in truncated sentences; the presence of explicit comparative cues did not improve these children's performance. Children who performed perfectly on truncated sentences still had difficulty understanding two-dimensional comparisons, especially those with a second-clause subject pronoun. These children interpreted only the first clause of the second-clause subject pronoun sentences. The results suggest that many children are capable of understanding two-dimensional comparisons, but perform poorly on the second-clause subject pronoun sentences because of uncertainty about the referent of the pronoun.
Introduction to a symposium on fine-grained sedimentology

Fine-grained sediments comprise about 70% of all sediments and sedimentary rocks. In the past decade, research on these deposits has increasingly looked at processes and process-responses. While much of the earlier work was devoted to large-scale stratigraphic and petrologic studies, the present active frontiers appear to be in microstratigraphy, properties of grain aggregates and bulk characteristics, and the origins of these aggregates. Clays have historically been well studied, but silts are relatively poorly understood. Much of the geologic record must be reexamined.
Inhibition and pH dependence of phosphite dehydrogenase.

Phosphite dehydrogenase (PTDH) catalyzes the NAD-dependent oxidation of phosphite to phosphate, a reaction that is 15 kcal/mol exergonic. The enzyme belongs to the family of d-hydroxy acid dehydrogenases. Five other family members that were analyzed do not catalyze the oxidation of phosphite, ruling out the possibility that this is a ubiquitous activity of these proteins. PTDH does not accept any alternative substrates such as thiophosphite, hydrated aldehydes, and methylphosphinate, and potential small nucleophiles such as hydroxylamine, fluoride, methanol, and trifluoromethanol do not compete with water in the displacement of the hydride from phosphite. The pH dependence of kcat/Km,phosphite is bell-shaped with a pKa of 6.8 for the acidic limb and a pKa of 7.8 for the basic limb. The pKa of 6.8 is assigned to the second deprotonation of phosphite. However, whether the dianionic form of phosphite is the true substrate is not clear since a reverse protonation mechanism is also consistent with the availabl...
Measurement of the ν=1/3 fractional quantum hall energy gap in suspended graphene.

We report on magnetotransport measurements of multiterminal suspended graphene devices. Fully developed integer quantum Hall states appear in magnetic fields as low as 2 T. At higher fields the formation of longitudinal resistance minima and transverse resistance plateaus are seen corresponding to fractional quantum Hall states, most strongly for $\ensuremath{\nu}=1/3$. By measuring the temperature dependence of these resistance minima, the energy gap for the $1/3$ fractional state in graphene is determined to be at $\ensuremath{\sim}20\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{K}$ at 14 T.
Sex differences in overt aggression and delinquency among urban minority middle school students

Given the recent debate over whether differential pathways to overt aggression and delinquency exist between boys and girls, this study examined sex differences in overt aggressive and delinquent acts along with potential differences in precursors (anger, self-control, family disruption) to antisocial behaviors among a sample of urban minority adolescents (N = 1559). Using a longitudinal design with data from 6th to 7th grade, results showed that girls had greater increases in rates of aggression relative to boys. Delinquency increased over time for both boys and girls, with boys consistently engaging in more delinquency. Girls and boys did not differ on the level of risk factors experienced except for a greater increase in anger over time for girls relative to boys. Across sex, anger and self-control predicted increases in both overt aggression and delinquency; family disruption also predicted increases in delinquency. Implications for subsequent studies on developmental process and preventive interventions are discussed.
Experimental evaluation of local anaesthetic solutions using rat infraorbital nerve block

The analgesic effectiveness of various local anaesthetic solutions was measured in the distribution of the infraorbital nerve of the rat. Using Sprague-Dawley rats sedated with phenobarbitone 25 mg/kg intraperitoneally and a simple stereotactic technique, 0.2 ml of solution was deposited at the infraorbital notch. The onset and duration of analgesia were ascertained by timing the unilateral absence of aversive response to pinching the upper lip, tested at intervals of five minutes. The experiments were performed with coded solutions, the entire code being preserved intact until completion of the study. Solutions were tested on sets of eight animals weighing 500--600 g. The average duration (minutes +/- S.D.) of analgesia produced by the respective injectates was as follows: Lidocaine 0.5% -42+/-12 Lidocaine 1.0% -47+/-10 Mepivacaine 0.5% -58+/-13 Mepivacaine 1.0% -78+/-23 Procaine 0.5% -0+/-0 Procaine 1.0% -34+/-10 Procaine 1.5% -46+/-13 2-Chloroprocaine 1.5% -38+/-9 Bupivacaine 0.5% -100+/-40 Etidocaine 1.0% -59+/-25 Tetracaine 0.2% -0+/-0 Tetracaine 0.3% -0+/-0 Comparison with other animal models used to evaluate conduction block indicates that this technique affords an improved, standardized and reliable experimental guide to the clinical analgesic properties of local anaesthetic agents.
Isolation of the covalent binary complex of 5-fluorodeoxyuridylate and thymidylate synthetase by trichloroacetic acid precipitation

Abstract Strong chemical evidence for the existence of a covalent binary complex between 5-fluorodeoxyuridylate and thymidylate synthetase was provided by the isolation of the complex by trichloroacetic acid precipitation. This result together with that of a control experiment with N-ethymaleimide inactivated thymidylate synthetase demonstrated that only nucleotide covalently bound to the protein survived repeated washings of the precipitate. Under the conditions used, a maximum binding stoichiometry of about 0.9 was obtained for the covalent binary complex, K d = 1.1 × 10 −5 M. Also, a binding ratio of 1.7 was obtained for the methylenetetrahydrofolate-5-fluorodeoxyuridylate-thymidylate synthetase ternary complex.
The Influence of Personal Growth Initiative and Coping Styles on Career Exploration and Vocational Identity

Abstract Participants were college students, 107 women and 98 men. Path analysis provided moderate support for Harren's model of personal characteristics leading to vocational exploration, which in turn leads to vocational identity. Specifically, personal growth initiative predicted environmental exploration and vocational identity. Coping style predicted self-exploration. Support was found for the prediction of vocational identity by environmental exploration. The presence of both direct and indirect paths between personal characteristics and vocational identity highlights the importance of considering both career exploration processes and outcomes. Implications for practitioners are presented.
Modeling speed behavior of passenger cars and trucks in freeway construction work zones: Implications on work zone design and traffic control decision processes

Current work zone design and traffic control guidance is based on desirable speed outcomes; knowledge related to actual speed outcomes of design and traffic control decisions is limited. The objective of this research is to investigate relationships among speed behavior, roadway geometrics, and traffic control in freeway construction work zones. Four speed measures are modeled: 85th percentile passenger car speed, 85th percentile truck speed, passenger car speed deviation, and truck speed deviation. The research objective is accomplished through specification and estimation of a first-order autoregressive seemingly unrelated regression model to account for contemporaneous correlations between equation disturbances and positive autocorrelation. Data for model estimation were collected at 119 locations in 17 Pennsylvania and Texas work zones. Model estimation results show that several work design and traffic control features influence speed magnitudes and deviations. Findings also indicate that relationships among speed magnitude, speed deviation, work zone design, and traffic control are more complex than general engineering intuitions expressed in current work zone design guidance.
Women and the Paradox of Economic Inequality in the Twentieth-Century

This article uses the history of women in twentieth-century United States to explore the paradox of inequality in American history: the coexistence of durable inequality with immense individual and group mobility. Using census data, the article traces inequality along four dimensions: participation, distribution, rewards, and differentiation. Differentiation, the article argues, resolves the paradox of inequality by showing how mobility reinforces rather than challenges existing social structures. The analysis highlights differences in women's experiences by cohort and race and emphasizes the role of education, technological change, and, especially, government's impact on labor markets. The article concludes by evaluating and extending Charles Tilly's theory of durable inequality in light of the trends in women's experience.
New surgical and catheter-based modifications of the Maze procedure.

There is currently an intense interest in applying the principles of the Maze procedure in a less invasive manner so that a wider group of patients with atrial fibrillation can be treated safely and effectively. These efforts have centered around surgical attempts to curtail the number of lesions placed in the atrial at the time of valve surgery and catheter-based attempts to re-create a part or all of the Maze procedure with radiofrequency ablation. Thus far, these techniques remain highly experimental and largely without merit. Many of the problems that we encountered several years ago in developing the surgical Maze procedure are now being repeated in patients undergoing these highly experimental and inadequately evaluated procedures. Nevertheless, there are occasional flashes of promise with some of these approaches. Moreover, it is clear that only a miniscule percentage of the patients with atrial fibrillation will ever become candidates for the open-heart Maze procedure as it is now performed. Therefore, the continuing struggle to relieve the invasive downside of the Maze procedure is warranted but with the caveat, especially to our cardiologist colleagues, to proceed with caution.
A compendium of the genetically induced congenital malformations of the house mouse.

Over one-quarter of the more than 870 known alleles in the house mouse cause congenital malformations, forming a valuable but hardly used experimental resource for the study of numerous aspects fo prenatal maldevelopment. These “teratogenes” are here extensively tabulated according to the types of malformations produced, and their various effects are listed, Introducing the tables are some general remarks including comments on variability of gene action and a breakdown of the number of the genes that are recessive and dominant.
Disposal of Radioactive Wastes

Scientists appointed by the International Council of Scientific Unions have concluded that nuclear wastes may be safely disposed of using current technology. Interim storage for 50 to 100 years greatly reduces the problem of thermal loading at the final disposal sites, but more research devoted to such interim storage is needed.
Organic factors in hyperkinesis: a critical evaluation.

Book reviewed in this article: The role of organic factors in childhood hyperkinesis is evaluated, with a focus on electroencephalographic, neurological, biochemical, pregnancy and birth, and genetic research. Evidence that the majority of hyperkinetic children suffer from organic dysfunction is found to be minimal. This conclusion is discussed, and guidelines for future research are offered.
Discussion of “Critical Accounting Policy Disclosures”

Carolyn B. Levine and Michael J. Smith (2011) examine firms’ critical accounting policy (CAP) disclosures. With respect to motivation for disclosure, Levine and Smith (2011) document an increased likelihood of CAP disclosure for firms facing high ex ante litigation risk. Focusing on the informational value of disclosure, they find evidence consistent with CAP disclosure influencing investors’ valuation decisions. Although the paper provides a large sample analysis of a relatively new accounting disclosure practice, I raise some questions about what we can (and cannot) learn from their findings. In so doing, I highlight potential topics for future research.
Investigation of mask pattern proximity correction to reduce image shortening in X-ray lithography

Abstract Previous experimental studies of proximity x-ray lithography for complex patterning at 75–125 nm linewidths have indicated that image shortening is significant at > 10 μm gaps [1,2]. Simple serifs added to line ends have been shown to reduce line-end shortening for 75–125 nm ground-rule SRAM-like (static random access memories) patterns. However, line-end shortening is still >30 nm for 85 nm ground-rule patterns at 10–15 μm gaps. In this study, simulations are used to evaluate requirements on serif patterning to reduce line-end shortening. Initial experimental results using positive resist indicate that negative tone mask patterns may result in less line-end shortening.
Stabilized polypropylene synthesis using supported titanium catalyst system in presence of phenolic compounds

Stabilized polypropylene synthesis is carried out using supported titanium catalyst system in presence of phenols. The effect of phenolic compounds such as 2,2′-methylenebis(4-tert-butyl-6-methylphenol) (PH1) and 4,4′-methylenebis(2,6-di-tert-butylphenol) (PH2) is studied on the productivity and stereospecificity of catalyst system as well as on molecular weight characteristics. The extent of stabilization of PP resin by phenolic compounds for oxidative degradation is determined by measurement of oxygen induction time. Molecular weight and b color change are also investigated before and after thermal aging. The catalyst productivity was found to be unaffected by the concentration of phenolic compounds in the studied range. The thermal stability of the polymer resin is, however, found to be dependent on the nature of phenolic compound. The masked PH1 phenolic compound showed better antioxidant characteristic as compared to PH2.
Effects of sex, age, and aggressive traits in man on brain serotonin 5-HT1A receptor binding potential measured by PET using [C-11]WAY-100635.

Serotonin (5-HT) 1A receptors have been implicated in a variety of conditions including, depression, suicidal behavior, and aggression. Post-mortem brain studies and in vivo imaging studies report a variety of age and sex effects on brain 5-HT1A binding. Behavioral data from 5-HT1A specific pharmacological challenges suggest a role for 5-HT1A receptors in aggression. The goal of the present study was to determine age, sex, and severity of life-time aggression effects on 5-HT1A binding potential (BP) in vivo using positron emission tomography (PET) and the high affinity 5-HT1A antagonist, [carbonyl-C-11]WAY-100635 in 12 healthy females (ages 41.0±15.7 years) and 13 healthy males (ages 39.6±15.5 years). Regions of interest included the dorsal raphe, anterior cingulate cortex, cingulate body, hippocampus, amygdala, medial prefrontal cortex (PFC), and orbital PFC. No significant correlation between age and BP was detected in any brain region. MANOVA of the first three principle components demonstrated a significantly higher BP in females compared with males (P=0.0127). Post-hoc tests confirmed sex differences (P<0.05) in the following regions: dorsal raphe, amygdala, anterior cingulate, cingulate body, medial PFC, and orbital PFC. The cerebellar volume of distribution was also significantly higher in females. There is a significant negative correlation between binding in several regions and lifetime aggression. We have replicated our post-mortem finding of higher 5-HT1A binding in females compared to males. We did not detect an age dependent decrease in binding in males or females. Lower 5-HT1A binding in more aggressive individuals is consistent with pharmacological challenge studies. Future studies should determine whether the binding is a state or trait effect.
Otitis Media, the Quality of Child Care, and the Social/Communicative Behavior of Toddlers: A Replication and Extension.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of otitis media (OM) and the quality of child care on the social and communicative behaviors of toddlers, using a cumulative risk framework that included moderation. The study followed 72 children who began child care in infancy. Both process and structural aspects of the quality of 11 child care centers were measured and children received weekly ear examinations from the time they entered child care. At 24 months of age children were observed in their classrooms during free play when they were well. Children in the chronic OM, low quality care group exchanged more negative gestures with peers, initiated less verbally to teachers and peers and were talked to less by teachers and peers in comparison to all other children. The results suggest the importance of the moderating effect of the quality of child care in understanding the effects of OM on social/communicative development.
Excess Manganese Ingestion in the Chick

Two experiments were conducted with young chicks to investigate effects of excess manganese, (Mn) ingestion and to compare MnCl2 . 4H2O, MnSO4 . H2O, MnO2, and MnCO3 as sources of dietary Mn activity. Each source of Mn was added to a conventional corn-soybean meal diet to supply 3000, 4000, or 5000 mg/kg Mn. High levels of dietary Mn from MnSO4 . H2O and MnCl2 . 4H2O depressed growth slightly; MnO2 and MnCO3 did not affect chick performance. Manganese dioxide contained less Mn activity than MnCO3, MnSO4 . H2O, or MnCl2 . 4H2O as assessed by relative depressions in hemoglobin and hematocrit and by relative increases in bile, liver, and bone Mn concentrations. Neutralization of the chloride ion in MnCl2 . 4H2O with NaHCO3 did not ameliorate the adverse effects of excess, MnCl2 . 4H2O ingestion. Bone and bile Mn concentrations reflected Mn intake better than liver Mn concentration or rate and efficiency of weight gain.
Untangling the psychiatric comorbidity of posttraumatic stress disorder in a sample of flood survivors

This report empirically examines multiple explanations for the high rates of psychiatric comorbidity seen with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). One hundred sixty-two St. Louis area survivors of the 1993 Great Midwest Floods were interviewed a few months after the flood subsided using the Diagnostic Interview Schedule (DIS) and its Disaster Supplement to assess psychiatric history relative to PTSD and five other psychiatric disorders. Thirty-five subjects (23%) met criteria for PTSD related to the flood. PTSD was frequently comorbid with other disorders. Seventeen subjects (10%) developed a new, non-PTSD psychiatric disorder after the flood. New non-PTSD disorders were rare in the absence of PTSD symptoms. Though prior psychiatric history was predictive of developing PTSD, no support was found that prior psychiatric history contributed to PTSD through social vulnerability. Thus, support was found for a model in which PTSD contributes to the development of other disorders following trauma, whereas no evidence was found to suggest that comorbid disorders develop independently of PTSD following trauma, or that comorbidity was due to symptom overlap among disorders. The lack of support for models in which psychosocial resources mediate the effect of psychiatric history on the development of PTSD indirectly confirms models of physiological vulnerability to PTSD development. Copyright 2002, Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.
Modelling storage organizations: A dynamic approach

Abstract This paper discusses an approach to modelling storage organizations of future computer systems. Our motivation comes from two general uncharted areas of computer performance analysis. The first is that of dynamic or time-dependent effects: certain parameters critically affect the behaviour of the system, and as they vary over time it becomes important to understand the transient behaviour and the stabilities of the system. The second area concerns the interaction between distinct intelligent components of the system, particularly in a stressed environment. Our approach, which is different from the more usual queuing approach, is that of Dynamics Systems Theory. We describe it with a particular, though very simple, example that focuses on the relationship between a CPU and an I/O Processor. By exploring this example, we are able to introduce a number of important concepts, to derive qualitative insights, and to identify barometers of performance and control mechanisms.
Surgical residents' perceptions of the effects of the ACGME duty hour requirements 1 year after implementation

Background In July 2003, the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education implemented nationwide requirements on resident duty hours with the aim of improving quality of care. Our objectives were (1) to determine the extent and means of compliance with the ACGME requirements within general surgery residency programs and (2) to examine general surgery residents' perceptions of the effects of the ACGME requirements on patient care and residents' training experience. Methods A survey was mailed to residents in 19 New England general surgery programs in spring 2004 (n = 238). Results The overall response rate was 36%. More than 89% of respondents reported that the requirements generally were being enforced, and respondents' mean work hours (80.8 ± 11.7 per week) supported this claim. Forty-three percent felt that quality of care had deteriorated. Although 70% perceived decrements in continuity of care, only 32% believed that the risk of patient management errors had increased. Sixty percent reported doing fewer operations, and half felt that residents missed out on too many learning opportunities. Yet, only 39% reported that the requirements had worsened the quality of training. Residents consistently reported an improved quality of life. Seventy-five percent felt that, overall, the requirements were a good thing. Conclusions Most surgical residents do not believe that the ACGME duty hour requirements have had their intended effect of improving quality of care and are ambivalent about effects on the quality of their training. However, they report an improved quality of life, and most residents do support the requirements overall.
Current trends in Great Lakes shipping

Shipping on the Great Lakes has changed rapidly in recent years. Internal Great Lakes traffic consists almost entirely of bulk movements, primarily of iron ore, coal, limestone, and grain. Ore shipments are mainly of taconite concentrate. Low-sulfur coal from the western areas of the United States is now moving downbound through the lakes, a movement in the opposite direction from the predominantly upbound movement of Appalachian coal. Opening of a larger lock in 1970 between lakes Superior and Huron has initiated a new generation of lake vessels, which are three times the size of the previous lake ships, and are too large to transit the Welland Canal and the St. Lawrence Seaway; for the first time since 1959 the largest “lakers” are land-locked. General cargo traffic between the Great Lakes and overseas has been declining rapidly since 1970, largely as the result of the rapid development of container ships, and the Interstate highway system, which increases the competitive advantages of salt-water ports.
Vertical two-phase flow identification using advanced instrumentation and neural networks

Abstract Most two-phase flow measurements, including void fraction measurements, depend on correct flow regime identification. There are two steps taken towards the successful identification of flow regimes: first, develop a non-intrusive instrument to demonstrate area-averaged void fluctuations and second, develop a non-linear mapping approach to perform objective identification of flow regimes. In this paper, an advanced non-intrusive impedance void-meter provides input signals to neural networks which are used to identify flow regimes. After training, both supervised and self-organizing neural network learning paradigms performed flow regime identification successfully. The methodology presented holds considerable promise for multiphase flow diagnostic and measurement applications.
Limited expression of Fas and Fas ligand in fetal nucleated erythrocytes isolated from first trimester maternal blood.

Objective Intact fetal cells isolated from maternal blood can be used for non-invasive gender determination and genetic diagnosis. Recent studies demonstrating a large amount of cell-free fetal DNA in maternal plasma suggest that the circulating fetal DNA may result from fetal cells undergoing apoptosis. In the present study we evaluated the potential role of Fas and Fas ligand (FasL) cell surface expression with respect to apoptosis induction in fetal cells isolated from maternal blood. Methods We flow sorted candidate fetal cells that were gamma chain-positive and Fas- or FasL-positive or -negative, and subsequently analysed them by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis using X and Y chromosome-specific probes. Results Among all gamma hemoglobin-positive cells, there was a significant difference in the percent of cells expressing Fas versus FasL (4.4 and 12.3, respectively). We found no significant correlation between the total number of fetal nucleated red blood cells (NRBCs) and gestational age or the presence of Fas- and FasL-positive cells. From approximately 7 ml of maternal peripheral blood, most of the confirmed fetal (XY) cells were found in the Fas- and FasL-negative sorted population; the average numbers were 12.8 and 15.7, respectively. Conclusion We conclude that fetal NRBCs express FasL more than Fas, although most fetal NRBCs in first trimester maternal blood samples do not express Fas or FasL. This suggests the absence of a functional Fas/FasL apoptotic system in fetal NRBCs, and that programmed cell death in these cells, which may lead to circulating fetal DNA in maternal plasma, probably occurs by another pathway. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Perioperative Stroke: Risk Assessment, Prevention and Treatment

Numerous risk factors for perioperative stroke have been identified and many are modifiable. Surgical patients with a history of cerebrovascular disease should be evaluated by a neurologist. Cardiac and cerebrovascular testing is critical in identifying patients at high risk for perioperative stroke. The identification and treatment of carotid disease in the context of upcoming surgery has been a source of controversy. Routine carotid revascularization performed with coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery for incidentally discovered carotid stenosis is not recommended. Prior to aortic manipulation during CABG, epiaortic ultrasound should be performed to identify aortic atheromatous plaques. If possible, preoperative aspirin, beta blocker, statin, and angiotensin converting-enzyme (ACE) inhibitor therapy should be continued in the perioperative period. Patients who are prescribed anticoagulation at high risk of thromboembolism should receive bridging anticoagulation during the perioperative period. The identification and prevention of postoperative atrial fibrillation (AF) is central to stroke prevention. CABG patients should be initiated on beta blockade +/− amiodarone to prevent postoperative AF. Many practitioners have been traditionally nihilistic towards acute perioperative stroke treatment. Given the narrow therapeutic window of treatment options, candidacy is dependent on timely recognition. Intravenous and endovascular thrombolysis/therapies are viable options in selected patients under the guidance and expertise of a neurologist. This article will present the epidemiology of perioperative stroke, the pathophysiology, risk assessment and stratification for common surgeries. The article will additionally focus on treatment options including modifiable risk factor reduction and the perioperative management of medications.
Further insight into the mode of action of the neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)

Abstract Chemical reactions of MPDP + , a recognized intermediate in the metabolic conversion of the neurotoxin MPTP by monoamine oxidase B into its major metabolite MPP + were studied.Addition of cyanide to MPDP + bromide in aqueous solutions afforded cyano-compound 5 which isomerized in the presence of silica gel into compound 6 . Both 5 and 6 when heated yielded a third isomer 7 . MPDP + bromide disproportionated into MPTP and MPP + in aqueous solution near neutral or slightly alkaline pH, a reaction which also occurred when MPDP + bromide was treated with an amine in dichloromethane solution. Disproportionation of MPDP + at physiological pH may be of biochemical significance, since formation of MPP + from MPDP + can occur non-enzymatically. MPTP, MPDP + , and MPP + inhibited dopamine uptake in rat synaptosomal preparations with I 50 values of 30, 37, and 3.4 μM, respectively. The competition of these compounds with dopamine for uptake sites in the membrane may contribute in part to the reduced levels of dopamine observed in animals treated with MPTP.
Are recall and recognition independent retention processes

An attempt was made to equate the difficulty of recall and recognition procedures by employing a known population of stimuli (consonants), and by using, as distractors in recognition, items from previous trials. Fifty-four Ss were tested on both retention measures and on all independent variables of repetitions (one and three), retention interval (0, 6, and 12 sec), and consonant sequence length (four and seven items). In both measures, correct response probability was directly related to number of repetitions and inversely related to retention interval duration and consonant sequence length. Under all conditions, recall was better than recognition.
Hormone response of dairy cows with ovarian cysts after treatment with HCG or GnRH

Abstract Twenty lactating Holstein and Guernsey cows, diagnosed by rectal palpation as having ovarian cysts, were randomly divided within breed into two groups to receive either a single intramuscular injection of 100 μg of synthetic gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) or an intravenous injection of 10,000 IU of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG). The objective was to compare hormonal and clinical changes in cows with ovarian cysts following treatment with GnRH and HCG. Eight of ten and nine of ten cows given either GnRH and HCG, respectively, responded to treatment and subsequent fertility was not different between the two groups. Pre-injection plasma levels of LH, progesterone, and estradiol were highly variable. Mean plasma levels of LH, progesterone and estradiol did not differ between groups either following treatment (days 1–17 post-treatment), at the subsequent estrus, or during days 1–13 following the subsequent estrus. Mean LH levels did not differ significantly on the days either post-treatment or post-estrus except that levels were higher (P
Genetic and environmental influences on externalizing behavior and alcohol problems in adolescence: A female twin study

Genetic and environmental contributions to the observed correlations among DSM-IV ADHD problems [inattentive (INATT) and hyperactive/impulsive (HYP/IMP) behaviors], conduct problems (CDP) and alcohol problems (AlcProb) were examined by fitting multivariate structural equation models to data from the Missouri Adolescent Female Twin Study [N=2892 twins (831 monozygotic pairs, 615 dizygotic pairs)]. Based on results of preliminary regression models, we modified the structural model to jointly estimate (i) the regression of each phenotype on significant familial/prenatal predictors, and (ii) genetic and environmental contributions to the residual variance and covariance. Results suggested that (i) parental risk factors, such as parental alcohol dependence and regular smoking, increase risk for externalizing behavior; (ii) prenatal exposures predicted increased symptomatology for HYP/IMP (smoking during pregnancy), INATT and CDP (prenatal alcohol exposure); (iii) after adjusting for measured familial/prenatal risk factors, genetic influences were significant for HYP/IMP, INATT, and CDP; however, similar to earlier reports, genetic effects on alcohol dependence symptoms were negligible; and (iv) in adolescence, correlated liabilities for conduct and alcohol problems are found in environmental factors common to both phenotypes, while covariation among impulsivity, inattention, and conduct problems is primarily due to genetic influences common to these three behaviors. Thus, while a variety of adolescent problem behaviors are significantly correlated, the structure of that association may differ as a function of phenotype (e.g., comorbid HYP/IMP and CDP vs. comorbid CDP and AlcProb), a finding that could inform different approaches to treatment and prevention.
An economic evaluation of donepezil in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease

Using data from a longitudinal survey of caregivers of Alzheimer's disease patients, we calculated the average per-patient direct medical costs over a 6-month period for a matched sample of patients (N = 376). A group of patients receiving donepezil for 6 months was compared with a group not receiving this form of drug therapy. The groups were matched by disease severity, age, sex, and comorbidity. The average age in the two groups was 74 years, with 50% female and 90% white. Patients in both groups had a mean of 1.6 comorbid conditions. No patients in either group were institutionalized at the beginning of the 6-month period, and all patients were taking at least one prescription drug, including donepezil. Mean 6-month direct medical expenses for a patient receiving donepezil were $3443, including the cost of the drug, whereas the per-patient mean expenses for the comparison group were $3476. Although the patients receiving donepezil had greater expenditures for prescription drugs, these costs were offset by a slower rate of institutionalization. At the end of the 6-month period, 5% of donepezil patients were institutionalized, compared with 10% of the nondonepezil patients. The cost of receiving donepezil treatment for 6 months did not result in a significantly higher per-patient mean direct cost.
Normal and Starburst Galaxies in Deep X-ray Surveys

This talk will cover progress of the last several years in unraveling the nature of normal and starburst galaxies in deep X-ray surveys. This includes discussion of the normal galaxy X-ray Luminosity Function in deep field and cluster surveys and what it tells us about the binary populations in galaxies. The utility of broad band X-ray emission, especially as compared to other multiwavelength measurements of current/recent star formation, will be reviewed. These broad band X-ray measurements of star formation are based upon X-ray/Star Formation Rate correlations that span the currently available redshift range (0 < z < 1). I will also discuss new efforts underway to systematically characterize the X-ray emission from galaxies in group and cluster environments, including a new effort underway in the Coma cluster of galaxies.
Cd1−xZnxO [0.05 ≤ x ≤ 0.26] synthesized by vapor-diffusion induced hydrolysis and co-nucleation from aqueous metal salt solutions

Nanoparticulate Cd1−xZnxO (x = 0, 0.05–0.26, 1) is synthesized in a simple two-step synthesis approach. Vapor-diffusion induced catalytic hydrolysis of two molecular precursors at low temperature induces co-nucleation and polycondensation to produce bimetallic layered hydroxide salts (M = Cd, Zn) as precursor materials which are subsequently converted to Cd1−xZnxO at 400 °C. Unlike ternary materials prepared by standard co-precipitation procedures, all products presented here containing < 30 mol% Zn2+ ions are homogeneous in elemental composition on the micrometre scale. This measured compositional homogeneity within the samples, as determined by energy dispersive spectroscopy and inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy, is a testimony to the kinetic control achieved by employing slow hydrolysis conditions. In agreement with this observation, the optical properties of the materials obey Vegard's Law for a homogeneous solid solution of Cd1−xZnxO, where x corresponds to the values determined by inductively coupled plasma analysis, even though powder X-ray diffraction shows phase separation into a cubic mixed metal oxide phase and a hexagonal ZnO phase at all doping levels.
Characteristics of an optical fiber for high-power excimer lasers

KrF excimer laser (248 nm) is expected to be the new therapeutic instrument in the medical field. However, there is still not the optical fiber which has enough durability for the high power energy of KrF excimer laser. We have developed the optical fiber for transmitting the light of the high power KrF excimer laser. This fiber consists of the pure silica core with a large amount of OH, and also has been specially treated during fabrication. As a result, the newly developed fiber has achieved to transmit the light of KrF excimer laser efficiently.
Presidential priorities, congressional control, and the quality of regulatory analysis: an application to healthcare and homeland security

Elected leaders delegate rulemaking to federal agencies, then seek to influence rulemaking through top-down directives and statutory deadlines. This paper documents an unintended consequence of these control strategies: they reduce regulatory agencies’ ability and incentive to conduct high-quality economic analysis to inform their decisions. Using scoring data that measure the quality of regulatory impact analysis, we find that hastily adopted “interim final” regulations reflecting signature policy priorities of the two most recent presidential administrations were accompanied by significantly lower quality economic analysis. Interim final homeland security regulations adopted during the G.W. Bush administration and interim final regulations implementing the Affordable Care Act in the Obama administration were accompanied by less thorough analysis than other “economically significant” regulations (regulations with benefits, costs, or other economic impacts exceeding $100 million annually). The lower quality analysis apparently stems from the confluence of presidential priorities and very tight statutory deadlines associated with interim final regulations, rather than either factor alone.
A new approach to testing for sufficient follow-up in cure-rate analysis

Abstract The problem of sufficient follow-up arises naturally in the context of cure rate estimation. This problem was brought to the fore by Maller and Zhou [1992. Estimating the proportion of immunes in a censored sample. Biometrika 79, 731–739; 1994. Testing for sufficient follow-up and outliers in survival data. J. Amer. Statist. Assoc. 89, 1499–1506] in an effort to develop nonparametric statistical inference based on a binary mixture model. The authors proposed a statistical test to help practitioners decide whether or not the period of observation has been long enough to detect the presence of cured (immune) individuals in the study population. The test is inextricably entwined with estimation of the cure probability by the Kaplan–Meier estimator at the point of last observation. While intuitively appealing, the test by Maller and Zhou does not provide a satisfactory solution to the problem because of its unstable and nonmonotonic behavior when the duration of follow-up increases. The present paper introduces an alternative concept of sufficient follow-up allowing derivation of a lower bound for the expected proportion of immune subjects in a wide class of cure models. By building on the proposed bound, a new statistical test is designed to address the issue of the presence of immunes in the study population. The usefulness of the proposed approach is illustrated with an application to survival data on breast cancer patients identified through the NCI Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results Database.
Synthesis of Nitrogen-Rich Carbon Nitride Networks from an Energetic Molecular Azide Precursor

Nitrogen-rich carbon nitrides are produced as amorphous, bulk solids from the slow thermal decomposition of 2,4,6-triazido-1,3,5-triazine [(C3N3)(N3)3]. This energetic molecular azide is thermally unstable and readily decomposes at 185 °C in a high-pressure reactor to produce carbon nitride materials, e.g., C3N4. Under applied nitrogen gas pressure, (C3N3)(N3)3 decomposes to yield a solid with one of the highest reported nitrogen-to-carbon ratios corresponding to C3N5. This azide precursor also decomposes upon rapid heating to 200 °C to form graphite nanoparticles without any retained nitrogen. Spectroscopic evidence (infrared, nuclear magnetic resonance, and ultraviolet−visible) demonstrates that the carbon−nitrogen solids have significant sp2 carbon bonding in a conjugated doubly bonded network. Electron microscopy reveals that these powders have a glassy microstructure with large irregular pores and voids. C3N4 and C3N5 are thermally stable up to 600 °C and sublime to produce carbon nitride thin films ...