cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparability of Gestational Age Values Derived from Diaphyseal Length and Foot Length from Known Forensic Foetal Remains

A partially macerated human male foetus was submitted to the Human Identification Laboratory at The University of Arizona for the purpose of gestational age determination. This paper compares radiographic diaphyseal length of most long bones to foot length as measured from the forensic case submitted for analysis. The methods included radiography of complete antebrachial and crural segments and foot length measurements. As calculated from ulnar, radial, tibial and fibular diaphyseal length, gestational age was estimated to be between 25 and 28 lunar weeks (between 22 and 25 gestational weeks), while age determined from foot length was between late 23 and early 26 gestational weeks. These results highlight a general correspondence in age estimation between these two techniques. Case history obtained after this analysis confirmed an age of 23 weeks and 6 days based on ultrasonographic criteria. The correspondence between these techniques is significant, since either technique yields approximately the same gestational age. Accuracy of gestational age determination is essential to assess foetal viability. While national laws vary regarding foetal remains, courses of appropriate medicolegal action are contingent upon the determination of foetal viability.
Early hospital readmission for gastrointestinal-related complications predicts long-term mortality after pancreatectomy

Abstract Background The purpose of this study was to investigate the prognostic significance of early (30-day) hospital readmission (EHR) on mortality after pancreatectomy. Methods Using a prospectively collected institutional database linked with a statewide dataset, we evaluated the association between EHR and overall mortality in all patients undergoing pancreatectomy at our tertiary institution (2005 to 2010). Results Of 595 pancreatectomy patients, EHR occurred in 21.5%. Overall mortality was 29.4% (median follow-up 22.7 months). Patients with EHR had decreased survival compared with those who were not readmitted ( P = .011). On multivariate analysis adjusting for baseline group differences, EHR for gastrointestinal-related complications was a significant independent predictor of mortality (hazard ratio 2.30, P = .001). Conclusions In addition to known risk factors, 30-day readmission for gastrointestinal-related complications following pancreatectomy independently predicts increased mortality. Additional studies are necessary to identify surgical, medical, and social factors contributing to EHR, as well as interventions aimed at decreasing postpancreatectomy morbidity and mortality.
Post partum creatine phosphokinase and its muscle-brain isoenzyme elevation and transient Q-wave in a patient with idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis

A primigravida with idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis, New York Heart Association Classification III, developed acute chest pain with significant ST segment depression together with a new Q-wave in chest lead V6 on the electrocardiograph following delivery under lumbar epidural analgesia. An intrapartum myocardial infarct was suspected because serial creatine phosphokinase and its muscle-brain isoenzyme levels were elevated in the postpartum period. However, the ST segment and the Q-wave changes returned to baseline within 4 h, thus eliminating the possibility of acute myocardial infarction. The uterus and placenta release creatine phosphokinase and its muscle-brain isoenzyme substantially during normal vaginal delivery, thus mimicking acute myocardial infarction. Consequently, the elevations of creatine phosphokinase and its muscle-brain fraction alone are not diagnostic of myocardial infarction in the postpartum period. The diagnosis of myocardial infarction must be based on the clinical picture, serial electrocardiogram recording and determination of lactate dehydrogenase and aspartate amino transferase.
Sleep endoscopy as a diagnostic tool in pediatric obstructive sleep apnea

Abstract Objectives Ten to twenty percent of children have persistent obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) after adenotonsillectomy (T&A). We hypothesize that sleep endoscopy, a flexible fiberoptic examination of the pharynx under anesthesia, is an effective tool for identifying sites of persistent obstruction. Methods In this retrospective cohort study, we reviewed records of children who had symptoms consistent with OSA and a positive polysomnogram (PSG) who underwent sleep endoscopy followed by sleep endoscopy directed surgery. Data collection included age, BMI and co-morbidities. Apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) was compared to pre and post surgery for each child using a paired t-test. Results Of the 80 children who underwent sleep endoscopy followed by directed surgery, 65% were male, mean age was 6 years (SD 3.75 years), average BMI was 19 (SD 0.43 years) and 28% had co-morbidities. For the 51% of patients who had persistent OSA after T&A, the mean AHI after sleep endoscopy directed surgery was significantly lower then before surgery (7.9 vs. 15.7, p Conclusions Sleep endoscopy is a consistently reliable tool for identifying the sites of obstruction in both surgically naive children and those with persistent OSA after T&A.
Tiagabine Monotherapy in the Treatment of Partial Epilepsy

Three studies were conducted to assess tiagabine (TGB) hydrochloride monotherapy in patients with partial seizures. The first was a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 11 patients (seven TGB, four placebo) undergoing evaluation for epilepsy surgery. Baseline antiepileptic drug (AED) therapy was discontinued abruptly before monotherapy. Although 24-h seizure rates increased during monotherapy in both groups, patients receiving TGB experienced fewer seizures than placebo patients. Subsequent studies (an open-label, dose-ranging study; n=31 and a double-blind, randomized comparison of 6 and 36 mg/day TGB; n=102 and 96, respectively) involved discontinuation of baseline AEDs. In the dose-ranging study, 19 of 31 patients (61%) converted to TGB monotherapy, with a mean final dose of 38.4 mg/day (range 24-54 mg/day) in those who completed the study (n=12). In the low-vs. high-dosage study, median 4-week complex partial seizure rates decreased significantly in patients from both dose groups who completed the monotherapy period (p<0.05 compared with baseline). In the intent-to-treat analysis, significantly more patients in the high-dose group experienced a reduction in seizures of at least 50% compared with the low-dose group (p = 0.038). Overall, the types of adverse events with TGB monotherapy were similar to those observed in add-on trials. These initial trials in difficult-to-treat epilepsy patients indicate that TGB monotherapy may provide a new approach to the treatment of patients with partial seizures refractory to other AEDs.
Local elites, prokurators and extraction in rural Uzbekistan

Examining the politics of local-level extraction in Uzbekistan, this article identifies the emergence of two rent-seeking strategies among local prokurators. Using case study material from Samarkand Province and Navoii Province, it demonstrates how concentrated economic resources under rural elites and dense patronage ties to regional politicians determine the limits placed on rent seeking. As this analysis seeks to emphasize, state capabilities within Uzbekistan's territorial infrastructure, and their effects on extraction, are multi-faceted, highly fluid, and intimately local.
Context Variables that Affect Measures of Teacher Efficacy

AbstractThis article presents a model describing three context variables hypothesized to affect measures of teacher efficacy. These variables include the nature of the student performance outcome (positive or negative), the ability of the students involved (high or low), and the scope of influence (single student or group of students). The results from studies investigating the influence of performance outcome and student ability variables are summarized. The present study focuses on the scope of influence variable. Data were gathered from 114 experienced elementary and secondary teachers through attitudinal and perceptual self-reports. Correlational analysis generally supported the model, but factor-analytic procedures failed to yield clearly distinct factor dimensions. Possible explanations and implications are discussed.
Hybrid focal plane detectors for heavy ions

Abstract Two non-identical twin gas-filled detectors for use at the focal plabe of a magnetic spectrometer are described. They are single units containing an ionization chamber yielding a total energy signal, two position-sensitive proportional counters, and several electrodes giving gDE/gDX signals. The seven or eight pulses generated in this type of detector for each entering ion are encoded and sent to an on-line computer which can automatically find the nuclear charge, nuclear mass, ionic charge, energy, and angle of entry of each particle and can accumulate separate energy spectra for all specified ionic types of interest.
Hospital volume, utilization, costs and outcomes of robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.

Purpose: Although robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy has been aggressively marketed and rapidly adopted, there is a paucity of population based utilization, outcome and cost data. High vs low volume hospitals have better outcomes for open and minimally invasive radical prostatectomy (robotic or laparoscopic) but to our knowledge volume outcomes effects for robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy alone have not been studied.Materials and Methods: We characterized robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy outcome by hospital volume using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample during the last quarter of 2008. Propensity scoring methods were used to assess outcomes and costs.Results: At high volume hospitals robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy was more likely to be done on men who were white with an income in the highest quartile and age less than 50 years than at low volume hospitals (each p <0.01). Hospitals at above the 50th volume percentile were less likely to show...
Liver necrosis in mice following injection of toxic extracts of progestational endometrium and of placenta.

SummaryFocal liver necrosis occurred in 30% of 500 mice which survived the intravenous injection of single sublethal quantities of toxic extracts′ of endometrium or placenta. Occasional similar lesions were seen in mice which were injected with other tissue extracts. Although related to the effect of the injected toxic material from endometrium or placenta, the lesions may be indirect or nonspecific effects of the injections.Special apptreciation is due Miss Carol Spaulding for assistance in conducting this investigation.
Effects of Ionic Surfactants on the Permeability of Human Epidermis: An Electrometric Study

This study was directed towards the mechanisms by which solutions of some ionic surfactants increase the permeability of human skin. Ionic surfactants of three n-alkyl homologous series (R-COONa, R-OSO 3 Na, R-NH 3 CI) were selected. The low frequency, low voltage, alternating current (A.C.) conductance of isolated epidermal membranes is related to the permeability constant for water and was suitable for following effects of surfactant solutions below the critical micelle concentrations. Solutions and conditions were compared by observing differences in the induced rates of increase of A.C. conductance. A similar pattern of relative surfactant activity was shown for each series of surfactants. C 8 compounds showed no effect, C 10 slow but distinct increases in conductance, maximal effects occurred at C 12 and C 14 and less at C 16 . The induced changes were reversible to widely varying degrees up to a maximum of 90 percent. Members of the two anionic series were similar in effect but the alkylamine hycirochlorides produced more rapid conductance increases shortly after contact than did corresponding anionic molecules. The reversibility of the permeability changes excludes extraction of molecules as the mechanism of action for the surfactants. The absence of any similarity between the relative surfactant activities and changes in hydrophillipophil balance or detergency indicates an action against the protein rather than the lipid components of the stratum corneum.
ON THE STABILITY OF NATURAL CONVECTION BOUNDARY LAYER FLOW OVER HORIZONTAL AND SLIGHTLY INCLINED SURFACES

Abstract This is an analytical and experimental study of the stability of natural convection boundary layer flow adjacent to horizontal and to slightly inclined surfaces. The additional buoyancy effects resulting from small surface inclinations are taken into account. Also considered are the effect of additional buoyancy arising from the diffusion of chemical species. The limits and conditions for attached boundary flow are determined. The question of flow separation is considered. Stability of such a flow to two-dimensional disturbances was studied by linear stability theory. Neutral stability and amplification rate contours were obtained by numerical integration of the resulting eighth-order coupled momentum and energy stability equations for air (Pr = 0.7). The effect of a small surface inclination upon stability was studied using the results of a perturbation analysis of such flows. Effect of simultaneous mass diffusion on stability was also found for the case of equal Prandtl and Schmidt numbers. Experimental verification of the stability predictions was carried out by disturbing the actual flows, over a frequency range, with a thin vibrating ribbon and observing the behavior of the convected disturbance. A Mach-Zehnder interferometer was used to study flow characteristics under both disturbed and and undisturbed conditions. The more complicated three-dimensional disturbances, which also arose, were made visible by smoke injection into the boundary region. The stability theory predicts the correct trend of the stability limits for both horizontal and slightly inclined surfaces. However, the calculations are not in as good an agreement with observations as in flows adjacent to vertical surfaces or in freely thermal plumes. The discrepancies found are believed to result from the rapid growth of three-dimensional effects in the attached boundary-layer region and from a downstream separation-like phenomenon.
Effect of Response System on Development of Standards for End Categories

60 Boston University students judged the relative number of small filled circles on each of 10 cards. One-third used an open-ended scale comprising a designated “average” category and as many above or below average categories as they desired; the remaining two-thirds employed fixed 7-category scales whose intervals ranged from +3 to −3 or from 1 to 7. The open-ended scale increased the frequency of use of the “average” category and produced greater variability of judgment of the end stimuli but not of the middle ones in comparison with the fixed scales. However, the stimulus center of the “average” category was not affected by the nature of the scale.
The Widths of the L -Series Lines and of the Energy Levels of Au(79)

Following a r\'esum\'e of the Weisskopf-Wigner theory of the shape of spectral lines, and, making certain simplifying assumptions, an expression is derived for the shape of an x-ray absorption discontinuity for the case where absorption is due to the ejection of electrons from inner orbits to the continuum of unoccupied Fermi-Sommerfeld levels. If these levels be assumed equally distributed, the curve ($\ensuremath{\mu}$ vs. $\ensuremath{\lambda}$) is a simple arctangent, from which the width of the associated energy level ($K, L\ensuremath{\cdots}$), corresponding to the full width of half-maximum of a radiated line, may be read directly. A more complicated expression results if the Fermi-Sommerfeld levels be not equally distributed. It is shown that the predicted shape of an absorption limit agrees reasonably well with the observed shape of the ${L}_{\mathrm{III}}$ limit of Au(79), the width of which was found to be 4.4 volts. Data are presented on the widths of some 23 lines in the $L$-series of Au(79), obtained by a two-crystal spectrometer. These widths, corrected for effect of the crystals, vary from 7.6 to 20.8 volts. Making use of the conclusion of Weisskopf and Wigner, that the width of a line may be interpreted as the sum of the widths of the energy states involved, and starting from the value 4.4 volts for the width of the ${L}_{\mathrm{III}}$ state, the widths of the several $L$, $M$, $N$ and $O$ states of Au(79) are computed. For a given total quantum number $n$, the width decreases with increasing orbital quantum number $l$. States having the same value of $n$, $l$ have nearly the same width. For any given $l$, the $L$ states are narrowest.
NF-κB is a target of AKT in anti-apoptotic PDGF signalling

The mechanisms of cell proliferation and transformation are intrinsically linked to the process of apoptosis: the default of proliferating cells is to die unless specific survival signals are provided1,2. Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) is a principal survival factor that inhibits apoptosis and promotes proliferation1, but the mechanisms mediating its anti-apoptotic properties are not completely understood. Here we show that the transcription factor NF-κB3,4,5 is important in PDGF signalling. NF-κB transmits two signals: one is required for the induction of proto-oncogene c-myc and proliferation, and the second, an anti-apoptotic signal, counterbalances c-Myc cytotoxicity. We have traced a putative pathway whereby PDGF activates NF-κB through Ras and phospatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI(3)K) to the PKB/Akt protein kinase and the IκB kinase (IKK); NF-κB thus appears to be a target of the anti-apoptotic Ras/PI(3)K/Akt pathway6,7. We show that, upon PDGF stimulation, Akt transiently associates in vivo with IKK and induces IKK activation. These findings establish a role for NF-κB in growth factor signalling and define an anti-apoptotic Ras/PI(3)K/Akt/IKK/NF-κB pathway, thus linking anti-apoptotic signalling with transcription machinery.
Toxicology of trichloroethylene in the mouse

Abstract The purpose of this study was to evaluate the acute and subchronic toxicology of trichloroethylene (TCE) in the mouse. The oral LD50 in female mice was 2443 mg/kg (95% confidence limits of 1839–3779 mg/kg) and in male mice was 2402 mg/kg (95% confidence limits of 2065–2771 mg/kg). After determination of the LD50 by the oral route, a 14-day study was done in male CD-1 mice in which TCE was administered daily by gavage at 24 and 240 mg/kg. A subchronic drinking water study was designed based on these data, in which TCE at concentrations of 0.1, 1.0, 2.5, and 5.0 mg/ml was used, and mice of both sexes were exposed for 4 or 6 months. There was a decreased body weight gain at the highest dose, which could be attributed to a decrease in fluid consumption. The most significant effects attributable to TCE were an increase in liver weight in both sexes accompanied by increased nonprotein sulfhydryl levels in the males, and an increase in kidney weight in both sexes accompanied by increases in protein and ketones in the urine. TCE failed to elicit any other adverse effects.
Do Culture and Cross‐Border Listings Influence Global Analysts Behavior and Disclosure Practices

This paper examines the influence of culture, globalization and investor protection on the number of analysts following firms in each country. The extant literature shows that the number of analysts following firms is positively associated with information disclosure practices of firms. Consistent with the literature, the number of analysts following firms in each country is used as a proxy representing disclosure practices. The evidence shows that cultural distance from U.S. moves positively with the number of analysts in each country. This result suggests that culture influences global analyst behavior. Globalization of capital markets appears to increase the number of financial analysts across countries. Specifically, each country cross‐border listings on U.S. markets and the size of home capital market move positively with analyst services. These findings suggest that globalization also influences global analyst behavior.
Small Town in Mass Society Revisited.

Abstract The case study of a small New York town that dramatized the thesis that the secular expansion of macro forces—urbanization, industrialization, bureaucratization—has permanently reduced the autonomy of all small communities is an example of a special type of discovery/persuasion strategy in the social sciences: the “opposition case study.” In contrast to the more rigorous “competitive test” or the atheoretical “negative case,” opposition case studies confront the dominant perspective with a qualitative illustration of a new theory in the context of a zero-sum game. When they are successful, opposition cases meet four criteria: the dominant view is immediately rendered obsolete; the origin of the new idea supports its plausibility; the new perspective is shown to be testable; and the new perspective quickly generates new lines of research. Small Town in Mass Society meets the first criterion, and may have been heuristic, but its probable origin in populist ideology undermines its testability.
Does Prior Project Management Work Experience Have an Effect on the Academic Achievement of University Students in the Classroom

This study compared the academic achievement of students who participated in a cooperative education program (co-op students) with that of students who did not participate (nonco-op students). The alternate hypothesis was that students who gained knowledge through co-op work experience would use that knowledge in subsequent coursework and thus would achieve a higher grade point average (GPA) than students who did not participate in the co-op program. Historical data were analyzed for students (N = 460) who graduated from the building science program at Auburn University from 1996 to 2000. The independent variable was STATUS (co-op vs. nonco-op), and the dependent variable of academic achievement was measured by the GPA of five sequential project management classes (PM GPA). There was a significant difference between co-op students' and nonco-op students' PM GPA mean scores for two of the four groups studied. The results seem to suggest that the treatment, co-op participation, did not have an effect on the...
Investigations of conductance of photochromic switching molecules

Recent experimental work has confirmed a dramatic conductance enhancement of more than two orders of magnitude after the optical switching between two molecular isomers of a dithienylethene-derivative on gold. To determine which dithienylethene-derivative may be the optimal candidate for use as an optical molecular switch, it is necessary to understand the nature of the conductance switching. To this end, a variety of theoretical tools were employed to study the critical aspects of this unique metal-molecule-metal junction. A plane wave based density functional method revealed marked differences between the two isomers with regard to the line-up of the molecular states and the contact states. A local orbital based density functional method was used to generate a tractable Hamiltonian for a Landauer based transport calculation. Three different derivatives are analyzed to determine which may be an appropriate candidate in a molecular electronic device.
Echinocandins: role in antifungal therapy, 2005.

Novel therapies to treat invasive fungal infections have revolutionised the care of patients with candidiasis, aspergillosis and other less common fungal infections. Physicians in the twenty first ...
The bcl-2 gene encodes a novel G protein

LITTLE is known about the biochemical or functional nature of the proteins encoded by the bcl-2 gene, which undergoes chromosomal translocation in approximately 85% of follicular lymphoma, 20% of diffuse large cell lymphoma and 10% of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia of B cells1–5. Translocation of bcl-2 sequences5 from chromosome 18 to the JH segment of the immunoglobulin gene at chromosome band 14q32 in B cells results in deregulated expression of this gene, causing high steady state levels of bcl-2 messenger RNA2. DNA sequence data indicate that bcl-2 encodes two proteins by virtue of alternative splicing, designated as Bcl-2α and Bcl-2β, with relative molecular masses of 26,000 and 22,000 respectively1. Cell fractionation experiments indicate that the bcl-2α gene product is located at the inner surface of the cell membrane, suggesting a possible role in mitogenic signal transduction6. We report here that Bcl-2α has GTP-binding activity and a protein sequence that suggests it belongs to the small molecular weight GTP-binding protein (G protein) family7–16.
Elastic electron scattering from the isotones 40Ca and 39K

Abstract The nuclear charge distributions of 40 Ca and 39 K have been extracted from elastic electron scattering cross sections. The difference of the distributions shows a concentration of charge in a single peak at 4.1 fm. Comparisons with models are made.
Role of DNA Flexibility in Sequence-Dependent Activity of Uracil DNA Glycosylase†

Uracil DNA glycosylase (UDG) is a base excision repair enzyme that specifically recognizes and removes uracil from double- or single-stranded DNA. The efficiency of the enzyme depends on the DNA sequence surrounding the uracil. Crystal structures of UDG in complex with DNA reveal that the DNA is severely bent and distorted in the region of the uracil. This suggests that the sequence-dependent efficiency of the enzyme may be related to the energetic cost of DNA distortion in the process of specific damage recognition. To test this hypothesis, molecular dynamics simulations were performed on two sequences representing extreme cases of UDG efficiency, AUA/TAT (high efficiency) and GUG/CAC (low efficiency). Analysis of the simulations shows that the effective bending force constants are lower for the AUA/TAT sequence, indicating that this sequence is more flexible than the GUG/CAC sequence. Fluorescence lifetimes of the adenine analogue 2-aminopurine (2AP), replacing adenine opposite the uracil, are shorter in the context of the AUA/TAT sequence, indicating more dynamic base-base interaction and greater local flexibility than in the GUG/CAC sequence. Furthermore, the K(M) of Escherichia coli UDG for the AUA/TAT sequence is 10-fold smaller than that for the GUG/CAC sequence, while the k(cat) is only 2-fold smaller. This indicates that differences in UDG efficiency largely arise from differences in binding and not catalysis. These results link directly flexibility near the damaged DNA site with the efficiency of DNA repair.
Hepatic subcellular distribution of short-chain β-ketoacyl coenzyme A reductase and trans-2-enoyl coenzyme A hydratase: 25- to 50-fold stimulation of microsomal activities by the peroxisome proliferator, di-(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate

Abstract The present study demonstrates unequivocally the existence of short-chain trans-2-enoyl coenzyme A (CoA) hydratase and β-ketoacyl CoA reductase activities in the endoplasmic reticulum of rat liver. Subcellular fractionation indicated that all four fractions, namely, mitochondrial, peroxisomal, microsomal, and cytosolic contained significant hydratase activity when crotonyl CoA was employed as the substrate. In the untreated rat, based on marker enzymes and heat treatment, the hydratase activity, expressed as μmol/min/g liver, wet weight, in each fraction was: (i) mitochondria, 684; (ii) peroxisomes, 108; (iii) microsomes, 36; and (iv) cytosol, 60. Following di-(2-ethyl-hexyl)phthalate (DEHP) treatment (2% ( v w ) for 8 days), there was only a 20% increase in mitochondrial activity; in contrast, peroxisomal hydratase activity was stimulated 33-fold, while microsomal and cytosolic activities were enhanced 58- and 14-fold, respectively. A portion of the cytosolic hydratase activity can be attributed to the component of the fatty acid synthase complex. Although more than 70% of the total hydratase activity was associated with the mitochondrial fraction in the untreated rat, DEHP treatment markedly altered this pattern; only 11% of the total hydratase activity was present in the mitochondrial fraction, while 49 and 29% resided in the peroxisomal and microsomal fractions, respectively. In addition, all four subcellular fractions contained the short-chain NADH-specific β-ketoacyl CoA (acetoacetyl CoA) reductase activity. Again, in the untreated animal, reductase activity was predominant in the mitochondrial fraction; following DEHP treatment, there was marked stimulation in the peroxisomal, microsomal, and cytosolic fractions, while the activity in the mitochondrial fraction increased by only 39%. Hence, it can be concluded that both reductase and hydratase activities exist in the endoplasmic reticulum in addition to mitochondria, peroxisomes, and soluble cytoplasm.
EPR Characterization of Heterogeneously Functionalized Dendrimers

EPR spectroscopy was used to evaluate the dynamic motions of dendrimer end groups for a G(4)-PAMAM dendrimer. Clusters of end groups were covalently tethered together and then selectively labeled with PROXYL groups upon removal of the tether. Analysis of the EPR spectra of the spin-labeled dendrimers suggests that initial end group proximity does not appreciably alter end group presentation on heterogeneously functionalized PAMAM dendrimers after tethers are released.
Distinguishing Between-Person and Within-Person Relationships in Longitudinal Health Research: Arthritis and Quality of Life

Many health measures (e.g., blood pressure, quality of life) have meaningful fluctuation over time around a relatively stable mean level for each person. This didactic paper describes two closely related statistical models for examining between-person and within-person relationships between two or more sets of measures collected over time: the latent intercept model with correlated residuals (LI) in structural equation modeling framework and the multivariate multilevel model (MVML) in multilevel modeling framework. We illustrated that the basic LI model and the MVML model are equivalent. We presented an illustrative example using a national arthritis data resource to examine between-person and within-person relationships of symptom status, functional health, and quality of life in arthritis patients. Additional design and modeling issues for the treatment of missing data are considered. We discuss contexts in which one of the two models may be preferred. Mplus and SAS syntax are available.
Lipid peroxidation induced by some halomethanes as measured by in vivo pentane production in the rat

Pentane production in vivo in rats was used successfully as an index to support the concept that lipid peroxidation is involved in the toxicity of some halomethanes. The time-response relationships showed that the rats had maximum pentane production by 15–30 min following ip administration of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), bromotrichloromethane (BrCCl3), and chloroform (CHCl3). BrCCl3 and CCl4 caused the production of the greatest amounts of pentane, CHCl3 induced a smaller amount of pentane production, and dichloromethane (CH2Cl2) did not increase pentane production over that caused by injection of the mineral oil carrier. There was a good relationship (r = 0.987; p < 0.001) between the amount of pentane produced and the bond dissociation energies of BrCCl3, CCl4, and CHCl3. This finding supports the concept that trichloromethyl radicals (·CCl3) produced by homolytic cleavage of halomethanes induce lipid peroxidation. Conjugated dienes in liver, kidney, intestine, spleen, lung, and heart were measured following administration of CCl4 and BrCCl3. There was a good correlation (r = 0.96; p < 0.01) between pentane production in vivo and conjugated diene formation in the liver. The liver accounted for 85 and 94% of the total conjugated dienes measured after administration of CCl4 and BrCCl3, respectively. The amount of pentane produced during a 30-min period following injection of 1 mmol of CCl4 corresponded to about 0.2% of the lipid peroxides, measured as conjugated dienes, in the liver following the same time period. These results suggest that liver is also the principal site of pentane production.
Epidemiology of Suspected Wrist Joint Infection Versus Inflammation

Purpose To determine the cumulative prevalence of septic arthritis presenting to the emergency department of an academic medical center and evaluate the use of clinical data to diagnose infection versus inflammation. Methods We conducted a records review of a single institution with 80,000 annual emergency room visits. We included a consecutive series of patients with suspected wrist infection from January 1, 2007, to December 31, 2008. Adults complaining of atraumatic wrist pain with either erythema or swelling on physical examination or a final diagnosis of septic arthritis, gout, pseudogout, cellulitis, wrist hematoma/edema, or wrist arthritic flare were suspected to have infection. We collected data using a standardized data abstraction form. Results We reviewed 804 patient records. A total of 104 patients meeting inclusion criteria for suspected wrist joint infection during the 2-year study period were included. Mean age was 62.5 years (SD, 20.2 y); 63 were men. There were 12 patients with a history of gout, 4 with a history of pseudogout, and 19 with a history of diabetes. Wrist arthrocentesis was performed in 31 patients, and 11 underwent surgical treatment. There were 16 patients with a final diagnosis of gout, 11 with pseudogout, 43 with cellulitis, 13 with upper extremity hematoma/edema, and 15 with wrist arthritic flare. The cumulative prevalence of septic arthritis was 5%. Conclusions In this series of emergency department patients with suspected wrist joint infection, gout, pseudogout, and cellulitis were the most common etiologies. The cumulative incidence of septic wrist arthritis was low.
revamping the health care team

Revamping the roles of members of the health care team is currently the most feasible way to meet the growing consumer demands. Preparation and function of the restructured team must be a united effort involving all members. The author focuses on the OB Physician's Associate in discussing the advantages, basis and philosophy of a team effort, the further development and reorganization of the team, and the possible pitfalls in this process. She answers the questions of who should define the new nursing roles, devise the curriculum, and impart the additional information required for the new roles, and she discusses the physicians' and nurses' fears of change. (This article was taken from am opening address to the 1972 District VII Conference of ACOG and NAACOG in Hot Springs, Arkansas.)
Gas Dynamic And Acoustic Management For Visible Wavelength Lasers

Criteria for fluid and thermal properties delineating the baseline flow homogeneity, such as those for ΔT/T, ΔP/P, Δp/p, ΔU/U will be established. These are based on medium optical characteristics and requirements in terms of wavelength, pressure, and temperature of the gas medium associate,- with visible wave-length lasers. To meet these criteria, various methods for conditioning the baseline flow from the stand-point of gas dynamic and acoustic technologies will be presented and discussed. The merits of open and closed cycles for the baseline flow will be evaluated through consideration of gas utilization efficiency and component requirements. These criteria become acoustic dominated for pulsed lasers. The pulse repetition frequency required for a given laser defines the clearing time allowed to restore the original baseline flow. A parallel consideration becomes necessary to account for the pulse input perturbation. Solutions to acoustic management problems must be obtained by considering all sources of reflection, acoustic characteristics of open and closed cycles in terms of wave propagation, attenuation, and dissipation.
Improvement of mean orbital elements for Vinti's spheroidal satellite theory

Method for improving mean orbital elements for VINTI spheroidal satellite theory without use of observational data
Thin-membrane aperture-coupled L-band patch antenna

A microstrip line on very thin membrane substrate (0.05mm) is slot-coupled through a thick air substrate (12.7mm) to excite an L-band radiating patch element. It achieved a relatively wide bandwidth of 100 MHz (8%). A very narrow coupling slot is used with aspect ratio of 160 (conventional slot aspect ratio is between 10 to 30). This new feed design makes the thin-membrane or inflatable array antenna technology more practical. It reduces the number of thin-membrane layers required for a dual-polarised wideband inflatable array from three layers in a previous design to two layers. In addition, this technology allows the thin-membrane array antenna elements to be readily integrated with thin-membrane-mounted transmit/receive (T/R) modules.
Addressing diversity in US teacher preparation programs: A survey of elementary and secondary programs’ priorities and challenges from across the United States of America

Abstract Data gathered from 142 public university elementary and secondary teacher preparation programs across the United States (representing the preparation of approximately 23,000–30,000 new teachers annually), indicated that race/ethnicity was the most emphasized diversity topic followed by special needs, language diversity, economic (social class), gender, and sexual orientation. The majority of programs addressed diversity topics across program classes. States were similar in the priority assigned to various diversity topics, with the exception of California, which placed greater emphasis upon language diversity but less upon special needs as compared to other states. In addition, there appeared to be little to no relationship between the faculty demographics (gender and race) and the priorities placed upon gender and racial diversity in programs. The project also surveyed program coordinators’ assessments of the various challenges to the inclusion of diversity topics. Finally, the data suggested that possible relationships might exist between faculty attitudes/knowledge regarding diversity topics and student attitudes.
USP7 modulates UV-induced PCNA monoubiquitination by regulating DNA polymerase eta stability

DNA polymerase eta (Polη) has unique and pivotal functions in several DNA damage-tolerance pathways. Steady-state level of this short-lived protein is tightly controlled by multiple mechanisms including proteolysis. Here, we have identified the deubiquitinating enzyme (DUB), ubiquitin-specific protease 7 (USP7), as a novel regulator of Polη stability. USP7 regulates Polη stability through both indirect and direct mechanisms. Knockout of USP7 increased the steady-state level of Polη and slowed down the turnover of both Polη and p53 proteins through destabilizing their E3 ligase murine double minute 2 (Mdm2). Also, USP7 physically binds Polη in vitro and in vivo. Overexpression of wild-type USP7 but not its catalytically-defective mutants deubiquitinates Polη and increases its cellular steady-state level. Thus, USP7 directly serves as a specific DUB for Polη. Furthermore, ectopic expression of USP7 promoted the UV-induced proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) monoubiquitination in Polη-proficient but not in Polη-deficient XPV (Xeroderma pigmentosum variant) cells, suggesting that USP7 facilitates UV-induced PCNA monoubiquitination by stabilizing Polη. Taken together, our findings reveal a modulatory role of USP7 in PCNA ubiquitination-mediated stress-tolerance pathways by fine-tuning Polη turnover.
Analysis of chemical intermediates from low-temperature steam gasification of biomass

Abstract A reactor system was developed to study the process of lignin and biomass gasification at low temperatures (100 °C to 350 °C) and high pressure (up to 375 atm). The reactor allowed for withdrawal of samples from either the top or bottom of the reaction environment throughout the period of the experiment while maintaining the reaction temperature and pressure. An analytical method was developed for separating and standardizing the initial decomposition products formed during steam-alkali gasification of kraft pine lignin and Douglas fir wood flour.
Effect of cimetidine on acetaminophen pharmacokinetics in rats

Abstract The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effect of acute cimetidine administration on the elimination kinetics of acetaminophen in rats. Cimetidine, 80 mg/kg i.p., 30 min before i.v. injection of acetaminophen, 30 mg/kg, caused a small but statistically significant decrease in the total clearance and an increase in the biological half-life of acetaminophen in adult male rats. The partial metabolic clearance of acetaminophen to acetaminophen sulfate was decreased by cimetidine. The magnitude of the acute interaction of cimetidine with acetaminophen was not increased at a higher (150 mg/kg) dose of acetaminophen.
Ultrafast switching of photonic entanglement.

To deploy and operate a quantum network which utilizes existing telecommunications infrastructure, it is necessary to be able to route entangled photons at high speeds, with minimal loss and signal-band noise, and---most importantly---without disturbing the photons' quantum state. Here we present a switch which fulfills these requirements and characterize its performance at the single photon level. Furthermore, because this type of switch couples the temporal and spatial degrees of freedom, it provides an important new tool with which to encode multiple-qubit states in a single photon. As a proof-of-principle demonstration of this capability, we demultiplex a single quantum channel from a dual-channel, time-division-multiplexed entangled photon stream, effectively performing a controlled-bit-flip on a two-qubit subspace of a five-qubit, two-photon state.
Test-Retest Reliability of the 40 Hz EEG Auditory Steady-State Response

Auditory evoked steady-state responses are increasingly being used as a marker of brain function and dysfunction in various neuropsychiatric disorders, but research investigating the test-retest reliability of this response is lacking. The purpose of this study was to assess the consistency of the auditory steady-state response (ASSR) across sessions. Furthermore, the current study aimed to investigate how the reliability of the ASSR is impacted by stimulus parameters and analysis method employed. The consistency of this response across two sessions spaced approximately 1 week apart was measured in nineteen healthy adults using electroencephalography (EEG). The ASSR was entrained by both 40 Hz amplitude-modulated white noise and click train stimuli. Correlations between sessions were assessed with two separate analytical techniques: a) channel-level analysis across the whole-head array and b) signal-space projection from auditory dipoles. Overall, the ASSR was significantly correlated between sessions 1 and 2 (p<0.05, multiple comparison corrected), suggesting adequate test-retest reliability of this response. The current study also suggests that measures of inter-trial phase coherence may be more reliable between sessions than measures of evoked power. Results were similar between the two analysis methods, but reliability varied depending on the presented stimulus, with click train stimuli producing more consistent responses than white noise stimuli.
M-band wavelet discrimination of natural textures

Abstract The M-band wavelet decomposition, a direct generalization of the standard 2-band wavelet decomposition has been applied to the problem of discriminating natural textures of varying sizes. Regular, M-band filter banks were designed using a genetic algorithm search strategy over the Householder parameter space of M-band wavelets. An exhaustive M-band decomposition was performed on 20 natural textures and energy features were extracted for each decomposed sub-band. The discrimination ability of the extracted features was compared for values of M=2, 3 and 4. A nearest neighbor algorithm was used to classify a test set of 700 images to an accuracy of 99.5%. The performance was compared with a complete decomposition and decomposition using an irregular M-band filter bank. Statistical tests were used to evaluate the average performance of features extracted from the decomposed sub-bands.
“Backers and Stabbers”: Problems of Loyalty in Robert Curthose's Entourage

Robert Curthose, the eldest son of William I Duke of Normandy and King of England, received many blows of ill fortune during his long life (1051-1134). Most damaging to his image was his inability to emulate his father by conquering England after the great king's death in 1087, and again, after William Rufus's death in 1100. He attempted twice to restore the unity of the two lands, and twice he failed. Moreover, Robert's reign in Normandy was characterized by baronial feuds, civil war, lawlessness, and decentralization of authority, and his policies appeared “weak and blundering”. He enjoyed one glittering period of distinction: during the First Crusade (c. 1096-1100) he proved himself a brave and spirited participant. But upon his return to Normandy, insufficient baronial support and territorial control led in 1106 to his final degradation—the loss of his patrimony, the duchy of Normandy, and his permanent imprisonment at the hands of his younger brother, Henry I. Henry owed his victory, in large measure, to the fact that by 1106 most of Curthose's earlier companions had deserted him.These almost unmitigated failures affected the loyalty of Curthose's companions in adverse ways. As will be shown, factors that frequently influenced political alliances in the Anglo-Norman world—long association, genuine fondness, a need to be on the winning side, and outside pressures—were, in Curthose's entourage, overshadowed by the desire for new acquisitions and the security of landed possessions. Because the duke was unable to safeguard and advance these primary interests, his power base was insecure and his retinue was characterized by shifting membership and short-term loyalty.
Fire spread in paper arrays

Measurements have been made of the rate of fire spread in a solid fuel array consisting of horizontal paper strips standing on edge, separated by various amounts of space. It is found that ignition transients show evidence of several burning modes and in some cases the steady burning can also occur in two different ways, at different speeds. The steady spread rate correlates with the height spacing ratio for both low and high values, but not for intermediate values. The available fire-spread theories are shown to be self consistent in the sense that the predicted relationship between various measured quantities is verified. However, the absence of the possibility of prediction of burning-zone properties, prevents the prediction of fire-spread rate from first principles.
Marx's scientific and political criticism: The internal relation

Marx’s method of critique via several philosophy of science categories reveals logical problems, as well as political biases, within different competing approaches of his period. Some principles subject to Marx’s criticism include: metaphysics, ahistoricism, false universalisation, inversion, reductionism, idealism, obscurantism, incommensurability, and tautology. This paper examines these categories and their logical bases, the competing approaches Marx targets as politically biased because of their failure to either respect such principles or their violation of them, and the way in which, by extension, several traditions in modern social discourse reveal parallel political biases because of similar logical failures.
Finite condensations of recursive linear orders

The complexity of aII 4 set of natural numbers is encoded into a linear order to show that the finite condensation of a recursive linear order can beII 2–II 1. A priority argument establishes the same result, and is extended to a complete classification of finite condensations iterated finitely many times.