cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Hidden Multi-Faced Impact of COVID-19 Outbreak and its Containment Measures on Children and Women in Somalia

Since the declaration of a global pandemic in March 2020, COVID-19 and its containment measures have led to severe challenges for children and women. However, the degree of this multifaceted impact of the containment is yet to be investigated. This study provides key findings based on large cross-sectional data collected from 1,569 adults and 456 children across Somalia. A representative sample of respondents was randomly selected using a multi-stage sampling technique from the most vulnerable segment of the population. This data was collected from mid-July to mid-August in 2020 a few months from the date the first case was reported in the country. The impact of the containment measures on food security, health, nutrition, education, and protection of women and children was analysed using descriptive and empirical models. While the binary logistic regression model was used to estimate the probability of women and children experiencing food insecurity and the likelihood of experiencing limited access to the justice system. COVID-19 presented grave economic and psychological stress to the community, women, and children. Four in 10 women reported increased incidents of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) and limited access to food and justice during the COVID-19 outbreak. Children and women living in Internally Displaced People (IDP) centres and refugees are most vulnerable to the negative impact of COVID-19. On average 2 girls, and as many as 15 girls were circumcised in a one-month period since the outbreak started. Food access and availability were further deteriorated by the impact of COVID-19 with 46% of respondents indicated they were not able to provide for their basic needs. Twenty-two percent of respondents faced the worst form of food insecurity where the family had to go a whole day and night without eating anything and 62% of respondents lost income-generating activities. About 20% of respondents feared contracting the virus and 5% indicated social isolation associated with COVID-19 among the challenges. Two-in-five (40%) patients indicated a lack of availability of medicine at the health centre. One-in-ten women faced barriers to accessing healthcare or medication. One-in-three of the malnourished children didn’t access treatment.The binary logistic analysis indicated a significant positive relationship between the type of settlement and the probability of being food insecure or the probability of anxiety related to safety. Women and children living in IDP centres, the less educated, those depending on self-employment/informal sectors, and those with children under 5 years are more likely to be food insecure and feel anxious about the safety of their children and women.
Quantitative Cerebral Blood Flow Imaging with Synthetic Single-Shot Multi-Exposure Laser Speckle Imaging

This paper demonstrates a novel approach for fast, single-shot Multi-Exposure Speckle Imaging of blood flow with a simplified imaging setup. Our method can transform existing single-exposure speckle images to quantitative flow images.
10-year weight loss outcomes after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and attendance at follow-up visits: A single-center study

ABSTRACT Background Long-term durability of weight loss is a prerequisite for a greater acceptance of bariatric surgery. Objective To examine long-term weight trajectory in patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and determine factors predicting long-term follow-up and weight outcomes. Setting University Hospital. Methods A retrospective cohort of adults who underwent RYGB during 1997-2010 were identified and followed until 2017. Predictors for attendance at periodic follow-up visits, reduction in body mass index (BMI), and percent excess BMI lost were determined using multivariable logistic regression and linear mixed-effects models. The latter was used to predict long-term weight outcomes for a typical patient. Results The study included 1,104 patients with a mean age of 45.5 (standard deviation, SD, 9.9) years and a pre-operative BMI of 54.7 (SD 10.9) kg/m2. Follow-up data were available for 92.8% of the patients after 1 year, 50.0% after 5 years, and 35.2% after 10 years post-surgery. Black patients, compared to White individuals, were less likely to attend follow-up visits. Attendance at follow-up visits at least every other year was not associated with larger weight loss, but higher pre-operative BMI, being White (vs. Black), and female sex were. Predicted BMI reduction for a typical patient, a 45-year-old White female with a pre-operative BMI of 54.7 kg/m2 and private health insurance, undergoing laparoscopic RYGB in 2004, was 18.3 (standard error, SE, 0.36) kg/m2 at year 5 and 17.6 (SE 0.49) kg/m2 at year 10, respectively. Conclusions RYGB results in clinically significant and durable weight loss. Attendance at periodic follow-up visits does not appear to be associated with long-term weight loss outcomes. Future work should focus on strategies to remove barriers to post-operative care.
Stereo image coder based on MRF analysis for disparity estimation and morphological encoding

We present a stereoscopic image coder based on the MRF model and MAP estimation of the disparity field. The MRF model minimizes the noise of the disparity compensation because it takes into account the residual energy, smoothness constraints and the occlusion field. The disparity compensation is formulated as a MAP-MRF problem in the spatial domain and the MRF field consists of the disparity vector and occlusion field, which is partitioned into three regions by an initial double-threshold setting. The MAP search is conducted in a block-based sense on one or two of the three regions, providing faster execution. The reference and the residual images are decomposed by a discrete wavelet transform and the transform coefficients are encoded by employing the morphological representation of wavelet coefficients algorithm. As a result of the morphological encoding, the reference and residual images together with the disparity vector field are transmitted in partitions lowering the total entropy. The experimental evaluation on synthetic and real images shows beneficial performance of the proposed algorithm.
Self-recognition and Well-being: Speaking Aboriginal English in Healthy Classrooms

This paper applies the findings of doctoral research undertaken in the Northern Territory. It draws on extended interviews with nine Indigenous students studying at university to produce four findings for classroom learning and teaching, one of which highlights the need to recognise Aboriginal English as a focal point of the curriculum for both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students. I take the position that this recognition in schools depends to a significant degree on universities training their preservice teachers to recognise Aboriginal English as necessary to Aboriginal student learning and therefore as a legitimate dialect of the classroom,and this in turn requires universities to recognise the importance of Aboriginal English in their own curricula. Towards the end of the paper, I draw on some literature to suggest ways in which Aboriginal English could be incorporated into the classroom.
The Evolution of Plate and Extruded Products with High Strength and Fracture Toughness

From the first use of 2017-T74 on the Junkers F13, improvements have been made to plate and extruded products for applications requiring the highest attainable strength and adequate fracture toughness. One such application is the upper wing of large aircraft. The progression of these product improvements achieved through the development of alloys that include 7075-(T6 & T76), 7150-(T6 & T77) and 7055-(T77 & T79) and most recently 7255-(T77 & T79) is reviewed. The most current advancements include aluminum-copper-lithium, alloy 2055 plate and extruded products that can attain strength equivalent to that of 7055-T77 with higher modulus, similar fracture toughness and improved fatigue, fatigue crack growth and corrosion performance. The achievement of these properties is explained in terms of the several alloy design principles. The highly desired and balanced characteristics make these products ideal for upper wing applications.
Additional Evidence on the Homogeneity of the Value of Government Grazing Leases and Changing Attributes for Ranch Values

Using Wyoming ranch sales from 1979-1983 and 1989-1993, this study investigates how ranch value determining attributes may have changed over this period. The 1979-1983 period is one of political st...
RADIOCARBON DATING | Causes of Temporal Variations

The radiocarbon technique was developed early in the 1950s. A cornerstone of the radiocarbon dating method is the assumption of constant atmospheric 14 C, yet it is now known that relatively large and frequent fluctuations of atmospheric radiocarbon have existed in the past. These fluctuations are caused by natural and anthropogenic effects. Natural controls on the amount of atmospheric radiocarbon include changes in Earth's geomagnetic field, variations in the Sun's heliomagnetic field, and changes in the carbon cycle. Anthropogenic influences include fossil fuel burning, nuclear weapons testing, and nuclear power generation. Radiocarbon time series of independently dated materials make it possible to calculate calendar ages from radiocarbon dates over the past 50 000 years. Where independent age control is available, radiocarbon studies prove to be a unique and powerful chemical tracer of carbon cycle dynamics.
Hugoniot analysis of the ram accelerator

The thermodynamic properties of a combustible propellant gas, after it has been processed by a ram accelerator propulsive mode, are related by a “ram accelerator Hugoniot” expression. These end states are determined from the 1-D conservation equations in a manner similar to that used for detonation waves, but with the addition of a force term in the momentum equation. Establishment of a region of potentially accessible thermodynamic end states that are consistent with ram accelerator operation at and above the Chapman-Jouguet detonation speed indicates that there are no fundamental constraints on accelerating projectiles over a wide range of Mach numbers in a single propellant mixture. Interpreting experimental data in the context of a genetalized ram accelerator process leads to relatively simple propulsive models which can predict the projectile acceleration of any propulsive mode. The projectile velocity and acceleration histories determined by the Hugoniot analysis for the thermally choked ram accelerator mode are in excellent agreement with experiments.
The Multiple Effects of Multiple Policymakers: Veto Actors Bargaining in Common Pools

This paper discusses the multifarious effects of multiple policymakers – veto-actor, common-pool, and bargaining-compromise effects – seeking to distinguish as sharply as possible from the respective theories the specific aspects of multiple policymakers that are to affect outcomes and the specific manner in which those aspects are to affect outcomes so that, empirically, we can operationalize measures and specify models of policymaking that reflect these theorized aspects and manners precisely enough to afford accurate estimation of these multiple effects distinctly.
External Attachment of Acoustic Tags to Deepwater Reef Fishes: an Alternate Approach When Internal Implantation Affects Experimental Design

AbstractImplanting internal acoustic tags is often a preferred method for tracking fish; however, this procedure can present issues with respect to surgical incision that affect experimental design. This is particularly the case when testing for the effects of barotrauma, where the incision for an internal tag would inadvertently “vent” the fish, precluding an “unvented” or control treatment. The rise of barotrauma experimentation has increased the need for methods facilitating this design. Here, we develop and test a novel technique to externally attach acoustic tags, without causing the release of gasses from the fish's body cavity. In addition, this method does not require anesthetics, thereby allowing researchers to eliminate artifacts associated with sedation when trying to more accurately replicate “real-world” fishery conditions. We used accelerometer/depth tags to provide information on how long an externally tagged fish would retain its tag in situ. Changes in acceleration or changes in depth wer...
Femtosecond laser absorption in fused silica: Numerical and experimental investigation

Single pulse transmissivity and reflectivity of fused silica irradiated by tightly focused 90 fs laser pulses at a center wavelength of 800 nm are numerically and experimentally investigated to study the role of nonlinear photoionization and avalanche ionization processes in free electron generation. The laser beam inside fused silica is modeled with a $(2+1)$-dimensional propagation equation which considers the effects of laser beam diffraction, group velocity dispersion, self-focusing, defocusing, and absorption due to the free electrons and nonlinear photoionization of the valence electrons. Comparison of our simulation to the experimental data reveals that the avalanche ionization coefficients are much smaller than some previously reported results and that avalanche ionization is of minor importance in generating free electrons in fused silica at the laser fluence levels considered in this study.
The heat of immersion of alumina into aqueous sodium dodecyl sulfonate solutions

Abstract The heat of immersion of α-alumina was measured in water and in aqueous solutions of sodium chloride and sodium dodecyl sulfonate at various pH values. In water, the heat of immersion of alumina was found to be −850 ± 15 ergs/cm.2. In sodium chloride solutions without detergent, the heat of immersion was the same as that in distilled water at the same pH, and nearly independent of pH in the range from 3 to 10. In aqueous solutions of sodium dodecyl sulfonate, only when the detergent ions adsorb appreciably into the Stern plane do they affect the heat of immersion of alumina. As increased adsorption occurs either through increasing the detergent concentration in the bulk solution or by lowering the pH, the sensible heat evolved upon immersing alumina increases, reaching a value of −1100 ergs/cm.2 at monolayer coverage. The results are interpreted in terms of a model in which the detergent does not displace water at the oxide surface.
Measurements of the Brightness of the Twilight Sky

With a recording photometer of photopic sensitivity, measurements were made of many points in the sky during twilight for solar altitudes H=+5° to −15° for clear air and no clouds at two stations, one in Maryland, altitude 30 meters, and one on Sacramento Peak, New Mexico, altitude 2800 meters. The sky polarization on the meridian through the sun, and the illumination on a plane at various orientations exposed to the sky, were also recorded. For H from about −3° to −11° the entire sky changed in brightness at about the same rate of a factor of 10 for each 2° change in H. Except at the horizon the Sacramento Peak sky was about 23 to 12 as bright as the Maryland sky because of clearer air; at the horizon the two were about the same. At Sacramento Peak the ratio of the polarized components reached a minimum of about 0.06 at the zenith for H=−3°.
Photoassociation of 85Rb atoms into 0u + states near the 5S+5P atomic limits

New photoassociation data on the 0u+ levels of Rb2 below the 5S+5P1/2 limit are combined with older data (Cline et al 1994 Phys. Rev. Lett. 73 632) in a fit to potentials and spin–orbit functions. The P1/2 data exhibit oscillations in the B(v) values due to coupling between the two 0u+ series, as modelled accurately by a coupled potentials approach. The fitted value for the C3 dispersion parameter from the combined data agrees well with the value derived from the pure long-range 0g− state.
Efficient estimation of thermodynamic state incorporating Bayesian model order selection

The recognition of targets in infrared scenes is complicated by the wide variety of appearances associated with different thermodynamic states. We represent the variability in the thermodynamic signatures of targets via an expansion in terms of 'eigentanks' derived from a principal component analysis performed over the target's surface. Employing a Poisson sensor likelihood, or equivalently a likelihood based on Csiszar's I-divergence, a natural discrepancy measure for nonnegative images, yields a coupled set of nonlinear equations which must be solved to computed maximum a posteriori estimates of the thermodynamic expansion coefficients. We propose a weighted least-squares approximation to the Poisson loglikelihood for which the MAP estimates are solutions of linear equations. Bayesian model order estimation techniques are employed to choose the number of coefficients; this prevents target models with numerous eigentanks in their representation from having an unfair advantage over simple target models. The Bayesian integral is approximated by Schwarz's application of Laplace's method of integration; this technique is closely related to Rissanen's minimum description length and Wallace's minimum message length criteria. Our implementation of these techniques on Silicon Graphics computers exploits the flexible nature of their rendering engines. The implementation is illustrated in estimating the orientation of a tank and the optimum number of representative eigentanks for real data provided by the U.S. Army Night Vision and Electronic Sensors Directorate.
Effects of external pressures on the pressure-volume relation of the left ventricle

The effects of ventricular geometry, muscle mass, muscle elasticity and external pressures on the pressure-volume and muscle stiffness-stress relations have been quantitated on the basis of a theoretical model. Data taken from patients before and after interventions with nitroprusside and angiotensin were applied to the model in order to explain the possible causes for the marked shifts in the pressure-volume relations.
Goldfish retina: Dorsal versus ventral areas

Abstract The dorsal and ventral portions of the goldfish retina were examined functionally and histologically under various background conditions. Dorsal retina was more sensitive than ventral retina in the scotopic range. Ventral retina was slightly more sensitive in the photopic range. The difference in sensitivity between dorsal and ventral retina increased as a function of decreasing background intensity, the sensitivity of dorsal retina being 2.1 times greater than ventral retina at the lowest back-ground tested. Normalized dorsal and ventral spectral sensitivity curves were similar for the majority of the backgrounds tested. The Weber fraction obtained for the intact eye could be accurately represented by a power function: ΔL/L = aLb (b = −0.75). The major histological differences observed between dorsal and ventral retina were: (1) the presence of a retinal tapetum lucidum (TL) in dorsal retina—the percent reflectance of the TL increased as a function of decreasing background levels, and (2) a greater cone density and decreased cone diameter in ventral retina. The differences in sensitivity between dorsal and ventral retina as a function of decreasing background levels are accounted for in the discussion by the presence of a TL in dorsal retina and a non-linear Weber function. The greater sensitivity of ventral retina under photopic conditions may be accounted for by the greater cone density in ventral retina and the effective shielding of dorsal TL by PE pigment granules.
Simple verbal instruction improves knee biomechanics during landing in female athletes

Knee injuries are highly prevalent in athletic populations, particularly among female athletes. Many of these injuries occur during landing from a jump. Various comprehensive knee injury prevention programs have been developed to date. However, there is a need to determine which components of these programs contribute directly to changes in knee biomechanics. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the immediate effect of three different simple verbal instructions on knee biomechanics during landing in adult female recreational athletes. Three-dimensional kinematic and kinetic analysis of landing from a countermovement jump was conducted in a counterbalanced cross-over repeated measures design. Results indicated that the instruction to land with equal weight distribution reduced the asymmetry of peak vertical ground reaction force compared to the control condition. The instruction to land softly reduced peak vertical ground reaction force and increased peak knee flexion compared to the control condition. The instruction to land with knees over toes increased peak knee flexion compared to the control condition. These findings indicate that verbal instruction may be a key component of the effects seen in previous research studies that have investigated the benefits of more complex training programs designed to reduce knee injury risk in female athletes.
Re-mapping for low power under tight timing constraints

In this paper we propose a novel approach to synthesis for low power under tight timing constraints. Starting from a mapped netlist, we apply a powerful generalized matching algorithm based on Boolean relations that allows us to find reduced-power replacements for clusters of more than one cell. Our approach is robust and scales well with circuit size it has been tested on all largest examples of the MCNC91 benchmark suite. In average, power is reduced by more than 17% with no speed penalty compared to minimum delay implementations. Area is virtually unchanged.
THE MEMBRANE TRANSPORT OF ASCORBIC ACID

A system for measuring the rate of transport of dehydroascorbate into human red blood cells shows Michaelis-Menten type kinetics with substrate inhibition at levels above 150 muM DHA. The addition of sugars impairs this transport in the diminishing hierarchy D-glucose, D-mannose, D-xylose, D-galactose, L-lyxose, D-araboascorbate, L-sorbose and 2-deoxy-D-ribose. The effect of glucose on transport of ascorbate is marked at physiological levels. Transport of DHA is accelerated by copper ion and allows dehydroascorbate to move against a concentration gradient. The evidence supports the hypotheses proposing that hyperglycemia will impair the intracellular availability of vitamin C.
Behavioral techniques in a residential nursing home facility

Abstract Operant procedures, applied to residential geriatric patients, were investigated. Behaviors studied were walking, social interaction and oral hygeine. Results clearly support applying behavioral techniques with the geriatric population.
Sonography of epididymal cystadenoma

Noninflammatory, epididymal masses are unusual. A patient with von Hippel-Lindau disease and sonographically demonstrated cystadenoma of the epididymis is presented.
Review: movement of mRNA from transcription site to nuclear pores.

Pre-mRNA is transcribed primarily from genes located at the interface between chromatin domains and the interchromatin space. After partial or complete processing and complexing with nuclear proteins, the transcripts leave their site of synthesis and travel through the interchromatin space to the nuclear pores for export to the cytoplasm. It is unclear whether transcripts are tethered within the interchromatin space and move toward the nuclear pores using a metabolic energy-requiring, directed mechanism or, alternatively, move randomly by a diffusion-based process. We discuss here recent progress in understanding this step of gene expression, including our experiments tracking the movement of intranuclear poly(A) RNA in living cells. Our results and those of others are most consistent with a model in which newly synthesized mRNAs diffuse throughout the interchromatin space until they randomly encounter and are captured by the export machinery. Because the export machinery appears to preferentially bind transport-competent mRNAs (complexed with the correct complement of nuclear proteins), this diffusion-based model for intranuclear RNA movement potentially allows for a significant level of posttranscriptional control of gene expression.
Positive and negative regulation of a sterol biosynthetic gene (ERG3) in the post-squalene portion of the yeast ergosterol pathway.

Regulation of sterol biosynthesis in the terminal portion of the pathway represents an efficient mechanism by which the cell can control the production of sterol without disturbing the production of other essential mevalonate pathway products. We demonstrate that mutations affecting early and late steps in sterol homeostasis modulate the expression of the ERG3 gene: a late step in sterol biosynthesis in yeast. Expression of ERG3 is increased in response to a mutation in the major isoform of HMG CoA reductase which catalyzes the rate-limiting step of sterol biosynthesis. Likewise, mutations in non-auxotrophic ergosterol biosynthetic genes downstream of squalene production (erg2, erg3, erg4, erg5, and erg6) result in an up-regulation of ERG3 expression. Deletion analysis of the ERG3 promoter identified two upstream activation sequences: UAS1, which when deleted reduces ERG3 gene expression 3–4-fold but maintains sterol regulation and UAS2, which when deleted further reduces ERG3 expression and abolishes sterol regulation. The recent isolation of two yeast genes responsible for the esterification of intracellular sterol (ARE1 and ARE2) has enabled us to directly analyze the relationship between sterol esterification and de novo biosynthesis. Our results demonstrate that the absence of sterol esterification leads to a decrease in total intracellular sterol and ERG3 is a target of this negative regulation.
Future applications of computerized conferencing

This presentation will review potential areas of application for the new communications media of computer based conferencing and will explore the reasons why this form of communication is attractive for particular applications. In addition, the underlying economic and regulatory conditions needed to lead to wide spread utilization will be reviewed.
Sociocultural factors in labeling mental retardates

(1971). Sociocultural factors in labeling mental retardates. Peabody Journal of Education: Vol. 48, No. 3, pp. 188-203.
Future directions of positron annihilation spectroscopy in low-k dielectric films

Positronium Annihilation Lifetime Spectroscopy (PALS) has become recognized in the microelectronics industry as one of only several methods capable of quantitatively characterizing engineered nanopores in next-generation (k < 2.2) interlayer dielectric (ILD) thin films. Successes and shortcomings of PALS to date will be assessed and compared with other methods of porosimetry such as ellipsometric and X-ray porosimetries (EP and XRP). A major theme in future low-k research focuses on the ability to integrate porous ILD's into chip fabrication; the vulnerability of porous dielectrics to etching, ashing, and chemical-mechanical polishing in process integration is delaying the introduction of ultra-low-k films. As device size approaches 45 nm the need to probe very small (sub-nanometer), semi-isolated pores beneath thin diffusion barriers is even more challenging. Depth-profiled PALS with its ability to determine a quantitative pore interconnection length and easily resolve 0.3 nm pores beneath diffusion barriers or in trench-patterned dielectrics should have a bright future in porous ILD research. The ability of PALS (and PAS in general) to deduce evolution and growth of pores with porosity should find broad applicability in the emerging field of high performance materials with strategically engineered nanopores. (© 2007 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Phase I study of the histone deacetylase inhibitor entinostat in combination with 13-cis retinoic acid in patients with solid tumours

Phase I study of the histone deacetylase inhibitor entinostat in combination with 13- cis retinoic acid in patients with solid tumours
Isotope-shift measurement of the 6 2 S 1/2 -5 2 D 5/2 transition in Ba +

The isotope shifts of the 6 $^{2}$${\mathit{S}}_{1/2}$--5 $^{2}$${\mathit{D}}_{5/2}$ transition in ${\mathrm{Ba}}^{+}$ have been measured using the high-resolution laser spectroscopy of a single trapped ion. The shifts are measured among three even ${\mathrm{Ba}}^{+}$ isotopes, $^{138}\mathrm{Ba}^{+}$, $^{136}\mathrm{Ba}^{+}$, and $^{134}\mathrm{Ba}^{+}$. The results are ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{138\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{136}$=-106.143(4) MHz and ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{138\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{134}$=-38.455(15) MHz. This experiment gives a measurement of isotope shifts for a heavy atom. The results should provide a stringent test for the theoretical calculations of the isotope shifts of alkali-metal-like atoms.
Self-Injurious Behaviors, PTSD Arousal, and General Health Complaints Within a Treatment-Seeking Sample of Sexually Abused Women

Eighty-nine adult female survivors of childhood sexual abuse, presenting for psychological treatment, were assessed for self-reported rates of self-injurious behaviors (SIB), health complaints, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms of physiological arousal. A composite measure of current SIB was significantly and positively associated with health complaints, PTSD arousal, and three measures of sexual abuse severity: age of onset for sexual abuse, injury experienced during the sexual abuse, and perceived life threat. Tests of mediation revealed that symptoms of PTSD arousal mediated the relationship between earlier age of onset for sexual abuse and SIB. PTSD arousal moderated the relationship between sexual-abuse-related injury and SIB. SIB was a unique predictor of health complaints, even after controlling for sexual abuse severity and PTSD arousal.
Scene from the USA: the illogic of mandating screening without also providing for treatment.

It is axiomatic that newborn screening (NBS) should be a coordinated system in which practitioners, the laboratory, follow-up and treatment, families and administration all function in unison. Its success rests upon the weakest link (Buist and Tuerck 1992). In the USA, the weakest link is a lack of unified access to treatment. Each state decides what tests should be done and ensures that screening is performed. There is now reasonable agreement that NBS should be reimbursed by medical insurance. The same is not true for treatment, which is totally inconsistent between states. The actual screening is performed by a patchwork of state and private laboratories. At least 44 states use some form of expanded newborn screening; some report all the detectable disorders, while others are more selective, with a few only screening for MCADD. Bills to extend the scale and scope of NBS were presented in the last session of Congress, but were not passed. New bills (SB634 and HR1634) that are now in committee would require extension of, and a more uniform approach to, expanded NBS in all states, even if administrative or professional support is lacking. In these bills, there is no mention of the need to ensure treatment. So much for the concept that NBS should be a seamless system! There is no national consistency regarding insurance coverage of treatment, which is mandated by each state as it sees fit. Some states (notably Oregon, Montana, Hawaii and Kentucky; Schuett 2006) require insurance to cover Medical Foods for a wide range of metabolic disorders, even those not detected by NBS; in Oregon, this includes treatment for all IEMs and for all ages. Other states have less comprehensive laws, some specifying only PKU to age 18 years, and some appear to have no legislation regarding treatment at all! In the absence of legislation, insurance companies can dictate what treatments are covered. Their resistance to paying for Medical Foods has been a longstanding battle. This is no recent development; indeed, it was the proximate reason that Donough O_Brien started the Society for Inherited Metabolic Disorders (SIMD) in 1977. The situation has hardly improved since then. Over 50% of families report problems in obtaining the appropriate Medical Foods and/or in having them properly reimbursed. Approximately 1 in 3000 infants detected by expanded NBS requires dietary modification. This translates to some 25 000 people in the USA currently requiring Medical Foods. In our clinic, the average cost of such therapy is around USD5000 per year per person, which equates to ca. USD125 million per year for the whole country. In contrast, the cost of routine newborn screening of 4 million births is at least USD160–200 million per year and long-term custodial care costs are ca. USD60 000–90 000 per year per person. J Inherit Metab Dis (2007) 30:445–446 DOI 10.1007/s10545-007-9988-0
The consolidated help desk

At Western Kentucky University we have nine different help desks for our various campus users to call - depending on where the problem is, what the problem is, and/or the time of day the problem occurs. In September 2001, a committee within the IT division was established to recommend a consolidation of these efforts. The committee finished its work in December 2001, and presented its findings [1]. This paper will outline the 10 recommendations made by the committee, the modifications to those recommendations, and the steps taken to implement a consolidated help desk function on campus. Following a presentation of the key points, a discussion with the session participants will cover the more practical sides of such a consolidation implementation.
Pharmacokinetic Approach to Drug Dosing in the Aged

Data in the literature show that there is a constant ratio of total body fluid to lean cell mass with increasing age (1.15 for males and 1.31 for females). Since the drug receptors usually are found in the tissues, and since cell mass and total body fluid apparently decrease at a constant rate, it would seem that the volume of distribution of drugs decreases proportionally with increasing age. Kidney function, as measured by the glomerular filtration rate and transport maximum, apparently decreases with increasing age according to zero-order kinetics. Based on these data, correction factors were established for the change in volume of distribution and renal functions with increasing age. Equations were derived for calculating the loading dose and maintenance dosage of drugs in multiple-dose therapy in females and males. Equations are presented for drugs following the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) pattern and the log dose-response pattern, respectively. The MIC pattern is recommended in the use of bacteriostatic drugs, for which it is essential to maintain recommended in the use of bacteriostatic drugs, for which it is essential to maintain during the entire course of therapy a minimum inhibitory concentration. The log dose-response pattern is recommended for bactericidal and antiarrhythmia drugs, for which it is essential to obtain an average therapeutic steady-state concentration. Based on this pharmacokinetic approach, it would seem that elderly patients, during multiple-dose therapy, are exposed to dose sizes that are too large if no correction is made.
Multiple forms of phosphoprotein phosphatase from rabbit reticulocytes.

Abstract Three major phosphoprotein phosphatase (phosphoprotein phosphohydrolase, EC 3.1.3.16) activities (I–III) from reticulocytes were resolved by DEAE-cellulose chromatography and fractionated further by chromatography on Sephacryl S-200. The major activity in each fraction had similar properties and was designated the B form M r 270 000). This form constituted approximately 80% of the total phosphatase activity; approximately 15% of the activity was presented as the C form ( M r 140 000 ). Two other forms, D ( D r 180 000 ) and A ( M r > 500 000 ) were observed in minor amounts. All of the activities dephosphorylated histone phosphorylated by cyclic AMP-regulated kinases and casein phosphorylated by casein kinase II. When the B and C forms were examined further, a broad pH optimum between 7 and 8 was observed with histone; manganese stimulated dephosphorylation of histone with the B form but was required with the C form. Using casein as substrate, two pH optima, 5.6 and 7.5, were observed with the B form in the presence of manganese. In the absence of manganese, phosphatase activity with casein was observed only at pH 5.6. The C form was minimally active with casein. Phosphatase B was stimulated by treatment with trypsin and by freezing and thawing in the presence of mercaptoethanol; phosphatase C was either not affected or inhibited by these treatments. At high concentrations (4 mM) several small molecular weight compounds including ATP, GTP, glucose 6-phosphate and NaF were found to inhibit the B and the C forms. Cyclic AMP and hemin had little or no effect on the activities of phosphatase B and C with casein or histone as substrate.
Estimating chemical reactivity and cross-influence from collective chemical knowledge

Although modern chemical databases store a great wealth of structural and reactivity data, this vast “universe” of chemical information has not yet been systematically analyzed. Here, we use computers to derive from the entire body of organic-chemical knowledge the indices that estimate the reactivity and cross influence of functional groups. The major premise of our approach is that in sufficiently large and diverse collections of reactions (as the entire “history” of organic chemistry is), the frequencies with which transformations of certain groups occur, reflect their reactivities. Illustrative examples spanning several classes of reactions demonstrate that our knowledge-based indices capture the well-known reactivity trends. A free-access software is also developed with which other trends can be analyzed for various combinations of functional groups.
Rutherford backscattering studies of surface density reduction in ion-implanted and excimer-laser-annealed Ge

Abstract Rutherford backscattering (RBS) with 17MeV 19 F is used to obtain depth profiles of ion-implanted Ge both before and after pulsed excimer (XeCl) laser annealing. The as-implanted Ge samples show a reduction of at least a factor of two in the Ge density to a depth of ≈ > 0.3 /gmm, and dopant profiles of similar width following room-temperature implantations of In, Sb and Bi at 350 keV. The heavy ion projectile provides distinct kinematic advantages in the present work with a high mass substrate and deep dopant distributions. Annealing with several ≈ 15 nsec laser pulses (λ = 308 nm) restores the surface Ge density and produces epitaxial regrowth. For Sb implants the dopant incorporation exceeds the equilibrium solubility limit by a factor of 50.
THE CAUSES OF NATURAL SELECTION.

We discuss the necessary and sufficient conditions for identifying the cause of natural selection on a phenotypic trait. We reexamine the observational methods recently proposed for measuring selection in natural populations and illustrate why the multivariate analysis of selection is insufficient for identifying the causal agents of selection. We discuss how the observational approach of multivariate selection analysis can be complemented by experimental manipulations of the phenotypic distribution and the environment to identify not only how selection is operating on the phenotypic distribution but also why it operates in the observed manner. A significant point of departure of our work from recent discussions is in regard to the role of the environment in the study of natural selection. Instead of viewing the environment as a source of unwanted variation that obscures the relationship between phenotype and fitness, we view fitness as arising from the interaction of the phenotype with the environment. The biotic and abiotic environment is the context that gives rise to the relationship between phenotype and fitness (selection). The analysis of the causes of selection is in essence a problem in ecology. The experimental study of the association between selection gradients and environmental characteristics is necessary to identify the agents of natural selection. We recommend research methods for identifying the agency of selection that depend upon a reciprocity between the observational approach of multivariate selection analysis and the manipulative approach of field experiments in evolutionary ecology.
Limitations in the Use of Linear System Theory for the Prediction of Hardened-MOS Device Response in Space Satellite Environments

The applicability of widely used linear system theory techniques for predicting CMOS and VMOS device response in low-dose-rate space satellite environments is examined. To apply these techniques, the transient annealing response of several MOS capacitors with hardened gate oxides is measured following short pulsed LINAC irradiation. These responses were found to deviate at late times (0>105 s) from a generally observed linear-with-ln(t) behavior. If device response is assumed to be linear with ln(t) for all times of interest, a smaller radiation response is predicted than is actually measured following low-dose-rate 60Co irradiations at 145 and 0.2 rad(SiO2)/s. To improve on the prediction of device response using linear (with dose) system theory, a numerical integration was performed of the measured transient annealing curve in the ionizing radiation environment. Although this approach provides an excellent fit to the data for the 145-rad(SiO2)/s 60Co irradiation, it yields relatively poor agreement for the 0.2-rad(SiO2)/s 60Co irradiation. 60Co irradiations at 0.2 rad(SiO2)/s indicate an enhanced response from that predicted based on 60Co measurements at 145 rad(SiO2)/s. This dependence of MOS capacitor response on dose rate has been observed for several different gate oxides. Testing at higher dose rates may therefore suggest devices are acceptable that will in fact fail in a low dose-rate environment.
Squash‐Plate Technique for Detecting Asian Tapeworms in Fish

Abstract A method for detecting the Asian tapeworm Bothriocephalus acheilognathi in fish is described. Glass slides or plates are used to flatten the intestinal tract, and the worms are detected by reflected light and low-power microscopy.
ADHESION TO LASER‐PREPARED TOOTH STRUCTURE

The use of Er:YAG (erbium : yttrium aluminum garnet and Er,Cr:YAG (erbium, chromium : yttrium scandium gallium garnet) lasers for tooth preparation has received much attention in recent years. Several advantages have been attributed to these devices, including a reduced need for local anesthesia for tooth preparation, less vibration to the patient, and more conservative cavity preparation. Another purported advantage has been the contention that adhesion to tooth structure is enhanced compared with other means of cavity preparation, even to the point of eliminating the need for conditioning and/or etching prior to adhesive system application. As the use of bonded, esthetic restorations has increased, it is important to know if this purported bonding advantage is valid. This Critical Appraisal examines evidence in the peer-reviewed scientific literature that contradicts this contention, and discusses concerns regarding the use of lasers in cavity preparation.
Outcome of examinations self-referred as a result of spiral CT of the abdomen

Rationale and Objectives. The interpretation of an abdominal computed tomographic (CT) scan is occasionally inconclusive. In many of these cases, the radiologist suggests an additional imaging test for further confirmation or clarification. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcome of self-referral by the radiologist after abdominal CT scanning. Materials and Methods. Reports from 545 consecutive abdominal CT scans were reviewed to track recommendations for additional imaging. In patients who underwent the additional work-up, a determination of the effect of the study was attempted. In patients who did not, explanations were sought. Wording of the recommendations was also recorded. Results. Recommendations were made for additional imaging studies in 105 (19.3%) patients. Of these, 32 (30.5%) were performed and 31 (96.9%) were helpful by confirming malignancy ( n = 5), confirming a benign process ( n = 24), or being therapeutic ( n = 2). In one, no information was added. There were 63 (60.0%) patients who did not undergo the recommended studies. Reasons included “no clinical indication” ( n = 51), alternative study performed ( n = 9), or study previously performed ( n = 3). In eight (7.6%) patients the chart provided insufficient information about whether the patient underwent the study, and in two (1.9%) the chart was unavailable. Wording of the recommendation had no effect on whether the study was performed ( P > .05). Conclusion. Although interpretation of abdominal CT scans leads to recommendations for additional imaging in a minority of cases, these recommendations were infrequently followed. When followe, however, the findings from the recommended studies were usually helpful. Better clinical information is perhaps the best way to reduce self-referral by radiologists.
On Wittgenstein's Remarks on Frazer's Golden Bough

In 1929 Wittgenstein returned to Cambridge to work out a new philosophy. Parts of The Golden Bough (Frazer 1922) were read to him in 1930 and his Remarks (1979) on Frazer were written down by hand in the summer of 1931. Most of them were included in a typescript Wittgenstein worked on from 1930 to 1932. That typescript was the first of many efforts to compose what would one day be the Philosophical Investigations (1953). The comments on Frazer took up 10 of the original typescript's 771 pages. But the first five remarks in the handwritten manuscript were left out of the typescript. They were:
STRUCTURE AND RHEOLOGICAL FUNCTION OF SIDE BRANCHES OF CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS

This review consists of two major parts: (1) the rheological theories of branched polymers and (2) the structural features of side branches of carbohydrates and their effects on the rheological properties. The rheological properties influenced by branching are discussed in terms of radius of gyration, intrinsic viscosity, zero-shear viscosity (ηo), elastic properties represented by the zero-shear recoverable compliance (Jeo), shear rate dependence of viscosity, extensional viscosity and thermal sensitivity of viscosity. The second part is focused on the structural characteristics of side branches found in four typical branched carbohydrates, i.e., starch (amylopectin), galactomannan, xanthan and pectin, with an emphasis on their contribution to the rheological properties.
Informal caregiver characteristics and subsequent hospitalization outcomes among recipients of care

Background and aims: It is reasonable to surmise that informal caregivers might influence access and use of health services among disabled older adults, although this relationship has not been well studied. The objective of this research was to examine caregiver attributes with respect to recipients’ hospitalization experiences. Methods: Generalized estimating equations were used to generate population-average logistic regression models for the risk of incurring inpatient hospitalization or being delayed in discharge from hospital. Data come from a sample of 420 women aged 65 or older receiving informal care, who participated in both the Women’s Health and Aging Study and its accompanying Caregiving Survey. Results: Individuals whose primary caregivers were characterized by feelings of competence in their role were 40% more likely to experience an inpatient hospitalization (p<0.05) but 48% less likely to be delayed in discharge from the hospital (p<0.05). Measures related to caregiver overload and personal gain were not found to be related to the likelihood of either incurring an inpatient admission or being delayed in hospital discharge, although individuals whose primary caregivers were characterized by role captivity (a measure related to perceived burden) were more than twice as likely to be delayed in discharge from the hospital (p<0.05) without controlling for other characteristics (p<0.10 in the multi-variate model). Individuals whose primary caregivers reported being involved with recipients’ medical professionalswere 50% more likely to incur an inpatient hospitalization (p<0.01). Conclusion: These findings suggest that primary caregiver attributes have relevance to recipients’ hospitalization experiences.