cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Endoscopic treatment of vesicoureteral reflux: 11 to 17 years of followup.

Purpose: We review our 17-experience with endoscopic subureteral polytetrafluoroethylene injection for the treatment of primary vesicoureteral reflux in children.Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 258 patients with primary vesicoureteral reflux who were treated with subureteral polytetrafluoroethylene injection from 1984 to 1990.Results: The study included 205 girls and 53 boys between 3 months and 14 years old (median age 6 years). Of the patients 92 had unilateral vesicoureteral reflux, 129 had bilateral reflux and 37 had a refluxing duplex system including 6 with bilateral duplex systems. Endoscopic treatment by subureteral polytetrafluoroethylene injection was performed in 393 ureters. Reflux was corrected in 302 ureters (76.8%) after a single injection. Injection failed to stop reflux in 7 ureters (7 patients) and reimplantation was required. Patients were followed from 11 to 17 years with a mean followup plus or minus standard deviation of 13.5 ± 3.4 years. Four patient...
Hierarchical Models and Chaotic Spin Glasses

Renormalization-group studies in position space have led to the discovery of hierarchical models which are exactly solvable, exhibiting nonclassical critical behavior at finite temperature. Position-space renormalization-group approximations that had been widely and successfully used are in fact alternatively applicable as exact solutions of hierarchical models, this realizability guaranteeing important physical requirements. For example, a hierarchized version of the Sierpiriski gasket is presented, corresponding to a renormalization-group approximation which has quantitatively yielded the multicritical phase diagrams of submonolayers on graphite. Hierarchical models are now being studied directly as a testing ground for new concepts. For example, with the introduction of frustration, chaotic renormalization-group trajectories were obtained for the first time. Thus, strong and weak correlations are randomly intermingled at successive length scales, and a new microscopic picture and mechanism for a spin glass emerges. An upper critical dimension occurs via a boundary crisis mechanism in cluster-hierarchical variants developed to have well-behaved susceptibilities.
Development of a Sievert apparatus for characterization of high pressure hydrogen sorption materials

Abstract A volumetric gas absorption (Sievert) apparatus has been developed to measure hydrogen absorption and desorption at pressures up to 700 bar and temperatures between 240 K and 320 K. The apparatus is designed to reduce uncertainty for high pressure measurements while maintaining proper temperature control in the sample. Pressure-composition isotherms (PCI) and kinetics measurements of a well-studied material, LaNi 5 have been obtained for validation of the apparatus. Measurements of both absorption and desorption PCI curves as well as full absorption kinetics data have been obtained for TiCrMn to examine the performance at high pressures, as well as to examine the thermodynamic hysteresis effect in TiCrMn for applications in metal hydride system design. Due to this hysteresis, the thermodynamics of the absorption reaction differ significantly from those of the desorption reaction, which must be accounted for when considering thermal design of a metal hydride reactor and the suitability of the metal hydride for energy storage applications.
Optical Multiplex Systems For Vehicles

Optical multiplex technology, presently in vogue in many segments of industry, is now under scrutiny at General Motors. We are evaluating this technology as a means of simplifying the vehicle harness, reducing weight, eliminating electromagnetic interference, and providing drastically new interior styling options. Door, seat, steering column, forward and rear harness vehicle assemblies, are replaced with a single fiber optic cable in each area. A four bit microprocessor at the top of the steering column, and in each door, multiplexes control console button commands over fiber optic cables. A microprocessor at the other end of the cables decodes the optical signals and operates seats, windows, windshield wipers, etc.
Photoluminescence and photoejection of hydrated electrons in SnCl3− in aqueous solution induced by 266 nm laser flash photolysis

Abstract Aqueous solutions of SnCl2 in 5 M NaCl, in which the primary Sn(II) species is SnCl3− , photoeject hydrated electrons biphotonically, with a quantum yield ranging from 0 to 0.12, when irradiated by a 7 ns, 266 nm laser pulse. Two luminescent excited states are also seen in time-resolved luminescence measurements: one at 490 nm with a lifetime of 10 ns and quantum yield of 0.0032, and the other at 740 nm with a lifetime of 314 ns and quantum yield of 0.0041, the latter of which exhibits an absorption band at 370 nm. These two excited states are formed monophotonically, indicating that they are not the source of the hydrated electrons. A mechanism involving a Sn(III) intermediate can be used to rationalize this behavior.
USING GIS TO MAP RAIL NETWORK HISTORY

This paper describes the development of a GIS-based historical database covering the extensive rail network in the Kanto region near Tokyo, Japan. Issues of data sources, database design, and methods of representing the rail network in computerized form are addressed. Examples are given of how the database can then be used for mapping and interpretation. Although its creation is time-consuming, the result is a spatial history database that can be rapidly and efficiently analyzed to reveal various aspects of the history of a rail network.
Planar Supported Lipid Bilayer Polymers Formed by Vesicle Fusion. 1. Influence of Diene Monomer Structure and Polymerization Method on Film Properties

Although fluid lipid films have been used widely in biosensing devices, they lack the high stability desired for technological implementation because the noncovalent forces between the constituent lipids are relatively weak. In this work, polymerized, planar supported lipid bilayers ((poly)PSLBs) composed of diene-functionalized lipids have been prepared and characterized. Several parameters relating (poly)PSLB structure and stability to observations made in studies of polymerized bilayer vesicles were examined, including a comparison of UV photopolymerization and redox-initiated radical polymerization, the number and location of the polymerizable moieties in the lipid monomer, and a comparison to PSLBs produced with diacetylene lipids. Redox-initiated polymerization of films composed of bis-substituted diene lipids with at least one polymerizable moiety located near the acyl terminus produced dried PSLBs that were highly uniform and stable. All other conditions yielded PSLBs that contained a high density...
Cranberry Flavonoids, Atherosclerosis and Cardiovascular Health

Atherosclerosis is the deposition of plaques containing cholesterol and lipids in arterial walls. Atherosclerosis causes cardiovascular disease that lead to heart attacks and stroke. Mortality from these diseases is the leading cause of death in the U.S. Atherogenisis starts with the uptake of oxidized LDL by endothelial macrophages, the accumulation of foam cells in the intima of the artery and the formation of fatty streaks. Research indicates that consumption of flavonoids in foods and beverages may decrease the risk of atherosclerosis. In vitro and in vivo experiments with flavonoids demonstrate that flavonoids are dietary antioxidants and inhibit LDL oxidation, inhibit platelet aggregation and adhesion, inhibit enzymes involved in lipid and lipoprotein metabolism that affect the immune response to oxidized LDL and their uptake by endothelial macrophages, may induce endothelium-dependent vassorelaxation, and may increase reverse cholesterol transport and decrease total and LDL cholesterol. Cranberries contain both hydroxycinnamic acids and flavonoids. The cranberry flavonoids belong to three groups: anthocyanins, flavonols, and proanthocyanidins. This article reviews the literature on the effects of flavonoids on atherosclerosis with an emphasis on the potential effects of the flavonols and proanthocyanidins in cranberries.
Parental perceptions of genetic risk: correlation with choice of prenatal diagnostic procedures.

Abstract Determinants of patients' decisions to have prenatal diagnosis, and by which test (amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling), is not well understood. We have administered questionnaires to couples referred for genetic counseling and procedures for advanced maternal age and determined patients' responses, decisions, and attributable determinants of their choice. Differences in perception of risks between partners, and choice of procedure, correlated with socio-economic, educational status and age.
High Paternity Certainties of Jewish Priests

Recent evidence (Skorecki et al. 1997) of significant differences between the Y chromosomes of Jewish priests (Kohanim) and laymen (Israelites) indicate very high degrees of paternity certainty (p, the probability that a man's wife's children are his own, Hartung 1985). Estimates of gene flow into the Kohanim from Israelites indicate that approximately 20% of living Ashkenazic Kohanim and 56% of living Sephardic Kohanim are descended through males from the founding priest. These suggest average per generation paternity certainties of .988 and .996 respectively. Multinomial discrete generation simulation establishes fairly narrow 95% lower bounds on these estimates. Given that paternity certainty is thought to vary with cultural practices (Hartung 1985), the genetic evidence poses the important social and cultural question of how these high certainties were achieved. [Y chromosome, human evolution, male lineage]
The Depopulation of the Northern San Juan: Conditions in the Turbulent 1200s

Abstract Population peaked in the Northern San Juan in the early A.D. 1200s, but many people remained after A.D. 1250. Regional abandonment probably started in the west in the late 1260s and in the central area in the 1270s; it was complete by the early or middle 1280s. The social context of the late 1200s included warfare, settlement aggregation, minimal trade with groups outside the region, and low levels of intra- and intercommunity hierarchy. Climatic and other environmental problems undoubtedly had severe effects on farming and perhaps on domestic water supplies. These difficulties probably gave abandonment the principal "push," but complete depopulation of the region may also have required sociocultural "pulls" from outside the region.
Systematic unidirectional burst detecting codes

Families of systematic unidirectional burst-detecting codes are presented. When the number of information bits is large enough, the codes can detect longer bursts than previously known codes. Encoding and decoding procedures are indicated. >
The Use of Ensemble Sample Statistics in Constrained Maximum a Posteriori Estimation

Abstract The ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) is a Monte Carlo implementation of the nonlinear recursive Bayesian estimator. The EnKF has become a dominant data assimilation method used extensively in meteorology and oceanography. The EnKF uses an ensemble or set of random samples to represent the probability density of the state. It is a suboptimal minimum variance filter, which differs from the particle filter by using the Kalman filter linear update to find the a posteriori ensemble using randomized measurements. In this paper, a maximum a posteriori (MAP) state estimation strategy is suggested. The minimum variance EnKF estimate then forms the suboptimal initiator to a Newton-Raphson solution of the MAP nonlinear least squares optimization. The optimization framework also allows the use of physically meaningful constraints on the MAP estimate. More broadly, simultaneous MAP estimation of a moving horizon or batch of states is considered, which can use the summary statistics of the EnKF ensemble to approximate the a priori probability density for the horizon. The suggested MAP approach can offer robustness to plant-model mismatch and poor initialization of the filter when compared to the standard EnKF formulation.
Auditory event-related potential probes and behavioral measures of aphasia

Abstract This study examined the relationship between an auditory event-related potential probe technique measure of differential hemispheric processing and traditional tests of aphasia in aphasic patients. Subjects were 10 aphasic and 10 normal adult males. The results of the electrophysiological measures indicated that the aphasic subjects reponded differently from the normal group particularly when the task required processing of verbal information. During the verbal task the aphasic group showed higher amplitude right hemisphere responses as compared to left. The normal group showed little hemispheric task related asymmetries. The pattern of electrical asymmetry in the aphasic group seems to be an indicator of severity as measured by traditional aphasia examinations.
Executive Functioning in Adolescent Depressive Disorders

Previous research on executive functioning within adolescent depression has provided somewhat inconsistent results, although the majority of research has identified at least partial evidence of executive functioning deficits in adolescent depression. The present study attempted to explore adolescent depression, specifically depressive disorder diagnoses and self-reported depressive/anxious symptoms, as well as executive functioning through the retrospective chart review of an inpatient/outpatient adolescent sample. The total sample (N = 155) was divided into four groups. The psychiatric inpatient sample was subdivided into a Major Depression Group (n = 22), Minor Depression Group (n = 28), Inpatient Control Group (n = 73) based on the discharge diagnoses. The Outpatient Control Group (n = 33) consisted of a group of adolescents who received evaluations at a neuropsychological evaluation clinic. Analyses of variance between the four clinical groups and follow-up pairwise comparisons revealed lowered executive functioning performance in major and minor depression groups compared to the outpatient control. Lowered working memory/simple attention was identified in minor and major depression, while lowered cognitive flexibility/set shifting was only identified in major depression, suggesting a continuum of executive dysfunction and depression severity. More generally, the inpatient groups displayed lower executive functioning than the outpatient control, with no identified executive functioning differences between inpatient groups. Additionally, no negative correlations were observed between self-reported depressive/anxious symptoms and executive functioning. These results are consistent with the majority of related research, and highlight the importance of executive functions in adolescent depression, and more broadly in adolescent psychopathology.
Functional analysis of the phage T4 holin in a lambda context.

Phage λ hybrids were constructed by inserting the t gene of phage T4 in place of the λ holin gene, S. Induction of the hybrid phage resulted in lysis that was just as abrupt as, but occurred much earlier in the vegetative cycle than, that obtained with λ, indicating that t is indeed a holin gene. Moreover, it was possible to impose lysis inhibition (LIN) on induction of the hybrid phage, but not of the parental λ phage, by superinfection with LIN-competent T4. The imposition of the LIN state was found to depend on the allelic state of the rI and t genes of the superinfecting T4 phage, indicating that the LIN-sensitive state of the T holin is transient. Finally, induction of lysogens carrying both holin genes was shown to result in earlier triggering of lysis than with either holin gene alone. This result suggests that the two very dissimilar holins contribute additively to the physiology of the timing mechanism, or, less likely, that they interact to form one mass-action pool. In either case, these results imply a common pathway for holin timing and function.
Single-Sector Supersymmetry Breaking, Chirality, and Unification

Calculable single-sector models provide an elegant framework for generating the flavor textures via compositeness, breaking supersymmetry, and explaining the electroweak scale. Such models may be realized naturally in supersymmetric QCD with additional gauge singlets (SSQCD), though it remains challenging to construct models without a surfeit of light exotic states where the Standard Model index emerges naturally. We classify possible single-sector models based on Sp confining SSQCD according to their Standard Model index and number of composite messengers. This leads to simple, calculable models that spontaneously break supersymmetry, reproduce the fermion flavor hierarchy, and explain the Standard Model index dynamically with little or no additional matter. At low energies these theories realize a 'more minimal' soft spectrum with direct mediation and a gravitino LSP.
Introducing Students to Business Policy and Strategy: Two Exercises to Increase Participation and Interest

This article describes two exercises that can be used to introduce the undergraduate student to the organization-wide perspective of the capstone Business Policy and Strategy course. Each of these exercises creates an environment for broad participation by the students in the class while conveying important lessons about analyzing cases and understanding the synergy that can be created by integrating the functional dimensions of an organization. In addition to providing an effective vehicle for communicating the content of the course, these exercises sensitize students to issues of process, which is a crucial element in strategic planning.
Pancreatic–pleural fistula is best managed by early operative intervention

Background Pancreatic–pleural fistula is an uncommon complication of chronic pancreatitis occurring as a result of disruption of the main pancreatic duct and tracking of pancreatic fluid through the retroperitoneum into 1 or both thoracic cavities. The optimal treatment strategy for pancreatic–pleural fistula is unknown; it has traditionally been medical management followed by operative therapy for patients who fail to respond to conservative treatment. Our objective was to compile the case reports of pancreatic–pleural fistula in the literature in order to better define clinical management strategy. Methods The case management of pancreatic–pleural fistula was reviewed and a structured MEDLINE search for published studies was performed. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed on compiled data. Results Review of the literature revealed 63 adult patients with pancreatic–pleural fistula published in English between 1970 and 2008. The majority of patients were male (71%) and there was a predominance of alcohol-associated chronic pancreatitis (51%). There were 10 complications (16%) and 2 deaths (3%) reported. Most patients were treated initially with medical therapy (87%). Medical therapy was deemed to have failed after an average period of 35 ± 5 days. Total duration of therapy for patients in whom operative intervention was required after attempted medical management was 40 ± 6 days, which was greater than the surgery alone cohort. In total, operative treatment was successful more often than medical therapy (94% vs 31%). Conclusion Analysis from this series indicates that a majority of patients recover from pancreatic–pleural fistula without sequelae (81%). Attempts at prolonged periods of medical therapy tend to delay the resolution of the fistula compared with patients who undergo definitive operative intervention early in the course of treatment.
In-line digital holography using a quarter wave plate and averaging method

In-line digital holography using a quarter wave plate and averaging technique is described in this paper. In-line digital holographic scheme inherently suffers from DC and conjugate object image noise terms. This problem can be overcome by using phase shifting technique which usually requires four digital holograms. However, it requires four successive holograms, which makes it less robust in relatively poor environment than one-shot off axis scheme. This study is on two-exposure method employing only a quarter wave plate which can produce 90 degree phase difference between two successive holograms. The two-exposure method can provide conjugate-free reconstruction capability. Also, the DC terms can be minimized by applying averaging technique for object DC term. Detail explanation on how to reduce the DC term noise and how the intensity level of reference and object wave can affect the reconstructed image quality is discussed. Although the reconstructed image quality has a little undesired background noise compared with the conventional four frame method, it has a benefit in the sense that it requires only two holograms for eliminating the DC and the conjugate terms. The numerically reconstructed results show the feasibility of the two-exposure method and it may be capable of providing more robust approach in on-axis scheme.
Perspectives on the epizootiology of feline enteric coronavirus and the pathogenesis of feline infectious peritonitis

This review presents some current thoughts regarding the epizootiology of the feline coronaviruses; feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV) and feline coronavirus (FECV) with primary emphasis on the pathogenesis of these viruses in nature. Although the mechanism(s) whereby FIPV causes disease are still incompletely understood, there have been significant contributions to the literature over the past decade which provide a framework upon which plausible explanations can be postulated. Two concepts are presented which attempt to clarify the pathogenesis of FIPV and at the same time may serve as an impetus for further research. The first involves the hypothesis, originally promulgated by Pedersen in 1981, that FIPV is derived from FECV during virus replication in the gastrointestinal tract. The second involves a unique mechanism of the mucosal immune system referred to as oral tolerance, which under normal conditions promotes the production of secretory immunity and suppresses the production of systemic immunity. In the case of FIPV infection, we propose that oral tolerance is important in the control of the virus at the gastrointestinal tract level. Once oral tolerance is disrupted, FIPV is capable of systemic spread resulting in immune-mediated vasculitis and death. Thus, it may be that clinical forms of FIP are due to a combination of two events, the first being the generation of FIPV from FECV, and the second being the capacity of FIPV to circumvent oral tolerance.
Genetic and environmental influences on drug use and abuse:dependence in male and female twins

Twins were recruited through alcohol and drug treatment programs. With structural equation modeling, genetic and environmental estimates were obtained for use and DSM-III abuse/dependence of sedatives, opioids, cocaine, stimulants, and cannabis as well as any illicit drug. Analyses were conducted separately for males and females. Models included thresholds based on population prevalence of use or abuse/dependence and ever having been in treatment. Genetic influences were found for most measures. They were generally stronger for males than females and for clinical diagnoses of abuse/dependence compared to use. Common environmental influences played a greater role in use than abuse/dependence.
Personality and alcohol use: The role of impulsivity

Research has shown that personality traits associated with impulsivity influence alcohol use during emerging adulthood, yet relatively few studies have examined how distinct facets of impulsivity are associated with alcohol use and abuse. We examine the influence of impulsivity traits on four patterns of alcohol use including frequency of alcohol use, alcohol-related problems, binge drinking, and alcohol use disorders (AUDs) in a community sample of young individuals (N=190). In multivariate regression analyses that controlled for peer and parental alcohol use, psychological distress, and developmental correlates (i.e., college, marriage, employment) in emerging adulthood, we found that urgency and sensation seeking were consistently related to all four constructs of alcohol use. The present study suggests that distinct impulsivity traits may play different roles in escalation of alcohol use and development of AUDs during emerging adulthood.
The Study of Health Coaching: The Ithaca Coaching Project, Research Design, and Future Directions:

Health coaching (HC) is a process holding tremendous potential as a complementary medical intervention to shape healthy behavior change and affect rates of chronic lifestyle diseases. Empirical knowledge of effectiveness for the HC process, however, is lacking. The purposes of this paper are to present the study protocol for the Ithaca Coaching Project while also addressing research design, methodological issues, and directions for HC research. This is one of the first large-scale, randomized control trials of HC for primary prevention examining impact on physical and emotional health status in an employee population. An additional intent for the project is to investigate self-determination theory as a theoretical framework for the coaching process. Participants (n=300) are recruited as part of a campus-wide wellness initiative and randomly assigned to one of three levels of client-centered HC or a control with standard wellness program care. Repeated measures analyses of covariance will be used to examine coaching effectiveness while path analyses will be used to examine relationships between coaching processes, self-determination variables, and health outcomes. There is a great need for well-designed HC studies that define coaching best practices, examine intervention effectiveness, provide cost:benefit analysis, and address scope of practice. This information will allow a clearer definition of HC to emerge and determination of if, and how, HC fits in modern-day healthcare. This is an exciting but critical time for HC research and for the practice of HC.
Does HPV Have a Presence in Diffuse High Grade Pre‐malignant Lesions of the Larynx?

OBJECTIVE To describe the incidence of HPV in diffuse high grade pre-cancerous lesions of the larynx. METHODS Patient charts were searched for those who presented between October 2008 and June 2009 with diffuse vocal fold leukoplakia. Biopsy proven laryngeal lesions with high grade dysplasia or carcinoma-in-situ (CIS) were examined for patient characteristics and presence of high-risk type HPV detected by in situ hybridization technique. RESULTS Fifteen patients with precancerous lesions were identified. Average age was 63 years and 13 were male. One lesion was identified as positive for high-risk HPV, all other lesions were negative. At current follow up, no patient has demonstrated progression to invasive carcinoma. CONCLUSION HPV may not play a role in non-progressing diffuse high-grade lesions of the larynx.
Atmospheric aspects of the 2008 Midwest floods: a repeat of 1993?

This paper identifies and documents the major large-scale atmospheric circulation characteristics that preceded and facilitated the devastating floods across the Midwestern United States along the upper Mississippi, Missouri, and Wabash River basins in the late spring/early summer of 2008. These circulation features were also placed in the context of the 1993 floods that occurred within a similar temporal and spatial domain. This process included investigating the relationship between various atmospheric conditions and the timing of flood-producing rainfall events at monthly and sub-monthly timescales. Unlike in 1993, the 2008 flood event took place 1 month earlier in the year (May), lasted over a much shorter time period, and extended eastwards into Indiana. The comparison confirmed much previous work regarding the factors associated with Midwest flooding during the early warm-season and revealed the possible influence of the state of the North Atlantic Ocean and the North Atlantic oscillation (NAO) on warm-season flooding across the Midwest. Both the 2008 and 1993 events were preceded by an NAO positive phase; the pattern switched phase about 2 months before the onset of the flooding and remained negative for the duration of the floods. While the major atmospheric conditions known to be associated with major flooding across the Midwest were present in 2008 (e.g. a strong Great Plains low-level jet), the level of their development, persistence, and geographic orientation/position was very distinct from those observed in 1993. These conditions were also embedded in different state of the remote hemispheric circulation over the Pacific North American region. Together, these variations contributed to the 2008 Midwest floods that occurred earlier in the warm season, were shorter-lived, and had an impact on a slightly different geographic area. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
Dynamic instability of composite laminates using a higher order theory

Abstract A higher order shear deformation theory is used to investigate the instability associated with composite plates subject to dynamic loads. Both transverse shear and rotary inertia effects are taken into account. The procedure is implemented using the finite element approach. The natural frequencies and the critical buckling load are computed and compared with the results based on the classical laminate plate theory and the first-order shear deformation theory. The first two instability regions are determined for various loading conditions using both first- and second-order approximations. These results are also compared with the other approaches. Significant deviations are observed for thick plates due to the presence of shear deformation.
On the simultaneous stabilization of variances and covariances

Analogously to the variance-stabilizing transformations used in analysis of variance problems when heterogeneity of variance is present, it is shown that in at least one instance in analysis of dispersion (MANOVA) problems the observations can be transformed so as to eliminate substantially the effect of variation in the complex of variances and covariances between different groups or treatments. The situation referred to is one in which the correlation matrix is fully specified and is believed to be relatively homogeneous. The more general question whether the same purpose can be achieved in other analysis of dispersion problems is here left open.
Skin cancer prevention for children, parents, and caregivers: A field test of Hawaii's SunSmart program

Abstract Background: Children are at particular risk for sun exposure, a major cause of skin cancer. Parents and caregivers can help protect children by educating them about practicing safe sun habits, serving as role models, and providing supportive environments. Objective: We evaluated SunSmart, a cancer prevention program for 6- to 8-year-old children, their parents, and outdoor recreation staff. Methods: The intervention included staff training, on-site activities for children, interactive take-home booklets, behavior-monitoring scoreboards, incentives, providing sunscreen, and encouraging sun safe environments and policies. The program was evaluated by baseline and follow-up surveys of parents and recreation staff, monitoring forms, and on-site observations. Results: There were positive changes in all major outcomes, including knowledge; sun protection habits of parents, children, and staff; readiness to change; sun protection policies; and sun protection norms. The changes ranged from improvements of 3% to more than 20%, and several changes were statistically significant. Conclusion: The results demonstrated the feasibility and short-term impact of Hawaii's SunSmart program and suggested areas for refinement and expansion.(J Am Acad Dermatol 1998;38:413-7.)
A new look at kinetochore structure in vertebrate somatic cells using high-pressure freezing and freeze substitution.

Three decades of structural analysis have produced the view that the kinetochore in vertebrate cells is a disk-shaped structure composed of three distinct structural domains. The most prominent of these consists of a conspicuous electron opaque outer plate that is separated by a light-staining electron-translucent middle plate from an inner plate associated with the surface of the pericentric heterochromatin. Spindle microtubules terminate in the outer plate and, in their absence, a conspicuous corona of fine filaments radiates from the cytoplasmic surface of this plate. Here we report for the first time the ultrastructure of kinetochores in untreated and Colcemid-treated vertebrate somatic (PtK1) cells prepared for optimal structural preservation using high-pressure freezing and freeze substitution. In serial thin sections, and electron tomographic reconstructions, the kinetochore appears as a 50–75 nm thick mat of light-staining fibrous material that is directly connected with the more electron-opaque surface of the centromeric heterochromatin. This mat corresponds to the outer plate in conventional preparations, and is surrounded on its cytoplasmic surface by a conspicuous 100–150 nm wide zone that excludes ribosomes and other cytoplasmic components. High magnification views of this zone reveal that it contains a loose network of light-staining, thin (<9 nm diameter) fibers that are analogous to the corona fibers in conventional preparations. Unlike the chromosome arms, which appear uniformly electron opaque, the chromatin in the primary constriction appears mottled. Since the middle plate is not visible in these kinetochore preparations this feature is likely an artifact produced by extraction and coagulation during conventional fixation and/or dehydration procedures.
Trustworthy Wireless Networks: Issues and Applications (Invited Paper)

Wireless networks are susceptible to various attacks due to their open nature of operations. Existing security mechanisms and systems are rarely robust under attacks, misoperation and internal faults. Most of the solutions are targeted to specific attacks and also works after detecting considerable damage and provides little protection if one or more components are compromised. These approaches are not sufficient for holistic and systemic security. In this paper we analyse a more systematic security approach by exploiting the fundamental relationships among the network components. We explore a concept called trust worthy network where nodes establishes relationships among themselves based on the mutual observations and interactions. These relationships will help to derive the level of security and trust to be possessed on the nodes and the message received from the nodes. We analyse in detail the various issues in constructing the trustworthy networks, impact of various network dynamics on the trust relationships and the applications of trust worthiness in assessing the information quality, to evict the misbehaving nodes and to provide other related security services.
Single acetylcholine channel currents in sympathetic neurons

Abstract Single acetylcholine (ACh) channel currents were studied by the gigaohm patch-clamp technique in cultured sympathetic neurons of the bullfrog, Rana catesbeiana . Recordings were made at 22C oncell-attached and excised membrane patches. When ACh (0.5-1 μM) was present in the pipette, a single class of inward currents was observed with a chrod conductance of 30 pS and reversal potential of -2 mV. The mean channel open time was 11.6 ms at -65 mV and showed little or no voltage-dependence over the range -85 to -45 mV. These channels appear to mediate the fast nicotinic excitatory postsynaptic current.
Continuous biodegradation and detoxification of chlorinated phenols using immobilized bacteria

Glass, cellulose and chitin materials were used as immobilized supports for porous solid matrix attachment of bacterial strains in continuous flow biocatalyst studies for chlorinated phenols detoxification. Several bacterial strains, isolated from diverse aquatic environments in south Louisiana, were utilized in continuous biotransformation and detoxification of select chlorinated phenols typically found in industrial effluents. Toxicants included phenol, 2–chlorophenol, 2,4-dichlorophenol, 2,4,5-trichlorophenol and pentachlorophenol. Continuous removal of 100 ppm solutions were achieved for periods of 3 months or longer. Residual levels of 100 ppb or less were noted. Mathematical models of biotransformation kinetics were tested based on laboratory results.
Metaphor and Reading Comprehension

In this study the influence of the amount of metaphor in written language upon reading comprehension is analyzed. Subjects in this study, 190 sixth graders, read two passages, relating the same eve...
Problems in Poultry Meat Production in the Pacific Northwest

Abstract ONE of the most important of the many problems faced by the poultry meat producer in the state of Washington and in neighboring states is the severe competition from Midwest poultry meat producers. This condition is a direct result of the present unfavorable poultry meat-feed ratio in the Pacific Northwest as compared with the relatively favorable meat-feed ratio in the Midwest. The government price support program causes locally-grown wheat to be high-priced. Poultry producers in this region are dependent upon locally-grown wheat for their feed, or upon feed shipped in from competing poultry meat producing states of the Midwest. If the poultry meat producing industry in this region is to continue on a sound basis, we must answer the following question: Under relatively unfavorable meat-feed conditions, is it possible for the poultry meat producers in the Pacific Northwest to compete favorably with the Midwest in far western markets? If the . . .
The Corrosive Effect of Acculturation: How Mexican Americans Lose Political Trust†

Objective. Existing research establishes that political trust is not only an important determinant of individual political behavior and government effectiveness, but may also measure the health of civic society. This article looks specifically at trust among Latinos of Mexican descent, demonstrating that acculturation is corrosive of political trust. Methods. Logit and ordered logit models are used to simultaneously test two theories of acculturation—classic assimilation theory and ethnic competition theory. Data come from the Latino National Political Survey (LNPS). Results. Support is found for both modes of acculturation. Conclusions. Although the results do not conclusively side with one particular mode of acculturation, they consistently show that acculturation is corrosive of political trust. Latinos of Mexican descent become more cynical about American government as they incorporate into or are exposed to mainstream American culture, and as they become more aware of or concerned about racism and discrimination.
High Noon on the Western Range. A Property Rights Analysis of the Johnson County War

Wyoming's Johnson County War of 1892 is the historical basis of later popular depictions of the West as violent, and it influenced the development of Wyoming. Many see this era as the end of the open range system and the ascendancy of stock ranching and farming. Popular depiction argues that the event was an act of vigilantism of large foreign-owned firms against small individual settlers. We argue that the war was a conflict of property rights systems and use a model developed by Alston, Libecap, and Mueller to explain why violence broke out in Johnson County in 1892. Richer (the Rancher): We made this country. Found it and we made it ... Made a safe range out of this. Some us died doin' it. We made it. Then people move in who never held a rawhide through the old days. Fenced off my range. Fenced me offfrom water. Some of them like you paw ditches, and take out irrigation water, and so the creek runs dry sometimes, and I got to move my stock because of it. And you say we have no rights to the range.
Ultrastructure of primary mesenchyme cell ingression in the sea urchin Lytechinus pictus

The ultrastructural changes associated with primary mesenchyme cell formation in the sea urchin Lytechinus pictus were studied by transmission (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Early during ingression, one can recognize about 30 presumptive primary mesenchyme cells, which form a ring around eight central cells, located at the apex of the vegetal pole. The first steps involve the loss of the basal lamina in the vegetal plate region and the loss of cilia from the 30 presumptive primary mesenchyme cells. These cells then elongate into bottle-shaped cells which have a bulbous, appendage-free basal end that protrudes into the blastocoel, and a thin neck region that forms numerous apical cell processes. Longitudinally oriented microtubules are observed in the peripheral cytoplasm in the neck region of the bottle-shaped cells and in the adjacent cytoplasm of closely adherent neighboring non-mesenchymal blastomeres. After the disappearance of apical junctions, the neck regions of the bottle-shaped cells shorten, resulting in the transposition of the cells into the blastocoel as rounded primary mesenchyme. Mesenchyme cell displacement results in the temporary formation of fenestrae in the blastular wall, which are filled in by apical cell processes that extend from neighboring blastomeres. These morphological changes have several features in common with other examples of cells which exit from epithelia and are consistent with a morphological sequence involving the relaxation of the basal cytoplasm of the presumptive primary mesenchyme cells, followed by their active elongation and lateral compression by adjacent cells.
Divergence of analysts’ earnings forecasts and the stock returns‐earnings relation

Outlines previous research on the relationship between stock returns and earnings and investigates the effects of divergence between security analysts’ earnings forecasts on this relationship. Uses cross‐sectional analysis, time series and variable parameter models on 1981‐88 US data to see whether the stock returns‐earnings coefficient decreases with increased disagreement between analysts and shows that it does. Considers the implications for policy makers and accounting research design; and consistency with other research.
Success and interpersonal touch in a competitive setting

Early observations of interpersonal touch among American adults have revealed rates of touch well below that of many European and Latin American countries. Conclusions drawn from these results, however, mandate caution since touch has been shown to be affected by age, gender, race, and setting. Observation of mens' televised sports has revealed that high rates of touch often follow a successful performance. The present study attempted to quantify touch within a mixed-gender, competitive setting in both black and white subcultures. Interpersonal touch following a success and otherwise occurring was observed among bowlers during league play. Overall rates of touch were much higher than those reported for other public settings. High rates of touch following a success were reported only for blacks. Unlike previous studies females initiated cross-gender touch as often as did males.
Perceived Cohesion: A Conceptual and Empirical Examination

Most existing measures of cohesion attempt to objectively measure cohesion while neglecting individual group members' perceptions of their cohesion to a particular group. We propose that group members' perceptions of cohesion are important for the behavior of the individual as well as the group as a whole. We offer a theoretical definition of perceived cohesion which says individuals' perceptions of their own cohesion to a group has two dimensions: sense of belonging and feelings of morale. We test this conceptualization and the adequacy of our Perceived Cohesion Scale in two random samples: students at a small college notedfor its strong "school spirit" and residents of a mnidsized city. Our confirmatory factor analyses indicate a two-factor model, with a high degree of invariance across the two samples, and with the two dimensions correlated over .90 in both. However, as anticipated, perceived cohesion is significantly higher in the college than the city sample.
Antiarrhythmic effects of oral indecainide in patients with ventricular tachyarrhythmias

In order to assess the efficacy and safety of oral indecainide in patients with serious ventricular arrhythmias we studied 11 patients with high-grade ventricular ectopy and ventricular tachycardia (VT) which were refractory to therapy with at least one standard antiarrhythmic drug. Spontaneous arrhythmias were quantitated by 24-h Holter monitor before and during therapy with indecainide. Spontaneous VT was sustained in 4 patients and nonsustained in 7. Ten patients underwent baseline electrophysiologic study (EPS) and VT was induced in 9. The mean ejection fraction was 25 +/- 14%. Indecainide was given orally at a dose of 211 +/- 118 mg/day. The frequency of ventricular premature beats (VPBs) was significantly (greater than 85%) decreased in 90% of patients, while ventricular couplets frequency decreased in 78%. Spontaneous VT was abolished in 5 of 11 (45%). Sustained VT was induced in 5 of 7 (71%) patients who underwent follow-up EPS. The QRS duration was significantly prolonged during therapy (0.13 +/- 0.04 s) compared to control (0.10 +/- 0.02 s). The PR, QTc, and JTc intervals were not significantly changed. Indecainide was well tolerated, but 2 patients died of ventricular tachyarrhythmias while receiving the drug. Indecainide suppressed VPBs in a high percentage of patients, but was much less successful in controlling VT. Caution is necessary when using this drug because of its potential for exacerbation of arrhythmia.
Humility: Review of measurement strategies and conceptualization as personality judgment

Humility is an understudied virtue in positive psychology. Both conceptual and methodological challenges have retarded its study. In this article, we discuss how humility has been defined. Specifically, researchers disagree whether humility refers to the accuracy of an individual's view of self, or whether humility primarily describes someone's interpersonal stance toward others. We critique four approaches that researchers have used to measure humility: self-reports, implicit measures, social comparisons of self to others, and informant ratings of humility. We then theoretically elaborate on the later method, which has been mostly overlooked. Accordingly, we present a model of relational humility. We define humility as a relationship-specific personality judgment, and we describe the relationship factors that affect how humility is perceived [Funder, D.C. (1995). On the accuracy of personality judgment: A realistic approach. Psychological Review, 102, 652–670.]. Finally, we provide next steps for researc...
A symmetry-based analysis of Raman and infrared spectra of the compounds (poly(ethylene oxide))3LiCF3SO3 and (poly(ethylene oxide))NaCF3SO3

Abstract A symmetry-based factor group analysis is applied to the crystalline compounds (PEO) 3 LiCF 3 SO 3 and (PEO)NaCF 3 SO 3 , focusing on the vibrational modes originating in the intramolecular motion of the triflate anion. The dynamic coupling of the triflate anions in the unit cell yields a vibrational multiplet whose components exhibit different spectral activities. Experimentally, the Raman and IR spectra of the two compounds display multiple bands in the ν s (SO 3 ) and δ s (CF 3 ) spectral regions. In the δ s (CF 3 ) spectral region of each compound, the frequencies of the Raman and IR bands are non-coincident and differ by ∼5 cm −1 . The frequency difference indicates a modest amount of dynamical coupling between the triflate anions in the crystal. The spectroscopic analysis of other modes such as δ as (CF 3 ), δ s (SO 3 ), and δ as (SO 3 ) provides useful information about ionic interactions in the crystalline compounds.