cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pupillary response: an index of visual threshold.

The present study investigates the use of the afferent pupillary reflex as an objective index of a subject’s ability to detect a dim flash. The results support the general notion that the pupil responds to flashes near the absolute threshold for vision. In contrast to several previous studies, however, our results document that minute pupillary constrictions occur in response to small diameter (i.e., 3.5° and 1.2°) stimuli. These pupillary constrictions occur mostly on the trials when the subject also reported seeing the flash and little evidence of a response is found on the trials when the flashes were not detected. We infer that the sensitivity of the perceptual and pupillomotor pathways are very similar for the scotopic conditions tested.
Scaling of pneumatic digital logic circuits

The scaling of integrated circuits to smaller dimensions is critical for achieving increased system complexity and speed. Digital logic circuits composed of pneumatic microfluidic components have to this point been limited to a circuit density of 2–4 gates cm−2, constraining the complexity of the digital systems that can be achieved. We explored the use of precision machining techniques to reduce the size of pneumatic valves and resistors, and to achieve more accurate and efficient placement of ports and vias. In this way, we attained an order of magnitude increase in circuit density, reaching as high as 36 gates cm−2. A 12-bit binary counter circuit composed of 96 gates was realized in an area of 360 mm2. The reduction in size also brought an order of magnitude increase in speed. The frequency of a 13-stage ring oscillator increased from 2.6 Hz to 22.1 Hz, and the maximum clock frequency of a binary counter increased from 1/3 Hz to 6 Hz.
Laboratory measurements of scattered electromagnetic radiation from two-dimensional metallic and dielectric rough surfaces

Bistatic- and nonspecular-scattering cross-section measurements of CO2 laser radiation from roughened metal and dielectric surfaces were made and compared with predictions given by the facet (tangent-plane approximation) model. The incident radiation was linearly polarized perpendicular to the incident plane. The scattered polarization state was analyzed along two directions, perpendicular (HH) and parallel (HV) to the scattering plane. A scattering apparatus was designed especially for this work. This apparatus allowed us to make polarization-dependent bistatic measurements over the entire hemisphere, which to the best of our knowledge has not been done before. The average slopes and radii of curvature of the roughened surfaces utilized in this study were determined with a mechanical profilometer from surface tracings. The (σ0)HH nulls predicted by the facet model have been verified at steep incident angles for both metallic and dielectric surfaces. Agreement is generally better for metals than for dielectrics. At shallower angles measurements diverge from theoretical predictions. Our data indicate that the departure from the predictions of the facet model is most likely associated with surface curvature. A number of calculations of polarization-dependent scattering amplitudes from metal and dielectric cylinders of radius r as a function of r/λ have been performed. These calculations suggest that, even for surfaces with large radii, rapid amplitude and phase variations are responsible for the onset of depolarization at shallower incident and scattering angles, which leads to the disagreement with the tangent-plane model predictions. These calculations also clearly demonstrate why the facet model is a better approximation, in the region of validity, for metals than for dielectrics. The role of curvature in determining the operable regions of the tangent-plane model is further illuminated through a series of scattering measurements from metal wires with radii of curvature of the order of λ. The experimental measurements are described in detail, and data for both roughened metals and dielectrics are presented for several scattering aspect and depression angles.
Managerial Qualifications of Personnel Occupying Overseas Management Positions as Perceived By American Expatriate Managers

This study presents the results of an investigation designed to examine the perceptions of American expatriate managers held with respect to the managerial qualifications of their superiors and subordinates in overseas operations of three American multinational companies. The results of the study indicate that regional location and length of time worked overseas were related to the managers' perceptions.
Principle of Minimum Entropy Production

The principle of minimum entropy production says that the steady state of an irreversible process, i.e., the state in which the thermodynamic variables are independent of the time, is characterized by a minimum value of the rate of entropy production. This theorem, due to Prigogine, is proved by the methods of statistical mechanics for a particular process---the flow of matter and energy through a narrow tube connecting two containers of an ideal gas. The two containers are maintained at slightly different temperatures. The resultant form for the entropy production in the steady state, and the method used in the proof, give additional insight into the significance of the principle of minimum entropy production.
Untersuchungen an wässerigen Formaldehydlösungen

Die kernmagnetische Resonanz von Formaldehydlosungen in schwerem Wasser wurde gemessen. Aus den Spektren ergibt sich die Konzentration von monomerem Formaldehyd und von End- und Mittelgruppen in den polymeren Molekulen. Die Gleichgewichtskonstanten fur die Polymerisation der niedrigen Kettenglieder wurden naherungsweise berechnet.
A high-density remote reference magnetic variation profile in the Pacific northwest of North America

Abstract During the summer of 1985, as part of the EMSLAB Project, Brown University conducted a detailed magnetic variation study of the Oregon Coast Range and Cascades volcanic system along an E-W profile in central Oregon. Comprised of a sequence of 75 remote reference magnetic variation (MV) stations spaced 3–4 km apart, the profile stretched for 225 km from Newport, on the Oregon coast, across the Coast Range, the Willamette Valley, and the High Cascades to a point ∼ 50 km east of Santiam Pass. At all of the MV stations, data were collected for short periods (16–100 s), and at 17 of these stations data were also obtained at longer periods (100–1600 s). Data were monitored with a three-component ring core fluxgate magnetometer (Nanotesla), and were recorded with a microcomputer (DEC PDP 11/73) based data acquisition system. A 2-D generalized inversion of the magnetic transfer coefficients over the period range of 16–1600 s indicates four distinct conductors. First, we see the coast effect caused by a large sedimentary wedge offshore. Second, we see the effect of currents flowing in the conductive sediments of the Willamette Valley. Our inversion suggests that the Willamette Valley consists of two electrically distinct features, due perhaps to a horst-like structure imprinted on the valley sediments. Next we note an electric current system centered beneath the High Cascades. This latter feature may be associated with a sediment-filled graben beneath Santiam Pass as suggested by some of the gravity and MT results reported to date. Finally, we detect the presence of a deep conductor at mid-crustal depths which laterally extends westward from beneath the Basin and Range Province, and terminates beneath the western Cascades. One view of this last result is that it appears that modern Basin and Range structure is being imprinted on pre-existing Cascade structure.
Fatigue of the plantar intrinsic foot muscles increases navicular drop.

Abstract Our purpose was to assess the effect of foot intrinsic muscle fatigue on pronation, as assessed with navicular drop, during static stance. Twenty-one healthy young adults participated. Navicular drop was measured before and after fatiguing exercise of the plantar foot intrinsic muscles. Surface electromyography of the abductor hallucis muscle was recorded during maximum voluntary isometric contractions (MVIC) in order to find the baseline median frequency (MedF). Subjects then performed sets of 75 repetitions of isotonic flexion contractions of the intrinsic foot muscles against a 4.55kg weight on a custom pulley system. After each set an MVIC was performed to track shifts in MedF. After a MedF shift of at least 10%, navicular drop measurements were repeated. Subjects exhibited 10.0±3.8mm of navicular drop at baseline and 11.8±3.8mm after fatigue ( p r =.47, p =.03). The intrinsic foot muscles play a role in support of the medial longitudinal arch in static stance. Disrupting the function of these muscles through fatigue resulted in an increase in pronation as assessed by navicular drop.
Independently-Controlled-Gate FinFET 6T SRAM Cell Design for Leakage Current Reduction and Enhanced Read Access Speed

In this paper, two novel 6T SRAM cells based on Independently-Controlled-Gate FinFETs are proposed. The new 6T cells are derived from 4T cells: by separating the read timing and read-line, the proposed new cells allow simultaneously read & write to different addresses. To overcome the traditional retention time problem in 4T cells, the proposed cells reduce leakage by changing the back-gate connection and increasing the capacitance at data storage points (Q, QB). Compared to previous 6T FinFET SRAMs, the proposed cells reduce the static leakage current, and enhance the write and read speed. In addition, this structure is scalable for multi-ports.
Effect of chronic respiratory acidosis on urinary calcium excretion in the dog.

Effect of chronic respiratory acidosis on urinary calcium excretion in the dog. It is currently believed that the two chronic acidemic disorders exert disparate effects on urinary calcium excretion: chronic metabolic acidosis induces consistent hypercalciuria, but no appreciable change or even a decrease in calcium excretion is reported to attend chronic respiratory acidosis. Whereas the effect of metabolic acidosis is well documented, little work has been carried out in chronic hypercapnia. In fact, most of the studies on chronic respiratory acidosis were short in duration, had employed only mild hypercapnia, or had failed to control carefully the prevailing metabolic conditions. We have carried out balance observations in nine dogs exposed to a 10% CO 2 atmosphere in an environmental chamber for a period of two weeks. Chronic respiratory acidosis led to a significant increase in urinary calcium excretion from a mean control value of 0.4 ± 0.1 mmol/day to 0.6 ± 0.1 mmol/day during both week 1 and 2 of hypercapnia (P 3 . These findings suggest that chronic respiratory acidosis, just like chronic metabolic acidosis, augments urinary calcium excretion by a direct depressive effect on the tubular reabsorption of calcium.
Phase transfer catalysts drive diverse organic solvent solubility of single-walled carbon nanotubes helically wrapped by ionic, semiconducting polymers.

Use of phase transfer catalysts such as 18-crown-6 enables ionic, linear conjugated poly[2,6-{1,5-bis(3-propoxysulfonicacidsodiumsalt)}naphthylene]ethynylene (PNES) to efficiently disperse single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) in multiple organic solvents under standard ultrasonication methods. Steady-state electronic absorption spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) reveal that these SWNT suspensions are composed almost exclusively of individualized tubes. High-resolution TEM and AFM data show that the interaction of PNES with SWNTs in both protic and aprotic organic solvents provides a self-assembled superstructure in which a PNES monolayer helically wraps the nanotube surface with periodic and constant morphology (observed helical pitch length = 10 ± 2 nm); time-dependent examination of these suspensions indicates that these structures persist in solution over periods that span at least several months. Pump−probe transient absorption spectroscopy reveal...
Meningitis in HIV-positive patients in sub-Saharan Africa: a review

Introduction: Meningitis is one of the leading causes of death among patients living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa. There is no widespread tracking of the incidence rates of causative agents among patients living with HIV, yet the aetiologies of meningitis are different than those of the general population. Methods: We reviewed the scientific literature published in PubMed to determine the incidence rates of meningitis among hospitalized people living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa and report our findings from seven studies across sub-Saharan Africa. Results: We found high rates of cryptococcal meningitis (19–68%). Tuberculous meningitis was lower (1–36%), although some centres included possible cases as “other” meningitis; therefore, this may not be a true representation of the total cases. Pyogenic meningitis ranged from 6 to 30% and “other” meningitis ranged from 7 to 28% of all reported cases of meningitis. Mortality rates ranged from 25 to 68%. This review describes the most common aetiologies and provides practical diagnostic, treatment and prevention considerations as they apply to the individual living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa. Conclusions: Diagnosis is often limited, and wider availability of accurate and low-cost laboratory diagnostics is desperately needed for prompt diagnosis and initiation of appropriate treatment. Wider acceptance and adoption of available preventative modalities can decrease the incidence of potentially fatal central nervous system infections in African patients living with HIV. Keywords: meningitis; HIV/AIDS; adult; sub-Saharan Africa. (Published: 10 October 2014) Citation: Veltman JA et al. Journal of the International AIDS Society 2014, 17 :19184 http://www.jiasociety.org/index.php/jias/article/view/19184 | http://dx.doi.org/10.7448/IAS.17.1.19184
Second-order error; error that illuminates context

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to propose a novel classification of errors. Design/methodology/approach – A review of the classification of errors in several disciplines is undertaken. Findings – The role of errors in the delineation of the frameworks in which they occur is suggested.
Does stress mediate the development of substance use disorders among youth transitioning to young adulthood

AbstractBackground: Stress is a well-documented factor in the development of addiction. However, no longitudinal studies to date have assessed the role of stress in mediating the development of substance use disorders (SUD). Our previous results have demonstrated that a measure called Transmissible Liability Index (TLI) assessed during pre-adolescent years serves as a significant predictor of risk for substance use disorder among young adults. However, it remains unclear whether life stress mediates the relationship between TLI and SUD, or whether stress predicts SUD. Methods: We conducted a longitudinal study involving 191 male subjects to assess whether life stress mediates the relationship between TLI as assessed at age 10–12 and subsequent development of SUD at age 22, after controlling for other relevant factors. Results: Logistic regression demonstrated that the development of SUD at age 22 was associated with stress at age 19. A path analysis demonstrated that stress at age 19 significantly predict...
Some Thoughts on the Management of Foreign-trained Chinese Students

Undeniably, doing work that is related to students studying abroad is now more difficult than it was several years ago. This is because of the faulty policy of the State Education Commission, interference from the right wing, and due to the fact that leading members of Chinese student associations in America are themselves students and not professional politicians and, therefore, cannot compete with the right wing in terms of the time and energy they can devote to this work. These are typical difficulties in doing work for students studying abroad.
Applications of 'artificial intelligence' for chemical inference. VI - Approach to a general method of interpreting low resolution mass spectra with a computer

Computerized method of interpreting low resolution mass spectra in organic chemical analysis, describing inference maker program applications and results
The soliton-lattice algorithm and selective pulses

The soliton-lattice algorithm, an exact algebraic method of inverting the Bloch equation to obtain frequency-selective radio-frequency pulses is described. Some general properties of pulses are described that were obtained with the help of this algorithm. It is used to obtain two new pulses. A highly prefocused pulse is shown that can be used in short-echo-timein vivo31P spectroscopic imaging, and an adiabatic selective inversion pulse is obtained.
Policy changes and educational reforms in China: decentralization and marketization

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review the major systemic educational reforms that China has undertaken over the past three decades and analyze the reasons behind their different degrees of success.Design/methodology/approach – Two running themes are identified among various reforms on the Chinese educational system: decentralization and marketization. The authors explore the driving forces behind these reforms and discuss whether the reforms were successful or not.Findings – In conclusion, the authors highlight four takeaway lessons of Chinese educational reforms.Originality/value – This is an original discussion of educational reforms in China in the contexts of decentralization and marketization.
Storage conditions do not have detrimental effect on allograft collagen or scaffold performance

Musculoskeletal allografts are a valuable alternative to autograft tissue in orthopaedic surgeries. However, the effects of the allografts’ storage history on the collagen and subsequent allograft scaffold properties are unknown. In this study, we hypothesized that freezing and refrigeration of allografts for 1 week would alter the biologic performance and mechanical properties of the allograft collagen. Allograft collagen was characterized by SDS–PAGE migration pattern, amino acid profile and measured denaturation. Scaffolds made from allograft collagen were evaluated for fibroblast proliferation, platelet activation and scaffold retraction. Collagen gelation kinetics (elastic and inelastic moduli and the viscous-elastic transition point) were also evaluated. Fibroblast proliferation, platelet activation and scaffold retraction results showed only minor, though statistically significant, differences between the storage groups. In addition, there were no significant differences in rheological properties or collagen biochemistry. In conclusion, this study suggests that freezing or refrigeration for 1 week does not appear to have any detrimental effect on the mechanical properties and biologic performance of the collagen within allografts.
Adenosine Signaling Promotes Regeneration of Pancreatic β Cells In Vivo

Diabetes can be controlled with insulin injections, but a curative approach that restores the number of insulin-producing β cells is still needed. Using a zebrafish model of diabetes, we screened ~7,000 small molecules to identify enhancers of β cell regeneration. The compounds we identified converge on the adenosine signaling pathway and include exogenous agonists and compounds that inhibit degradation of endogenously produced adenosine. The most potent enhancer of β cell regeneration was the adenosine agonist 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA), which, acting through the adenosine receptor A2aa, increased β cell proliferation and accelerated restoration of normoglycemia in zebrafish. Despite markedly stimulating β cell proliferation during regeneration, NECA had only a modest effect during development. The proliferative and glucose-lowering effect of NECA was confirmed in diabetic mice, suggesting an evolutionarily conserved role for adenosine in β cell regeneration. With this whole-organism screen, we identified components of the adenosine pathway that could be therapeutically targeted for the treatment of diabetes.
Spectral hole-burning study of magnetic and hyperfine interactions in SrF2:Pr3+:D- and CaF2:Pr3+:D-

In ${\mathrm{SrF}}_{2}$:${\mathrm{Pr}}^{3+}$ and ${\mathrm{CaF}}_{2}$:${\mathrm{Pr}}^{3+}$ single crystals into which hydrogenic ions such as ${\mathrm{D}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$ have been diffused, persistent spectral hole burning occurs due to motion of neighbor hydrogenic ions following resonant excitation of ${\mathrm{Pr}}^{3+}$. We have used both this hole burning and optically detected magnetic resonance, as high-resolution probes of the magnetic and hyperfine structure of the ground state of several sites containing different configurations of hydrogenic ions. For these sites the pseudoquadrupole splittings range from 25--633 MHz and the nuclear-moment enhancement factors from 9--350 times that of the bare nuclear moment of ${\mathrm{Pr}}^{3+}$. The observations are well described by a Hamiltonian including Zeeman and hyperfine interactions within the lowest two electronic levels.
Sibling relationships in early adulthood: A typology

This investigation attempted to classify adult sibling relationships into a small number of discrete types and to describe those sibling relationship types in terms of the relative warmth, conflict, and rivalry experienced by members of the sibling dyad. Adult participants (N= 267), ranging in age from 17 to 56 years, were asked to complete surveys describing their relationship with the biological sibling who was closest in age to themselves. Using the theoretical categories developed by Murphy (1993) in her study of young siblings, a retrospective questionnaire was constructed to classify the respondent's relationship with his or her sibling as Caretaker, Buddy, or Casual. Along with these three groups, a fourth type of sibling relationship was detected that closely resembled the Loyal subgroup described by Gold (1989) in her study of sibling relationships among the elderly. Differences among these four groups were assessed with the Adult Sibling Relationship Questionnaire developed by Lanthier and Stocker (1993). Group differences are summarized, and several potential developmental paths from childhood to adulthood for the various types of sibling relationships are outlined.
Towards total photonic control of complex-shaped colloids by vortex beams

We demonstrate optical trapping and orientational control over colloidal particles having complex shapes in an anisotropic host fluid using a dynamic holographic optical tweezers system. Interactions between a colloidal particle and the toroidal intensity distributions of focused Laguerre-Gaussian beams allow for stable optical tweezing and provide a tunable tilt of the particle out of the focal plane. Use of an aligned nematic liquid crystal as the host fluid suppresses rotations about the optical axis arising from angular momentum transfer from the beam and effectively defines a rotational axis for the colloid within the trap.
Ontology-Based Automatic Chief Complaints Classification for Syndromic Surveillance

This paper presents a novel ontology-based approach to classify free-text chief complaints (CCs) into syndrome categories. This approach exploits the semantic relations in a medical ontology to address the CC word variation problem. Initial computational experiments indicate that this ontology-based approach is able to improve significantly the probability that a CC can be correctly classified as a syndrome.
Continuous naloxone infusion in two neonates with septic shock

SEVERAL REPORTS HAVE DESCRIBED the use of naloxone in patients with refractory hypotension secondary to sepsis. '3 In one 8-year-old child with meningococcemia, the blood pressure, which had been unresponsive to conventional treatment, normalized after the administration of naloxone.: We report two neonates with overwhelming sepsis whose blood pressure was unresponsive to conventional treatment but dramatically improved within minutes of naloxone administration. CASE REPORTS Patient 1. This 8-day-old, 2900 gm white infant girl was admitted to Children's Hospital because of lethargy and poor feeding. She was pale and slightly dusky, and markedly lethargic. Examination of the cerebrospinal fluid revealed WBC 468/tzL, protein 660 mg/dL, and glucose 4 mg/dl. The cultures of spinal fluid and blood subsequently grew group B streptococcus. Despite antibiotic therapy with ampicillin 300 mg/kg/day and gentamicin 7.5 mg/kg/day, the infant's condition deteriorated and she required mechanical ventilation 3 hours after admission. Generalized seizures were treated with phenobarbital, phenytoin, and diazepam. Further deterioration occurred rapidly, and the blood pressure did not respond to administration of 30 ml/kg fresh-frozen plasma and continuous infusion of increasing doses of dopamine to a maximum of 30 ug/kg/min; methylprednisolone 30 mg/kg also had no effect. After informed consent was obtained, naloxone thereby was initiated. An irfitial dose of 0.01 mg/kg intravenously had no effect on blood wessure, but a dose of 0.02 mg/kg resulted in a rise of 10 to 15 m~,Hg systolic and 5 to 10 mm Hg diastolic. The blood pressure remained high for approxi
Gestational exposure to ethanol suppresses msx2 expression in developing mouse embryos

Ethanol acts as a teratogen in developing fetuses causing abnormalities of the brain, heart, craniofacial bones, and limb skeletal elements. To assess whether some teratogenic actions of ethanol might occur via dysregulation of msx2 expression, we examined msx2 expression in developing mouse embryos exposed to ethanol on embryonic day (E) 8 of gestation and subjected to whole mount in situ hybridization on E11–11.5 using a riboprobe for mouse msx2. Control mice exhibited expression of msx2 in developing brain, the developing limb buds and apical ectodermal ridge, the lateral and nasal processes, olfactory pit, palatal shelf of the maxilla, the eye, the lens of the eye, otic vesicle, prevertebral bodies (notochord), and endocardial cushion. Embryos exposed to ethanol in utero were significantly smaller than their normal counterparts and did not exhibit expression of msx2 in any structures. Similarly, msx2 expression, as determined by reverse transcription–PCR and Northern blot hybridization, was reduced ≈40–50% in fetal mouse calvarial osteoblastic cells exposed to 1% ethanol for 48 hr while alkaline phosphatase was increased by 2-fold and bone morphogenetic protein showed essentially no change. Transcriptional activity of the msx2 promoter was specifically suppressed by alcohol in MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts. Taken together, these data demonstrate that fetal alcohol exposure decreases msx2 expression, a known regulator of osteoblast and myoblast differentiation, and suggest that one of the “putative” mechanisms for fetal alcohol syndrome is the inhibition of msx2 expression during key developmental periods leading to developmental retardation, altered craniofacial morphogenesis, and cardiac defects.
NMR structure determination of the binding site for ribosomal protein S8 from Escherichia coli 16 S rRNA.

Abstract Many cellular processes involve the preferential interaction of an RNA molecule with a specific protein. A detailed analysis of the individual protein and RNA components of these interactions can provide unique insights into the structural features important for protein-RNA recognition. Ribosomal protein S8 of Escherichia coli plays a key role in 30 S ribosomal subunit assembly through its interaction with 16 S rRNA. The binding site for protein S8 comprises a portion of helix 21, nucleotides G588 to G604 and C634 to C651. This region forms a base-paired helix that is interrupted by a non-Watson-Crick segment composed of nine phylogenetically conserved nucleotides. We have investigated the detailed structure of the conserved segment and the interaction of this region with metal ions using NMR spectroscopy. Twenty-four of the 40 calculated structures converged to similar conformations and were grouped into two families. The main difference between the families is the orientation of the base of U641. The rms deviation between the heavy-atoms of the ten lowest-energy structures is 1.24 A. The orientations of the G597·C643 base-pair and A595·(A596·U644) base-triple within the conserved core have been defined and appear to extend the proximal segment of helix 21 into the phylogenetically conserved core. The base of A642 terminates this helix by stacking against C643 and the base of U641 forms hydrogen bonds with core nucleotides. The conserved core also contains a Mg 2+ -binding site that promotes stabilization of the secondary and tertiary structure elements of the core. A model for the interaction of S8 with its RNA-binding site is proposed.
Do children with mental disorders have higher prevalence of hypovitaminosis D

Inadequate vitamin D level is associated with various adverse medical outcomes. There is a growing concern that insufficient vitamin D may play a role in the development of psychiatric symptoms. This study aims to answer the question: do children with mental disorders have a higher prevalence of hypovitaminosis D? A retrospective chart review examined 25 hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels in youth ages 7 to 17 (n=67) at two Oregon psychiatric residential facilities. Vitamin D deficiency is defined as <20 ng/ml and insufficiency as <30 ng/ml. Diagnoses were organized into six categories. 25(OH)D levels were compared across genders and diagnostic groups using a two-sample t-test and ANOVA, respectively. Statistical differences in prevalence across diagnostic categories were calculated using a Pearson chi-square test. Using the data from Saintonge's NHANES III study on healthy US children for comparison, 21% of our cohorts were found to be vitamin D deficient and 64% insufficient, in contrast to 14% and 48%, respectively. While our results are not statistically significant, mainly because of small sample size, the overall mean 25(OH)D level in our cohort was insufficient (27.59 ± 9.35 ng/ml), compared to a sufficient mean value of 32.1 ng/ml in the general population. No statistical significant difference was found in the prevalence across diagnostic categories. This study found that children with psychiatric disorders might have a higher prevalence of hypovitaminosis D than the general pediatric population. Although a causal relationship between hypovitaminosis D and psychiatric disorders cannot be derived based on the study design, our study provides initial descriptive data on the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in children with psychiatric disorders, which has not been previously reported to our knowledge. Prospective studies with a larger sample size and controlled variables would allow more precise analysis of the relationship between hypovitaminosis D and childhood mental disorders.
Module architecture for in situ space laboratories

The paper analyzes internal outfitting architectures for space exploration laboratory modules. ISS laboratory architecture is examined as a baseline for comparison; applicable insights are derived. Laboratory functional programs are defined for seven planet-surface knowledge domains. Necessary and value-added departures from the ISS architecture standard are defined, and three sectional interior architecture options are assessed for practicality and potential performance. Contemporary guidelines for terrestrial analytical laboratory design are found to be applicable to the in-space functional program. Densepacked racks of system equipment, and high module volume packing ratios, should not be assumed as the default solution for exploration laboratories whose primary activities include un-scriptable investigations and experimentation on the system equipment itself.
Signal averaging system for ion kinetic energy spectrometry

Abstract Ion kinetic energy spectra have been ensemble averaged by interfacing a Hewlett-Packard 2100A computer with a mass-analyzed ion kinetic energy spectrometer (MIKES). Under computer control, the electric sector voltage is scanned repeatedly over a range of up to 30% of the maximum voltage. The data for each scan is automatically averaged and this average may be plotted at any time. A paper tape may also be punched so that the data may be saved for later usage and/or further averaging. The linearity of the scan and reproducibility of the starting position have been tested in detail. The expected increase in signal to noise ratio is observed with no distortion in peak shapes. Kinetic energy release measurements agree with the results obtained by manual scans and an improvement in kinetic energy resolution is noted.
Why aid agricultural co-operatives?

It is common in many countries for governments to give legal, financial or at any rate, moral, support to co-operative forms of organisation. In Great Britain, for instance, the CCAHC (Central Council for Agriculture and Horticulture Co-operation) has been created to encourage agricultural co-operatives and the CDA (Co-operative Development Association) to help develop co-operation in other fields. That such aid and support exists is a prima facie indicator that co-operatives offer some peculiar benefit to society, but the precise form of this benefit is seldom specified. The purpose of this paper is to review some of the possible justifications for supporting agricultural co-operatives.
Studies on the mechanism of antitumor action of 2-desamino-2-methyl-5,8-dideazaisofolic acid.

Abstract The new folate analogue, 2-desamino-2-methyl-5,8-dideazaisofolic acid, 2c , was synthesized and evaluated using a variety of biochemical and antitumor assays. For purposes of comparison, its 2-desamino, 2b , and 2-amino, 2a , counterparts, as well as N 10 -propargyl-5,8-dideazafolic acid, 1a , and the corresponding 2-desamino, 1b , and 2-desamino-2-methyl, 1c , modifications were included in these studies. Compound 2c was found to be a potent inhibitor of the growth of L1210 and MCF-7 cells in culture, being only 2-fold and 5-fold less effective than 1c , respectively. However, although analogue 2c was 189-fold less inhibitory toward L1210 thymidylate synthase (TS) than 1c , its cytotoxicity was reversed completely by thymidine alone which suggests that the compound behaves as a TS inhibitor in cells. Enzymatically synthesized polyglutamates of 2c were substantially more inhibitory toward human TS than the parent compound. Compound 2c was the most efficient substrate for mammalian folylpolyglutamate synthetase of the compounds studied having a V max / K m nearly 12-fold larger than 1c . Both 1c and 2c were effective inhibitors of the uptake of [ 3 methotrexate into MOLT-4 cells, implying that each is efficiently transported into tumor cells. These results suggest that a weak inhibitor of TS in vitro can be a potent cytotoxic agent if it can readily gain entry into target cells and be converted to polyglutamated metabolites.
Quantitative Study of Au Catalytic Nanoparticles by Stem and Hrtem

The highly dispersed metal (e.g. Au) nanoparticles have exhibited exceptional catalytic activity for several reactions, including CO oxidation. Their high catalytic activity has been attributed to nanoparticles nano-structural effects (including cluster thickness, shape, chemical information, and number of atoms of the cluster). The three dimensional exact structure and chemical bonding state of these supported nanoparticles is still challenging to be quantified by conventional methods due to their limitations in understanding size distribution of supported metal nanoparticles that are usually less than 1 nm (< 100 atoms). In this paper, the structure of Au heterogeneous catalysts has been successfully characterized by High Resolution Electron Microscopy (HREM), Z-contrast Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (STEM). The ligand protected Au13 nanoparticles on TiO2 support have been studied by ozone and thermal treatments to remove the ligands. The ozone removal method results in the truncated cuboctahedral structure while the thermal treatment results in the cuboctahedral structure. The ozone treatment yields less Au nanoparticles sintering than thermal treatment. Their FCC structure was confirmed by quantified Z-contrast STEM, HREM and its Fourier transformation.
A prospective randomized trial of nebulized morphine compared with patient-controlled analgesia morphine in the management of acute thoracic pain

BACKGROUND Successfully managing pain for the trauma patient decreases morbidity, improves patient satisfaction, and is an essential component of critical care. Using patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) morphine to control pain may be complicated by concerns of respiratory depression, hemodynamic instability, addiction, urinary retention, and drug-induced ileus. Morphine is rapidly absorbed by mucosal surfaces in the respiratory tract, achieving systemic concentrations equal to 20% of equivalent intravenous doses. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and utility of nebulized morphine in patients with posttraumatic thoracic pain. METHODS This double-blinded, prospective study randomized patients with severe posttraumatic thoracic pain into two groups. The experimental group (NMS) received nebulized morphine every 4 hours and normal saline by PCA. The control group (PCA) received nebulized saline every 4 hours and morphine by PCA. Dose adjustments were made based on patient response to treatments using a 10-point visual analog scale (VAS) for pain. Pulmonary function, pain relief (VAS), level of sedation (0-3), total drug administration, and systematic side effects were recorded. RESULTS Forty-four patients were randomized (22 per group). Seven hundred seventy observations were made. The mean 4-hour dose of morphine was 11.96 +/- 3.4 mg for NMS and 6.22 +/- 4.7 mg for PCA (p < 0.001). Patients with NMS had lower heart rates compared with PCA (79 +/- 11 bpm versus 92 +/- 12 bpm; p < 0.001) and were less sedated (0.33 +/- 0.7 versus 0.56 +/- 0.9; p = 0.03). The mean pain level (VAS) was 3.38 +/- 1.8 for NMS and 3.84 +/- 2.7 for PCA (p = 0.2). There was no difference between pain levels before and after dosing. There were no differences between groups with respect to arterial blood pressure, respiratory rate, vital capacity, mean forced expiratory volume in 1 second, spirometric volumes, or Sao2. CONCLUSION Nebulized morphine can be safely and effectively used to control posttraumatic thoracic pain. Pain can be successfully managed while vital capacity, mean forced expiratory volume in one second, and spirometric volumes are maintained. Compared with PCA morphine, nebulized morphine provides equivalent pain relief with less sedative effects.
COMPOSITE VS. MULTIPLE CRITERIA: A REVIEW AND RESOLUTION OF THE CONTROVERSY

THERE has been a controversy of long standing in industrial psychology between the advocates of the single composite criterion and those favoring multiple criteria. Earlier writers on this problem tended to favor the composite criterion concept (Toops, 1944; Brogden and Taylor, 1950; Nagel, 1953), and this doctrine remained essentially unchallenged until the second half of the fifties. Then, starting in 1956, a series of statements by a number of wellknown industrial psychologists appeared seriously questioning the utility of this concept and concluded that, in most cases, the use of multiple criteria was to be preferred to the use of the traditional composite (Ghiselli, 1956; Guion, 1961, 1965, pp. 114-119; Dunnette, 1963a, 1963b). To date, this controversy has not been satisfactorily resolved, as is obvious from the cautious and rather indecisive treatment the question receives in most standard texts in industrial psychology (Tiffin and McCormick, 1965, pp. 47-54, Blum and Naylor, 1968, pp. 184-193). The purpose of this paper is to set forth the basic arguments advanced for each position, to explore the assumptions underlying these arguments, and, finally, to offer a practical and conceptual resolution of the controversy.
Eruptive history and tectonic setting of Medicine Lake Volcano, a large rear-arc volcano in the southern Cascades

Abstract Medicine Lake Volcano (MLV), located in the southern Cascades ∼ 55 km east-northeast of contemporaneous Mount Shasta, has been found by exploratory geothermal drilling to have a surprisingly silicic core mantled by mafic lavas. This unexpected result is very different from the long-held view derived from previous mapping of exposed geology that MLV is a dominantly basaltic shield volcano. Detailed mapping shows that
A new type of active antenna for coupled Gunn oscillator driven spatial power combining arrays

A new type of active antenna appropriate for coupled Gunn oscillator driven spatial power combining arrays was developed. The active antenna uses a ring stabilized oscillator coupled to a slot antenna. The circuit should be useful in communications, radar, and sensor systems. >
Chemokine receptors and neural function

Numerous studies have demonstrated that chemokines play an integral role in diseases marked by inflammation. Recently, it has also been shown that chemokines and their receptors are widely expressed in the central nervous system by all types of cells, including neurons. The functions of neuronal chemokine receptors have yet to be fully defined. However, there are indications that neuronal chemokine receptors play an integral role in the development of the nervous system, in the regulation of neuronal excitability and in the signal transduction pathways that regulate neuronal survival. This review explores these topics and discusses the overall impact that chemokines may have on neuronal function.
Lifespan trajectory of myelin integrity and maximum motor speed

Objective Myelination of the human brain results in roughly quadratic trajectories of myelin content and integrity, reaching a maximum in mid-life and then declining in older age. This trajectory is most evident in vulnerable later myelinating association regions such as frontal lobes and may be the biological substrate for similar trajectories of cognitive processing speed. Speed of movement, such as maximal finger tapping speed (FTS), requires high-frequency action potential (AP) bursts and is associated with myelin integrity. We tested the hypothesis that the age-related trajectory of FTS is related to brain myelin integrity.
Sleep disorders and stroke

The purpose of this review is to highlight existing literature on the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and treatments of stroke sleep disorders. Stroke sleep disorders are associated with many intermediary vascular risk factors leading to stroke, but they may also influence these risk factors through direct or indirect mechanisms. Sleep disturbances may be further exacerbated by stroke or caused by stroke. Unrecognized and untreated sleep disorders may influence rehabilitation efforts and poor functional outcomes following stroke and increase risk for stroke recurrence. Increasing awareness and improving screening for sleep disorders is paramount in the primary and secondary prevention of stroke and in improving stroke outcomes. Many vital questions about the relationship of sleep disorders and stroke are still unanswered and await future well-designed studies.
Psychometric properties of the second version of the Occupational Performance History Interview (OPHI-II).

Objective This study examined the validity of the Occupational Identity, Occupational Competency, and Occupational Behavior Settings scales of the second version of the Occupational Performance History Interview (OPHI-II). The study also asked whether the scales' items were targeted to and could effectively discriminate between persons at different levels of adaptation. Method Data were collected from 151 raters on 249 subjects from eight countries and in six languages. Many-faceted Rasch analysis was used to analyze the data. Results The items of each scale worked effectively to measure the underlying construct for which they were designed. All three scales validly measured more than 90% of the subjects, who varied by nationality, culture, age, and diagnostic status. Each scale's items were appropriately targeted to the subjects, and all three scales distinguished subjects into approximately three different levels. More than 90% of the raters used the three scales validly and had approximately the same degree of severity or leniency. The scales were valid across subjects with physical dysfunction and psychiatric conditions as well as subjects with no active diagnosed condition. Conclusion The three scales of the OPHI-II are valid across age, diagnosis, culture, and language and effectively measure a wide range of persons. Raters can readily use the OPHI-II validly without formal training.
The Mediation Process The Effects of Mediator Bias and Disputant Power

This study examined the impact of mediator bias and disputant power over the mediator on acceptance of the mediator and mediator influence. Disputants who perceived the mediator as biased against their side were less accepting of the mediator and less influenced by the mediator than disputants who perceived the mediator as neutral. Disputants with high power over the mediator were more accepting of the mediator but tended to be less influenced by the mediator than disputants with low power. Disputants with high power also used less contentious tactics and reported that they were less concerned about appearing strong to the mediator than disputants with low power. 7here were no interactions between mediator bias and disputant power.
Therapy Related Leukemias: Susceptibility, Prevention and Treatment

Acute leukemia is the most frequent therapy-related malignancy. Together with the increasing use of chemo- and radiotherapy, individual predisposing factors play a key role. Most of secondary leukemias can be divided in two well-defined groups: those secondary to the use of alkylating agents and those associated to topoisomerase inhibitors. Leukemias induced by alkylating agents usually follow a long period of latency from the primary tumour and present as myelodysplasia with unbalanced chromosomal aberrations. These frequently include deletions of chromosome 13 and loss of the entire or of part of chomosomes 5 or 7. The loss of the coding regions for tumor suppressor genes from hematopoietic progenitor cells is a particularly unfavourable event, since the remaining allele becomes susceptible to inactivating mutations leading to the leukemic transformation. The tumorigenic action of topoisomerase inhibitors is on the other hand due to the formation of multiple DNA strand breaks, resolved by chromosomal tr...
Mitigating the Effect of a Criminal Record at Sentencing: Local Life Circumstances and Substantial Assistance Departures Among Recidivists in Federal Court

The assumption in courts and sentencing research is that recidivists—or, defendants with a criminal record who are facing new charges—are considered more blameworthy and perceived as more dangerous...
Grasping, manipulation, and control with tactile sensing

Preliminary experiments are presented concerning the use of tactile sensing to enhance the flexibility and robustness of robotic manipulation. A simple two-fingered manipulator with very clean dynamics has been constructed to focus on tactile and force sensing in manipulation. Manipulation is characterized by constantly changing mechanical systems, as fingers make or break contact or start to roll or slide on the surface of a grasped object. It is important to detect these changes since control schemes must change to match the varying task requirements. Following the human model, it is shown that dynamic tactile sensors can reliably detect the changing contact conditions. In a simple grasp-lift-replace task, use of these sensors enables the manipulator to cope with uncertainty in object location and task forces. >