cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The incorporation of 8-azaguanine into rat brain RNA and its effect on maze-learning by the rat: an inquiry into the biochemical basis of memory.

Abstract A hypothesis for the biochemical basis of memory is developed. It is postulated that memory traces in the nervous system are produced by the formation of altered RNA molecules. Data are presented which indicate that 8-azaguanine-2-C 14 is incorporated into rat brain RNA, and that intracisternally injected 8-azaguanine, while it does not depress a rat's ability to perform and recall a previously well-learned maze, does decrease a rat's ability to learn a new maze. The significance of these results, with respect to the hypothesis cited, is discussed.
The identity of the porphyrin pigments of the integument of eartrworms

Abstract The chromatographic behaviour, both on columns and paper, melting point and absorption spectrum of the porphyrin obtained from the integument of L. terrestris and A. longa confirms its identity as protoporphyrin. The violet coloration of the body will is due to the presence of the methyl ester of prostoporphyrin.
Privatizing the Private Family Farmer: NAFTA and the Transformation of the Mexican Dairy Sector

This article explores a much neglected class of rural producers in Mexico, commercial family farmers, whose position in a globalizing political economy is treated as either unproblematic or ignored altogether in the agrarian literature. I contend that these small-scale capitalist farmers, as well as their peasant and ejidal counterparts, are being "privatized" under Mexico's new neoliberal agricultural policies, culminating with the passage and implementation of NAFTA. While it might seem logical that capitalist farmers oriented toward commercial production would be pre-adapted for this new free-market model, they are instead subject to new rules for operating in an increasingly hostile, competitive market. In 1993 small commercial dairy farmers in north-central Guanajuato began to seek new organizational forms with which to achieve better market integration and increase profits during a period marked by falling milk prices, increasingly scarce and expensive credit, removal of subsidies, and rising costs ...
Sensory attributes and texture profile of beef burgers with gari

Beef burgers were produced using gari to substitute beef in the product formulations at 0% (control), 10%, 15% and 20% respectively. Cooking yield increased significantly (p 0.05) from the control without gari. Using gari had no significant (p>0.05) effect on flavor and odor attributes of beef burgers. Texture profile analysis of burgers showed significant (p<0.05) reductions in hardness, springiness, gumminess and chewiness at all levels of substituting beef with gari. Production cost of burgers reduced by 9%, 14% and 18% respectively using 10%, 15% and 20% gari in burgers. The results suggest that gari has promising potential for use in comminuted meat products.
Diffusion-weighted imaging of the brain in infants and children

During the last decade, diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) has become an important tool in the evaluation of a variety of disorders of the central nervous system in children. DWI relies on variability in the diffusivity of water molecules in the presence of a supplemental diffusion-sensitizing gradient to produce image contrast. Pathologic states alter the diffusion characteristics of brain water in a reproducible fashion. In this review, the DWI appearances of a number of common abnormalities of the brain in infants and children are presented.
Pathophysiology and new strategies for the treatment of Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease.

Legg-Calve-Perthes disease is a juvenile form of idiopathic osteonecrosis of the femoral head that can lead to permanent femoral head deformity and premature osteoarthritis. According to two recent multicenter, prospective cohort studies, current nonoperative and operative treatments have modest success rates of producing a good outcome with a spherical femoral head in older children with Legg-Calve-Perthes disease. Experimental studies have revealed that the immature femoral head is mechanically weakened following ischemic necrosis. Increased bone resorption and delayed new bone formation, in combination with continued mechanical loading of the hip, contribute to the pathogenesis of the femoral head deformity. Biological treatment strategies to improve the healing process by decreasing bone resorption and stimulating bone formation appear promising in nonhuman preclinical studies.
Membership Satisfaction as it is Related to Certain Dimensions of Interaction in a T-Group

(1969). Membership Satisfaction as it is Related to Certain Dimensions of Interaction in a T-Group. The Journal of Social Psychology: Vol. 78, No. 2, pp. 243-248.
INITIAL VENTRICULAR IMPULSE. A POTENTIAL KEY TO CARDIAC EVALUATION.

During the early stages of ventricular systole, myocardial tension develops very rapidly, ventricular pressure rises steeply to exceed arterial pressure, and momentum is then rapidly imparted to the blood flowing out of the ventricles. The acceleration of blood out of the ventricles is an expression of the force being applied by the contracting myocardium, and the peak flow velocity can be regarded as the product of the net force applied over the time from the onset of ejection to the peak. The product of force and time is designated by a well-established physical term: impulse (I=Ft). Thus, "initial ventricular impulse" appears to be an appropriately descriptive term for the dynamic properties of ventricular ejection. Direct and continuous records of acceleration, the outflow rate of blood, and the rates of change of ventricular and arterial pressure demonstrate that ejection of blood from both ventricles (particularly the left) is more like striking a piston with a mallet than like squeezing blood out o...
Presolar silicon carbide grains and their parent stars

Abstract— Carbon stars are an important source of presolar TiC, SiC, and graphite grains found in meteorites. The elemental abundances in the stellar sources of the SiC grains are inferred by using condensation calculations. These elemental abundances, together with C isotopic compositions, are used to identify possible groups of carbon stars that may have contributed SiC grains to the presolar dust cloud. The most likely parent stars of meteoritic SiC mainstream grains are N-type carbon stars and evolved subgiant CH stars. Both have s-process element abundances higher than solar and 10 100. The carbon star population (e.g., N, R, J, CH groups) needed to provide the observed SiC grains is compared to the current population of carbon stars. This comparison suggests that low-metallicity CH stars may have been more abundant in the past (>4.5 Ga ago) than at present. This suggestion is also supported by condensation-chemistry modeling of the trace element patterns in the SiC grains that shows that subsolar Fe abundances may be required in the stellar sources for many SiC grains. The results of this study suggest that presolar SiC grains in meteorites can provide information about carbon stars during galactic evolution.
Ethnicity, Language Capacity, and Perception of Ethnic-Specific Services Agencies in Asian American and Pacific Islander Communities

Abstract This study examined (1) the ethnicity and language similarity between professional staff and service users, and (2) client satisfaction in ethnic-specific services (ESS) agencies serving Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI). A combined method of agency survey and focus groups was used to collect the data. Findings indicate that ESS served a diverse AAPI population, although some ethnic and language sub-groups remain to be under served. Service users clearly prefer ESS, which is associated with a higher level of trust than mainstream services. However, staff simply sharing similar language or ethnic background does not automatically warrant trust. Trust is developed through a sense of respect that staff demonstrates within a cultural context. The feeling of trust is likely to determine AAPI clients' commitment to remain in treatment, a prior condition for achieving any desirable outcome.
Methods for policy research: taking socially responsible action

In a straightforward, matter-of-fact manner, Methods for Policy Research: Taking Socially Responsible Action, reveals in its title both the focus and the approach taken by its authors Ann Majchrzak...
Computation of Type Curves for Flow to Partially Penetrating Wells in Water‐Table Aquifers

Evaluation of Neuman's analytical solution for flow to a well in a homogeneous, anisotropic, water-table aquifer commonly requires large amounts of computation time and can produce inaccurate results for selected combinations of parameters. Large computation times occur because the integrand of a semi-infinite integral involves the summation of an infinite series. Each term of the series requires evaluation of the roots of equations, and the series itself is sometimes slowly convergent. Inaccuracies can result from lack of computer precision or from the use of improper methods of numerical integration. In this paper it is proposed to use a method of numerical inversion of the Laplace transform solution, provided by Neuman, to overcome these difficulties. The solution in Laplace space is simpler in form than the real-time solution; that is, the integrand of the semi-infinite integral does not involve an infinite series or the need to evaluate roots of equations. Because the integrand is evaluated rapidly, advanced methods of numerical integration can be used to improve accuracy with an overall reduction in computation time. The proposed method of computing type curves, for which a partially documented computer program (WTAQ1) was written, was found to reduce computation time by factors of 2 to 20 over the time needed to evaluate the closed-form, real-time solution.
The Molecular Basis of Rieger Syndrome ANALYSIS OF PITX2 HOMEODOMAIN PROTEIN ACTIVITIES

Rieger syndrome is an autosomal-dominant developmental disorder that includes glaucoma and mild craniofacial dysmorphism in humans. Mutations in the Pitx2 homeobox gene have been linked to Rieger syndrome. We have characterized wild type and mutant Pitx2 activities using electrophoretic mobility shift assays, protein binding, and transient transfection assays. Pitx2 preferentially binds the bicoid homeodomain binding site and transactivates reporter genes containing this site. The combination of Pitx2 and another homeodomain protein, Pit-1, yielded a synergistic 55-fold activation of the prolactin promoter in transfection assays. Addition of Pit-1 increased Pitx2 binding to the bicoidelement in electrophoretic mobility shift assays. Furthermore, we demonstrate specific binding of Pit-1 to Pitx2 in vitro. Thus, wild type Pitx2 DNA binding activity is modulated by protein-protein interactions. We next studied two Rieger mutants. A threonine to proline mutation (T68P) in the second helix of the homeodomain retained DNA binding activity with the same apparentKD and only about a 2-fold reduction in theBmax. However, this mutant did not transactivate reporter genes containing the bicoid site. The mutant Pitx2 protein binds Pit-1, but there was no detectable synergism on the prolactin promoter. A second mutation (L54Q) in a highly conserved residue in helix 1 of the homeodomain yielded an unstable protein. Our results provide insights into the potential mechanisms underlying the developmental defects in Rieger syndrome.
Radar backscatter signatures of thin sea ice in the central Arctic

Abstract Monitoring the early stages of sea ice growth is vital because the changing sea ice cover controls the heat exchange between the ocean and air. New ice growth is also responsible for adding brine into the upper portion of the water column. Thin sea ice also significantly affects the albedo of the surface as it changes from a sea surface to an ice surface. To investigate the ability of radars to map thin ice we performed radar backscatter measurements early in the fall freeze-up as part of the International Arctic Ocean Expedition '91 (IAOE'91(. We collected data over the thin ice types of light nilas, dark nilas, and pancake/slush ice using a ship-based, C-band FM radar with all four linear polarizations. Our results indicate that radars must be able to measure σ0 as low as - 30 dB for VV polarization and - 34 dB for HH polarization. The noise-equivalent σ0 fortheERS-1 Synthetic-Aperture Radar is - 24 dB and for RADARS AT is -23 dB. This implies that these sensors are not capable of monitoring th...
Energy Levels of Donor and Acceptor Dopants and Electron and Hole Mobilities in α‐Al2O3

The relation between activation energy of conduction and the position of energy levels of donors and acceptors is discussed. Level positions of donor and acceptor dopants in Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/ at 1600/sup 0/C are recalculated from published data. Carrier concentrations calculated from the new level positions lead to carrier mobilities with values scattering around 1 cm/sup 2/V.s, leaving the question of which conduction model is preferable unanswered. Relations of acceptor level positions with values of ionization potentials, redox potentials, and charge transfer bands are used to predict level positions for other transition metal acceptors.
System theory formulation of site-specific water quality standards and protocols

Abstract Habitat variability makes site-specific considerations a necessity in the specification of water quality standards. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recognized this in its development of procedures for site-specific modification of national standards. These procedures involves translation of laboratory toxicology data into field situations where such data are often poor predictors of biotoxicity. The whole problem is poorly specified. This paper formulates a system theory approach to better specification of the problems associated with setting water quality standards. A state space model of the general environmental protection problem is presented: Find a set of diagnostic variables whose maintenance within specifiable limits (standards) is both necessary and sufficient to protect all variables of a subject ecosystem. The program for this comprises a site-specific protocol. Stages in such a protocol include (1) choice of diagnostic variables, (2) establishment of necessity and sufficiency for these variables, and (3) determination of standards through (4) toxicity testing. Problems associated with the latter include (a) spatiotemporal variability, system (b) linearity-nonlinearity, and (c) stationarity-nonstationarity, and (d) monitoring for: baseline information, impact detection, determining compliance, establishing causality and making predictions. Each of these problems is structured in terms of the state space model. Then, current procedures of the EPA site-specific methodology are reviewed, and a set of recommendations proposed for their improvement using the system theory formulation to guide further developments.
Differences in Motor Proficiency According to Gender and Race

To assess possible differences in children's motor development data were collected from intact first-grade classrooms on six subtest items from the short form of the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Mot...
Breaking the Rules: Low Trait or State Self-Control Increases Social Norm Violations

Two pilot and six studies indicated that poor self-control causes people to violate social norms and rules that are effortful to follow. Lower trait self-control was associated with a greater willingness to take ethical risks and use curse words. Participants who completed an initial self-control task that reduced the capacity for self-control used more curse words and were more willing to take ethical risks than participants who completed a neutral task. Poor self-control was also associated with violating explicit rules given by the experimenter. Depleting self-control resources in a self-control exercise caused participants subsequently to talk when they had been instructed to remain silent. Low trait self-control and poor performance on a behavioral measure of self-control (the Stroop task) predicted poor compliance following experimental instructions over a 2-week span. Poor self-control thus undermines adherence to some social rules and regulations, therefore possibly contributing to a broad variety of social ills.
Adiabatic and non-adiabatic small polaron hopping in molecularly doped polymers

Abstract New hole drift mobility measurements for the molecularly doped polymer DEH ( p -diethylaminobenzaldehyde-diphenyl hydrazone) in polycarbonate and literature data for TPD (N,N′-diphenyl-N,N′-bis (3-methylphenyl)-[1,1′-biphenyl]-4,4′-diamine) in polycarbonate are analyzed by a new procedure which separates the functional dependence of the mobility on temperature and molecular spacing ϱ. Our analysis indicates that the dependence of the mobility on ϱ arises from different sources. In DEH: polycarbonate it is due to an overlap integral, as normally expected. In TPD: polycarbonate it is due entirely to the dependence of the activation energy on p , a significant clue to the underlying microscopic hole hopping mechanism. These data are consistent with the small polaron hopping theory in two regimes, non-adiabatic hopping in DEH:polycarbonate and adiabatic hopping in TPD: polycarbonate.
Homage to A. M. Gleason and I. J. Schark

We study the maximal ideal space of , where B is the unit ball of . Following the lead of Gleason and Schark, we analyse Gleason parts, fibers, the Sĭlov boundary and other aspects of this Banach algebra. Our work here makes good use of the inner functions construction of Aleksandrov and Hakim/Low/Sibony, particularly as formulated by Rudin (using ideas of Ryll and Wojtaszczyk).
Chromatin in pluripotent embryonic stem cells and differentiation

What makes a stem cell is still poorly understood. Recent studies have uncovered that chromatin might hold some of the keys to how embryonic stem cells maintain their pluripotency, their ability to self-renew and induce lineage specification. Embryonic stem (ES) cells are unique in that they are pluripotent and have the ability to self-renew. The molecular mechanisms that underlie these two fundamental properties are largely unknown. We discuss how unique properties of chromatin in ES cells contribute to the maintenance of pluripotency and the determination of differentiation properties.
Random mutagenesis of Legionella pneumophila with mini-Tn10

To more effectively study the genetic basis of Legionnaires' disease, we characterized a system for mini-Tn10 mutagenesis in Legionella pneumophila. The mini-transposons were first electroporated into Legionella on counterselectable vectors expressing altered target site transposases. Then, by simultaneously selecting for the kanamycin-resistance gene within the transposon and counterselecting against the maintenance of the plasmid, we directly and readily isolated strains bearing single chromosomal insertions. Southern hybridization analysis further demonstrated that the insertions were randomly distributed throughout the Legionella genome. The mini-Tn10 insertions were stable during extracellular and intracellular growth, and did not alter the infectivity of L. pneumophila. Thus, this mutagenesis system offers an easy, one-step approach toward isolating large populations of random mutants which can be screened for defects in virulence.
Initial coarsening of manganese sulfide inclusions in rolled steel during homogenization

Early during the homogenization of hot-rolled AISI 4340 low alloy steel at 1583 K manganese sulfide inclusions became cylindrical. At a later stage each cylinder broke into spheres (“ovulated”). It was found that: 1) the kinetics of the “cylinderizing” process can be described by the theory proposed by Nichols and Mullins for the decay of circumferential perturbations on an infinite rod; and 2) the rate of cylinderizing for inclusions with final diameter of 5 × 10−6 m or less is controlled by surface diffusion. In addition, it was predicted that “ovulation” of manganese sulfide rod-like inclusions in steel, which according to both theory and experiment is much slower than cylinderizing, should also be surface diffusioncontrolled.
On continuous monitoring top-k unsafe moving objects

With the wide usage of location tracking systems, continuously tracking relationships among moving objects over their location changes is possible and important to many real applications. This paper proposes a novel continuous location-based query, called the continuous top-k unsafe moving objects query or CTUO. This query continuously monitors the k most unsafe moving objects, where the unsafety of an object (protectee) is defined by the difference between its safety requirement and the protection provided by protection forces (protectors) around it. Compared with the traditional top-k queries where the score of an object represents its own characteristics, CTUO describes the relationships between protectees and protectors, which introduces computational challenges since naively all objects should be inspected to answer such a query. To avoid this, two efficient algorithms, GridPrune and GridPrune-Pro, are proposed based on the basic pruning technology from the Threshold Algorithm. Experiments show that the proposed algorithms outperform the naive solution with nearly two orders of magnitude on I/O savings.
Bioprocessing of coal and oil-water emulsions and microbial metabolism of dibenzothiophene (DBT)

Selective use of microorganisms for coal bioprocessing offers many possibilities such as mitigation of desulfurization conditions, enhanced liquefaction yields and production of coal with low-ash contents. In these investigations, axenic as well as soil-isolated bacterial cultures were tested for their coal bioprocessing potential. Pure cultures of Pseudomonas putida and Pseudomonas flourescens grown on benzoate were found unable to remove sulfur from bituminous raw coals (KY#211). Bituminous coals, when treated with N-methyl-2-pyrrolidine (NMP), also remained unaffected by these microorganisms. The bacterium Oil-2, which was isolated from an oil-soaked soil near an oil-well, demonstrated unequivocal ability to degrade dibenzothiophene (DBT). Its capability to degrade different organic sulfur compounds was found to be in descending order from DBT > DBT-sulfone ⪢ thiophene. Oil-water emulsions containing crude oil and H-coal (liquefied coal) were tried for desulfurization. A significant proportion (65–71%) of organic sulfur, present in crude oil-water emulsions, was found to be solubilized by the isolate Oil-2 and benzoate-grown Pseudomonas putida. Mass balance calculations revealed that 47% of the solubilized sulfur was recoverable as sulfate. Effect of pre-treatment of bituminous coal with a fungus Poria placenta, on desulfurization by the archaebacterium Sulfolobus brierleyi was also investigated and found to have facilitated the process to some extent. Cell-free extracts of Sulfolobus brierleyi were found to have an insignificant effect upon desulfurization of these coals.
The effect of 2,4-dinitrophenol on the metabolic rate of bobwhite quail.

Abstract Bobwhite quail were exposed to 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP) in a respirometer designed to continuously monitor exchange of O 2 and CO 2 , from which metabolic rates (MR) were estimated. After 14-16 days of acclimation to the system (temperature 22°C, light cycle 8L:14D), hens received feed amended with 0, 625, or 1250 ppm DNP ad libitum for 8 days, followed by 2-5 days of feed containing no DNP. The 625 ppm treatment produced dark-period MR 31-41% higher than corresponding control values, and light-period MR 23-32% higher than controls. The 1250 ppm treatment produced dark-period MR 48-77% higher than control values, and light-period MR 41-67% higher than controls. Over the 8 days of testing, the 625 ppm treatment hens expended 32% more energy than the control hens. Hens consuming 1250 ppm feed expended 60% more energy than control hens and lost most of their body fat. In general, the risk of being unable to meet energy demands for survival or reproduction would probably be substantially increased by the observed elevation in MR.
ANALYSIS OF MULTIPLE PARTICLE TRAJECTORIES AND DEPOSITION LAYER GROWTH IN POROUS CONDUITS

In the present paper a rather general method is outlined for the prediction of particle deposition on porous surfaces. In the numerical analysis a continuous dilute stream of small spherical particles subject to a laminar flow field in a porous-walled conduit has been considered. The coupled simultaneous interactions between particle trajectories, viscous fluid flow, deposition layer formation and permeation volume flux have been simulated using a unique matching scheme which relates discrete entrance positions of particle substreams with their associated landing areas, Existing analyses consider only single particles and prescribed permeation fluxes, i.e. dν is either a constant or an exponentially decaying function. The new multi-particle trajectory and deposition model was compared with published results from single particle trajectory studies and hemoglobin recovery experiments. The simulator was then employed to investigate the effects of initial operational conditions, particle layer growth, and cak...
Performance of digital pheromones for swarming vehicle control

The use of digital pheromones for controlling and coordinating swarms of unmanned vehicles is studied under various conditions to determine their effectiveness in multiple military scenarios. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of these pheromone algorithms for surveillance, target acquisition, and tracking. The algorithms were demonstrated on hardware platforms and the results from the demonstration are reported
Environmental management and its impact on the operations function

Recently, corporations have been confronted with a number of global environmental challenges such as global warming, acid rain, depletion of natural resources, waste management, green consumerism and pollution prevention. There is growing pressure to deliver products and services which are environmentally compatible. A number of corporations such as Du Pont, 3M, AT&T, Xerox and Procter & Gamble are, therefore, integrating various environmental policies and programmes into their operations strategy and specific decisions concerning operations such as product design/planning, process technology selection, and quality management. Introduces the concepts of environmental management (EM) and argues that firms which do not recognize the implications of environmental problems on the operations function will not succeed in the competitive market. Various environmental management practices (such as implementing aggressive pollution‐prevention programmes, initiating environment‐related performance measures and deve...
Insects in Korean Amber

ON the morning of September 1 I saw a piece of carved amber, containing Diptera of several species, in the shop of G. M. T. De Silva in Yokohama. I was informed that it came from Korea (Chosen), but as the exact locality and geological horizon were unknown, and the price was rather high, I did not purchase it. At noon of the same day the earthquake occurred, resulting in the destruction of the whole of Yokohama, including De Silva's shop. I should be greatly interested to learn anything more about this Korean amber, the insects in which should be described. Some days earlier I saw in Mr. Y. Nawa's museum at Gifu a very fine lot of fossil insects, apparently of late Tertiary age. These have never been critically studied or described, but it is to be hoped that they will eventually be properly recorded. I could not discuss them with Mr. Nawa, as he knows no English, and no interpreter could be found at the time of my visit.
Systems thinking and organizational learning: Acting locally and thinking globally in the organization of the future

Abstract To learn more rapidly and increase flexibility in a world of growing complexity and change, firms are experimenting with new modes of organization, new reward systems, and less authoritarian values — for example, reducing hierarchy, increasing local decision-making responsibility and individual incentives, and rewarding innovation. But local decision making and individual autonomy lead to management anarchy unless managers account for the interconnections and long-term side-effects of their local decisions. Laudable goals such as ‘empowering’ and ‘enabling’ individuals often prove counterproductive unless managers can act locally and think globally. Managers must become ‘systems thinkers’ as well as better learners. This paper reports on one approach to these issues: forming collaborative action research partnerships with corporations to 1) develop new tools to accelerate learning, and 2) test those tools in real organizations where managers face pressing issues. We argue that simulation is an important element of successful learning laboratories to develop systems thinking and promote organizational learning. A case study focused on improving quality and total cost performance in the insurance industry is presented to illustrate how these tools can both produce insight and focus change.
Fabrication of single crystalline MEMS DM using anodic wafer bonding

We report on the development of a new class of electrostatic MEMS deformable mirror (DM) fabricated through a combination of bulk micromachining, wafer bonding, and surface micromachining. The combination of these fabrication technologies introduces four major improvements over previous MEMS DMs, which are fabricated using surface micromachining alone. First, the MEMS DM structural components (mirror surface and actuator array) are made entirely of single crystalline silicon by use of the device layer of a whole 4-inch silicon-on-insulator (SOI) wafer bonded together via anodic bonding. Unlike current MEMS DMs fabricated entirely using surface micromachining, bulk micromachining steps in this fabrication process require no etch access holes, print through is inexistent, and no polishing steps are required. This leads to reduced diffraction of light from the mirror surface, improved mirror surface optical quality, and elimination of manufacturing processing steps. Second, through-wafer interconnects are used to connect the densely-packed electrostatic actuator array to driver electronics. This eliminates the need for wirebonding at the periphery of the DM, increasing the surface area available for actuators and removes the need for bulky wire bundles to connect the device to its driver. Third, by using the full area of a silicon wafer for each mirror, these MEMS DMs offer a larger optical aperture than any previously-reported MEMS DM. The larger aperture will achieve higher angular resolution, providing larger wavefront correction. Finally, the mirror and actuator thicknesses are not limited to several micrometers, unlike in surface micromachining. The thickness limits using this fabrication process is prescribed by the device layer thickness in SOI wafers, which vary between several micrometers to several hundred of microns.
Psychosocial status of hemodialysis patients one year after Hurricane Katrina.

ABSTRACT Background Hemodialysis patients experience a high degree of psychosocial impairment. Methods The psychosocial status of hemodialysis patients after Hurricane Katrina was evaluated using the Hurricane Coping Self-Efficacy (HCSE) measure, the Short Form-12 Health Survey (physical component summary [PCS] and mental component summary [MCS]), and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Short Depression Scale (CES-D). These scales were administered to 391 hemodialysis patients (86% participation rate), 7 to 14months after Hurricane Katrina. Results The mean score (standard deviation) was 36.2 (9.6) for the HCSE scale, 37.1 (10.9) and 46.7 (12.7) for the PCS and MCS, respectively, and 10.0 (6.5) on the CES-D. Symptoms of depression (CES-D scores ≥10) were present in 45.5% of patients. After age, race, and gender adjustment, evacuating less than 2days before Hurricane Katrina making landfall and more fear of dying were associated with less favorable scores on the HCSE, MCS, and CES-D scales. Patients placed in a shelter and with a longer displacement had significantly lower MCS scores and more depressive symptoms. More depressive symptoms were observed among patients hospitalized in the month after the storm. Those who evacuated to a hotel, with more fear of dying and who were hospitalized in the month after Hurricane Katrina had lower scores on the PCS. Conclusions Impaired psychosocial status was common among dialysis patients surviving Hurricane Katrina and associated with reduced coping. These data demonstrate the need for screening and management of psychosocial issues in hemodialysis patients after disasters.
Isolation of Casein by Ultrafiltration and Cryodestabilization

Casein was isolated from skim milk by ultrafiltration, storage of the retentate at -8°C for l-4 wk, and centrifuging of thawed samples at 5,000 ×g for 10 min. The extent of cryodestabilization of casein was dependent on the extent of ultrafiltration and storage time at -8°C. Ultrafiltration to a 4× or 6× volume concentration (VCR) ratio resulted in greater than 95% recovery of casein. Casein thus precipitated could be washed with water at 0°C without any significant loss of casein. Removal of lactose caused accelerated casein cryodestabilization in ultrafiltered samples as compared to control samples. Casein precipitated by this method is dispersible in water, whereas acid precipitated casein is not.
Adaptable intrusion detection using partial runtime reconfiguration

Intrusion detection approaches have been presented which detect anomalous malware behavior at runtime. Most techniques involve software-based analysis which is too slow to support the tight timing constraints often imposed on embedded systems. We propose a hardware-based intrusion detection approach which does not alter the functional performance of the system. When using a real-time operating system, the executing process changes several times each second, requiring fast adaptation on the part of the intrusion detection mechanism. We present a technique to exploit the partial runtime reconfiguration feature present on many modern field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) to adapt intrusion detection to a new process at each context switch. The use of runtime reconfiguration enables the flexibility of software-based approaches with the performance benefits of hardware-based approaches.
Quality & Time-on-the-Market in Residential Markets

We empirically examine Taylor’s (1999) theoretical prediction that longer time on the market is associated with a perception of lower quality. Our most robust result is from an ordered-logit model that provides evidence that an increase in marketing time is negatively related to property quality. Results from a time on the market duration model indicate that higher quality properties take less time to market and lower quality properties take longer to market relative to a typical property in the sample. We also estimate a probit model that indicates higher quality properties are more likely to sell and lower quality properties are less likely to sell. The empirical results from the models support Taylor’s theoretical model predictions that buyers perceive a longer time on the market as a signal of poor quality or the presence of a defect and thus, properties that remain on the market longer have a lower probability of selling.
Clean intermittent self-catheterization in the elderly

There has been some doubt as to whether or not the elderly patient can successfully master and comply with clean intermittent self-catheterization in the treatment of their bladder dysfunctions. We recently reviewed our experience with intermittent self-catheterization in patients sixty years of age and older to determine whether or not this was an acceptable alternative to other methods of urinary drainage. Our retrospective analysis of 65 patients between the ages of sixty and eighty years revealed that the elderly patient had little difficulty mastering the technique of intermittent self-catheterization. Complications were minimal and in general correctable. The catheterization program was successful in 94 per cent of the patients in our series.
One-Year Prediction of Pain Killer Use among At-Risk Older Teens and Emerging Adults.

The leading substance of misuse among teens after tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana is the use of pain killers. Very few longitudinal studies on prediction of pain killer use have been conducted among teens. This study examined the 1-year prediction of self-reported last 30-day pain killer use controlling for baseline 30-day painkiller use among 1186 alternative high school youth in California. Among demographic, behavioral, psychosocial, and environmental predictors, a multivariable model indicated that: (a) relatively higher levels of baseline pain killer use; (b) white ethnicity; (c) relatively lower levels of depressive symptoms (contrary to previous studies); and (d) those who live with both parents were more likely to report use of pain killer medications in the next year. It is speculated that those with relatively greater access to pain medication, within an at-risk social environment, are those who will use it later on.
CFO Intentions of Fraudulent Financial Reporting

This study investigates factors indicating CFO intentions of fraudulent financial reporting. Structural equation modeling is used to analyze survey data obtained from 139 CFOs. We find that an extended reasoned action model fits the data well and explains CFO intentions to report fraudulently. More specifically, we find that CFOs of large companies are more likely to report fraudulently in the financial statements and that compensation structure is not a good indicator of CFO intentions to report fraudulently. Informal and formal audit methods for assessing management attitudes toward fraudulent reporting, such as questionnaires and automated decision aids, are recommended since they offer the best opportunity to improve significantly auditors' ability to predict fraudulent financial reporting. Implications for future research and practice development are considered.
Modulation of survival motor neuron pre-mRNA splicing by inhibition of alternative 3' splice site pairing.

Spinal muscular atrophy is caused by the loss of functional survival motor neuron (SMN1) alleles. A translationally silent nucleotide transition in the duplicated copy of the gene (SMN2) leads to exon 7 skipping and expression of a nonfunctional gene product. It has been suggested that differentialSMN2 splicing is caused by the disruption of an exonic splicing enhancer. Here we show that the single nucleotide difference reduces the intrinsic strength of the 3′ splice site of exon 7 2-fold, whereas the strength of the 5′ splice site of the exon 7 is not affected. Thus, a decrease in splice site strength is magnified in the context of competing exons. These data suggest that lower levels of exon 7 definition not only reduce intron 6 removal but, more importantly, increase the efficiency of the competing exon 7 skipping pathway. Antisense oligonucleotides were tested to modulate exon 7 inclusion, which contains the authentic translation stop codon. Oligonucleotides directed toward the 3′ splice site of exon 8 were shown to alter SMN2 splicing in favor of exon 7 inclusion. These results suggest that antisense oligonucleotides could be used as a therapeutic strategy to counteract the progression of SMA.
Inducible fast ventricular tachycardia after ST-segment--elevation myocardial infarction: is ventricular tachycardia ever OK?

Although our understanding of sudden cardiac death (SCD) is far from complete, at least part of SCD post–myocardial infarction (MI) is because of ventricular tachycardia (VT) that degenerates to ventricular fibrillation. Because of the poor outcome of resuscitative efforts, considerable effort has been directed at risk stratification to guide interventions to prevent and to protect patients from this syndrome. Several clinical and laboratory variables (structural, arrhythmic, and autonomic) have been associated with poor outcome; how to use these to determine which patients are likely to have SCD, for which we have an established primary prevention treatment strategy, versus non-SCD remains elusive. Article see p 884 Ventricular ectopy was first recognized as a predictor of death in 1969; ventricular ectopy recorded on a standard ECG in outpatients were associated with a 6-fold increase in sudden death.1 For patients with early post-MI, Lown et al2 postulated that an electric catastrophe is more likely when ventricular premature beats occur early in the cycle, in salvos of ≥2, when they are multiform, or with a frequency >5/min. Ruberman et al3 showed that complex premature beats were associated with a risk of sudden coronary death 3× that for men free of these findings. A graded prognostic importance of ventricular premature beats and left ventricular dysfunction was described in the Myocardial Post-Infarction Program.4 The risk of nonsustained VT lasting 4 to 7 beats in the setting of acute coronary syndromes persists today as shown in the Metabolic Efficiency with Ranolazine for Less Ischemia in Non-ST-elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome-Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction 36 (MERLIN-TIMI 36) study.5 Programmed electric stimulation (PES) arose as a way of mimicking spontaneous ectopy and subjecting it to formal study. The pioneering work of Wellens, Josephson and others suggested that inducibility indicated reentry as a mechanism of VT …
Adaptive beamforming for correlated signal and interferences: A frequency-domain smoothing approach

A novel approach is presented to wideband adaptive beamforming for correlated desired signal and interferences. Unlike spatial smoothing, it solves the signal cancellation problem by using the idea of frequency-domain smoothing. Advantages over the spatial smoothing are identified, and a particular method is developed for moderately wideband system applications. A preliminary performance study shows that proper spatial filtering can be achieved whether the desired signal and the interferences are correlated or not. >
New Directions in Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Practice: Impact of the Children's Cancer Group Study 9933, a Phase II Study of High-Dose Chemotherapy Before Radiation in Children with Newly Diagnosed High-Grade Astrocytoma

ABSTRACT Background: Despite the use of surgery, radiotherapy (RT) and standard chemotherapy, childhood high-grade astrocytoma (HGA) continues to carry a dismal prognosis. In an attempt to identify effective drug combinations and an alternative treatment strategy, the Children's Cancer Group (CCG) conducted a nationwide clinical trial that prospectively evaluated 102 children with HGA and post-operative residual disease for efficacy and toxicity of four courses of high-dose chemotherapy (HDCT) before RT. Design and methods: Patients were randomly assigned to one of three couplets of drugs: carboplatin/etoposide (Regimen A); ifosfamide/etoposide (Regimen B); or cyclophosphamide/etoposide (Regimen C). After HDCT, all patients received local RT followed by lomustine and vincristine. Results: Of 76 evaluable patients (median age 11.95 years, range 3–20 years), 30 patients relapsed during HDCT and 11 others did not complete HDCT due to toxicity. Non-hematologic serious toxicities were common (29%) and 21% of patients did not receive RT. Objective response rates were not associated with amount of residual disease and did not statistically differ between regimens: 27% (Regimen A), 8% (Regimen B), and 29% (Regimen C). Overall survival (OS) was 24 ± 5% at 5 years and did not differ between groups. The 5-year, event-free survival (EFS) for all patients was 8 ± 3% and 14 ± 7% for Regimen A ( p = 0.07). Patients who responded to HDCT had a nominally higher survival rate ( p = 0.03 for trend). Interpretation: HDCT prior to RT provides no additional clinical benefit to conventional treatment in HGA, regardless of the amount of measurable residual tumor, and adversely effects ability to complete RT. Strong consideration should be given to investigating alternative strategies and novel biologic agents for this disease.
Use of Computed Tomography in Diagnosing Ventral Hernia Recurrence: A Blinded, Prospective, Multispecialty Evaluation.

Importance Physical examination misses up to one-third of ventral hernia recurrences seen on radiologic imaging. However, tests such as computed tomographic (CT) imaging are subject to interpretation and require validation of interobserver reliability. Objective To determine the interobserver reliability of CT scans for detecting a ventral hernia recurrence among surgeons and radiologists. We hypothesized there would be significant disagreement in the diagnosis of a ventral hernia recurrence among different observers. Our secondary aim was to determine reasons for disagreement in the interpretation of CT scans. Design, Setting, and Participants One hundred patients who underwent ventral hernia repair from 2010-2011 at an academic health care center with a postoperative CT scan were randomly selected from a larger cohort. This study was conducted from July 2014 to March 2015. Prospective assessment of the presence or absence of a recurrent ventral hernia on CT scans was compared among 9 blinded reviewers and the radiology report. Five reviewers (consensus group) met to discuss all CT scans with disagreement. The discussion was assessed for keywords and key concepts. The remaining 4 reviewers (validation group) read the consensus group recommendations and reassessed the CT scans. Pre- and post-review κ were calculated; the post-review assessments were compared with clinical examination findings. Main Outcomes and Measures Interobserver reliability in determining hernia recurrence radiographically. Results Of 100 CT scans, there was disagreement among all 9 reviewers and the radiology report on the presence/absence of a ventral hernia in 73 cases (κ = 0.44; 95% CI, 0.35-0.54; P P P Conclusions and Relevance Owing to the high interobserver variability, CT scan was not associated with reliable diagnosing in ventral hernia recurrence. Consensus guidelines and improved communication between surgeon and radiologist may decrease interobserver variability.
The effect of growth hormone on hepatic and renal acid and alkaline phosphatases.

Changes in the concentration of acid and alkaline phosphatases accompanying growth, in tissues other than bone, have been studied in chick embryos, healing wounds, and tumors (Moog, 1946). It therefore appeared of interest to determine whether or not arresting growth by hypophysectomy or stimulating it by injecting growth hormone alters the concentration of these enzymes in the liver and kidney of rats. Such experiments seemed the more pertinent because the growth hormone characteristically produces storage of nitrogen as protein (Lee and Schaffer, 1934; Young, 1945), and arguments for the implication of phosphatase in protein synthesis have been advanced (Moog, 1946). An increase in hepatic alkaline phosphatase in rats treated with adrenal cortex extracts (Kochakian and Bartlett, 1948) and changes in renal alkaline phosphatase during treatment with steroid hormones (Kochakian and Vail, 1944) also indicate the possibility of such a relationship. expeeimental The diets, feeding techniques, and animals were...
Molecular biology on a microfluidic chip

We have developed microfluidic chips for automating molecular biology processes such as gene ligation and gene transformation from nanolitre sample volumes with parallel architecture. Unlike conventional tube methods with cumbersome pipetting procedures, all processes, including metering of samples, ligation and transformation, were carried out in the microfluidic chips through pneumatic control of the nanofluid. The microfluidic devices presented here offer an illustration of some of the basic physics that arises when trying to miniaturize and automate biological techniques.