cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
STABLE PREDICTORS OF RECIDIVISM

Seventy-one studies are reviewed which present data on the relationship between biographical predictors and recidivism in 177 independent samples of offenders. A summary table lists the number of samples in which a particular predictor was found to be related to recidivism and the number of samples in which that predictor was found to be unrelated to recidivisim. Detailed summaries of the relation between “type of instant offense” and recidivism and “age at first arrest” and recidivism are also included.
From the vendor's perspective: exploring the value proposition in information technology outsourcing

To date, most research on information technology (IT) outsourcing concludes that firms decide to outsource IT services because they believe that outside vendors possess production cost advantages. Yet it is not clear whether vendors can provide production cost advantages, particularly to large firms who may be able to replicate vendors' production cost advantages in-house. Mixed outsourcing success in the past decade calls for a closer examination of the IT outsourcing vendor's value proposition. While the client's sourcing decisions and the client-vendor relationship have been examined in IT outsourcing literature, the vendor's perspective has hardly been explored. In this paper, we conduct a close examination of vendor strategy and practices in one long-term successful applications management outsourcing engagement. Our analysis indicates that the vendor's efficiency was based on the economic benefits derived from the ability to develop a complementary set of core competencies. This ability, in turn, was based on the centralization of decision rights from a variety and multitude of IT projects controlled by the vendor. The vendor was enticed to share the value with the client through formal and informal relationship management structures. We use the economic concept of complementarity in organizational design, along with prior findings from studies of client-vendor relationships, to explain the IT vendors' value proposition. We further explain how vendors can offer benefits that cannot be readily replicated internally by client firms.
Dollar GDP per capita in Cuba

Abstract Cuban dollar GDP per capita in 1980 is estimated using different variants of the physical indicators (PI) method. Three variants are discussed and analyzed: rudimentary PI, elaborated PI, and factor analysis PI. The iterative procedure suggested by the elaborated PI method is found to produce anomalous empirical results and to lack theoretical foundation. In constant 1980 dollars ( K v , scale), Cuban GDP per capita in 1980 is estimated to be $2325 by the rudimentary PI method and $2691 by the factor analysis PI method. In 1980 international dollars ( K x scale), Cuban GDP per capita in 1980 is estimated to be $3385 by the rudimentary PI method and $3483 by the factor analysis PI method. The plausibility of these estimates is discussed.
TESTING AND EVALUATION OF EV-1300 LEAD-ACID MODULES FOR THE HYBRID VEHICLE APPLICATION

This paper presents the results of testing and evaluation of GE/Globe EV-1300 lead-acid modules developed by Globe Battery Division of Johnson Controls, Inc., for the hybrid vehicle, HTV-1, developed by General Electric (GE) for the Department of Energy. The design of this battery was derived from that of the Globe Improved State of the Art (ISOA) battery under development for the ETV-1 all-electric vehicle. Key differences in the battery performance requirements for the HTV-1 hybrid vehicle, as opposed to the ETV-1, are higher specific power (137 W/kg versus 104 W/kg sustained for 15 seconds at 50% depth of discharge (DOD)) and less specific energy (36.1 Wh/kg versus 37.5 Wh/kg at a 3h discharge rate). Higher battery power is required for two reasons. First, in HTV-1, the battery is a smaller mass fraction of the design vehicle (341 kg battery/about 1800 kg vehicle = about 0.19) compared to the ETV-1 (488 kg battery/ about1660 kg vehicle = about 0.29). Second, the performance requirements for the HTV-1 are referenced to the more-demanding EPA urban driving schedule compared to the SAE J227aD urban driving schedule for the ETV-1. Less specific energy was specified for the HTV-1 to allow the battery developer to concentratemore » on high specific power; furthermore, petroleum energy is available to achieve extended range. The objective of the hybrid vehicle is to reduce petroleum consumption in overall driving.« less
Abstract 17428: Inpatient Mortality, Rates of Cardiac Catheterizations, Revascularization and National Trends after Acute Myocardial Infarction in Patients with Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorders

Objective: To investigate inpatient mortality, cardiac catheterizations, revascularization and national trends after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder patients compared with the general population. Methods: Nationwide Inpatient Sample database is a stratified inpatient discharges database in the United States. Data from 2002 to 2011 was used for this study. Patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorders who had AMI were compared with a random sample of all other adults with AMI who had no mental illness. Inpatient mortality, rates of cardiac catheterization, PCI and CABG were compared in logistic regression models after adjusting for demographic, medical risk factors, hospital properties and AMI complications. Results: From the year 2002 to 2011 a total of 1,778,915 adult patients were identified who had AMI without any psychiatric disorders. Schizophrenia (n=6212) and bipolar disorders (n=9202) patients who had AMI were identified after exclusion of other coexisti...
The effects of cache organizations on the performance of on-demand routing protocols in ad hoc networks

Route caching strategy is important in an on-demand routing protocol in wireless mobile ad hoc networks. While high routing overhead usually has a significant performance impact in low bandwidth wireless network, a good route caching strategy can reduce routing overhead by making use of the available route information more efficiently. In this paper, we stud), the effects of two cache organizations, "link cache" and "path cache", on the performance of on-demand routing protocols through simulation. The effect of a static link timeout mechanism is studied and an adaptive link timeout mechanism is proposed. The adaptive timeout mechanism aims to keep tracking of the "optimal" link lifetime under varied node mobility levels by dynamically adapting the estimated link lifetime using a moving average from the real link lifetime statistics. We present the simulation results in terms of routing overhead, packet delivery ratio, and end-to-end delay. The results indicate that without an appropriate stale link removal mechanism, a link cache organization may suffer severe performance degradation because of the large number of route error messages generated. However, with an appropriate timeout mechanism, the link cache organization reduces the routing overhead significantly and outperforms the path cache when the network traffic load is high. Our simulation is based on the Dynamic Source Routing (DSR) protocol.
Influence of attitudes on pharmacists' intention to report serious adverse drug events to the Food and Drug Administration

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT • Attitude is an important factor impacting pharmacists' reporting of adverse drug events (ADE) to pharmacovigilance centres. • However, little is known about United States (US) pharmacists' attitudes with respect to ADE reporting. No known study has assessed US pharmacists' attitude to report serious ADEs to the FDA. WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS • This study results suggest that pharmacists hold favourable attitudes toward reporting serious ADEs to the FDA and there is an association between pharmacists' attitude and intention to report serious ADEs. • Pharmacists' beliefs that reporting serious ADEs was time consuming and disrupted the normal workflow impact on reporting intentions. • Pharmacists' attitudes towards reporting need to be improved in order to enhance patient and drug safety. AIM To investigate the influence of pharmacists' attitudes on intention to report serious adverse drug events (ADEs) to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). METHODS This cross-sectional study used a mail survey to collect data from hospital and community pharmacists practicing in Texas, United States. Three and 16 items were used to measure intention and attitudes, respectively, using a seven-point bipolar scale. Pharmacists' demographic and practice characteristics, and past reporting were also measured. RESULTS The response rate was 26.4% (n= 377/1500 pharmacists). Most pharmacists intended (n= 297, 78.8%) to report serious ADEs that they will encounter to the FDA through MedWatch. Overall, pharmacists held favourable attitudes towards reporting serious ADEs (mean = 24.5, SD = 6.7, possible range 1–49, neutral = 16). Pharmacists intending to report serious ADEs had more favourable attitudes than those who did not (P < 0.001). About 90% of the pharmacists believed that reporting serious ADEs would improve patient safety. However, 72.6% indicated that reporting serious ADEs was time consuming and over half (55.5%) of the respondents believed that reporting serious ADEs disrupted the normal workflow. Non-intenders held stronger beliefs that ADE reporting would disrupt the normal workflow and was time consuming compared with intenders. Years of experience, number of hours worked and practice setting were associated with pharmacists' attitudes towards reporting (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Most pharmacists held moderately favourable attitudes and high intentions toward reporting serious ADEs to the FDA. This study's findings contribute to an increased understanding of individual factors that influence pharmacists' attitude and intention towards reporting serious ADEs to the FDA.
Stroke Patients And Diagnostic Testing- The Weekend Waiting Game! (I2-1.010)

BACKGROUND: Inpatient hospitalization contributes considerable costs to healthcare expenditures in the US. Increased lengths of stay (LOS) can lead to increased costs. At the University of Kentucky Medical Center (UKMC), there appear to be delays in care for patients admitted over the weekend due to availability of certain testing, such as MRI and Echocardiogram. This may lead to delays in delivering appropriate care, increased LOS, and costs. DESIGN/METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed charts for stroke patients admitted to UKMC between September to November 2012. Two groups were defined, based on the day of week tests were ordered. Group 1 included patients with MRI/ Echo ordered between Monday through Thursday. Group 2 patients were defined as having tests ordered Friday through Sunday. RESULTS: 275 MRIs were performed with average time from order to completion of 15.60 hours. Average time to completion was 13.2 hours +/- SD 12.6 and 20.75 hours +/- SD 19.5 for Groups 1 (n=168) and 2 (n=97), respectively, p=0.002. 272 Echocardiograms were performed with average time from order to completion of 23.35 hours. Average time to completion was 17.4 hours +/-SD 11.2 and 33.4 +/- SD 21.6 hours for Groups 1 (n=171) and 2 (n=101), respectively, p <0.0001. We examined the impact of test time to completion on hospital costs for minor stroke (defined as LOS <4 days). Average costs were $2731.00 +/ SD 1877 and $3650+/- SD 2738 for Groups 1 and 2, respectively, p=0.042. CONCLUSIONS: There was a 57% increase in the time to complete MRIs and 92% increase in the time to complete Echocardiograms ordered on the weekend. This represents a significant delay in care and can impact costs. The hiring of additional MRI and Echocardiogram technicians could reduce delays in patient care and LOS, thus reducing costs for both patients and the system. Disclosure: Dr. Mathias has nothing to disclose. Dr. Lee has nothing to disclose.
The influence of vegetation on the hydrodynamics and geomorphology of a tree island in Everglades National Park (Florida, United States)

Transpiration-driven nutrient accumulation has been identified as a potential mechanism governing the creation and maintenance of wetland vegetation patterning. This process may contribute to the formation of nutrient-rich tree islands within the expansive oligotrophic marshes of the Everglades (Florida, United States). This study presents hydrogeochemical data indicating that tree root water uptake is a primary driver of groundwater ion accumulation across one of these islands. Sap flow, soil moisture, water level, water chemistry, and rainfall were measured to identify the relationships between climate, transpiration, and groundwater uptake by phreatophytes and to examine the effect this uptake has on groundwater chemistry and mineral formation in three woody plant communities of differing elevations. During the dry season, trees relied more on groundwater for transpiration, which led to a depressed water table and the advective movement of groundwater and dissolved ions, including phosphorus, from the surrounding marsh towards the centre of the island. Ion exclusion during root water uptake led to elevated concentrations of all major dissolved ions in the tree island groundwater compared with the adjacent marsh. Groundwater was predominately supersaturated with respect to aragonite and calcite in the lower-elevation woody communities, indicating the potential for soil formation. Elevated groundwater phosphorous concentrations detected in the highest-elevation woody community were associated with the leaching of inorganic sediments (i.e. hydroxyapatite) in the vadose zone. Understanding the complex feedback mechanisms regulating plant/groundwater/surface water interactions, nutrient dynamics, and potential soil formation is necessary to manage and restore patterned wetlands such as the Everglades. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Kartellrecht und GKV

Protagonisten der GKV empfinden das Kartellrecht haufig als Storfaktor fur die Realisierung des Solidarprinzips. Dementsprechend werden schon seit Jahren Glaubenskampfe um die Anwendung der Wettbewerbsregeln auf gesetzliche Krankenkassen ausgetragen. Der Beitrag behandelt die vier aktuellen Hauptkampfzonen, namlich die generelle Anwendbarkeit des EG-Kartellrechts auf Krankenkassen, die Bedeutung der Neufassung des § 69 SGB V, die Fusionskontrolle bei Krankenkassen sowie die Anwendbarkeit des Vergaberechts auf Vertrage der Krankenkassen mit Leistungserbringern. Im Zentrum steht hierbei die Frage, ob Krankenkassen als Unternehmen im kartellrechtlichen Sinn betrachtet werden konnen. Die Untersuchung zeigt, dass sich PKV und GKV infolge gesetzlicher Eingriffe einander immer starker annahern. Kartellrechtliche Ausnahmebereiche sind daher immer weniger gerechtfertigt. Dies gilt namentlich fur das Angebot von Krankheitsvollversicherungen einschlieslich von Wahltarifen an freiwillig Versicherte.
Influence of click polarity on the brain-stem auditory evoked response (BAER) revisited

Abstract Brain-stem auditory evoked responses (BAERs) were recorded both to rarefaction and condensation click stimulation in 92 normal hearers and 78 patients with varying degrees of cochlear hearing loss (N = 340 ears). Frequency distributions of rarefaction minus condensation (R - C) latency and amplitude differences revealed clinically significant polarity effects in a substantial percentage of the patients studied. Bivariate plots of R - C latency and amplitude differences versus average high frequency hearing loss (PTA 3) demonstrated that the magnitude of the R - C latency and amplitude differences also seemed to be influenced by degree of high frequency hearing loss. Results are discussed relative to the phase-locking properties of the afferent auditory nerve fibers and the possible electrodiagnostic consequences of recording the BAER either to alternating or condensation clicks.
An Optimal Batch Size for a Production System Operating Under a Fixed-Quantity, Periodic Delivery Policy

A manufacturing system which procures raw materials from suppliers and processes them to convert to finished products is considered here. This paper develops an ordering policy for raw materials to meet the requirements of a production facility which, in turn, must deliver finished products demanded by outside buyers at fixed interval points in time. First, a general cost model is developed considering both supplier (of raw material) and buyer (of finished products) sides. This model is used to determine an optimal ordering policy for procurement of raw materials, and the manufacturing batch size to minimize the total cost for meeting equal shipments of the finished products, at fixed intervals, to the buyers. The total cost is found to be a piece-wise convex cost function. An interval that contains the optimal solution is first determined followed by an optimization technique to identify the exact solution from this interval.
Binding of microsomal triglyceride transfer protein to lipids results in increased affinity for apolipoprotein B: evidence for stable microsomal MTP-lipid complexes.

Abstract Apolipoprotein B (apoB) and microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP) are known to interact with each other. We evaluated the effect of different lipids on the protein-protein interactions between MTP and apoB100 or its C-terminally truncated forms. Negatively charged lipids decreased protein-protein interactions between apoB and MTP. In contrast, zwitterionic phospholipids enhanced (2–4-fold) the binding of apoB100 to MTP by increasing affinity (1.5–3-fold) between these proteins without affecting the number of binding sites. Similarly, phospholipids augmented (1.5–4-fold) the binding of various C-terminally truncated apoB peptides to MTP. The increased binding was greater for apoB peptides containing lipid-binding domains, such as apoB28 and apoB42. Surprisingly, preincubation of apoB28 with lipid vesicles had no effect on MTP binding. In contrast, incubation of MTP with lipid vesicles resulted in a stable association of MTP with vesicles, and MTP-lipid vesicles bound better (5-fold increase) to LDL than did lipid-free MTP. To determine whether MTP exists stably associated with lipids in cells, microsomal contents from COS cells expressing MTP, HepG2 cells, and mouse liver were ultracentrifuged, and MTP was visualized in different density fractions. MTP was found associated and unassociated with lipids. In contrast, apoB17 and apoB:270–570 were present unassociated with lipids in COS cells. These studies show that the binding of MTP to lipids results in increased affinity for apoB and that stable MTP-lipid complexes exist in the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum. Protein-protein interactions between apoB and MTP may juxtapose lipids associated with MTP to lipid-binding domains of apoB and facilitate hydrophobic interactions leading to enhance affinity. We speculate that MTP-lipid complexes may serve as nuclei to form “primordial lipoproteins” and may also play a role in the bulk addition of lipids during the “core expansion” of these lipoproteins.
Analysis of reflected Global Positioning System (GPS) signals from land for soil moisture determination and topography mapping

GPS signals reflected from the ocean surface have been used in remote sensing applications to determine sea-state and wind speed. Studies show that, with rougher surfaces, GPS signal pulses scatter more, which creates weaker and wider pulses at the receiver. Based on this model, the correlation between soil moisture, topography, and GPS signals was studied using reflections off the ground. The data used for the study were gathered during two flights in 1998 and 2001 around Austin, Texas and Albuquerque, New Mexico and later processed at Langley Research Center. The power of the signals were analyzed and plotted over Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) and Landsat7 images (near- and mid-infrared bands) to interpret the correlation of signal behavior with topography. In addition, the received signal's conduct was correlated with soil moisture data obtained from the Department of Agriculture's Soil Climate Analysis Network (SCAN) sites at Prairie View (Texas) and Adams Ranch (New Mexico). The strengths of the reflected signals were observed larger near known bodies of water and farmlands where soil moisture levels are known to be high. In general, for flat lands, the power of the signals and soil moisture contents appeared to have a close-to-linear relationship. In addition, the received pulses widened when reflected over rapid-changing topography in Texas, but any relationship among these was not perceived in New Mexico. Further studies are needed to obtain a definite relationship among soil moisture and reflected signal strength and to introduce satellite position in the signal-topography study.
Modes of state intervention and business group performance in China's transitional economy

Abstract This paper examines the contingent nature of state intervention affecting business group performance in the context of a transition economy by identifying different modes of state intervention in China's transitional economy. Using data on China's 76 business groups collected in 2006, I find that, at the group level, modes of state intervention have different economic effects on business group performance, depending on the specific modes of intervention and the context of the institutional environment in China's transitional economy. Through direct intervention – such as ownership, officials, and Chinese Communist Party members at the group level – the Chinese state failed to provide positive economic effects. However, the result demonstrates the state's ability to provide positive economic effects by matching the functional demands of the emerging market, such as loans from state-controlled banks as financial support.
[Leu]enkephalin and its metabolite, Tyr-Gly-Gly, impair active avoidance retention.

Abstract The current study examined the effects of [leu]enkephalin and its metabolite, Tyr-Gly-Gly, given immediately posttraining on active avoidance performance measured 24 h later. Initial experiments revealed that, in comparison to zero or one training trials, providing mice with two training trials significantly increased active avoidance performance measured 24 h later; this enabled us to examine the effects on retention of peptides administered immediately after the two training trials. It was found that Tyr-Gly-Gly (16 and 53 μg/kg) and [leu]enkephalin (30 and 100 μg/kg) administered in this fashion both significantly impaired retention; the dose-response functions for both peptides were U-shaped. Since the effects of enkephalins are most likely mediated by opioid δ-receptors, and Tyr-Gly-Gly has little or no activity at opioid receptors, the effects of the parent peptide(s) and metabolite are presumably pharmacologically distinct.
Effects of Noncontent Variables on Mathematics Test Performance.

Results of 120 research studies were combined by meta-analysis to determine effects on mathematics test performance of factors other than knowledge of content. Effect sizes for 18 variables were derived by the method invented by Glass and tested for consistency and significance with inferential statistics provided by Hedges and Olkin. Conditions that enhanced performance included testwiseness training, praise, word-problem pictures, and frequent testing. Conditions that depressed performance included the use of "none of these" as a multiple-choice option and the presence of extraneous information in word problems. Conditions to which performance seemed insensitive included external reward, reproof, and placement of the question in word problems.
The Good-looking National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform

Andrew Dobelstein, Professor Emeritus at The University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill School of Social Work responds to Eric R. Kingson's article entitled “A Tale of Three Commissions: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly.” The article was published as part of Poverty & Public Policy Volume 2, Issue 3.
Control gain adaptation in virtual reality mediated human–telerobot interaction

The Internet connects millions of computers worldwide, and provides a new potential working environment for remote-controlled telerobotic systems. The main limitation of using the Internet in this application is random delays between communicating nodes, which can cause disturbances in human–machine interaction and affect telepresence experiences. This is particularly important in systems integrating virtual reality technology to present interfaces. Telepresence, or the sense of presence in a remote environment, hypothetically is positively related to teleoperation task performance. This research evaluated the effect of constant and random network (communication) delays on remote-controlled telerover performance, operator workload, and telepresence experiences. The research also assessed the effect of using a system gain adaptation algorithm to offset the negative impact of communication delays on the various response measures. It was expected that with gain adaptation, system stability, performance, and user telepresence experiences would improve with a corresponding decrease in workload. Results indicated that gain adaptation had a significant effect on the performance measures. The study demonstrated that gain adaptation could reduce deterioration in telepresence experiences and improve user performance in teleoperated and telerobotic control. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effects of melecular oxygen on lignin degradation by Phanerochaete chrysosporium

Research has demonstrated that shallow stationary cultures of white-rot wood-destroying Basidiomycetes degrade lignin (14C-lignin → 14CO2) at much higher rates under O2 than under air. The present study, conducted with Phanerochaete chrysosporium, showed that the effect on rate is a dual one: a) Immediately preceeding appearance of the lignin-degrading system the partial pressure of O2 determines the amount of ligninolytic activity that develops in cultures; and b) after the system develops, the partial pressure of O2 affects the rate of oxidation.
Extensions of perpendicular recording

Abstract Gains in storage density in magnetic recording have fundamentally been achieved by scaling—reduced geometrical dimensions under the assumption that the recording physics does not change if all dimensions are scaled appropriately. It is becoming clear that evidence of the breakdown of scaling is now seen. We will here discuss ways to break the constraints on magnetic recording set by scaling. In particular, we will discuss energy-assisted recording, domain-wall-assisted recording, and bit-patterned media, with some emphasis on recording system considerations.
EAR BIOPSY LOCATION INFLUENCES DETECTION OF BORRELIA BURGDORFERI BY PCR, BUT NOT BY CULTURE IN NATURALLY INFECTED PEROMYSCUS LEUCOPUS

We determined if the ear biopsy location affected detection of Borrelia burgdorferi when either culture or the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used among 50 white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus), live-captured in a Lyme disease enzootic area in Maryland (USA) between March and October of 1991 and 1992. The infection status of individual mice was determined by organ culture; ear biopsy samples were obtained from the peripheral and central part of the ear for detection of B. burgdorferi by culture and by PCR. Overall, B. burgdorferi was cultured from one or more tissue samples in 33 (66%) of 50 captured mice. Among infected mice, B. burgdorferi was detected by culture in 29 (88%) of 33 peripheral and 28 (85%) of 33 central ear biopsy samples. By PCR it was detected in 24 (73%) of 33 peripheral and all 33 central samples (P = 0.002). Detection of B. burgdorferi by culture was independent of the ear biopsy location; however, the organism was detected by PCR with greater frequency in central ear biopsy s...
Space Technology 5 multi‐point measurements of near‐Earth magnetic fields: Initial results

The Space Technology 5 (ST-5) mission successfully placed three micro-satellites in a 300 x 4500 km dawn-dusk orbit on 22 March 2006. Each spacecraft carried a boom-mounted vector fluxgate magnetometer that returned highly sensitive and accurate measurements of the geomagnetic field. These data allow, for the first time, the separation of temporal and spatial variations in field-aligned current (FAC) perturbations measured in low-Earth orbit on time scales of approximately 10 sec to 10 min. The constellation measurements are used to directly determine field-aligned current sheet motion, thickness and current density. In doing so, we demonstrate two multi-point methods for the inference of FAC current density that have not previously been possible in low-Earth orbit; 1) the "standard method," based upon s/c velocity, but corrected for FAC current sheet motion, and 2) the "gradiometer method" which uses simultaneous magnetic field measurements at two points with known separation. Future studies will apply these methods to the entire ST-5 data set and expand to include geomagnetic field gradient analyses as well as field-aligned and ionospheric currents.
Plasmodium yoelii:The Role of the Individual Epidermal Growth Factor-like Domains of the Merozoite Surface Protein-1 in Protection from Malaria

Abstract The merozoite surface protein-1 (MSP-1) is a leading candidate for a vaccine targeted at the erythrocytic stages of plasmodial parasite development. Recently, there has been increasing interest in this polypeptide, particularly in the carboxyl-terminal EGF-like domains. We have previously shown that this region from Plasmodium yoelii, when expressed in native configuration, could immunize mice against an otherwise lethal challenge infection. In this model system, protection appears to be predominantly mediated by antibodies. In all rodent immunization studies to date, however, the immunogen has contained both of the postulated EGF-like domains. We report here on the efficacy of immunization with the individual EGF-like domains from P. yoelii in elicitation of a protective host response. Although all animals developed some level of antibody in response to the various immunogens, only those animals immunized with both EGF-like domains produced antibodies which could recognize the native MSP-1 molecule. Antibodies generated against the individual EGF-like domains did cross-react with the double EGF-like domain structure, suggesting that the immunogens had retained elements of native configuration. In addition, only those animals which generated antibodies capable of recognizing native MSP-1 showed any level of protection from challenge infection. These results suggest that determinants unique to the double EGF-like domain structure may be necessary for the generation of antibodies specific for the native configuration of MSP-1 and that these antibodies may play a significant role in protection.
Equilibrium-dependent bisphosphonate interaction with crystalline bone mineral explains anti-resorptive pharmacokinetics and prevalence of osteonecrosis of the jaw in rats

Bisphosphonates (BPs) are chemically stable analogs of pyrophosphate exhibiting strong affinity to bone and have been used for the treatment of diseases characterized by excessive bone resorption. Contrary to the widely accepted BP accumulation model in bone after repeated applications, we report here that an equilibrium-dependent BP-crystalline bone mineral interaction may better explain BP bio-distribution and anti-catabolic bone remodeling and may be relevant to the appearance of osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) in rats. Fluorescent-labeled BP analogs were synthesized and used to evaluate the mode of bone adsorption. After fluorescent-labeled BP adsorbed on crystalline calcium phosphates in vitro, subsequent BP application replaced the previously absorbed BP depending on the dose and the relative binding affinity to hydroxyapatite. The in vivo intravenous zoledronate (ZOL) injection of repeated fractional doses resulted in lower serum CTX and TRAP5b measurements than a single bolus injection in spite of the equivalent cumulative dose. Repeated injections resulted in the distribution of fluorescent-labeled BP on the large area of bone surfaces; whereas the single bolus injection gave rise to the intense BP bio-distribution at selected bone sites such as the alveolar process of jawbones. Necrotic maxillary alveolar bone was predominantly observed in vitamin D deficiency rats treated with bolus ZOL injection. The palatal necrotic bone was characteristically sequestrated by the fistulation of hyperplastic oral epithelium, suggesting the initial development of ONJ-like lesions in rats. Our results suggest that equilibrium-dependent BP-bone interaction may, in part, determine the effectiveness and influence side effects of long-term and repeated applications of BPs.
A prospective study of handcuff neuropathies.

Prior reports of handcuff-related neuropathies have been retrospective or small series of cases selected for their unusual electrophysiological or historical features. We conducted a prospective 27-month study at a large, urban, teaching hospital of all patients with a complaint of hand numbness, weakness, or paresthesias attributed to overtightened handcuffs. Forty-one patients were evaluated clinically, and electrodiagnostic testing was performed on 18. In the group with electrodiagnostic testing, neuropathies due to overtightened handcuffs were detected in 22 superficial radial, 12 median, and 9 ulnar nerves. The correlation between clinical and electrodiagnostic findings was best for superficial radial neuropathies, some of which were severe. Median and ulnar nerve injuries were generally mild. Similar clinical findings were obtained in the group without electrodiagnostic testing. Handcuff-related injury to the most commonly affected nerve, the superficial radial, can be severe and permanent.
Cryosurgery for prostatic carcinoma

Abstract For a large group of patients with advanced estrogen-resistant prostatic carcinoma no satisfactory mode of therapy exists. In these cases, cryosurgery of the prostate, an established modality in the management of poor risk patients, may offer a unique opportunity for immunologic intervention. Although advocates of the procedure believe that pain can be lessened in a significant percentage of cases, objective clinical and laboratory evidence to support this impression is lacking. Further understanding of the immunology of prostatic carcinoma must be obtained before palliative cryosurgery can attain wide application.
Primary Progressive Aphasia — A Language-Based Dementia

Primary progressive aphasia is an atypical dementia in which language abilities deteriorate while memory is relatively preserved. For many years, the principal signs and symptoms may be confined to the area of language. Patients may come to medical attention because of the onset of word-finding difficulties, abnormal speech patterns, or prominent errors in spelling. Neuropsychological testing can help establish the correct diagnosis.
Emodin in buckthorn: a feeding deterrent to phytophagous insects.

Emodin, a mixture of anthraquinones, occurs in the Rhamnaceae and functions as a deterrent to foliage-feeding insects. There was little attack on foliage of Rhamnus alnifolia in wild stands compared with associated species of woody plants. Anthraquinones extracted from foliage of R. alnifolia were similar to purchased emodin in thin-layer chromatographic and infra-red spectroscopic analyses. Quantities of emodin in foliage samples were high in May, declining to low levels in August. Leaf powders, leaf extracts, and purchased emodin all showed feeding deterrent activity when mixed with artificial diets and assayed with gypsy moth larvae. Purchased emodin showed similar activity when sprayed on foliage of small cherry trees and assayed with eastern tent caterpillar larvae.
Weather and Seed Quality Variables to Predict Cotton Seedling Emergence

Cette etude decrit une methode pour quantifier la qualite des graines et explique comment la temperature suivant la plantation interagit avec la qualite des graines pour influer sur l'etablissement
Comparison of the Beta 1 and Beta 2 Adrenoceptor Blocking Properties of Acebutolol and Propranolol

The purposes of this study were to evaluate the s 1 and s 2 adrenoceptor blocking properties of acebutolol and propranolol and measure the plasma levels of acebutolol, its acetylated metabolite and propranolol. Ten patients with reversible obstructive airways disease and hypertension received two separate dose levels of acebutolol and propranolol for five days each. Cardioselective properties were assessed by determining the s 1 and s 2 adrenergic-stimulating effects of terbutaline 5 mg before and at the end of each five-day treatment period. Both acebutolol and propranolol were clinically well tolerated. Following study drag there was a 100 percent inhibition of the s 1 terbutaline effect, and an approximate 83 percent inhibition of the s 2 terbutaline effect There were no clinically significant differences between acebutolol and propranolol. The acetylated acebutolol metabolite accumulated levels two to three times higher than the parent compound, and its effects may have destroyed the cardioselectivity of acebutolol. Thus, acebutolol did not demonstrate clinically relevant cardioselectivity.
Historical and preventive aspect of biological warfare

History has witnessed several civilizations and nations fall prey to bioterrorism. With the rise of new technology, more sophisticated weaponry is being instituted by nations worldwide. Countries spend significant revenue in research and development of their defense infrastructure. We take a look at the evolution of bioterrorism to its current state today. The data were collected from literature review of various online sources such as PubMed, EMBASE, Google scholar, UCLA, and USC libraries over a 2 years period in 2013 and 2014 at Los Angeles, California, USA. We discuss the historical aspects and preventive strategies of biological warfare. We characterize the various kinds of biological weapons and their role in spreading terrorism. In emergency situations where every second count, being equipped with management strategies for biological warfare will help in preventing further damage. This review aims at preparing the physicians for disaster management and disease control.
The Exurbanization of America and Its Planning Policy Implications

There is considerable evidence of continued population deconcentra tion in the continental United States. It has created, among other things, a new form of development, which we call exurbanization. In this paper we suggest the magnitude of exur banization in both spatial and popu lation terms, identify many of the reasons for the locational behavior of exurban households, and present some notable planning policy impli cations. We ask our planning col leagues to comprehensively investi gate this new form of urban development. The risks to ignoring the nature, causes, consequences, and policy implications of exurbani zation are great.
Genetic differences in growth potential on amino acid deficient diets.

SummaryChicks from hens from a random-bred flock were raised to 4 weeks of age on either an arginine- or a lysine-deficient diet. The results showed an inherited growth potential for chicks given either amino-acid-deficient diet. In most cases, offspring of any one dam behaved differently on the 2 deficient diets. The ranking of dams on the basis of growth potential of offspring given a complete ration was similar to that obtained on the arginine- but not the lysine-deficient ration. The coefficient of variation of 4-week weights was greatest on the arginine-deficient diet and least on the complete diet.
Charged particle activation analysis applied to the detection of heavy elements

Trace analysis methods have been developed for determining thallium, lead and bismuth. Proton or deuteron activation is used followed by a radiochemical separation of the reaction products:203Pb from thallium,206Bi from lead, and207Po from bismuth. Activation curves are presented for different nuclear reactions occuring on the elements studied. Determinations have been carried out on high purity samples containing varying amounts of thallium, lead, and bismuth. Based on experimental data, the detection limits are estimated at 0.01 ppm for lead, and 0.001 ppm for thallium and bismuth, respectively.
Association of Moderate Alcohol Consumption and Plasma Concentration of Endogenous Tissue-Type Plasminogen Activator

Objective. —To assess whether an association exists between moderate alcohol consumption and plasma concentration of endogenous tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA), a serine protease that plays a central role in the regulation of intravascular fibrinolysis. Design. —Survey of self-reported alcohol consumption and plasma fibrinolytic capacity, controlled for lipid and nonlipid cardiac risk factors. Setting. —Participants in the Physicians' Health Study. Participants. —A total of 631 apparently healthy male physicians aged 40 to 84 years with no history of myocardial infarction, stroke, or transient cerebral ischemia. Main Outcome Measure. —Plasma concentration of t-PA antigen. Results. —A direct association was found between alcohol consumption and plasma level of t-PA antigen, such that mean plasma levels of t-PA antigen for daily, weekly, monthly, and rare or never drinkers were 10.9,9.7,9.1, and 8.1 ng/mL, respectively (Ptrend=.0002). The relation between alcohol consumption and t-PA antigen level was not materially changed in analyses that adjusted for total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol or nonlipid cardiovascular risk factors including age, body mass index, parental history of coronary heart disease, exercise frequency, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Conclusions. —These data indicate a positive association between moderate alcohol intake and plasma level of endogenous t-PA antigen that is independent of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. This finding supports the hypothesis that changes in fibrinolytic potential may be an important mechanism whereby moderate alcohol consumption decreases risk of heart disease. (JAMA. 1994;272:929-933)
Hormonal control of ornithine decarboxylase in isolated liver cells and the effect of ethanol oxidation.

Abstract The regulation of ornithine decarboxylase activity was studied in freshly isolated rat hepatocytes incubated in a chemically defined medium for 5 h. Glucagon, dibutyryl cyclic AMP, insulin and dexamethasone produced dramatic increases in ornithine decarboxylase activity, 6–100-times the basal activity. Actinomycin D inhibited completely the stimulatory action of these substances. With glucagon, dibutyryl cyclic AMP and insulin, the rise in ornithine decarboxylase activity was rapid but transient, peaking at 200 min and then declining rapidly. By contrast, the response to dexamethasone was gradual and sustained in the 5 h incubation. The transient nature of the response to glucagon was unaltered by repeated additions of optimally effective doses of glucagon suggesting the development of ‘refractoriness’ to the actions of this hormone. Ethanol oxidation inhibited by 50% the stimulation of ornithine decarboxylase by glucagon and dexamethasone and this effect was blocked by 4-methylpyrazole, an inhibitor of alcohol dehydrogenase. Acetate (2.5–20 mM), the metabolic product of hepatic ethanol oxidation, was also effective. The data indicate that glucagon, insulin and glucocorticoids are all effective in stimulating the activity of ornithine decarboxylase in isolated hepatocytes but they differ in their duration and time of peak of action. Additionally, the inhibitory effect of ethanol on the hormonal stimulation of ornithine decarboxylase is dependent on its oxidation and may be mediated by acetate.
The X-ray photoelectron spectra of inorganic molecules. XI1. Fluorine 1s binding energies in metal fluorides

Fluorine 1s binding energy measurements have been recorded for a variety of crystalline metal fluorides. Systems which have been studied are those containing either different or equivalent terminal M-F bonds, bridging M-F bonds or a mixture of both. Contrary to earlier literature reports, it is found in the present investigation that differences between fluorine 1s binding energies associated with these different bonds are very small (less than 0.5 eV), thereby suggesting that XPS measurements on metal fluorides are unlikely to be of routine use in distinguishing different fluorine environments.
Brian Wilson Reimagines Gershwin

Brian Wilson, 2010, CD, Disney #428902 In 2004, Brian Wilson gratified his ever-patient fans by completing his long-lost Smile album and showcasing the material live on an international tour. The p...
Run-time performance optimization of a BigData query language

JAQL is a query language for large-scale data that connects BigData analytics and MapReduce framework together. Also an IBM product, JAQL's performance is critical for IBM InfoSphere BigInsights, a BigData analytics platform. In this paper, we report our work on improving JAQL performance from multiple perspectives. We explore the parallelism of JAQL, profile JAQL for performance analysis, identify I/O as the dominant performance bottleneck, and improve JAQL performance with an emphasis on reducing I/O data size and increasing (de)serialization efficiency. With TPCH benchmark on a simple Hadoop cluster, we report up to 2x performance improvements in JAQL with our optimization fixes.
Performance of a three dimensional transformation-optical-flattened Lüneburg lens

We demonstrate both the beam-forming and imaging capabilities of an X-band (8-12 GHz) operational Luneburg lens, one side of which has been flattened via a coordinate transformation optimized using quasi-conformal transformation optics (QCTO) procedures. Our experimental investigation includes benchmark performance comparisons between the QCTO Luneburg lens and a commensurate conventional Luneburg lens. The QCTO Luneburg lens is made from a metamaterial comprised of inexpensive plastic and fiberglass, and manufactured using fast and versatile numerically controlled water-jet machining. Looking forward towards the future and advanced TO designs, we discuss inevitable design trade-offs between affordable scalable manufacturing and rigorous adherence to the full TO solution, as well as possible paths to mitigate performance degradation in realizable designs.
Yesterday (Eiko and Koma)

(2013). Yesterday (Eiko and Koma) Contemporary Theatre Review: Vol. 23, Alphabet: A Lexicon of Theatre and Performance, pp. 88-89.
Psychometric properties and norms for the Personality Assessment Inventory in egg donors and gestational carriers.

Although psychological evaluations are an integral element of screening for third-party reproduction and the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI) is commonly used for these evaluations, little is known about the psychometric properties or normative scores on the PAI among egg donors and carriers. We evaluated the PAI among 1,044 egg donors and gestational carriers from various fertility clinics across the United States. PAI scales were generally internally consistent in this population, although range restriction appeared to attenuate reliability on several scales. The PAI profiles of egg donors and carriers had elevated positive impression management and suppressed clinical scale scores relative to the community standardization sample, as would be expected given the contingencies of this assessment context. Scores were similar across egg donors and carriers and were similar whether the carrier or donor was known or not known to the prospective parents. Sample-specific norms are provided for the use of ...