cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Early Interventions for Infants at Risk of Autism Spectrum Disorder

A plethora of research in early evidence-based behavior-analytic interventions consistently yield promising outcomes for teaching young children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) a variety of social, adaptive, behavioral, and functional skills. Given the promising results of previous basic experimental research with infants, we examine here the application of behavior-analytic interventions specifically designed for infants at risk of ASD. The present chapter first provides an overview of the various early markers, indicators, and behavioral characteristics reliably observed in infants, which are later associated with a diagnosis of ASD in early childhood. We review relevant content areas in the realm of infant social behavioral development from a behavior-analytic perspective, including the development of attachment, fears, precursors to language and social communication, like eye contact, vocalizations, joint attention, and social referencing. In this process, we also emphasize the unique role of the infant’s environment as a dynamic variable influencing the development of these various skills and provide general behavioral strategies derived from evidence-based behavior-analytic interventions with typically developing infants. Other nonbehavioral mainstream, eclectic, and emerging evidence-based approaches are offered as well. Lastly, we delineate guidelines and recommend ethical considerations when developing behavioral interventions for infants at risk, while outlining specific codes in the Professional and Ethical Compliance Code for Behavior Analysts. These recommendations include the responsibilities and competency of the practitioner, appropriate assessment procedures, identifying and defining goals, arranging the environment, designing methodology, and developing intervention and treatment specifics. Overall, our chapter illustrates how early behavior-analytic interventions can effectively establish pivotal social behavioral phenomena among infants at risk of ASD within their natural environment.
Factor Accumulation and the Determinants of TFP in the GCC

GDP growth in the GCC has been considerably higher than in advanced economies or other oil exporters since 1986. The paper shows that the GCC countries have swiftly accumulated large stocks of physical capital but the population increase and the shift away from oil meant that capital intensity actually decreased or remained roughtly constant. On teh other hand, the efforts that have been made to improve human capital would have had positive effects on growth though educational attainment remains below what is achieved by countries with similar levels of income. A growth accounting exercise suggests as a result that the development of Bahrain and Saudi Arabia was hampered by declining TFP, while TFP growth in Qatar and the UAE would have been low. One potential explanation is that the kind of capital that has been accumulated in the region (aircraft, computer equipment, electrical equipment) is not fully productive because the labor force is not educated enough. The paper also discusses the lessons from the impirical growth literature for the GCC. The poor quality of institutions and the large size of government consumption, both of which ar possile symptoms of a resource curse, could explain the disappointing TFP growth.
The Harten Memorial Lecture-New Applications of Upwinding

High resolution upwind schemes based on nonlinear limiting and the solution of Riemann problems have matured into a standard technology that has become invaluable in many scientific and industrial contexts. Pivotal contributions due to the late Ami Harten include the development of the Total-Variation-Diminishing (TVD) concept [29], approximate Riemann solvers [35], and the achievement of very high accuracy by means of Essentially-Non-Oscillatory (ENO) schemes [36, 34]. He also wrote a number of excellent survey papers [30, 31] that brought the underlying concepts into the common culture of scientific computation, and by his energy, enthusiasm, and extensive travelling forged enduring links between the mathematical and engineering communities. Because of these links, high resolution schemes combine today great practical utility with a high degree of theoretical sophistication. This workshop testifies to both aspects.
Chapter 1.1 The multi-dimensional database requirements of brain information in the era of rapid gene identification

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the multi-dimensional database requirements of brain information in the era of rapid gene identification. The chapter illustrates that even before the recent revolutions in methods to detect Expressed Sequence Tags (ESTs) of brain enriched or brain specific genes, the neurosciences had been moving rapidly, to accumulate data at rates clearly exceeding even a wise scientist's ability to organize and recall. The accelerated pace of molecular discovery has produced estimates that perhaps 97% of the ESTs associated with the major brain genes of mice are already in hand. In addition, the chapter explains the initial steps to harness the flow of neuroscientific data. It also discusses new instruments and methods by which molecular geneticists can now acquire and compare data of utmost pertinence to the brain
Managing the evolution of distributed and interrelated components

Software systems are increasingly being built by integrating preexisting components developed by different, geographically distributed organizations. Each component typically evolves independently over time, not only in terms of its functionality, but also in terms of its exposed interfaces and dependencies on other components. Given that those other components may also evolve, creating an application by assembling sets of components typically involves managing a complex web of evolving dependencies. Traditional configuration management systems assume a form of centralized control that simply does not suffice in these situations. Needed are new configuration management systems that span multiple organizations, operate in a distributed and decentralized fashion, and help in managing the consistent evolution of independently developed, inter-related sets of components. A critical aspect of these new configuration management systems is that they must respect the different levels of autonomy, privacy, and trust that exist among different organizations. In this paper, we introduce TWICS, an early example of such a new configuration management system. Key aspects of TWICS are that it maintains traditional configuration management functionality to support the development of individual components, but integrates policy-driven deployment functionality to support different organizations in evolving their inter-related components.
Una hamaca por país

Imagen 1. Fuente. Luz Marina Trellez. FOTOGRAFIA B/N1999 Yo diria que el paradojico relato en el que habito este pais de caminos prisioneros, es el del descubrimiento que produce el viaje. El viaje en sus diferentes vertientes: las perversas del exilio y el desplazamiento forzado a que nos obligan unos y otros ejercitos y cuyos puntos de ausencia han ido marcando hitos en mi vida. El primero, el de las lejanias de la persecucion politica de mediados de los ochenta. De ese tiempo me quedo gra...
C9ORF72 Intermediate Repeat Copies Are a Significant Risk Factor for Parkinson Disease

We set out to determine whether expansions in the C9ORF72 repeat found in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) families are associated with Parkinson disease (PD). We determined the repeat size in a total of 889 clinically ascertained patients (including PD and essential tremor plus Parkinsonism (ETP)) and 1144 controls using a repeat-primed PCR assay. We found that large C9ORF72 repeat expansions (>30 repeats) were not contributing to PD risk. However, PD and ETP cases had a significant increase in intermediate (>20 to 30+) repeat copies compared to controls. Overall, 14 cases (13 PD, 1 ETP) and three controls had >20 repeat copies (Fisher's exact test p = 0.002). Further, seven cases and no controls had >23 repeat copies (p = 0.003). Our results suggest that intermediate copy numbers of the C9ORF72 repeat contribute to risk for PD and ETP. This also suggests that PD, ALS and FTD share some pathophysiological mechanisms of disease. Further studies are needed to elucidate the contribution of the C9ORF72 repeat in the overall PD population and to determine whether other common genetic risk factors exist between these neurodegenerative disorders.
Plato on Poetry: Imitation or Inspiration?

A passage in Plato’s Laws (719c) offers a fresh look at Plato’s theory of poetry and art. Only here does Plato call poetry both mimesis “imitation, representation,” and the product of enthousiasmos “inspiration, possession.” The Republic and Sophist examine poetic imitation; the Ion and Phaedrus (with passages in Apology and Meno) develop a theory of artistic inspiration; but Plato does not confront the two descriptions together outside this paragraph. After all, mimesis fuels an attack on poetry, while enthousiasmos is sometimes used to attack it, sometimes to praise it. The explanation evidently lies in Plato’s understanding of drama, which in the Laws has grown more precise, from simply the presentation of characters to the presentation of multiple characters engaged in dramatic conflict.
Dysmyelination with preservation of transverse bands in a long-lived allele of the quaking mouse.

The new mutant mouse shaking (shk) differs from other “myelin mutants” in having a more stable neurological impairment and a much longer lifespan. We have shown that transverse bands (TBs), the component of the paranodal junction (PNJ) that attaches the myelin sheath to the axon, are present in the shk central nervous system (CNS), in contrast to more severely affected mutants, in which TBs are absent or rare. We have proposed that TBs are the major determinant underlying shk neurological stability and longevity. Here we report that TBs are abundant not only in the shk CNS but also in its peripheral nervous system (PNS), which, as in other “myelin mutants”, is not as severely dysmyelinated as the CNS but does display structural abnormalities likely to affect impulse propagation. In particular, myelin sheaths are thinner than normal, and some axonal segments lack myelin sheaths entirely. In addition, we establish that the shk mutation, previously localized to chromosome 17, is a quaking (qk) allele consisting of a 105-nucleotide insertion in the qk regulatory region that decreases qk transcription but does not extend to the Parkin and Parkin coregulated genes, which are affected in the qk allele. We conclude that: 1) dysmyelination is less severe in the shk PNS than in the CNS, but TBs, which are present in both locations, stabilize the PNJs and prevent the progressive neurological deficits seen in mutants lacking TBs; and 2) the insertional mutation in shk mice is sufficient to produce the characteristic neurological phenotype without involvement of the Parkin and Parkin coregulated genes. J. Comp. Neurol. 523:197–208, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prolonged recovery and reduced adaptation in aged rat muscle following eccentric exercise

We tested the hypothesis that exposure to eccentric (lengthening) contractions results in greater damage and more prolonged recovery in aged rat muscle (32 months) than in adult muscle (6 months), and that the adaptation usually associated with a single exposure to eccentric exercise is reduced in the aged muscle. Experiments were performed using a new rat model for aging studies. Fisher 344/Brown Norway F1 Hybrid. An ankle flexor, the tibialis anterior (TA), was subjected to a series of 24 eccentric contractions in situ and contractile function was assessed 1, 2, 5 and 14 days following. Eccentric exercise produced a similar reduction in maximum specific twitch and tetanic tension in the aged and adult muscles at 1 and 2 days postexercise. Adult muscles recovered by 5 days, while aged TA remained significantly impaired. Aged TA was fully restored by 14 days. Exercise adaptation was tested by subjecting the TA to a second exercise 14 days following the first. Contractile function was determined 2 days following the second exercise. Adult TA maintained its pre-exercise specific force following the second exercise, while aged TA again showed a significant reduction. Thus, a single exposure to eccentric exercise produced complete adaptation in the adult TA, but not in the aged muscles.
Thioether protection via selectively cleavable sulfonium salts

Abstract There are few protecting groups available for the thioether functionality. The selective cleavage of 4-phthalimidobutyl- and p -methoxybenzylsulfonium salts make these derivatives ideal for thioether protection.
Patterns of reported parent-child abuse and police response

The present study examines the level and patterns of parent-child abuse incidents that come to the attention of the police. It also addresses the response of law enforcement to such incidents in an attempt to discover the determinants of official intervention. The findings indicate that both family status and gender influence the patterns of parent-child abuse reported to the police. Multivariate analysis revealed that the arrest decision was influenced most strongly by the seriousness of the incident, as measured by offense severity and extent of injury to the victim. The likelihood of arrest was also affected by the race of the offender, but the influence of this variable was mediated by the seriousness of the offense. The study highlights the role that the value system surrounding the family plays in the reporting of parent-child abuse incidents and in the police decision to intervene.
Modeling contextual effects on political behavior: Static versus dynamic models

Contextual studies rely more and more on explicit mathematical models in their efforts to find and explain contextual effects. This manuscript reviews the types of models which have been employed in the literature on social context, reveals some of the shortcomings of popular static models, and urges the use of more explicitly dynamic models. It suggests that current models often are underspecified or incorrectly specified, that they contain unnecessarily unrealistic assumptions, and that they inadequately consider time in their formulations. It then suggests ways in which these problems can be overcome, including an exhortation to consider a broader range of possible effects in more fully formulated models.
Abrasive waterjet machining of fiber reinforced composites: A review

Machining of fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites is a major secondary manufacturing activity in the aircraft and automotive industries. Traditional machining of these composites is difficult due to the high abrasiveness nature of their reinforcing constituents. Almost all the traditional machining processes involve in the dissipation of heat into the workpiece which can be resulted in damage to workpiece and rapid wear of the cutting tool. This serious issue has been overcome by water jetting technologies. Abrasive waterjet machining (AWJM) is a nontraditional method and one of the best options for machining FRPs. This paper presents a review of the ongoing research and development in AWJM of FRPs, with a critical review of the physics of the machining process, surface characterization, modeling and the newer application to the basic research. Variable cutting parameters, limitations and safety aspects of AWJM and the noise related issues due to high flow rate of water jet will be addressed. Further challenges and scope of the future development in AWJM are also presented in detail.
Direct-sequence maximum power-point tracker for photovoltaic sources

A digital gradient-ascent algorithm is presented to identify and maintain the peak power operating point of a photovoltaic (PV) source with variable I–V characteristics. The approach employs a low-level dither, realized by a one-bit, 64-sample pseudorandom noise (PN) sequence, to perturb the duty cycle of a boost converter that extracts energy from a PV source for battery charging. The digital-domain optimization process operates continuously in the background, and is robust against measurement noise, offset, jitter, and the inherent large-signal nonlinear dynamics of the boost converter. Acquiring a single sample in each switching cycle, i.e., no oversampling for the analog-to-digital converter (ADC), the digital processor consists of a few adders, flip-flops, and one multiplier, which, in conjunction with the ADC, can be integrated with the driver integrated circuit (IC) of the boost converter for very low cost. Simulation verifies the tracking effectiveness of the proposed technique, and demonstrates a stable operation in presence of large power-on and load transients, with an average output power of ≥ 98.5% of the peak value consistently achieved in steady state.
The health of the chronically mentally ill: a review of the literature.

This paper reviews three areas of research on the health of the chronically mentally ill: (1) epidemiological studies on this population, (2) studies exploring the clinical interface of physical and psychiatric disorder, and (3) studies illuminating barriers to adequate health care for this population. Its purpose is to increase our understanding of the unique health problems facing the chronically mentally ill so that appropriate interventions can be developed. The review suggests that greater attention to this area should result in improved physical health as well as improved psychiatric intervention. The implications for policy, practice, and research are discussed.
Plant Regeneration from Protoplasts of Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.)

Summary Embryogenic cell suspensions were established from callus cultures initiated from sections of young leaf tissues of Saccharum officinarum L. (sugarcane). Protoplasts isolated from the cell suspensions were cultured in modified KM or CSK media supplemented with 50 ml coconut milk, 500 mg casein hydrolysate, 1 mg 2,4-D and 0.5 mg BA (per litre). Cell wall regeneration, sustained cell divisions and colony formation were observed in the same culture medium. Dimethyl sulfoxide (1 %) promoted colony formation. Somatic embryos were produced upon transfer of protocolonies to agar-based MS medium plus 1 % activated charcoal and 0.25 – 1 mg · 1 −1 2,4-D, with or without cytokinins. The embryos were germinated in 0.5 mg −1 1 −1 BA and produced several roots and a coleoptile. When placed on MS medium containing 0.5 mg ·1 1 −1 each of BA and fluridone, some of the embryos grew into plantlets with green leaves. Several green plants were grown successfully in soil.
Subbing Layer Surface Energy Effects On The Writing And Degradation Characteristics Of Te and Te-alloy Optical Recording Media

A detailed study of the effects of the subbing layer surface energy on the laser writing sensitivity, optical properties (reflection, transmission and absorption) and lifetime of Te and TeGe films is reported. A continuous spread of surface energies is obtained by using plasma deposited teflon and spin coatable methyltrifluoro-methylacrylate-co-methylmethacrylate polymers of a range of compositions. Based on these studies it is concluded that low surface energy surfaces do not improve the mature hole opening threshold of TeGe films and that the improvements seen for Te films are likely due to changes in the film microstructure. The observed comparatively poor lifetime performance of Te films deposited onto low surface energy surfaces can also be explained by microstructural changes.© (1983) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Diagnostic utility of immune-complex-dissociated p24 antigen detection in perinatally acquired HIV-1 infection in Rwanda.

The authors evaluated the diagnostic utility and prognostic value of immune-complex-dissociated (ICD) HIV-1 p24 antigen detection in a prospective cohort study of perinatally acquired HIV-1 infection in Butare Rwanda. HIV-1 p24 antigen was measured after acid dissociation in plasma samples collected at 6 weeks and 3 months of age from 36 HIV-1 infected and 80 uninfected children born to HIV-1 infected women. Among children with persistent HIV-1 antibody after 12 months of age 26.7% of samples tested ICD HIV-1 p24 antigen positive. Among children who died between 3 and 12 months of age but were classified as HIV-1 infected 17.6% tested p24 antigen positive at 6 weeks of age and 33.3% at 3 months of age. Female infants were more likely to test p24 antigen positive than male infants (p = 0.046). The specificity of the assay was 96.8%. Cumulative probabilities of child survival to 36 months of age were computed by HIV-1 status of the child and early p24 antigenemia. The mean survival time was 7 months for HIV-1 infected children with a high (> 50 pg/ml) p24 antigen concentration vs 20 months for children with p24 antigen concentrations between 10 and 50 pg/ml (p = 0.02). Cumulative probabilities of survival to 36 months of age were 0% among HIV-1 infected children with at least one positive p24 antigen test 44% among confirmed HIV-1 infected children who were p24 antigen-negative at both 6 weeks and 3 months of age and 95% among seroconverting children (p < 0.001). These results suggest a lower sensitivity of the ICD HIV-1 p24 antigen assay among Rwandan children compared with previous reports from developed countries. However a positive p24 antigen test was strongly predictive of rapid progression to AIDS and early death. (authors)
Cellular electrophysiology—XIX. Effect of iodoacetate and arsenite on the coulokinetic behaviour of Escherichia coli

Abstract Escherichia coli harvested in the stationary phase of their growth cycle were allowed to metabolize glucose, gluconolactone and pyruvate in the presence of iodoacetate and arsenite. The metabolic behaviour of the various systems were followed by the electrical data obtained using the coulokinetic technique. The resultant coulombic outputs were consistent with the fact that iodoacetate inhibits the action of glycerol 3-phosphate dehydrogenase, and arsenite the oxidation of pyruvate. These finding contribute further verification to the direct relationship between the electrical data obtained using the coulokinetic technique and biological activity.
Crystal Structures of Holo and Apo-cellular Retinol-binding Protein II

Abstract Apo and holo-cellular retinol-binding protein II have been crystallized, and their crystal structures have been determined to 2·1 A and 1·9 A respectively. The apo and holo-crystals have different but related triclinic space groups. The X-ray phases for both structures were determined using the molecular replacement method. The crystal co-ordinates were refined to an R-factor of 0·200 for apo, and 0·173 for holo-cellular retinol-binding protein II. The holo and apo-models have nearly the same tertiary structures. Cellular retinol-binding protein II consists of a ten-stranded anti-parallel β-barrel with the ligand binding cavity within the barrel. Two α-helices cover the open end of the β-barrel making it almost solvent inaccessible. A single portal large enough to admit a water molecule was observed opening into the binding cavity. Exogenously added retinol was found within the cavity of each holo-cellular retinol-binding protein II molecule. Each retinol was surrounded by both polar and non-polar residues. The hydroxyl group of the bound retinol hydrogen bonds to the amide group of glutamine 108. The overall conformation of the bound retinol was derived from the four different molecules of holo-cellular retinol-binding protein II present in the triclinic form. The four copies of bound retinol had essentially the same conformation as found in crystalline retinaldehyde.
MHA2 Cost Impact of Using Olanzapine at A Veterans Affairs Medical Center

The atypical antipsychotic agent olanzapine became available for use at the Denver VA Medical Center late in 1996. Acquisition costs are significant and warrant economic analysis. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of olanzapine therapy on costs of care for patients at this medical center. METHODS: A total of 59 patients receiving olanzapine were identified from pharmacy databases. Of these patients, 25 received the drug for at least 6 months. Data were compiled for psychiatry-related prescriptions, clinic visits, and inpatient stays. All cost comparisons reported are for the 6-month time periods before and after initiation of olanzapine therapy. Costs for prescriptions reflect drug acquisition costs. Costs for clinic visits and inpatient stays were calculated using average unit costs. A paired t-test was used to compare means. RESULTS: The following per-patient results were obtained: mental health clinic visits decreased by 32.3 (sd ± 44.4, p=0.001), hospital admissions fell by 0.6 (sd ± 0.9, p=0.003), and average length of stay decreased by 19.5 days (sd ± 34.5, p=0.009). The average number of active prescriptions per patient increased from 3.4 to 3.5, while the average cost per patient of those prescriptions increased from $586 to $2,230. Total cost changed as follows: pharmacy costs increased from $14,700 to $55,800, costs for clinic visits and hospitalizations fell from $131,100 to $93,100 and from $301,100 to $90,700, respectively. Overall cost per patient decreased from $17,900 to $9,600. CONCLUSIONS: While an increase in pharmacy costs after initiation of olanzapine therapy was seen, overall costs of psychiatry-related care decreased in this patient population.
Escape from the sodium-retaining effects of mineralocorticoids: Role of ANF and intrarenal hormone systems

Chronic exposure to either endogenous or exogenous mineralocorticoid excess results in a syndrome characterized by hypokalemia, metabolic alkalosis, polydipsia, polyuria, and mild arterial pressure elevation. Contrary to what might be expected from the mechanism of action of these hormones, there is only a transient period of positive sodium balance (Fig. 1). The expansion of the extracellular fluid volume is maintained as evidenced by an increase in body weight even after sodium balance is restored. However, this elevation of the extracellular fluid volume is not striking, and congestive heart failure is not part of the syndrome [1].
SPECULATIONS ON THE FUTURE OF LARGE-SCALE EDUCATIONAL ASSESSMENT

In this paper, I offer one scenario for the future of large-scale educational assessment. I argue that, although large-scale assessment has altered relatively little in recent years, this situation is about to change. The same competitive forces driving U.S. industry will compel test makers to (1) satisfy new market needs through continuous innovation, (2) improve productivity, (3) enhance customer-service, and (4) address population diversity. In response, large-scale assessment will reinvent itself to serve both summative and formative purposes, become curriculum-embedded and performance-based, occur at a distance, and incorporate constructs newly valued by society. This reinvention will be enabled chiefly by new technology and by advances in cognitive and measurement science.
Excess Muscle FDG Uptake in an Euglycaemic Patient That Is Corrected by Fasting

Abstract A 61-year-old non-diabetic woman underwent a non-diagnostic FDG PET study due to ingestion of milk and sugar 150 minutes prior to injection of FDG despite being euglycaemic. A repeat study 2 days later showed 4 pathological foci of FDG uptake, of which only two could be seen retrospectively on the original study. The loss of lesion perspicuity and suppression of FDG uptake in the pathological lesions was corrected by fasting for more than 6 hours. The calculated SUV suppression due to eating could be corrected by normalizing according to the average of the patient’s liver SUV. Proper patient preparation is essential in any medical procedure but even more so in FDG PET imaging, as small pathological lesions may be missed if the patient is improperly prepared.
Impact of phosphate on U(VI) immobilization in the presence of goethite

Abstract Past mining, processing, and waste disposal activities have left a legacy of uranium-contaminated soil and groundwater. Phosphate addition to subsurface environments can potentially immobilize U(VI) in-situ through interactions with uranium at mineral-water interfaces. Phosphate can induce the precipitation of low solubility U(VI)-phosphates, and it may enhance or inhibit U(VI) adsorption to iron(III) (oxy)hydroxide surfaces. Such surfaces may also facilitate the heterogeneous nucleation of U(VI)-phosphate precipitates. The interactions among phosphate, U(VI), and goethite (α-FeOOH) were investigated in a year-long series of experiments at pH 4. Reaction time, total U(VI), total phosphate, and the presence and absence of goethite were systematically varied to determine their effects on the extent of U(VI) uptake and the dominant uranium immobilization mechanism. Dissolved U(VI) and phosphate concentrations were interpreted within a reaction-based modeling framework that included dissolution-precipitation reactions and a surface complexation model to account for adsorption. The best available thermodynamic data and past surface complexation models were integrated to form an internally consistent framework. Additional evidence for the uptake mechanisms was obtained using scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The formation and crystal growth of a U(VI)-phosphate phase, most likely chernikovite, UO 2 HPO 4 ·4H 2 O (s) , occurred rapidly for initially supersaturated suspensions both with and without goethite. Nucleation appears to occur homogeneously for almost all conditions, even in the presence of goethite, but heterogeneous nucleation was likely at one condition. The U(VI)-phosphate solids exhibited metastability depending on the TOTU:TOTP ratio. At the highest phosphate concentration studied (130 μM), U(VI) uptake was enhanced due to the likely formation of a ternary surface complex for low (∼1 μM) to intermediate (∼10 μM) TOTU concentrations and to U(VI)-phosphate precipitation for high TOTU (∼100 μM) concentrations. For conditions favoring precipitation, the goethite surface acted as a sink for dissolved phosphate that resulted in higher dissolved U(VI) concentrations relative to goethite-free conditions. Based on the total uranium and available sorption sites, a critical phosphate concentration between 15 μM and 130 μM was required for preferential precipitation of uranium phosphate over U(VI) adsorption.
A New Quaternary Nitride, Li3Ba2NbN4

A new quaternary nitride, Li{sub 3}Ba{sub 2}NbN{sub 4}, has been synthesized from Li, Ba, and Nb metals under flowing N{sub 2} at 850{degrees}C. The structure, as determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, is monoclinic, space group C2/c with Z = 4, and has lattice parameters a = 11.296(2) {angstrom}, b = 5.673(1) {angstrom}, c = 11.347(2) {angstrom}, and {beta} = 121.456(8){degrees}. Refinement based upon F{sup 2} yielded R2 = 0.073 and wR2 = 0.105. (For comparison, a refinement based upon F yielded R1 = 0.043). The Nb and one of the two independent Li ions are coordinated tetrahedrally by N anions; the Li tetrahedra are distorted. By sharing edges, the Nb and Li tetrahedra form chains which are linked by the remaining Li ions to form the three-dimensional structure. The Ba ions are located between the Li-Nb chains.
CONTROL OF SOUND RADIATION FROM A WAVEPACKET OVER A CURVED SURFACE

Active control of acoustic pressure in the far field resulting from the growth and decay of a wavepacket convecting in a boundary layer over a concave-convex surface is investigated numerically using direct computations of the Navier-Stokes equations. The resulting sound radiation is computed using linearized Euler equations with the pressure from the Navier-Stokes solution as a time-dependent boundary condition. The acoustic far field exhibits directivity type of behavior that points upstream to the flow direction. A fixed control algorithm is used where the attenuation signal is synthesized by a filter which actively adapt it to the amplitude-time response of the outgoing acoustic wave.
Development of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia in patients with immunobullous and connective tissue disease receiving immunosuppressive medications.

Background Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) causes morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised hosts. Data describing use of PCP prophylaxis in immunosuppressed dermatologic patients are lacking. Objective We sought to describe the frequency of PCP among dermatologic patients receiving immunosuppression for immunobullous disease or connective tissue disease. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the cases of patients with immunobullous and connective tissue disease at our department of dermatology between 1980 and 2006 who received immunosuppression and had subsequent development of pneumonia. We recorded patient characteristics, use of PCP prophylaxis, whether PCP developed, and if so, their morbidity and mortality. Results Of 334 patients identified, 7 (2.1%) were given the diagnosis of PCP during immunosuppressive treatment. Of these 7 patients, 3 (43%) died within 1 month of diagnosis, and none received PCP prophylaxis. Limitations Retrospective study design and limited patient group are limitations. Conclusions PCP prophylaxis may improve outcomes for some patients with immunobullous or connective tissue disease receiving immunosuppressive therapy.
Modeling Decision Making in Trauma Centers from the Standpoint of Complex Adaptive Systems

Purpose – This paper aims to examine complex clinical decision‐making processes in trauma center units of hospitals in terms of the immediate impact of complexity on the medical team involved in the trauma event.Design/methodology/approach – It is proposed to develop a model of decision‐making processes in trauma events that uses a Bayesian classifier model with convolution and deconvolution operators to study real‐time observed trauma data for the decision‐making process under tremendous stress. The objective is to explore and explain physicians' decision‐making processes under stress and time constraints during actual trauma events from the perspective of complexity.Findings – Because physicians have blurred information and cues that are tainted by random environmental noise during injury‐related events, they must de‐blur (de‐convolute) the collected data to find a best approximation of the real data for decision‐making processes.Research limitations/implications – The data collection and analysis is in...
Feeding response of weanling Zucker obese rats to cholecystokinin and bombesin.

Abstract Zucker weanling obese rat meal size is greater than in lean litter-mates by 4 weeks of age, indicating a possible decreased sensitivity to satiety signals. Adult Zucker obese rats are less sensitive to the putative satiety signal octapeptide of cholecystokinin (OP-CCK) when injected after a normal intermeal interval. In these experiments were compared responses of Zucker lean and obese rats from 3–11 weeks of age to OP-CCK and bombesin (BBS), another recently reported putative satiety agent. Injection of 2.0 and 4.0 μg/kg OP-CCK in 4–5 week olds had no effect on food intake of obese rats while decreasing 60-min food intake in lean rats 29 and 28 percent, respectively. However, 8.0 μg/kg OP-CCK decreased food intake of obese and lean rats similarly, indicating decreased, rather than lack of, sensitivity in the obese. The doses of 2.0 and 4.0 μg/kg BBS decreased food intake similarly in the obese and lean rats, but 1.0 μg/kg, although having no effect in lean rats, increased food intake in obese rats approximately 17 percent. Thus, while Zucker obese weanling rats appear to be less sensitive to OP-CCK, shown to decrease food intake in lean rats, they appear to be equally sensitive to the satiety effect of similar doses of BBS, but at low doses BBS stimulated food intake in obese but not lean rats.
An overview of experience with taxol∗ (paclitaxel) in the U.S.A

TAXOL (paclitaxel) is a unique new antineoplastic agent that has generated a considerable amount of scientific interest from many disciplines since it entered clinical trials in the early 1980s. There are a number of reasons for this interest. The natural biological source for this agent is the bark of the Pacific yew in the ancient forests of the northwestern U.S.A. The initial problems with supply of the agent and the desirability of a renewable source has stimulated the creativity of medicinal chemists and others interested in alternate sources of supply. The unique mechanism of action and the effect of TAXOL on microtubule structure and function continues to be the subject of intense investigative interest. Clinical investigators have had to contend with troublesome and potentially serious toxicities, which have threatened the development of TAXOL, but have been rewarded with a drug that appears to have broad antitumor activity against a number of advanced solid tumors in man. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the clinical experience with TAXOL, which has been developed in the U.S.A. over the last 10 years with more than 4,000 patients, and to outline what issues remain in the optimization of its use.
Evaluation of a neural network model of amnesia in diffuse cerebral atrophy

A digital computer program generating a simulated neural network was used to construct a model which can show behaviour resembling human associative memory. The experimental network uses distributed storage, and, in this respect, its functional organisation resembles that suggested by reported observations of neuronal activity in the human temporal lobe during memory storage and recall. Inactivation of increasing numbers of randomly distributed network units simulated advancing cerebral atrophy. This caused progressive impairment of performance, resembling the gradual deterioration of memory function observed in chronic diffuse cerebral degeneration. Unit inactivation had similar effects on recall whether the same units were inactivated before or after learning. This differs from most relevant observations of amnesia resulting from diffuse cerebral disease. While the model may functionally resemble long-term information storage sites in the brain, other cerebral mechanisms participating in learning and remembering are also damaged by diffuse cerebral atrophy.
Demonstration of protease activity for epidermal growth factor-binding protein.

Abstract The epidermal growth factor can be isolated from the male mouse submaxillary gland as part of a high molecular weight complex. The complex is composed of two molecules of epidermal growth factor and two molecules of epidermal growth-factor binding protein ( J.M. Taylor, W.M. Mitchell, and S. Cohen, 1974 , J. Biol. Chem. 249 , 3198–3203). The proteolytic activity of epidermal growth-factor binding protein was demonstrated by its self-proteolysis in moderate (3–7 m ) concentrations of urea, and, its inhibition by formation of a complex with pancreatic trypsin inhibitor. This complex was characterized by its p I and by its ability to yield pancreatic trypsin inhibitor and epidermal growth factor-binding protein in sodium dodecyl sulfate-urea gel electrophoresis. The association equilibrium constant was determined to be 3.6 × 10 7 m −1 by inhibition studies of the esteropeptidase. These results, which indicate that epidermal growth factor-binding protein is capable of autodigestion and of forming a stable complex with a macromolecular inhibitor of trypsin, lend strong support to the hypothesis that epidermal growth factor-binding protein is capable of cleaving a larger precursor by its proteolytic action.
The Importance of Reservoir Characterization in the Belida Field Development

The Belida Field located in the western portion of the South Natuna Sea, was discovered in December 1989, produced first oil in October 1992 and reached a peak rate of 130,000 BOPD in June 1994, 54 months after discovery. A risk-tolerant business strategy was applied to increase the net present value of the Belida field by reducing cycle time. Management assigned a multi-discipline reservoir team to the task of identifying the critical uncertainties and formulating a reservoir characterization that would support a value driven development plan. Critical concerns included structure, interconnectivity of the sands, sand strength, effectiveness of aquifer support, and the ability of 3-D seismic to define the field limits. The reservoir description and subsequent development activity focused on addressing the critical uncertainties and applying best practices to maximize value. Frequent team reviews and oversight by a supportive management enabled the team to exceed its economic goals. The Belida Field has estimated reserves of over 300 MMBO, and as of November 1, 1997 has cumulatively produced over 172 MMBO, almost 60% of the field reserves. The field is currently producing at a rate of 87,000 BOPD. The estimated development cost in the Plan of Development was projected to be $800 million or approximately $2.67 per barrel. The total investment was reduced to $540 million for a resulting development cost of $1.80 per barrel. Conoco, its partners, and the Indonesian government have realized increased value with a higher than predicted reserve case, lower overall costs due to optimization and the benefits of decreased cycle time.
Corrosion protection of iron/steel by emeraldine base polyaniline: an X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy study

The emeraldine base form of polyaniline has been used as a corrosion protecting undercoat on steel and iron samples. Using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, the anti-corrosion performance of various application methods of the emeraldine base layer was studied, as well as the mechanism for corrosion protection. Emeraldine base polyaniline undercoats were found to offer corrosion protection for both the cold rolled steel and iron samples. The degree of protection did vary depending on the thickness of the iron oxide layer at the polymer/metal interface as well as on the thickness of the top oxide layer. The best results were achieved when both the top and interfacial oxide layers were removed prior to the polymer deposition. The mechanism for corrosion protection was found to be anodic, i.e., the polyaniline film withdraws charge from the metal, passivating its surfaces against corrosion. For all samples studied, iron as well as cold rolled steel, the iron oxide structure consisted of a thin (~15 A) layer of Fe2O3 followed by a thicker layer of Fe3O4 at the pure steel (iron) interface. Large values (up to ~1.5 cm) of throwing power were obtained for emeraldine base protected cold rolled steel.
Modeling relative permeability effects in gas-condensate reservoirs

Many gas condensate wells show a significant decrease in productivity once the pressure falls below the dew point pressure. This significantly decreases the productivity of very high rate gas wells in many of the world's largest hydrocarbon reservoirs. A widely accepted cause of this decrease in productivity index (PI) is the decrease in gas relative permeability due to build up of condensate in the near wellbore region. Predictions of well inflow performance require accurate models for the gas relative permeability as a function of interfacial tension (IFT) between the gas and condensate phases (actually it should be trapping number rather than IFT). Since these relative permeabilities depend on fluid composition and pressure as well as condensate and water saturations, a model is essential for both interpretation of lab data and for predictive field simulations. The key to such a gas condensate relative permeability model is the dependence of the critical condensate saturation on the capillary number or its generalization called the trapping number. We have made careful comparisons of such data with a capillary trapping model and have found that we can match these data with a simple two-parameter model. We then developed a general scheme for computing the gas and condensate relative permeabilities as a function of the capillary trapping model and with only data at low trapping number (high IFT) as input and have found good agreement with the experimental data in the literature. We then used this model and typical parameters for gas condensates in a compositional simulation study of a single well to better understand the PI behavior of the well and the significance of the condensate buildup.
Migratory behavior of cardiac cushion tissue cells in a collagen-lattice culture system

Abstract A culture system was devised for the study of factors which influence the migration of cardiac cushion tissue cells. Explants of isolated chick atrioventricular canal cushions were placed on hydrated collagen lattices. Cells grew out of the explants from the endocardium and across the surface of the collagen lattices. During further incubation, mesenchyme-type cells seeded from the surface population into the underlying collagen matrix. These cells were morphologically similar to the mesenchymal cushion tissue cells which are derived from the endocardium and which migrate into and through the cardiac jelly matrix in the embryonic heart. The events observed in the culture system mimicked those occurring in the developing chick atrioventricular cushion.
Does major depressive disorder in parents predict specific fears and phobias in offspring

Evidence suggests a relationship between parental depression and phobias in offspring as well as links between childhood fears and risk for major depression. This study examines the relationship between major depressive disorder (MDD) and anxiety disorders in parents and specific fears and phobias in offspring. Three hundred and eighteen children of parents with lifetime MDD, anxiety disorder, MDD+anxiety disorder, or neither were psychiatrically assessed via parent interview. Rates of specific phobias in offspring did not differ significantly across parental groups. Specific fears were significantly elevated in offspring of parents with MDD+anxiety disorder relative to the other groups (MDD, anxiety disorder, and controls, which did not differ). We failed to find increased phobias in offspring of parents with MDD without anxiety disorder. Elevated rates of specific fears in offspring of parents with MDD+anxiety disorder may be a function of more severe parental psychopathology, increased genetic loading, or unmeasured environmental influences. Depression and Anxiety 0:1–4, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Reviews: Boulevard of Broken Dreams: Why Public Efforts to Boost Entrepreneurship and Venture Capital Have Failed – and What to Do About It

The article reviews the book "Boulevard of Broken Dreams: Why Public Efforts to Boost Entrepreneurship and Venture Capital Have Failed: And What to Do About It," by Josh Lerner.
‘Ike loa: a list of influential books shaping the instruction librarian's teaching and learning philosophy

Purpose – The paper sets out to provide a selected bibliography of books influential to the librarian's teaching and learning philosophy.Design/methodology/approach – The paper introduces and annotates books identified by LOEX‐of‐the‐West 2006 attendees as influential to their instruction activities, teaching philosophy, or meaning of education.Findings – The paper provides information about each source, including an introductory discussion on the classification of the titles into six major genres of instruction inspiration and four major (generic) philosophies of education and learning.Originality/value – The information presented in the paper may be used by librarians and interested parties to solidify and broaden their own thoughts and values on who they are as an instructor.
Evaluation of polymeric materials II. Screening of selected vinyls and acrylates as prolonged‐action coatings

Acrylic and vinyl polymers, copolymers, and derivatives were evaluated as potential sustained-action coatings. Based on a screening of films of the polymeric materials for solubility characteristics, free film formation, and drug permeability, the n -butyl half ester of poly(methyl vinyl ether)/maleic anhydride offered the most in vitro promise of controlling drug release. The n -butyl half ester had no cumulative toxic effects based on a short-term feeding study.