cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Kurtosis correction method for X̄ and R control charts for long-tailed symmetrical distributions

This paper proposes a kurtosis correction (KC) method for constructing the X and R control charts for symmetrical long-tailed (leptokurtic) distributions. The control charts are similar to the Shewhart control charts and are very easy to use. The control limits are derived based on the degree of kurtosis estimated from the actual (subgroup) data. It is assumed that the underlying quality characteristic is symmetrically distributed and no other distributional and/or parameter assumptions are made. The control chart constants are tabulated and the performance of these charts is compared with that of the Shewhart control charts. For the case of the logistic distribution, the exact control limits are derived and are compared with the KC method and the Shewhart method. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 2007
Accounting Majors' Perceptions regarding the 150‐Hour Rule

Most states now require students who sit for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) examination to have 150 semester hours of college education. The 150‐hour requirement is intended to, among other benefits, improve the preparation of students for the profession, increase their chances of success on the CPA exam, ensure a more wellrounded education for new entrants to the profession, and attract better students to the field of accounting. The purpose of this paper is to examine whether accounting majors' perceptions regarding this requirement match the anticipated benefits of the 150‐hour rule, and whether they match the realities of what has occurred in localities where the rule has been in effect. Data were collected from 247 accounting majors via a questionnaire. The results indicate that, in most respects, students' perceptions align fairly well with the intentions and the realities of the 150‐hour requirement. For example, most students indicate an interest in obtaining a Master of Business Administra...
Consistency Among Humanitarian and Helping Attitudes

In a series of articles, Benton Johnson has investigated the effects of ascetic Protestantism on political party preference. His findings indicate that among laymen exposed to fundamentalist teachings, religious involvement would vary directly with Republican party preference. However, among laymen exposed to liberal teachings, religious involvement would vary inversely with Republican identification. This present study shows that church involvement and political party identification are not significantly related. A refinement of Johnson's liberal-fundamentalist dichotomy and his church interaction index again resulted in non-significant findings. Finally, a weighted least-squares procedure was employed yielding a set of linear estimation equations that again showed no significant effect. Results such as these should make the social scientist wary of the dangers associated with the measurement of religion and the contem- porary relevance of Weber's Protestant ethic. Under the Weberian banner Benton Johnson (1962) argues that religious factors have an independent effect in political party preference for those members of denominations referred to by Weber as ascetic Protestants. A further implication is that the Republican party has been a major beneficiary of this tradition al- though not at a uniform rate. Johnson qualifies his statement because he observes a division within ascetic Protestantism somewhat analogous to the two-party faction in the American political system. A bifurcation of the ascetic Protestant tradition resulted in a "liberal" and "fundamentalist" wing. Johnson places denom- inations stemming from the Calvinist, Pietist, and Revivalist tradition in the fundamentalist camp, whereas those not sharing these traditions, notably Episcopalians and Lutherans, were classified as "liberal." Weber outlined the intrinsic similarity be- tween the religious temper of ascetic Protestant groups and the emerging needs of capitalism. Reduced to its bare essence, the Calvinist idea of predestination which encouraged the individ- ual to be diligent, frugal and dedicated in the religious sphere, produced a person totally compatible with the interests of rationalized business enterprise.' Accordingly, then, one * Research supported in part by the Graduate School, University of Wisconsin, Madison. The author is indebted to Gene F. Summers for his invaluable assistance during the course of this study. 1 It is not every aspect of capitalism that Weber seeks to link with Calvinism, but rather a certain capitalist temper. This spirit of capitalism con- dones affluence and profit when they stem from this spirit, a spirit that includes a sense of vocaThis content downloaded from 157.55.39.103 on Mon, 25 Apr 2016 06:37:07 UTC All use subject to http://about.jstor.org/terms
The analgesic and toxic effects of nornicotine enantiomers alone and in interaction with morphine in rodent models of acute and persistent pain

Neuronal nicotinic acetylcholinic receptors (nAChR) are promising targets for the development of novel analgesics. Nicotine and other nAChR-agonists produce profound analgesia in rodent models of acute and persistent pain. However, significant side-effects are of concern. Nornicotine (N-desmethyl-nicotine) appears to activate different nAChR subtypes, has a better pharmacokinetic profile, and produces less toxicity than nicotine. Little is known about its analgesic properties. In the present study, the S(-)- and R(+)-enantiomers of nornicotine were characterized with regard to analgesia and side-effects profile. Efficacy was demonstrated in rat models of pain where central sensitization is involved: i.e. the chronic constriction nerve injury model of peripheral neuropathy and the formalin model of tonic inflammatory pain. The desirable (analgesic) properties resided predominantly in the S(-)- rather than the R(+)-enantiomer. In contrast, undesirable effects (motor in-coordination, reduced locomotor activity, ataxia) were more pronounced with the R(+)-enantiomer. This is an interesting finding, which may suggest separation of toxicity from analgesia by utilization of S(-)-enantiomer of nornicotine. Maximum analgesic effectiveness without significant side-effects was achieved when S(-)-nornicotine (sub-analgesic dose) was combined with a low-dose of the micro-opioid, morphine. These preclinical data suggest that S(-)-nornicotine may be of value, either alone or in combination with an opioid, for treatment of a broad-spectrum of pain (i.e. nociceptive, neuropathic, and mixed pain).
The effect of number of large reward training trials on behavior following incentive reduction

Three groups of rats were given 18 large reward, 108 large reward, or 108 small reward acquisition trials, respectively. Following acquisition all Ss received 63 small reward trials. This phase constituted an incentive reduction phase for Ss receiving large reward during acquisition. The results indicated greater disruption of performance, primarily in the start measure, during the incentive reduction phase for the Ss receiving 108 than for Ss receiving 18 large reward trials during acquisition.
MODEL SIMULATION OF WATER-IN-OIL XANTHAN FERMENTATION

ABSTRACT The W/O xanthan fermentation is simulated by integrating the microbial kinetic behaviors and the multiple-phase process characteristics. Model 1 assumes uniform redistribution of cells, substrates and product by frequent droplet breakup and coalescence. Model 2 simulates the system of viscous aqueous phase with minimal droplet breakup and component redistribution. The real fermentation should proceed within the bounds set by the two models. Effects of various parameters are evaluated. The aqueous-phase xanthan concentration (Xn) and volumetric productivity (QP) achieved at 200 h are used as the indicators. Xn and QP increase with nitrogen-source concentration (SNO) initially but plateau (Model 1) or decrease slightly (Model 2) at high SNO. Xn (at 200 h) decreases with increasing aqueous-phase volume fraction (f). QP, however, increases with f reflecting its basing on the total dispersion volume. Increasing agitation and aeration result in higher Xn and QP. The higher agitation enhances the G/O in...
Living systems theory and social entropy theory

Although Living Systems Theory (LST) has been widely recognized for its major contributions to scholarship in general and systems theory in particular, the full extent of its contribution has never been explicitly presented. The purpose of this paper is twofold: first to discuss LST, and then to relate it to Social Entropy Theory (SET). The paper first presents 20 major contributions of LST. This is not an exhaustive list, but is simply designed to present simultaneously the wide range of contributions made by Miller, some of which have not been sufficiently recognized nor appreciated. Miller's contributions focused upon the actions of concrete components in fulfilling the critical subsystems processes required by systems at each level. He placed less emphasis on the key systems variables such as population and technology. Fortunately, Social Entropy Theory has explicated a set of key variables. The second part of the paper discusses Social Entropy Theory, and shows how it complements and extends LST. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of laryngeal dysfunction based on features of an accurate estimate of the glottal waveform

A new digital signal processing technique has been developed for the evaluation of laryngeal function based on features extracted from an accurate estimate of the glottal volume velocity waveform. Analysis of a preliminary group of pathologic and normal subjects indicates that the resulting features can be used to effectively classify voice samples into normal and abnormal types. In addition, analysis of cases in the space of features indicates potential for differential diagnosis of disease or, at least, indication of severity of the dysfunction.
A multimodality approach lengthens warm ischemic time during aortic cross-clamping

To evaluate the effects of exsanguination, cerebrospinal fluid drainage (CSFD), steroids alone and in conjunction with CSFD on spinal cord perfusion pressure (SCPP), and neurological outcome following 70 min of normothermic spinal cord ischemia, we monitored proximal (Px BP) and distal (Ds BP) aortic blood pressure, cerebrospinal fluid pressure, and somatosensory evoked potentials (SEP) in 29 mongrel dogs. In all animals Px BP during aortic cross-clamping was controlled with partial exsanguination (40–50% circulating blood volume). Dogs were randomized into four groups (gp): gp 1 (n = 6) control; gp 2 (n = 8) steroids only (methylprednisolone 30 mg/Kg 10 min before aortic occlusion and 4 hr later); gp 3 (n = 8) CSFD only; gp 4 (n = 7) steroids and CSFD. Partial exsanguination effectively controlled Px BP during aortic crossclamping in all groups. After the statistically significant decrease from preclamp values, mean Px BP did not differ among groups (78.9, 81.2, 80.5, and 80.3 mm Hg, respectively, P > 0.05). Mean Ds BP decreased from systemic values to 12.6, 16.8, 16.7, and 17 mm Hg, respectively, after aortic occlusion (P < 0.05); these values did not differ from one another. CSFP did not change significantly from its baseline value while the aorta was cross-clamped in gp 1; CSFP was significantly reduced to 6.2 mm Hg in gp 2, steroid-treated animals (P < 0.05 vs gp 1); a further significant reduction in CSFP was noted in gp 3 and 4 undergoing CSFD (0.07 and 0.67 mm Hg, respectively, P < 0.05 vs gp 1 and 2). Spinal cord perfusion pressure was 1.8 mm Hg during aortic cross-clamping in gp 1 and remained significantly lower than gp 2, 3, and 4 (10.6, 16.4, and 16.5 mm Hg, respectively) throughout the experimental interval. Time until SEP loss was significantly longer in gp 2, 3, and 4 (14:40, 16:36, 17:48 min:sec, respectively) compared to gp 1 (7 min and 25 sec, P < 0.05). Somatosensory evoked potentials failed to return in all gp 1 animals, whereas early (within 30 min of reperfusion) postoperative return was noted in all animals in gp 2, 3, and 4 (P < 0.05 vs gp 1). The incidence of paraplegia was significantly higher in gp 1 compared to gp 3 and 4 (56 vs 05, and 06, P < 0.05). This study indicates that exsanguination alone cannot maintain SCPP required to preserve spinal cord integrity during seventy minutes of normothermic ischemia. The addition of CSFD and steroids lengthens the time required to lose SEP and significantly reduces the risk of postoperative paraplegia, whereas steroids alone are not uniformly protective.
Melanophore differentiation in leaf frogs.

Abstract In melanosomes of Pachymedusa (Agalychnis) dacnicolor and other leaf frogs, the pteridine dimer, pterorhodin, is found in fibers concentric to a kernel of eumelanin. The kernel is a remnant mature larval melanosome that is renovated at metamorphic climax and on which pterorhodin is deposited at the completion of metamorphosis. When pterorhodin is initially detected by chemical means in the skin of stage 25 individuals, flocculations of fibers are first seen in melanosomes. At stage 25+ a more intense chemical demonstration is accompanied by larger flocculations. These larval melanosomes are smaller than those of other vertebrates, but are formed from classical premelanosomes. At metamorphosis, the melanosome's limiting membrane is elevated from the surface of the eumelanin, and small spheroids are seen in the space and on the pigment surface. The Golgi complex is extremely active, numerous small vesicles are seen in the cytoplasm, and blebbing of the outer membrane of the nuclear envelope occurs. At stage 25 small thick-walled vesicles appear in the cytoplasm in contact with or within the melanosome; they may represent the transport of pterorhodin or elements necessary for its formation.
On the power of the X2goodness of fit test at signal plus noise alternatives

The x2 goodness of fit test is widely used as a means of validation of a probability model. Failure to reject a proba-2 bility model on the basis of a x2 test is an ambiguous result in the absence of a thorough knowledge of the power of the test for a broad class of reasonable alternatives. The class of signal plus noise distributions comprises a large collection of probability models which appropriately describes observable random variables in many different contexts and which contains the 2 standard models as degenerate cases. The power of the x2 test is examined via simulation at signal plus noise alternatives to the geometric and Poisson distributions. Among noted characteristics of these power curves is the surprising fact the power need not be a monotone function of a very natural
Contemporary Review of Group-Oriented Contingencies for Disruptive Behavior

ABSTRACT This review clarifies the vaguely defined and perplexing terminology that historically has been used in the descriptions of group contingencies. Group contingencies are reviewed and categorized as independent, interdependent, and dependent based on the seminal work of Litow and Pumroy. Further, group contingencies, based on these categorizations, are discussed in terms of their effectiveness and advantages over behavioral interventions designed for individual students.
The phenomenology of a new social category: The case of the gifted disadvantaged in Israel

Abstract This article deals with the complex conjunction of official classifications and with the phenomenological experience of those classifications in everyday life. It does so by presenting a case study of “The Boarding School for the Gifted Disadvantaged” in Israel. This school has proposed a new life category, the “gifted disadvantaged,” which was previously unknown in the discursive and practical fields in Israel, though closely linked to widespread ethnic classifications in Israel. The main findings of this case study show that the boundary work engaged in by interviewees differs from that which is widespread in research on boundaries. Accordingly, this article identifies three sets of in-group boundary work: between types of self (former and current selves); between types of personal nature (first nature and second nature); and between ethnic intellectuals and everyday ethnics. In conclusion, this article examines the finding of this case study in relation to the research on boundaries in cultural sociology.
Opioids and their proper use as analgesics in the management of head and neck cancer patients

Opioid analgesics play an important part in the interdisciplinary management of head and neck cancer patients. Acute pain during the initial treatment period and chronic pain after treatment may be undertreated by head and neck surgeons because of unwarranted fear of the opioid side effects and toxicities. Properly used, opioid analgesics are among the safest and most effective medications in the armamentarium of the head and neck surgeon. Knowledge of opioid pharmacology can help surgeons treat pain aggressively in patients while managing side effects and toxicities. This understanding can also address the unique problems in pain management presented in head and neck cancer patients attributable to the involvement by the disease of the aerodigestive tract, which interferes with the oral route of administration of opioid analgesics. Significant difficulties in the use of opioid analgesics arise when the patient is a substance abuser. This article discusses the basic principles of opioid pharmacology, discusses opioid use in head and neck cancer patients, and provides guidelines on the use of opioids in the substance abuser.
Diurnal and seasonal variation of five carotenoids measured in human serum

We studied within-person variation over time in serum concentrations of five carotenoids. In a diurnal study involving 33 subjects, only the 1700 h blood samples demon- strated carotenoid concentrations different from the original 0800 values. Correlations between serum concentrations of the same carotenoids drawn 1 d apart ranged from 0.93 to 0.98. In a seasonal study involving 29 subjects, no systematic trends were observed for serum concentrations of these carotenoids. Cor- relations between concentrations ofthe same carotenoids drawn 1 y apart ranged from 0.57 to 0.82. Concentrations of different carotenoids within an individual tended to be correlated with each other. Obtaining one blood sample from subjects is a rel- atively imprecise way to estimate their usual serum concentra- tions ofcarotenoids. Ifan epidemiological study was to be based on only one determination ofserum carotenoids, within-person variability in serum concentrations would attenuate true regres- sion coefficients by 4- 13% and would increase the required numbers of study subjects by 19-65%. Am J Clin Nutr 1992;55:659-63.
Mass selection for prolificacy in maize

Results of 5 generations of selection for improved productivity in corn by selecting for prolificacy, a correlated trait, are reported. The regression for gain in yield per cycle of selection relative to the parental variety, Hays Golden, was 6.28%. This compares favorably with a previously reported gain from mass selection in the same variety using weight of grain per plant as the selection trait. The greater effectiveness of selection where prolificacy was the primary trait is believed due to higher selection intensity used as well as higher heritability.
Effects of lipid administration on liver apoptotic signals in a mouse model of total parenteral nutrition (TPN)

Lipids are an important component of total parenteral nutrition (TPN), contributing the largest caloric load per volume of solution and providing essential fatty acids necessary for survival. However, lipids are known to be causative factors in oxidative stress, which are expressed via the Bcl-2 family of proteins and/or Fas-mediated apoptosis in several tissues. Interestingly, we have recently observed an increase in hepatocyte apoptosis with administration of TPN. To address the mechanism of this apoptosis, we investigated the effects of parenteral lipid administration on apoptotic signaling in a mouse model. C57BL/6J male mice received physiologic saline and standard chow (control) or standard TPN solution with (TPN+L) or without lipid (TPN-L) emulsion. After 7 days of infusion, apoptosis increased in the TPN+L at a significantly higher rate compared with control and TPN-L groups ( p <0.05). Both TPN, with and without lipids, suppressed the pro-apoptotic signals Bid and Bcl-xs ( p <0.05). In contrast, TPN with lipid increased the expression of Fas and both the pro-apoptotic factor Bad and the anti-apoptotic factor Bcl-xl ( p <0.05). These changes may contribute to TPN-induced hepatocyte injury (apoptosis) or suppress the ability of liver hepatocytes to regenerate.
Symbolic Reconstruction of a Chinese Cultural Community: An Analysis of Jinglong Wang's Folk Painting Celebrating a Bumper Harvest

Selon les AA., les etudes de la peinture populaire chinoise moderne qui ont focalise leur analyse sur les fonctions sociales de l'art populaire manquent d'une perspective theorique specifique qui en permette une approche critique. Centrant leur analyse sur la fonction sociale suggeree par l'approche de Z. Cao et Kun-liang Chi'u de l'art populaire en tant que moyen d'education et de renforcement des relations humaines, ainsi que sur la conception de Hugh Duncan de l'art en tant que soutien de l'ordre social, ils se proposent de verifier cette approche a travers l'interpretation d'une oeuvre specifique - La celebration d'une recolte exceptionnelle, de Jinglong Wang, un peintre-paysan du district de Huxian (Province de Shaanxi) -, a partir du modele theorique de l'interactionnisme symbolique de Duncan. Du point de vue de ce modele, la peinture de Jinglong Wang est une celebration de l'autorite, de la hierarchie sociale, et de l'harmonie sociale. Par ailleurs, elle est egalement une celebration du mode de vie particulier des villageois - de la culture agricole confucianiste, de facon consciente ou non. Elle met ainsi en lumiere la structure psychoculturelle traditionnelle et de l'artiste et de la societe rurale chinoise.
Reduced Adipose Tissue Macrophage Content Is Associated With Improved Insulin Sensitivity in Thiazolidinedione-Treated Diabetic Humans

Obesity is associated with increased adipose tissue macrophage (ATM) infiltration, and rodent studies suggest that inflammatory factors produced by ATMs contribute to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. However, a relationship between ATM content and insulin resistance has not been clearly established in humans. Since thiazolidinediones attenuate adipose tissue inflammation and improve insulin sensitivity, we examined the temporal relationship of the effects of pioglitazone on these two parameters. The effect of 10 and 21 days of pioglitazone treatment on insulin sensitivity in 26 diabetic subjects was assessed by hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp studies. Because chemoattractant factors, cytokines, and immune cells have been implicated in regulating the recruitment of ATMs, we studied their temporal relationship to changes in ATM content. Improved hepatic and peripheral insulin sensitivity was seen after 21 days of pioglitazone. We found early reductions in macrophage chemoattractant factors after only 10 days of pioglitazone, followed by a 69% reduction in ATM content at 21 days and reduced ATM activation at both time points. Although markers for dendritic cells and neutrophils were reduced at both time points, there were no significant changes in regulatory T cells. These results are consistent with an association between adipose macrophage content and systemic insulin resistance in humans.
Nonlinear algorithms for automotive engine control

Nonlinear automotive engine control methods that would enhance shift quality are discussed. In the course of a typical automotive transmission upshift, there is an extreme decrease in the transmission's output torque during the torque-phase of the shift. This is due to the torque being transferred from a high to a low gear ratio. In the speed phase, due to inertial effects and the negative slope of the friction coefficient, the output torque rises and peaks when the shift ends, changing engine speed. Modulating engine torque can smooth these output torque transients. The sliding-mode control method is used, and a solution to the multivariable control problem (i.e. coordinated throttle and spark control) is presented. A speed-control approach is used, and relationships between speeds and desired torque (or acceleration) trajectories are discussed. >
14-3-3σ stabilizes a complex of soluble actin and intermediate filament to enable breast tumor invasion

The protein 14-3-3σ (stratifin) is frequently described as a tumor suppressor silenced in about 80% of breast tumors. Intriguingly, we show that 14-3-3σ expression, which in normal breast is localized to the myoepithelial cells, tracks with malignant phenotype in two models of basal-like breast cancer progression, and in patients, it is associated with basal-like subtype and poor clinical outcome. We characterized a mechanism by which 14-3-3σ guides breast tumor invasion by integrating cytoskeletal dynamics: it stabilizes a complex of solubilized actin and intermediate filaments to maintain a pool of “bioavailable” complexes for polarized assembly during migration. We show that formation of the actin/cytokeratin/14-3-3σ complex and cellular migration are regulated by PKCζ-dependent phosphorylation, a finding that could form the basis for intervention in aggressive breast carcinomas expressing 14-3-3σ. Our data suggest that the biology of this protein is important in cellular movement and is contingent on breast cancer subtype.
Removal of SU-8 photoresist for thick film applications

Abstract SU-8 photoresist has consistently shown excellent resolution in thick film applications, has been utilized as an electroplating mold, and is sensitive to inexpensive UV sources. However, the highly crosslinked epoxy remaining after development is difficult to remove reliably from high aspect ratio structures without damage or alteration to the electroplated metal. A review of physical and chemical removal options is discussed with data on the most promising options shown. Several standard solvent mixtures have proven particularly useful in our laboratory. The solvent systems remove the resist through crazing and peeling rather than dissolution. They are inexpensive, and can be utilized on very low aspect ratio features, or on parts with no included SU-8. Alternatively, a very promising option for reliable removal is downstream chemical etching (DCE; Matrix Integrated Systems, Richmond, CA) which achieved removal rates of approximately 7–10 μm/min at 225 °C for several hundred micron thick molds. At higher temperatures, an inexpensive molten salt bath has shown to be reliable. The K10 (Kolene Corp., Detroit, MI) process salt bath operated at 350 °C is efficient at completely oxidizing the highly crosslinked epoxy. Sputter Auger depth profiling of Ni parts after removal by DCE and molten salt bath indicated only superficial elemental damage to the metal, though deposits of antimony from the photocatalyst are left after DCE. Initial mechanical properties of electroplated Ni tensile specimens subsequent to the salt bath and DCE processing are presented.
Further observations on the inhibition of tumor growth by Corynebacterium parvum with cyclophosphamide—VIII Effect of tumor radiation prior to therapy

Abstract It has been demonstrated repeatedly in a marine mammary tumor model that the combination of cyclophosphamide (CY) and Corynebaaerium poroum (CP) is more effective than either agent alone in the control of tumor growth. The present investigations were carried out to determine whether combining radiation with chemoimmanotberapy would augment tumor inhibition and prolong survival. The administration of radiation to a tumor prior to initiating CY and CP therapy resulted in a more effective inhibition of tumor growth than any one or a combination of 2 of the 3 modalities. Such findings occurred whether CP was administered systemically or in the region of the tumor. Moreover, radiation with cbemoimmunotherapy prolonged survival. Of singular interest was the observation that the radiation prior to CY, CP therapy eliminated the wide spectrum of tumor response ordinarily observed when such chemoimmunotherapy is employed. This prolonged uniformity was primarily the result of the effect of combined therapy, i.e. radiation plus chemoimmumotherapy, on tumors that were least controlled by CY, CP alone. A second dose of tumor radiation 5 weeks after the first, while animals were on continued CY, CP therapy, had lees effect on tumor growth inhibition than did the initial dose. Radiation prior to the administration of CY or CP alone, or in combination, reduced the incidence of pulmonary metastases.
The Jews of Galicia under Austrian-Polish Rule, 1869–1918

Gaucia occupied an important place in the history of the Jewish Diaspora. Galician Jews made up a majority of Habsburg subjects of Mosaic faith and formed a cultural bridge between Westjuden and Ostjuden. Numerous outstanding Jewish political figures and scholars, such as Isaac Deutscher, Karl Radek, and Martin Buber, were born or raised in Galicia, where Zionist and Jewish socialist movements flourished at that time. The unique atmosphere of a Galician shtetl was recorded in Hassidic tales, in the books of Emil Franzos, Manes Sperber, Bruno Schulz, Andrzej Kuśniewicz, and others. Scholarly works on Jewish Galicia are, however, mostly outdated and relatively short. Consequently, scholars who use information on Galicia only as supplementary data often make numerous errors, and even for an educated American or West European Galicia remains a land of mystery. Marsha Rozenblit is absolutely right when she concludes a review essay, “The Jews of the Dual Monarchy,” with the following observation: “Indeed, it would be nice to know more about the traditional Jewish population of Moravia, Galicia and Hungary.” The present article is a contribution to filling that gap with regard to Galicia.
Nutrient Signaling in Protein Homeostasis: An Increase in Quantity at the Expense of Quality

The discovery that rapamycin extends the life span of diverse organisms has triggered many studies aimed at identifying the underlying molecular mechanisms. Mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) regulates cell growth and may regulate organismal aging by controlling mRNA translation. However, how inhibiting mTORC1 and decreasing protein synthesis can extend life span remains an unresolved issue. We showed that constitutively active mTORC1 signaling increased general protein synthesis but unexpectedly reduced the quality of newly synthesized polypeptides. We demonstrated that constitutively active mTORC1 decreased translation fidelity by increasing the speed of ribosomal elongation. Conversely, rapamycin treatment restored the quality of newly synthesized polypeptides mainly by slowing the rate of ribosomal elongation. We also found distinct roles for mTORC1 downstream targets in maintaining protein homeostasis. Loss of S6 kinases, but not 4E-BP family proteins, which are both involved in regulation of translation, attenuated the effects of rapamycin on the quality of newly translated proteins. Our results reveal a mechanistic connection between mTORC1 and protein quality, highlighting the central role of nutrient signaling in growth and aging.
Manual classification strategies in the ECOD database

ECOD (Evolutionary Classification Of protein Domains) is a comprehensive and up-to-date protein structure classification database. The majority of new structures released from the PDB (Protein Data Bank) every week already have close homologs in the ECOD hierarchy and thus can be reliably partitioned into domains and classified by software without manual intervention. However, those proteins that lack confidently detectable homologs require careful analysis by experts. Although many bioinformatics resources rely on expert curation to some degree, specific examples of how this curation occurs and in what cases it is necessary are not always described. Here, we illustrate the manual classification strategy in ECOD by example, focusing on two major issues in protein classification: domain partitioning and the relationship between homology and similarity scores. Most examples show recently released and manually classified PDB structures. We discuss multi-domain proteins, discordance between sequence and structural similarities, difficulties with assessing homology with scores, and integral membrane proteins homologous to soluble proteins. By timely assimilation of newly available structures into its hierarchy, ECOD strives to provide a most accurate and updated view of the protein structure world as a result of combined computational and expert-driven analysis.
Effect of fewer births on average income

Using the parameters of developing countries a model of the effects of varying degrees of birth control is analysed. With the use of no increasing and full birth control the per capita income rises from 150 dollars initially to 117 dollars 202 dollars and 216 dollars after 15 years; and to 206 dollars 255 dollars 268 dollars after 25 years. The value of preventing one birth is 288 dollars over 10 years and 705 dollars over 25 years; but the cost is only 10 dollars per birth averted. With no birth control the rate of product innovation would need to be 1.5 times the present rate and saving propensities would need to be doubled to tripled. If countries could have full birth control participation including half of all fertile couples at 2.00 dollars per couple the cost to the government would be less than 3% of all expenditures for economic development. As shown in the model the advantages of such a policy are beneficial to the economic situation in the country.
Feasibility of depth profiling of animal tissue by ultrashort pulse laser ablation.

Experiments were performed to examine the feasibility of mass spectrometry (MS) depth profiling of animal tissue by ∼75 fs, 800 nm laser pulses to expose underlying layers of tissue for subsequent MS analysis. Matrix assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) was used to analyze phospholipids and proteins from both intact bovine eye lens tissue and tissue ablated by ultrashort laser pulses. Laser desorption postionization mass spectrometry (LDPI-MS) with 10.5 eV single photon ionization was also used to analyze cholesterol and other small molecules in the tissue before and after laser ablation. Scanning electron microscopy was applied to examine the ablation patterns in the tissue and estimate the depth of the ablation craters. Ultrashort pulse laser ablation was found to be able to remove a layer of several tens of micrometers from the surface of eye lens tissue while leaving the underlying tissue relatively undamaged for subsequent MS analysis. MS analysis of cholesterol, phosphol...
Quality of life: The patient's endpoint

QOL is a subjective construct measuring the patients perspective (2). It parallels, but is distinct from, acute and late toxicity analyses. QOL is an endpoint in itself, separate from response or survival. It is a rn~ti~e~ion~ construct representing functional status, psychosocial and social wellbeing, health perceptions, and disease- and treatment-related symptoms. Multiple items make up the instruments to measure QOL. Large data sets will be generated in QOL studies. QOL changes over time, related to the stage of disease and treatment, making repeated rne~~~nt of QOL a requirement of study design. In Bruner’s article, the fact that there is a discrepancy between patient self-reporting of symptoms or toxicities and medical professional reporting indicates the importance of continued QOL assessments in clinical research. Similar patient and medical professional assessment differences were reported in the analysis of results of breast cosmesis. QOL is a patient endpoint and the patients’ perceptions are the gold standard whether the physician agrees or disagrees with the patient reporting. It is important to understand the patient’s experiences with the impact of the disease and therapy. The RTOG Quality of Life Subcommittee was established in 1991 to oversee and to be a facilitator of QOL research. There am many valid and reliable global and diseasespecific instruments to measure QOL, but no standard. RTOG will decide on a consistent approach to instrumentation to allow investigators, data managers, and statisticians to become knowledgeable and familiar in using the instrument (s ) . Utiliition of existing aspens will allow comparison of RTOG data to those in the literature. Protocol and disease-specific questions will be developed and added as necessary. QOL instruments will be dynamic. Modifications will ensure that the instrument used will provide the maximum information while being interpretable and comparable to previous data. Statistical methods are applied consistently across all QOL studies (6).
Food iron absorption in human subjects IV. The effects of calcium and phosphate salts on the absorption of nonheme iron

The influence of physiological levels of calcium and phosphorus on the absorption of nonheme iron from a semisynthetic meal was evaluated. Each of the 34 participating subjects received two to four test meals. In three studies where both calcium and phosphate were added, absorption of nonheme iron was reduced to 27 to 47% of that absorbed when no salts were added. However, with the single addition of either calcium or phosphate to the test meals no significantly inhibiting effect was observed. As the absorption of nonheme iron was significantly reduced only with the combined addition of calcium and phosphate, it is suggested that a calcium-phosphate-iron complex forms which inhibits iron absorption.
Low-molecular-weight polybenzimidazoles from aromatic dinitriles and aromatic diamines

Three oligomeric benzimidazoles have been prepared by the oxidative cyclization of the corresponding polyamidines. These materials are high melting and are soluble in solvents like dimethylformamide. They exhibit inherent viscosities of 0.20–0.25 in DMF at 0.5g/100 ml. Several model compounds have also been prepared to show the feasibility and scope of the oxidative cyclization reaction.
Exchange-Coupled FeNi&#8211;X (X $=$ CuO, NiO, and CoO) Nanocomposites Prepared Via Ball Milling

Exchange-coupled magnetic nanocomposite powders were obtained by mechanically milling ferromagnetic (FM)-antiferromagnetic (AFM) powders. A shift in the field-cooled (FC) hysteresis loop and the coercivity enhancement of the FM phase ensuing from exchange bias anisotropy was observed. The blocking temperature (TB) in all composites was found to be much lower than the Neel temperature (TN) of the AFM phases. A model based on Preisach hysteresis was used to calculate the interfacial energy between FM and AFM particles. The calculated interfacial energies were highest for FM-CoO and lowest for FM-CuO composites. These values are in good agreement with those reported for polycrystalline AFM thin films
Response to Letter Regarding Article, "Combined Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging and C-Reactive Protein Levels Identify a Cohort at Low Risk for Defibrillator Firings and Death"

We thank Dr Obeyesekere for his interest in our work. His letter highlights the importance of identifying low-risk individuals currently receiving implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) and the difficulties in identifying particularly high-risk patients. However, to impact current clinical ICD implantation decision making, it is critical to identify patient subsets who do not derive benefit from the device, ie, those with a low risk of arrhythmic outcomes.1 Our study in patients receiving clinically indicated primary prevention ICDs reported the value of gray zone (GZ) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) in identifying a low-risk subgroup with a 0.7%/year rate of appropriate firings or cardiac death. Although there have been prior studies of risk models aimed at identifying low-risk groups, an acceptable threshold of risk below which ICD …
The Soiling Characteristics of Textile Fibers Part III: The Effect of Twist on Soil Retention

The effect of twist on soil retention has been studied for a series of acetate yarns con taining 34 filaments of 3.5 den. filament. With increasing twist, soil retention first in creased to a maximum, and then decreased to values below that of the untwisted yarn. Microscopic examination of the soiled yarn indicated that at 20 turns in. visible soil particles had penetrated to the center of the yarn. whereas at 60 turns in. the soil was located on the exterior surface only.
The Value Premium for Small-Capitalization Stocks

We investigated whether an exploitable value premium existed for stocks in the Russell 2000 Index, the commonly used U.S. small-cap benchmark, in the 1979–97 period. For portfolios formed on the basis of price-to-earnings, price-to-sales, and market-to-book ratios, value stocks in the study outperformed growth stocks by 5.28–8.40 percentage points a year and had lower standard deviations and lower coefficients of variation than growth stocks did. Combining the valuation measures to identify value boosted returns and improved the risk–return characteristics of value portfolios. Most of the value premium for small-cap stocks occurred outside the month of January and was available for reasonably liquid stocks. These findings suggest that small-cap stocks offer a substantial value premium that is of practical significance to investors.
Sensing Meets Separation: Water Transport Across Biological Membranes

Water has been recognized as an essential component of living systems since antiquity. One must drink to stay alive and water is essential for growing food crops. With the development of the microscope it was possible to visualize cells and make observations that indicated the movement of water across cell membranes. Experiments conducted in the eighteenth, nineteenth and early twentieth centuries developed concepts and terminology that are used to this day. The discovery of aquaporins as water conducting channels provided a mechanism for understanding water transport across cell membranes. Selected examples are provided to describe functions of aquaporins in water balance physiology in animals and plants. Historically, many investigators have contributed to the understanding of water transport, sometime in collaboration and other times completely independent of one another. Thus, what may appear to be a linear advancement is only possible by selecting landmark studies and attempting a synthesis of how we know what we know.
Growth on amino acids, cell wall proteins, and hydrolysis of yeast phase cell walls of Histoplasma capsulatum and H. duboisii

Unlike Histoplasma capsulatum, all strains of H. duboisii were stimulated by tyrosine or proline, giving shorter lag-periods and increased cell yields when grown on a basal medium containing cysteine, aspartic acid and glutamic acid. Less stimulation was obtained with lysine, glutamine, glycine or asparagine. Analyses of yeast phase cell wall amino acids showed H. capsulatum serotypes 1,2,3 differed from serotypes 1,4 by a higher molar concentration of lysine, arginine and threonine but lower glycine plus serine. Relative molar concentrations of the individual amino acids of H. capsulatum serotype 1,4 and H. duboisii were similar; the latter had a higher threonine content. The amino acids present in the mycelial cell walls of H. capsulatum serotype 1,2,3, serotype 1,4, and H. duboisii were not significantly different. No results completely distinguished between H. capsulatum serotype 1,4 and H. duboisii. A simple chemical test for identifying Histoplasma 1,4 serotypes is described.
Bohr’s “Phenomenon” and “Law Without Law”

Como means much to science. Como means 1977 and 1983. Then Giulio Casati and Joseph Ford brought together distinguished colleagues to lay out the streets of a rapidly growing district of physics and help prepare it to be a new city of its own. Como means 1800. Then Alessandro Volta gave us the pile. He shocked us into a new world of electricity. But Como also means 1927.
The results of one thousand consecutive prenatal diagnoses

From 1976 to 1982, prenatal diagnosis was performed on more than 1,000 patients at the Richland Memorial Hospital. This report analyzes the experience of our unit with the first 1,000 consecutive studies. The integration of geneticist and clinician is stressed. A total of 77.7% of referrals were because of maternal age with the next most common indication being a prior child with a neural tube defect. There were 18 chromosomal abnormalities discovered, and no cases of open neural tube defect were detected. In all cases of elective termination of pregnancy in which follow-up was possible, the diagnosed abnormality was confirmed.
Strain Induced Crystallization in Stereoregular Poly[Methyl(3,3,3-Trifluoropropyl) Siloxane] Networks

Abstract Elastomeric networks based on poly[methyl(3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)siloxane] having a minimum level of stereo-regularity crystallize and self-reinforce when stretched at room temperature. The effect is especially pronounced in networks where the cross-links are uniformly spaced. The polymers are made by modification of a recently described anionic ring opening copolymerization of prescribed mixtures of cis- and trans-1,3,5-trimethyl-1,3,5-tris (3′, 3′, 3′-trifluoropropyl) cyclotrisiloxane. This provides polymers enriched in stereoregularity with nearly monodisperse molecular weight distributions and reactive groups at the chain ends. The end-linked networks show markedly enhanced mechanical properties due to self-reinforcement from strain-induced crystallization. In addition to applied strain, self-reinforcement depends on temperature and the amount of stereoregularity introduced to the polymer. Strained specimens having high levels of stereoregularity and pre-existing crystallinity exhibit plastic ...
Effectiveness of a Hospital-Based Multidisciplinary Pediatric Weight Management Program: Two-Year Outcomes of PHIT Kids

Abstract Objective: For children with obesity, long-term sustainability of weight loss after treatment is difficult to achieve. This study examined 2-year anthropometric outcomes of a moderately intensive group behaviorally based weight management program. Methods: One hundred seventy-three children with obesity ages 8–18 years participated with their parent or adult caregiver in a 24-week multicomponent intervention, which was followed by monthly sessions for a total of 2 years. Children were considered treatment completers if they attended ≥50% of the 24 weekly sessions. A multilevel model (multiple assessment time points nested within participants) was used to test person-level change in BMI z-score (BMIz) for program completers between (1) pre- and post-treatment, (2) pretreatment and 24-month follow-up, (3) post-treatment and 12-month follow-up, and (4) post-treatment and 24-month follow-up. Results: One hundred twenty-four (72%) of the participants completed the 24-week intervention. Significant red...
Are ICDPs Sustainable? On the Conservation of Large Mammals in Sub-Saharan Africa

Initiatives to link rural development and species conservation, known as integrated conservation-development projects (ICDPs), have been launched with considerable fanfare and funding around the world. Although ICDPs hold appeal as broader ecological efforts than the conservation and development strategies that preceded them, they also suffer conceptual flaws that may limit their appropriateness and potential sustainability, at least when applied to the protection of large African mammals.