cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Utilizing Lean Methodology and Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing Together: An Observational Pilot Study of Hip Replacement Surgery Utilizing a New Method to Study Value-Based Health Care.

BACKGROUND Time-driven activity-based costing (TDABC) has been suggested as the cost-accounting arm of value-based care organizations seeking to address costing challenges from the bottom up by studying the actual processes used in patient care. Lean methodology is a system in which the care pathway is understood at a granular level. In the current study, we attempt to combine these 2 methodologies, providing a robust mechanism to detect meaningful variation. First, we used data from a single surgeon and examined differences in time and cost for patients released on postoperative days 1 or 2. Next, we compared the data from patients discharged on postoperative day 1 with those of patients who underwent an operation by a different surgeon and were also discharged on postoperative day 1. METHODS Consecutive patients who underwent an anterior hip arthroplasty performed by 1 of 2 surgeons and who had degenerative pathology of the hip, an inpatient stay of 1 or 2 days, discharge to home, and no readmission within 30 days of the surgical procedure were identified. We obtained data on patient demographic characteristics and time spent on activities for each personnel role in 15-minute increments occurring during 4 time points of a surgical episode of care (preoperative bay, surgical procedure, post-anesthesia care unit, and inpatient). Personnel costs were set as a ratio relative to the cost of a registered nurse (RN). RESULTS Consistent with our hypotheses, both RNs and nursing assistants-certified (NA-Cs) spent more time with patients released on postoperative day 2 compared with those released on postoperative day 1. Also consistent with our hypotheses, we only found significant differences for the time that personnel spent in the surgical procedures. CONCLUSIONS For patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty for degenerative conditions, we demonstrate that, in the setting of lean methodology, TDABC can detect variability in a meaningful and predictable way. This combination may further enable clinicians and administrators to improve processes, to allocate appropriate resources to specific process steps, and to optimize various treatments across episodes of care. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Economic and Decision Analysis Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Contracting in the investment management industry

Abstract We investigate the option to invest in derivative securities using a large sample of mutual funds. We find that those funds with the greatest transaction-cost benefit tend to permit investment in derivatives, and that funds tend to permit investment only in those derivatives that offer transaction-cost benefits. Our results indicate that a fund's decision to permit investment in derivatives is driven by increased efficiency rather than advisor opportunism.
Control of the immune response at the level of antigen-presenting cells: a comparison of the function of dendritic cells and B lymphocytes.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses three areas where there have been recent advances of the immune response control. The first is that dendritic cells and B lymphocytes differ considerably in terms of their tissue distribution in situ and their surface properties. The relevance of these differences to APC function will be considered. The second is that each cell has distinct effects when tested for APC function in vitro and in situ . Presentation of soluble proteins, MHC and Mls antigens, viral antigens, and T cell-dependent antigens for antibody formation is each dealt with separately. The evidence that both B cells and dendritic cells regulate their APC function depending on their tissue localization and exposure to antigen and cytokines will be stressed. The third area relates to the mechanism of APC function, which includes how each APC processes antigen, acquires antigen in vivo , and forms stable contacts with responsive T cells. The dendritic cell family begins with a bone marrow precursor that likely seeds most non-lymphoid tissues. Following deposition of antigen, nonlymphoid dendritic cells may be mobilized to present antigen locally, or to migrate with that antigen via the blood and lymph to the T cell areas of lymphoid organs. Except for the bone marrow precursor, dendritic cells in all tissues from which they have been isolated are potent antigen-presenting cells (APCs) for a variety of T cell-dependent immune responses. In an analogous sense, B lymphocytes also encompass a diverse array of developmental stages, each with distinct functional properties. The immune system contains two diverse groups of cells, both of which can present antigens to T cells.
Cup cells: further structural characterization of the brush border and the suggestion that they may serve as an attachment site for an unidentified bacillus in guinea pig ileum

We recognized a low incidence, spontaneously occurring colonization of guinea pig ilea by an unidentified strain of gram-negative bacteria. By thick section, bacteria were associated with 28% of cup cells but with only 0.4% of absorptive cells. Additionally, noncolonized guinea pig ileum was subsequently studied by a variety of morphologic techniques to further define the normal functional anatomy of cup cells. Cup cells have glycocalyces that are more extensive than those of absorptive cells. As judged by ruthenium red staining, cup cells are comparable to absorptive cells in the density of glycocalyceal anionic sites; thus cup cells would not be expected to bind negatively charged plasma membranes (like those of bacteria) simply on the basis of having diminished negative charge of the glycocalyx. Sequential studies of ileal loops exposed to cationized ferritin suggest cup cell microvilli are able to internalize small quantities of membrane-bound molecules but, like absorptive cells, transport these substances to lysosomelike compartments. Finally, we show that cup cells, unlike absorptive cells, readily display morphologically detectable cholesterol on their microvillus membranes, even though it is likely that cup cell microvillus membranes are highly stabilized by underlying cytoskeleton as are those of absorptive cells, which label poorly for morphologically detectable cholesterol. These studies further define cup cell structure and suggest that these cells may represent preferential sites for attachment of at least some strains of bacilli.
Anaemia in men receiving combined finasteride and flutamide therapy for advanced prostate cancer.

Objective To determine the effect of combined finasteride and flutamide therapy on haemoglobin and haematocrit values in men with advanced prostate cancer. Patients and methods Nineteen men, previously untreated by hormone therapy, with histologically confirmed adenocarcinoma of the prostate and clinical evidence of advanced disease, were treated with combined finasteride (5 mg/day) and flutamide (750 mg/day) for at least 6 months. Complete blood counts were performed before initiation and after 6 months of therapy. Results After 6 months of finasteride and flutamide therapy both haemoglobin levels and haematocrit decreased in all men, with a mean (sd, range) decrease of 16 (10, 3–42) g/L and 4.6 (2.7, 0.8–9.9)%, respectively. Conclusion Combined finasteride and flutamide therapy significantly lowers haemoglobin and haematocrit levels in men with advanced prostate cancer, and further study of this effect is warranted.
Identification of the Requirements Space Topology for a Rapid Response Strike System

Presented at the SAE Aerospace Congress and Exhibition, Seattle, WA, September 10-13, 2001.
High affinity binding of the heat-stable protein kinase inhibitor to the catalytic subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase is selectively abolished by mutation of Arg133.

The two classes of physiological inhibitors of the catalytic subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase are the regulatory subunits and the heat-stable protein kinase inhibitors (PKIs), and both share a common mechanism of inhibition. Each has a similar inhibitor site that resembles a peptide substrate, and this occupies the P-3 to P+1 portion of the peptide recognition site. However, in addition to this consensus site, each inhibitor requires a peripheral binding site to achieve high affinity binding. Arg134 and Arg133 lie on the surface of the catalytic subunit with Arg133 coming close to the amphipathic helix of PKI(5-24) (Knighton, D. R., Zheng, J., Ten Eyck, L. F., Xuong, N.-h., Taylor, S. S., and Sowadski, J. M. (1991) Science 253, 414-420). Replacement of Arg134 and Arg133 with Ala selectively abolishes the high affinity binding of PKI. Replacement of Arg133 alone is sufficient to give the same phenotype. In the presence of MgATP, the Kd,app, is increased from
User-side Wi-Fi Evil Twin Attack detection using SSL/TCP protocols

Evil Twin Attack (ETA) refers to a rogue Wi-Fi Access Point (AP) that appears to be a legitimate one but actually has been set up to eavesdrop on wireless communications [1]. Most of existing detection techniques assume that the attacker will use the same legitimate wireless network gateway to pass through victim's wireless data. These detection methods will fail if the attacker uses a different gateway, such as using his own broadband cellular connection through his own smartphone. In this paper, we present a new client-side detection method to detect such an ETA that uses a different gateway from the legitimate one. It relies on SSL/TCP connection to an arbitrary remote web server to avoid attacker's misleading message, and trying to detect the changing of gateway's public IP address by switching from one AP to another in the middle of the SSL/TCP connection. The detection method is on the client side which makes it more convenient for users to deploy and ensure their security.
Production of Soy Cheese for ISS and Planetary Outpost

We have developed two methods of making cheese-flavored products from soy protein. In the dough method soy protein (white flakes or soy protein isolate), oil, cheese culture (Streptococcus salivarius spp. thermophilus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii spp. Bulgaricus), cheese whey, protease, lactose, water and sodium nitrite are mixed and fermented. After the pH reaches a minimum, the pH is adjusted to 5.2 with sodium carbonate solution and the cheese is stored anaerobically at 4°C. In the wet method, soymilk (9% solids) is prepared from white flakes, pasteurized, mixed with fat and homogenized. Next, whey, culture and sodium nitrite are added and the mixture is fermented at 40°C. to pH 4.6. The curd is cut and cooked to 50°C, whey is removed and the curd is pressed, adjusted to pH 5.2 with sodium carbonate, protease is added and the product is stored anaerobically at 4°C. The wet method product is a smooth paste. The dough method gave a dryer paste but had a much more granular texture. Products made with high-oleic vegetable oils had a bland flavor with little typical soy protein flavor. Products made with milk fat had a pleasant cream cheese-like flavor. The flavor of product made with milk fat could be reproduced in product made with vegetable oils by the addition of a mixture of lactones, ketones, and short-chain fatty acids typical of milk fat. The flavor was well developed after one month at 4°C and did not change noticeably with additional storage. The addition of amino acids derived from casein to the products a few days before consumption only marginally improved their cheese-like flavors.
Second thoughts about fluoride.

This article examines fluoridation of water in the U.S. as some studies are suggesting that over consumption of fluoride can increase the risk of diseases of the teeth, bones, brain and thyroid gland. The National Research Council has recommended that the doses of fluoride be lowered in the public water systems due to the potential for adverse health effects. INSETS: Debating the Effects;SIGNS OF FLUOROSIS;A FLUORIDE DIET;FLUORIDE HISTORY
Field Testing of Bridges for Environmental Deterioration and its Consequences

The purpose of this paper is to summarize the results of that portion of the NATO Advanced Research Workshop on “Regional Challenges to Improve a Deteriorated Transportation Infrastructure Within Poland and It’s Neighboring Countries” which dealt with nondestructive evaluation of bridges.
CNO Isotope Abundances in Interstellar Clouds

Isotope abundance determinations have been made to date in at least twenty-three dense clouds scattered throughout the galactic disc. Most of these determinations have been made using two or more of the sixteen observed isotopic species of CO, H2CO, HCN and CS†. As will be shown, only a few of the molecular experiments can be interpreted independently. The two most notable of these independent experiments are the comparisons of the 6.2 cm absorption lines of H2CO and H2 13CO and 2.6 mm emission lines of C18O and C17O. Both of these experiments will be discussed at length in subsequent articles in these proceedings. The difficulty of obtaining single isotope abundance ratios is an experimental one. Most terrestial ratios are very large, ranging up to 2675 for the ratio 16O / 17O. These large ratios create an experimental bind. Spectral lines of the more abundant isotopic species must be weak enough to ensure that the line suffers no serious optical depth effects. This requirement often makes the line of the less abundant species impossible to detect. Hence many experiments yield double isotope abundance ratios by comparing the line strengths if two molecules having isotope substitutions of two different elements (e.g., |C18O|/|13CO| which yields (12C/13C)/(16O/18O)).
FADD Deficiency Impairs Early Hematopoiesis in the Bone Marrow

Signal transduction mediated by Fas-associated death domain protein (FADD) represents a paradigm of coregulation of apoptosis and cellular proliferation. During apoptotic signaling induced by death receptors including Fas, FADD is required for the recruitment and activation of caspase 8. In addition, a death receptor-independent function of FADD is essential for embryogenesis. In previous studies, FADD deficiency in embryonic stem cells resulted in a complete lack of B cells and dramatically reduced T cell numbers, as shown by Rag1(-/-) blastocyst complementation assays. However, T-specific FADD-deficient mice contained normal numbers of thymocytes and slightly reduced peripheral T cell numbers, whereas B cell-specific deletion of FADD led to increased peripheral B cell numbers. It remains undetermined what impact an FADD deficiency has on hematopoietic stem cells and progenitors. The current study analyzed the effect of simultaneous deletion of FADD in multiple cell types, including bone marrow cells, by using the IFN-inducible Mx1-cre transgene. The resulting FADD mutant mice did not develop lymphoproliferation diseases, unlike Fas-deficient mice. Instead, a time-dependent depletion of peripheral FADD-deficient lymphocytes was observed. In the bone marrow, a lack of FADD led to a dramatic decrease in the hematopoietic stem cells and progenitor-enriched population. Furthermore, FADD-deficient bone marrow cells were defective in their ability to generate lymphoid, myeloid, and erythroid cells. Thus, the results revealed a temporal requirement for FADD. Although dispensable during lymphopoiesis post lineage commitment, FADD plays a critical role in early hematopoietic stages in the bone marrow.
Has Concentration in the Top Six Accounting Journals Changed Over Time

Prior work has found high levels of concentration in the top academic accounting journals, leading some to suggest that these journals are dominated by a small set of elite schools. However, little evidence exists on changes in journal concentration over time, and evidence that does exist does not extend into recent years. We examine concentration trends in the top six accounting journals (AOS, JAE, JAR, RAST, CAR, and TAR) from 1960 to 2011. Our results show (1) an overall trend towards increasing article publications, (2) an overall trend towards decreasing concentration, (3) some evidence of increasing separation between journals based on the top schools each journal draws from (i.e., a top 20 school for one journal is becoming less likely to appear as a top 20 school for a different journal), and (4) an overall trend towards proportionally more non-US schools appearing in top journals. Our conclusions are similar whether we use authors’ affiliation school (where they worked at the time of publication) or degree-school (where they obtained their PhD). Our results ultimately suggest that opportunities for publication in top journals have improved for academic accounting researchers.
Atmospheric Properties of Jupiter Determined from Galilean Satellite Eclipse Light Curves

Twelve eclipse light curves for the Galilean satellites have been observed at 30 colors. The shape of the curves depend upon Jovian atmospheric properties such as Rayleigh scattering, aerosol distribution, molecular absorption, scale height and cloud top altitude, as well as the satellite diameter. Different zenographic latitudes and longitudes along the sunrise and sunset terminator have been observed. Very long absorption path lengths are obtained compared to normal incidence because of the tangential passage of the Sun’s rays. Refractive tails are observed in most cases which allow aerosol distributions to be determined. The other atmospheric properties may also be derived.
The effects of ingested alcohol on accommodative, fusional, and dark vergence

To examine the effects of ingested alcohol on vergence, we measured vergence in 8 male emmetropes, aged 21–23 years, under two alcohol dosage conditions (placebo and 1.5 ml/kg of 95% ethanol). For each of these conditions, after consumption of the appropriate drink, dark vergence and fusional and accommodative vergence to near and far targets (viewing distance = 30 cm and 6 cm) were assessed every 30 min for a total of 6 h. Intoxication produced significant increases in convergence for far fusional and far accommodative targets. Intoxication also led to a tendency toward decreased convergence for near fusional and near accommodative targets, although the results were less clear than in the case of the far viewing conditions. Dark vergence did not change with intoxication; it also did not appear to be significantly related to other alcohol-induced vergence changes, although the size of the sample made it impossible to reach meaningful conclusions regarding this last point.
Plasticity following neonatal visual cortex damage in cats

We have used the cat visual system as a model system to investigate how remaining areas of the brain are able to take over functions that are lost following brain damage and why neonates show better behavioral recovery than adults. Anatomical studies with both anterograde and retrograde tracing methods reveal an increased projection from retina through thalamus to the posteromedial lateral suprasylvian (PMLS) extrastriate visual area of cortex in the damaged hemisphere of cats with a neonatal visual cortex (areas 17, 18, and 19; VC) lesion. No such enhanced projection is seen after an adult lesion. In addition, single-cell neurophysiological studies indicate that physiological compensation is present in PMLS cortex after a neonatal VC lesion but not after an adult lesion. The physiological compensation replaces (or maintains) properties that are characteristic of PMLS neurons; there is little or no improvement to replace the superior spatial properties of striate cortex (or areas 18 or 19) neurons that we...
Existence and uniqueness of solutions to semilinear nonlocal parabolic equations

Abstract The Banach contraction mapping theorem and the theory of analytic semigroups are used to prove the existence and uniqueness of solutions to nonlocal semilinear parabolic partial differential equations. The equations consist of a parabolic boundary value problem and a relation connecting the initial value to values or weighted averages of values of the solution at other times.
The relation between repair of radiation damage and mutation induction.

— This essay, written in honor of Alexander Hollaender's seventieth birthday, reviews the development of the concept of repair of premutational damage at both the biological and molecular levels. It stresses the important hut not exclusive role that repair processes play in determining the mutation yield, with emphasis on mutations induced by ultraviolet radiation. It points out that under special circumstances repair may be sufficiently efficient to almost completely eliminate premutational damage.
Determination of traces of mercury using radioactive zinc dithizonate as a reagent

A radioreagent method for the analysis of traces of mercury using radioactive zinc dithizonate as the reagent has been developed. As small as 0,2 μg of mercury can be determined using this technique. Possible interferences from most of the metals which displace zinc from zinc dithizonate can be removed by a simple separation procedure. The method was tested by analyzing the NBS reference standard SRM 1064 and our value was found to be in agreement with the value certified by NBS.
Ultra-short pulses in linear and nonlinear media

We consider the evolution of ultra-short optical pulses in linear and nonlinear media. For the linear case, we first show that the initial-boundary value problem for Maxwell's equations in which a pulse is injected into a quiescent medium at the left endpoint can be approximated by a linear wave equation which can then be further reduced to the linear short-pulse equation (SPE). A rigorous proof is given that the solution of the SPE stays close to the solutions of the original wave equation over the time scales expected from the multiple scales derivation of the SPE. For the nonlinear case we compare the predictions of the traditional nonlinear Schrodinger equation (NLSE) approximation with those of the SPE. We show that both equations can be derived from Maxwell's equations using the renormalization group method, thus bringing out the contrasting scales. The numerical comparison of both equations with Maxwell's equations shows clearly that as the pulse length shortens, the NLSE approximation becomes steadily less accurate, while the SPE provides a better and better approximation.
External dependence demographic burdens and Argentine economic decline after the Belle Epoque.

Once one of the richest countries in the world, Argentina has been in relative economic decline for most of the twentieth century. The quantitative records of income growth and accumulation date the onset of the retardation to around the time of the Great War, and patterns of aggregate saving and foreign borrowing show that scarcity of investable resources significantly frustrated interwar development. A demographic model of national saving demonstrates that the burdens of rapid population growth and substantial immigration depressed Argentine saving, contributing significantly to the demise of the Belle Apoque following the wartime collapse of international financial markets.
Freshwater fishing in Mexico: Some consequences of large-scale drainage problems

Attempts at large-scale drainage are common throughout the world. While drainage has obvious, positive effects upon an area, notably the creation of arable land, its effect upon the resident population is less clear. This report describes some preliminary observations of residents who live in a drained region in Tabasco, Mexico. Forty-five interviews, conducted in 1979, focused on fish consumption and fishing practices by the inhabitants of this area, and aimed to determine whether there were any differences in consumption and practice as a consequence of a major hydraulic project. Preliminary results suggest that the hydraulic project has indeed affected the fishing practices and consumption of the local people. In 1965 (before drainage), up to 85%7o of the residents caught all the fish they ate, while in 1979 (after drainage) 85% bought all the fish they ate from fisherman to the south. The range in species of aquatic fauna, as well as the numbers of fish in the region, had decreased in 1979 (see Tables I-III).
Participation in Inclusive Preschool Programs and Sensitivity to the Needs of Others

This study examined how children's ideas about a prosocial behavior, helping, are related to their experiences in an inclusive preschool. Thirty three preschool children enrolled in inclusive classes, and 30 children enrolled in early childhood classes for typically developing children only participated in the study. Children's ideas about helping were elicited in interviews. In addition, preschool teachers rated each child's prosocial behaviors. Results revealed that children in inclusive classes received statistically significantly higher helping strategy scores and were statistically significantly more likely to refer to disability in their responses than children in early childhood classes for typically developing children only. These results are consistent with previous work, and suggest that young children are capable of sensitivity to the needs and competencies of children with disabilities. Implications for classroom practice are offered.
Hybridization among Caribbean damselfish species correlates with habitat degradation

Abstract Caribbean damselfish species (genus Stegastes) are permanently territorial, display obvious aggressive behavior related to territory defense, and have divergent habitat preferences for primary territory substrates. Territory quality is directly tied to variation in reproductive success among individuals, which suggests that ecological isolation plays a key role in the maintenance of species boundaries in this genus. If so, hybridization is expected to occur among closely-related damselfish species when there is a limitation in the availability of preferred primary habitat. To test this prediction, we collected damselfish from both high disturbance (Jamaica) and low disturbance (Barbados) coral reef environments, and looked for evidence of hybridization among species based on both morphological variation and discordance between mitochondrial and nuclear genetic markers. Consistent with the hypothesis that species boundaries in this system are maintained by strong substrate preferences and aggressive territoriality, we found evidence for extensive hybridization in Jamaica, where intense hurricanes have led to considerable habitat degradation over the last 30 years. In light of ongoing climate change, this result suggests that hybridization leading to a blurring of ecological species boundaries may represent an increasingly common yet underappreciated threat to many coral reef fish species.
Selective growth of InP/InGaAs ridges : Physical and optical characterization

Abstract The selective growth of InP/InGaAs ridges aligned along the 〈0 1 0〉 direction was studied using scanning electron microscopy and photoluminescence measurements. The ridges exhibit very smooth {1 1 0} sidewalls and (0 0 1) top facets. The diffusion of the group III species from the sidewalls to the top (0 0 1) surface was modelled to provide a predictive tool for determining ridge growth, and the optical properties of InGaAs QWs incorporated in the ridges. No growth occurs on the {1 1 0} sidewalls until the ridges complete due to the diffusion of In species to the top (0 0 1) facet. The situation for Ga is quite different, with no diffusion off the {1 1 0} facets observed, and little or no Ga being incorporated on the {1 1 0} surface before or after ridge completion.
Management of isolated yew berry toxicity with sodium bicarbonate: a case report in treatment efficacy.

Introduction Taxus species are known to be toxic and may result in significant dysrhythmias. Treatment of taxus induced cardiac dysrhythmias is based largely on case reports. We describe a case of a 24-year-old male withTaxus cuspidate (yew berry) toxicity initially treated with amiodarone bolus and infusion and subsequently managed with sodium bicarbonate boluses and continuous infusion.
The Value of a Symptom Cluster of Fatigue, Dyspnea, and Cough in Predicting Clinical Outcomes in Lung Cancer Survivors

Abstract Context Aggregates of concurrent symptoms, known as symptom clusters (SxCls), are reported to have prognostic capabilities beyond that of single symptom alone. A SxCl of fatigue, dyspnea, and cough has been delineated in a number of lung cancer cohorts. Objectives The objective of this study was to characterize this SxCl’s predictive value for important clinical outcomes relative to that of its component symptoms. Methods Analysis of an eight-year prospective cohort study that assessed 2405 patients with LC for self-reported symptom burden, employment status, and physical activity with the Baecke questionnaire, and overall quality of life (QoL) was undertaken using nested Cox and generalized linear multilevel mixed models. Models were adjusted for longitudinally assessed demographics, cancer progression and tobacco use, and cancer progression. Results The SxCl, as well as its individual symptoms and symptom pairs, were all negatively associated with survival in Cox models of Years 1–3 after diagnosis. Only in Year 3 did the SxCl prognosticate survival (and then marginally) better than single symptoms or symptom pairs; fatigue was strongly associated (P ≤ 0.0005) with survival at all time points. The SxCl was not predictive of participants’ employment status, physical activity, or QoL, whereas the presence of fatigue, dyspnea, or their combination was strongly associated with these outcomes. Conclusion Fatigue and dyspnea are strongly associated with poor clinical outcomes in LC survivors; however, a SxCl that includes fatigue, dyspnea, and cough as part as its components does not appear to significantly improve their predictive capability.
Hypothesis Testing in Evolutionary Developmental Biology: A Case Study from Insect Wings

Developmental data have the potential to give novel insights into morphological evolution. Because developmental data are time-consuming to obtain, support for hypotheses often rests on data from only a few distantly related species. Similarities between these distantly related species are parsimoniously inferred to represent ancestral aspects of development. However, with limited taxon sampling, ancestral similarities in developmental patterning can be difficult to distinguish from similarities that result from convergent co-option of developmental networks, which appears to be common in developmental evolution. Using a case study from insect wings, we discuss how these competing explanations for similarity can be evaluated. Two kinds of developmental data have recently been used to support the hypothesis that insect wings evolved by modification of limb branches that were present in ancestral arthropods. This support rests on the assumption that aspects of wing development in Drosophila, including similarities to crustacean epipod patterning, are ancestral for winged insects. Testing this assumption requires comparisons of wing development in Drosophila and other winged insects. Here we review data that bear on this assumption, including new data on the functions of wingless and decapentaplegic during appendage allocation in the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum.
Social navigation for educational digital libraries

Abstract An educational digital library may store a wealth of diverse educational resources targeting different audiences from young schoolchildren to graduate students to school and college teachers. With the growth of the volume and the diversity of the library, it becomes increasingly difficult for the users to find resources, which are relevant to their age, educational needs, and personal interests. Social navigation techniques could provide valuable help in this context guiding users to the most useful information. Social navigation works by processing traces of past user behavior and using the assembled “collective wisdom” to guide future users. The paper reports our work on the design of social navigation infrastructure for Ensemble, a major educational digital library. We present the organization of both sides of the social navigation process: how social wisdom is collected and how it can be used to guide portal users to valuable resources. We also report the results of our most recent evaluation of the social navigation infrastructure.
Name your career development intervention

The first section of the article provides readers with an overview of the most widely used career development interventions including alternative career paths, assessment centers, career coaching/counseling, cross‐training, flexitime, job enlargement, job enrichment, job rotation, job sharing, phased retirement, sabbaticals, and temporary assignments. Each intervention is described and accompanied with an example. The second section of the article presents three case studies: When woodworkers won’t; How do we keep going from here? and Opportunity in scarce resources. Each case is accompanied with a series of discussion questions and answers. Managers, trainers, and/or consultants can use the article and its case studies to facilitate discussions among employees regarding the potential benefits and drawbacks of various career development interventions.
Fundamentals of micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC)

Micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC) is a useful branch of capillary electrophoresis (CE) that utilizes surfactant above critical micelle concentration (CMC) as pseudo-stationary phase. MEKC can be employed to separate both charged and neutral molecules, individually or simultaneously, including chiral compounds. MECK benefits from high peak efficiency due to electroosmotic flow (EOF) in the separation capillary, compounded with large variety of synthetic surfactants, organic modifiers, temperature and variable separation voltage has made MECK the method of choice for separation scientists. In this review, we present the introduction of CE, fundamentals of surfactant chemistry as it relates to MEKC, separation principles in MECK including equations involved in calculating separation parameters (capacity factor, resolution etc.).
Appearance and maturation of synaptic plasticity during juvenile development in Aplysia.

Abstract In the present study we examine the developmental appearance and maturation of synaptic plasticity at the A–B neuron synapse in the cerebral ganglion of Aplysia . In the CNS of juvenile Aplysia 120 days after hatching, the excitatory synaptic connection between A and B cluster neurons is essentially the same as in the adult cerebral ganglion. No differences were observed between the amplitudes of the initial EPSPs in the cerebral ganglia of juveniles and adults. One form of plasticity, low frequency synaptic depression, is also present in juveniles. Another form of activity-dependent plasticity, slow developing potentiation (SDP) appears and matures during the late juvenile stage of development. At 120 days posthatching SDP, evoked by tetanic stimulation, is largely absent. Potentiated EPSPs have a significantly smaller amplitude than in adults. Over the next 80 days SDP undergoes a maturation process. The peak potentiation increases linearly with age from 135±12% at 125 days to 275±20% at 188 days. The duration of the potentiation, as measured by the time-constant its decay, also increases linearly from 12.7±3.4 min to 27.9±3.9 min. From 120–170 days, 85% exhibited SDP. Changes in the rising phase of the A neuron action potential have been implicated in mediating SDP. At 120 days, the A neuron action potential has a significantly shorter duration (half-width) than in the adult. Between 120 and 200 days, both the duration and rise-time of the A neuron action potential increase linearly. These results confirm findings by other investigators, that different forms of synaptic plasticity develop independently, with depression appearing before potentiation.
Scultpured optical fiber tips for narrow diameter optical catheters

We describe a narrow-diameter, monolithic fiberoptic OCT imaging probe that provides a high-quality focus, transverse to the fiber axis, with a long working distance and narrow beam waist.
Electromagnetic absorption in an inhomogeneous model of man for realistic exposure conditions

The advances made in quantifying electromagnetic absorption and its distribution for various exposure profiles are described. The conditions that have been studied extensively are: free-space irradiation and its variations, such as the presence of ground and reflecting surfaces and other humans in close proximity. Using an inhomogeneous block model of man, work has recently been extended to leakage-type near-fields such as those from RF heat sealers and other electronic equipment. Projections are made for the extension of this work to evaluate coupled near-fields, design of multielement near-field applicators to obtain physician-prescribed uniform or nonuniform rates of regional heating, and for the inverse scattering problem necessary for electromagnetic biomedical imaging. Accurate information about the dielectric properties of various tissues becomes increasingly important for proper inhomogeneous modeling of man.
Characterizing nanoimprint profile shape and polymer flow behavior using visible light angular scatterometry

The profile shape and the flow behavior of polymer nanoscale gratings made by a thermal nanoimprint process are precisely examined using visible light angular scatterometry. Nanoimprinted poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) lines with 60–800nm width, 100–200nm height, and varied residual thicknesses of 70–400nm have been investigated using this optical approach, and insightful observations are made regarding residual stress buildup during thermal nanoimprint. In addition, a nonlinear profile model has been developed for scatterometry to monitor the “melting” behavior of PMMA gratings under annealing around its glass transition temperature. The polymer nanostructures were found to relax primarily at high stress regions.
Virus removal within a soil infiltration zone as affected by effluent composition, application rate, and soil type.

Abstract The column studies presented in this paper simulated the infiltrative surface of onsite wastewater systems where effluent is applied and where a biomat may form. Two bacteriophages, MS-2 and PRD-1, were used as surrogates for human pathogenic enteric viruses during two tracer tests. A vacuum manifold was used to simulate the drainage effects of an underlying unsaturated soil profile, allowing for the collection of percolate samples at 4 cm immediately below the infiltrative surface. The impact of effluent applied (septic tank effluent (STE) or a simulated ground water), soil type (medium sand or sandy loam), hydraulic loading rate (5 or 25 cm/day) and method of application (four equivalent daily doses or 24 equivalent micro-doses per day) on the removal of viruses were investigated. These unsaturated mini column experiments demonstrated that the removal of viruses within an infiltrative surface zone (of ∼4 cm) generally improved over time under the conditions studied. An exception occurred in sand-filled columns dosed with STE where the removal of PRD-1 decreased after a period of effluent application. Statistical analysis conducted on the calculated percent removal demonstrated that the quality of the effluent applied to the infiltrative surface is important for removal of MS-2 and PRD-1. Hydraulic loading rate also proved important in the removal of viruses. At the time of tracer test 2, columns dosed at the higher HLR (25 cm/day) had higher percent removals for both MS-2 and PRD-1. Soil type altered the removal of PRD-1 at the time of the second tracer test, at which time sandy loam had higher removal rates for PRD-1. No significant differences were observed between columns dosed four times daily and those dosed 24 times daily for either bacteriophage at either of the tracer test time points. These data suggest that over a relatively short period of operation the infiltrative surface of soil based wastewater treatment systems can achieve much higher removal then initially measured shortly after startup.
Probabilistic approach for estimating the release of contaminants under field management scenarios

Abstract A probabilistic approach is presented for estimating the release of contaminants by leaching, when wastes are being considered for disposal in a class of landfills but the specific landfill disposal site is uncertain. A simple percolation and equilibrium-based release model is used in conjunction with laboratory testing results and observations of field leachate characteristics for municipal solid waste landfills, hazardous waste landfills and industrial co-disposal landfills. The approach is applied for assessing the efficacy of potential treatment processes for mercury contaminated soils. For each landfill scenario, historical values of leachate pH and annual leachate generation quantities were used to derive the probability distribution functions of the field pH and LS ratio that may be expected to contact the disposed material over an estimated time period of 100 years. For each potential treatment process, laboratory testing was used to establish the treated material’s leaching characteristics as a function of pH LS ratio. This approach allowed determination of distribution frequencies and limit values for release estimates instead of single point estimates. The probability of the mass of a constituent of interest released exceeding a hypothetical threshold was examined for each treatment process and landfill system. Results of the probabilistic analysis allowed for integration of a range of data and provided a good basis for assessing the efficacy of the examined treatment processes over the three assumed disposal scenarios.
Temporal alternation between light- and nutrient-limitation of phytoplankton production in a coastal plain estuary

We examined the potential for light- and nutrient-limitation of phytoplankton production in the Delaware Estuary using a hierarchy of experimental approaches including small scale bioassay experiments, ecosystem analysis of nutrient concentration and stoichiometric ratios, light-limitation modeling and determination of planktonic elemental ratios.
Administration of alpha-methyldopa and autoimmune hemolytic anemia in mice.

SummaryMice were subjected to prolonged high dose treatment with methyldopate hydrochloride (Aldomet), and evaluated for the development of positive direct antiglobulin reactions and anemia. NZB and A/J strains which are genetically susceptible to autoimmune disease and the nonsusceptible CBA/H-T6 strain were studied. Methyldopate was administered orally or subcutaneously at doses of 4-200 mg/kg body weight beginning at 2-3 months of age. Treatment by injection was carried out for 3.4-10.7 months while oral treatment was continued for the life of the animal. The time of onset and severity of the spontaneous autoimmune hemolytic anemia in NZB mice were not influenced by methyldopate treatment. Microhematocrit levels decreased significantly with advancing age in A/J and CBA mice, and positive direct erythrocyte antiglobulin reactions were noted in A/J mice at 21 months of age. These conditions occurred equally in experimental and control groups, however, and could not be attributed to methyldopate treatment...
Defense reaction elicited by injection of GABA antagonists and synthesis inhibitors into the posterior hypothalamus in rats

Blockade of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the posterior hypothalamic nucleus elicits cardiorespiratory stimulation in anesthetized rats. The present study was conducted to test the hypothesis that blockade of GABA in this cardiostimulatory area of the posterior hypothalamus in conscious animals would elicit a defense reaction characterised by a "fight or flight" response. Blockade of GABA was achieved by injecting bicuculline methiodide (BMI 1-25 ng) and picrotoxin (4-100 ng), two post-synaptic GABA antagonists and isoniazid (INH 35 and 70 micrograms), an inhibitor of the synthesis of GABA, bilaterally into the posterior hypothalamus through chronically implanted microinjection cannulae. All three drugs produced dose-dependent increases in locomotor activity, suggesting an "escape" reaction which was quantified as number of crossings and rearings. The effects of bicuculline and picrotoxin appeared immediately after the injection while those of isoniazid appeared much more slowly, attaining peak effects 24 +/- 1 min after injection. Injection of either strychnine (38 ng) into the posterior hypothalamus or bicuculline into the lateral hypothalamic area (LHA) or the dorso-medial/ventro-medial hypothalamus (DMH/VMH) did not elicit a significant increase in locomotor behavior. These results suggest that both the physiological and locomotor components of the hypothalamic defense reaction may be under tonic GABAergic inhibition in the region of the posterior hypothalamus.
A model for line transect sampling clustered populations

Abstract A model is presented for the estimation of population density using line-transect methods on clustered individuals. The model assumes independent sighting of clusters but does not require all individuals in a cluster to be sighted.
Cervical spine injury: accuracy of helical CT used as a screening technique

Objective: The study objective was to determine the sensitivity and specificity of a helical CT technique to screen for cervical spine injury in a high-risk trauma population. Materials and methods: The helical CT reports for a consecutive series of 601 high-risk adult blunt trauma victims were reviewed. Findings were confirmed using an independent reference standard, which consisted of additional cervical spine imaging (CT, MRI, or radiography), operative findings, autopsy results or clinical outcome. Results: Sensitivity and specificity of helical CT for injury were 77/81 (95 %; 95 % confidence limits: 90–100 %) and 484/520 (93 %; 95 % confidence limits 91–95 %) respectively. Four false negative cases were comprised of three missed ligamentous injuries and one missed fracture. False positive cases (n = 36) were mostly attributed to possible facet fracture (n = 6), possible ligamentous injury (n = 8) or technically inadequate scan (n = 6).The overall accuracy of the helical CT protocol for cervical spine injury in this population was 561/601 (93 %; 95 % confidence limits 91–95 %). Conclusion: Helical CT has high accuracy for cervical spine injury. We believe that helical CT should be the preferred imaging strategy in high-risk blunt trauma patients.
Development of a Luminex based competitive immunoassay for 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT).

Previously, a displacement immunoassay for 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) was demonstrated using the Luminex 100. The work presented utilized this same specialized flow cytometer to demonstrate a highly sensitive and rapid competitive immunoassay for TNT. This required a TNT analog to be attached to the microsphere surface. Various linkers were evaluated; bovine serum albumin provided over 3 times more binding sites in comparison to various shorter diamine linkers. For this assay TNB-coated microspheres were added to samples; then biotinylated anti-TNT antibody and the reporter molecule, Streptavidin-R-Phycoerythrin, were added. In the absence of TNT, a highly fluorescent complex was formed on the surface of the microsphere. The presence of TNT resulted in dose-dependent decreased fluorescence. Various anti-TNT antibodies were evaluated; Mab 30-1 gave the strongest response, yielding the lowest limit of detection (<1.0 ng/mL) and a dynamic range up to 1 μg/mL. Other factors such as reaction time, cross react...