cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Inclusion of Children in Clinical Research: Lessons Learned From Mothers of Diabetic Children

Nine mothers of diabetic children participated in a qualitative study about the factors that influenced them to consent to have their children involved in clinical research. They were asked to describe how they made decisions about involving their children in research, what motivated them to keep their children in research once they were enrolled, and how they evaluated the clinical studies their children had been in. Results suggest that mothers engage in a personal calculus before making a choice to consent.
Persistence of heterologous bone marrow in mice as function of x-ray dose.

SummaryBone marrow from species closely and distantly related to the mouse was injected after various X-ray doses to the total body. Rat, hamster, guinea pig, and rabbit bone marrow persisted in normal, nonirradiated mice for not more than 1 day. The minimum X-ray dose that would permit persistence of rat, hamster, guinea pig, and rabbit bone marrow in mice for more than 3 days was 400, 600, 1150, and 1500 r. respectively. The minimum X-ray dose that permitted (a) temporary transplantation of rat and hamster bone marrow in mice was 500 and 600 r, respectively, and (b) prolonged transplantation of rat and hamster bone marrow in mice was 800 and 950 r. respectively. The significance of these findings is discussed.
Cartesian Meshing Impacts for PWR Assemblies in Multigroup Monte Carlo and Sn Transport

Hybrid methods of neutron transport have increased greatly in use, for example, in applications of using both Monte Carlo and deterministic transport to calculate quantities of interest, such as flux and eigenvalue in a nuclear reactor. Many 3D parallel Sn codes apply a Cartesian mesh, and thus for nuclear reactors the representation of curved fuels (cylinder, sphere, etc.) are impacted in the representation of proper fuel inventory (both in deviation of mass and exact geometry representation). For a PWR assembly eigenvalue problem, we explore the errors associated with this Cartesian discrete mesh representation, and perform an analysis to calculate a slope parameter that relates the pcm to the percent areal/volumetric deviation (areal corresponds to 2D and volumetric to 3D, respectively). Our initial analysis demonstrates a linear relationship between pcm change and areal/volumetric deviation using Multigroup MCNP on a PWR assembly compared to a reference exact combinatorial MCNP geometry calculation. For the same multigroup problems, we also intend to characterize this linear relationship in discrete ordinates (3D PENTRAN) and discuss issues related to transport cross-comparison. In addition, we discuss auto-conversion techniques with our 3D Cartesian mesh generation tools to allow for full generation of MCNP5 inputs (Cartesian mesh and Multigroup XS) from a basis PENTRAN Sn model.
Secrets of subwavelength imaging and lithography

To understand the limits and tradeoffs of nearly all existing subwavelength imaging techniques it sufficient to understand magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and its generalizations. In many cases, subwavelength optical lithography can be viewed as the inverse problem to imaging and so the same principles apply. A simple review of MRI is given which shows how the most popular subwavelength imaging and lithography techniques naturally arise as special cases.
An non-contact instrument for measuring motions in thick tissues

Light diffusing in a turbid medium generally experiences small changes in its frequency due to the Doppler shift induced by moving scatterers.
Erbium:YAG laser cataract removal: role of fiber-optic delivery system.

Abstract Purpose: To review the properties of energy delivery systems and to evaluate the efficiency of zirconium-fluoride-based and sapphire fibers delivering erbium:YAG (Er:YAG) laser energy in a clinical laser cataract surgery system. Setting Department of Ophthalmology, Medical College of Virginia Campus of Virginia Commonwealth University, and Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA. Methods: Thirty-two patients had Er:YAG laser cataract extraction. Preoperativevisual acuity ranged between finger counting and 20/40 secondary to cataract. The endothelial cell count was measured preoperatively and 6 weeks after surgery. A zirconium-fluoride-based fiber was used in 23 patients and a sapphire fiber in 9 patients. Results: Of the patients examined after 3 months (n = 31), 90.3% (n = 28) had avisual acuity of 20/30 or better and 9.7% (n = 3), of 20/40 or 20/50. Mean endothelial cell loss at 6 weeks was 7.6% ± 12.8 (SD). Posterior capsule rupture with vitreous loss occurred in 3 cases; 1 was attributed to laser damage to the capsule. Conversion to ultrasound phacoemulsification was required in 13 cases. Suitable fiber materials for Er:YAG laser delivery are sapphire, zirconium fluoride, silica, and germanium oxide. Toxicity of the latter is under investigation. Conclusion: The Er:YAG laser emulsified the lens nucleus safely and effectively. These early results include a higher than acceptable posterior capsule rupture rate and reflect the surgeon's learning curve with a new technology. Effective power delivery can be achieved with sapphire- and zirconium-fluoride-based fiber optics through a silica tip. The optimal energy delivery system has not been determined.
The role of corporate groupings in controlling agency conflicts: The case of keiretsu

Abstract Jensen and Meckling (1976) suggest that security analysis monitoring serves to reduce the magnitude of agency costs present within the modern corporation. Moyer et al. (1989) provide evidence consistent with this hypothesis for a sample of publicly-traded American firms. In this study we examine the ability of Japanese corporate groupings or keiretsu to serve as an alternate mechanism for the control of agency conflicts. We find for independent firms in Japan that analyst following is directly related to the potential for agency conflict. We do not observe such a relationship, however, for keiretsu firms. Moreover, unlike independent firms, analyst following for keiretsu corporations is not related to the informational demands of investors. Overall, our evidence indicates that the practices of reciprocal equity ownership and the reliance on a common financier among keiretsu member firms mitigate the agency conflicts present within firms and produce more effective ways to channel information between members.
Laparoscopic transcutaneous closure of central defects in laparoscopic incisional hernia repair.

Purpose:The aim of this technical report is to investigate the safety, efficacy, and outcome of transcutaneous closure of central defects (TCCD) for laparoscopic incisional hernia repair (LIHR).Methods:Twenty-two patients with incisional hernias underwent a LIHR-TCCD repair. After clearance of the a
Resident education on medical mission trips

Introduction Anesthesiologists from academic centers in the USA frequently travel to underdeveloped countries as integral parts of surgical mission trips. We have been fortunate to be part of regular week-long surgical mission trips to Guatemala with a Houston based ecumenical group called Faith in Practice (FIP). We describe our experience in incorporating anesthesia residents as components of the anesthesia care team on these trips and the enormous personal and educational benefits thereof.
Inventory Management and Maintenance in Offshore Vessel Industry

An evaluation of the inventory policy at an offshore vessel company was conducted. Currently the items in inventory are used at random intervals as they are used only when parts fail. To solve the problem of reducing a very large inventory but keep enough to allow an uninterrupted service to the customer, we propose a real and economically efficient multicriteria inventory policy using inventory classification method integrated with a preventive maintenance program. The proposed method can be summarized in the following three steps: first, rank the parts according to both the lead time from supplier and the cost of downtime failure and use a matrix display to show the most critical items. In the second step develop a preventive maintenance program for the most critical parts to minimize downtime due to failure. Finally in the third step standardize most critical parts to reduce the inventory which saves the company money while maintaining the same level of service to its customers. Our study showed that the company with a very large inventory could effectively reduce its size by focusing on key parts.
A cytochrome P-450-piperonyl butoxide spectrum similar to that produced by ethyl isocyanide.

Abstract Piperonyl butoxide produces a typical type I substrate difference spectrum with cytochrome P-450 in the oxidized state. However, the inclusion of NADPH with piperonyl butoxide effects a spectrum similar to that of ethyl isocyanide. This resemblance includes the location and shape of the two Soret peaks and the effect of pH on their relative magnitudes.
Cross‐Hedging: Basis Risk and Choice of the Optimal Hedging Vehicle

The basis between a futures contract and its underlying instrument is an important measure of the cost of using the futures contract to hedge. In a cross-hedge, the relative size of the basis of alternative hedging vehicles often plays a decisive role in the selection of the optimal hedging vehicle. After adjusting hedge ratios for basis risk, a genuine risk-cost trade-off is seen in hedging 90-day certificates of deposit with either the Treasury bill contract or the Eurodollar contract. The Eurodollar contract was not uniformly superior as generally believed.
Magnetic hole formation from the perspective of inverse scattering theory

[1] The dynamics of oblique, weakly dispersive nonlinear Alfven waves in the presence of weak resistive damping are investigated numerically through an extension of the derivative nonlinear Schrodinger (DNLS) equation. It is observed numerically that the nonlinear dynamics are organized around the dynamics and allowed interactions of the underlying DNLS soliton families. There are three types of oblique Alfven solitons: the compressive two-parameter soliton and one-parameter bright soliton along with the rarefactive one-parameter dark soliton. The damping of either of these compressive solitons is accompanied by the formation of one or more dark solitons. The implication of these processes is that any initial wave profile containing solitons in its Inverse Scattering Transformation representation, in the presence of weak resistive damping, will result in a leading train of dark solitons. These dark solitons have been identified with magnetic holes, and the results described above are discussed in the context of magnetic hole observations and theory.
Linear systems with commensurate time delays: stability and stabilization independent of delay

Notions of exponential stability independent of delay and stabilizability independent of delay are developed for the class of delay differential systems of the retarded type with commensurate time delays. Various criteria for exponential stability independent of delay with a given order are specified in terms of matrices whose entries are functions of a single real parameter and polynomials in one variable whose coefficients are functions of a single real parameter. Sufficient conditions and a necessary condition based on local stabilizability are given for stabilizability independent of delay using state feedback with commensurate time delays. Constructive methods for determining a stabilizing feedback are also presented. The last part of the paper deals with a standard type of observer and regulator with the requirement that the closed-loop system be stable independent of delay.
Significance of sequential leaf development for nutrient balance of the cotton sedge, Eriophorum vaginatum L.

The sedgeEriophorum vaginatum in an interior Alaskan muskeg site produced leaves sequentially at about 1.5-month intervals. Each leaf remained active for two growing seasons. Young leaves (even those initiated late in the season) always had high concentrations of N, P, K and Mg and were low in Ca. Stems had high concentrations of nutrients, sugar, amino acid N and soluble organic P in autumn and spring but low concentrations in summer. Growth of leaves in spring was strongly supported by translocation from storage. Leaves approached their maximum nutrient pool before nutrient uptake began in late spring, one month before maximum biomass. Retranslocation of nutrients from aging leaves could support nutrient input into new, actively growing leaves as a consequence of the sequential leaf development. For instance retranslocation from aging leaves accounted for more than 90 and 85% of P and N input to new leaves appearing in early summer and 100% to leaves that appeared later. Leaching losses were negligible. Half time for decay of standing dead litter was 10 years. We suggest that sequential leaf development paired with highly efficient remobilization of nutrients from senescing leaves enables plants to recycle nutrients within the shoot and minimize dependence upon soil nutrients. This may be an important mechanism enablingEriophorum vaginatum to dominate nutrient-poor sites. This may also explain why graminoids with sequential leaf production cooccur with evergreen shrubs and dominate over forbs and deciduous shrubs in nutrient-poor sites in the boreal forest (e.g., in bogs) and at the northern limit of the tundra zone.
Electron Triplets and Pairs Observed in a Streamer Chamber

We have studied electron pair photoproduction in the field of the nucleus and in the field of the atomic electrons of neon. A streamer chamber, which in many ways behaves as a bubble chamber, has been used for this experiment. The recoiling electron is observed and its momentum deduced from its curvature in a magnetic field. Most results agree with theory; in particular the triplet cross section, although the momentum distribution of the recoiling electron seems to fall more rapidly than expected. We also report the results of several tests that have been made in order to determine the usefulness of streamer chambers with incident electron and photon beams.
Multimodal Vibration Control of a Flexible Structure using Piezoceramic Sensor and Actuator

This study presents results of multimodal vibration suppression of a smart flexible cantilever beam with piezoceramic actuator and sensor by using a pole placement controller. Piezoceramic PZT (lead zirconate titanate) patches are surface-bonded on the beam and function as actuator and sensor. Nonparametric identification for the dynamics of the first three modes is carried out. From the nonparametric model, a parametric model is identified to assist the control system design. The identified model is used for state estimation and development of control algorithm. A linear pole placement controller is designed and simulated using the identified model. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of observer-based multimodal active vibration control of the structure using piezoceramic smart materials.
On a stochastic sensor selection algorithm with applications in sensor scheduling and sensor coverage

In this note we consider the following problem. Suppose a set of sensors is jointly trying to estimate a process. One sensor takes a measurement at every time step and the measurements are then exchanged among all the sensors. What is the sensor schedule that results in the minimum error covariance? We describe a stochastic sensor selection strategy that is easy to implement and is computationally tractable. The problem described above comes up in many domains out of which we discuss two. In the sensor selection problem, there are multiple sensors that cannot operate simultaneously (e.g., sonars in the same frequency band). Thus measurements need to be scheduled. In the sensor coverage problem, a geographical area needs to be covered by mobile sensors each with limited range. Thus from every position, the sensors obtain a different view-point of the area and the sensors need to optimize their trajectories. The algorithm is applied to these problems and illustrated through simple examples.
Ischemic and Excitotoxic Brain Injury is Enhanced in Mice Lacking the p55 Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor

Ischemic and excitotoxic insults to the brain induce rapid production of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF), but the role of TNF in neuronal responses to brain injury are unclear. Two different TNF rece...
In situ photoemission from semiconducting WO3 electrodes

Abstract Both anodic and cathodic photocurrents have been observed from illuminated WO3 electrodes and their dependences on electrode potential and incident photon energy have been explored. With the semiconductor/electrolyte junction biased into accumulation, anodic photocurrents are observed with a threshold equal to the band gap of WO3 and independent of potential. As the potential is made more negative, the shape of the spectral response curve changes and at −0.6 V (SCE) the photocurrent changes sign. This effect is reversible and shows hysteresis. At slightly more positive potentials interference between anodic and cathodic photocurrents is observed. The hysteresis and change in color of the electrode suggests growth of a HxWO3 layer on the surface and electron emission from this layer. The threshold for electron emission shifts linearly with potential and agrees with the threshold observed for electron emission from metals. The electron emission from HxWO3 shows structure in the spectral response.
Novel, real-time measurement of plasmon resonance – tailoring nanoparticle geometry optically

We demonstrate novel use of in situ spectroscopic ellipsometry to probe in real-time metal nanoparticle deposition. Real-time monitoring of NP assembly plasmon resonance enables control of NP size via the plasmon resonance and vice versa.
Simulating satellite infrared sounding retrievals in support of Observing System Simulation Experiments (OSSEs)

A new set of Observing System Simulation Experiments (OSSEs) are underway to assess the impact of higher spatial and temporal resolution sounding on hurricane forecast accuracy. To support these studies, we have developed an OSSE retrieval simulation system. The system uses a simulated satellite orbit track to provide sample locations and footprint area of the infrared sounder configuration to be simulated over the region of interest. The data to be sampled are an OSSE nature run developed by the NOAA Atlantic Oceanographic Meteorological Laboratory (AOML) and the University of Miami (UM). The nature run is sampled at the sounder locations and integrated over the sounder footprint area. The resulting averaged profiles are smoothed vertically with simulated averaging kernels for the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) using a linear retrieval simulation to produce calculated temperature and water vapor profiles. With reasonable fidelity, the sampled and smoothed profiles simulate the retrievals we can expect from a sounder like AIRS for the orbit and sampling configurations under test. Three instruments were simulated corresponding to the AIRS 45×45km footprint in LEO, a hypothetical sounder at 2×2km footprint in LEO, and a hypothetical GEO sounder at 5×5km regional and 10km × 10km full disk footprint sizes. RMS error relative to the nature run is calculated to demonstrate the error characteristics of the simulation system. The simulated retrievals as a result of this effort are currently being assessed by NOAA AOML in an OSSE study to determine the impact of advanced hyperspectral infrared sounders on hurricane forecast improvement.
Public-Private Research and Development Relationship: Disscussion

Huffman, W.E. i¾“Public-Private Research and Development Relationships: Discussion,i¾” Am. J. Agr. Econ. 83(Aug. 2001):754-757.
The security of cryptographic hashes

Password based or simple authentication is the most commonly used type of authentication. The decrease in resource costs and emergence of grid computing necessitates cryptologists and system architects reevaluate their chosen algorithm and password policies to address the rapidly weakening SHA1 and MD5. The major modern cryptographic hashing methods are easily computed with modern hardware and preimage attacks. Cloud computing and widely-available botnet-building tools have vastly increased the requisite password policy requirements to assure a secure cryptosystem. This paper provides an alternative password complexity schemes suitable for four distinct cryptosystem security levels.
Electric field gradient at the deuteron site in liquid DCl

Abstract The electric field gradient at the deuteron site in DCl has been estimated as 2.0 × 10 17 V/cm 2 using deuteron and chlorine NMR relaxation time measurements in liquid DCl.
Repeated extinction and reversal learning of an approach response supports an arousal-mediated learning model.

We assessed the effects of repeated extinction and reversals of two conditional stimuli (CS+/CS−) on an appetitive conditioned approach response in rats. Three results were observed that could not be accounted for by a simple linear operator model such as the one proposed by Rescorla and Wagner (1972): (1) responding to a CS− declined faster when a CS+ was simultaneously extinguished; (2) reacquisition of pre-extinction performance recovered rapidly within one session; and (3) reversal of CS+/CS− contingencies resulted in a more rapid recovery to the current CS− (former CS+) than the current CS+, accompanied by a slower acquisition of performance to the current CS+. An arousal parameter that mediates learning was introduced to a linear operator model to account for these effects. The arousal-mediated learning model adequately fit the data and predicted data from a second experiment with different rats in which only repeated reversals of CS+/CS− were assessed. According to this arousal-mediated learning model, learning is accelerated by US-elicited arousal and it slows down in the absence of US. Because arousal varies faster than conditioning, the model accounts for the decline in responding during extinction mainly through a reduction in arousal, not a change in learning. By preserving learning during extinction, the model is able to account for relapse effects like rapid reacquisition, renewal, and reinstatement.
On the Quantification of Global Team Performance and Profitability

Globalization helps international companies create distinct competitive and operational advantages over centrally managed counterparts. Such advantages come from increased business opportunity and high profitability through outsourcing. To achieve the benefits of outsourcing, in this paper we describe a general model that characterizes globalized project productivity. We examine several factors related to global team performance including: 1) time zone differences, 2) language difference, 3) working time alignment (such as vacations and holidays), and 4) turnover rates among skilled workers in expanding economies. We then show how the models can be used to analyze project profitability through team performance, and how to address the combined impact of multiple globalization factors. Beyond this, we also provide suggestions on how to overcome those challenges. The key contribution of this paper is the development of models that quantify the impact of several global factors. In two cases, we show that the right organizational structure is required to achieve benefits of lower labor costs. In another case, due to the smaller difference in labor costs and the high complexity of the project, we show that the combined effects of the factors could lead to reduced profitability. It is these cases that reveal there is an opportunity to improve global delivery. Our objective is to show how to maximize the benefits of globalization and how an effective management approach can avoid some of the potential risks by deeply understanding the effects of global factors.
The promotion of a planned indirect wastewater re-use scheme in Essex

During the last eighty years, Essex and Suffolk Water has had to resort to various innovative water-storage and river-transfer schemes to satisfy increasing demands for water in the driest part of the UK. Recently, a series of droughts has emphasised the need for more water. To help meet this need, the company intends to recycle 35 MI/d of Chelmsford treated wastewater, using an £8 million plant to reduce pollutants. In April 2000, the company was granted discharge and abstraction licences by the Environment Agency for the recycling scheme. This paper includes (a) some of the results from several years of pre-impact baseline data, (b) an outline of pilot trials of the recycling processes, and (c) a brief description of the public consultation which was necessary to promote the scheme.
Leiomyoma Cutis: A Focused Review on Presentation, Management, and Association with Malignancy

Cutaneous leiomyomas (CLs) are rare, sporadic, or inherited tumors of smooth muscle origin associated with various disorders. Hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell cancer (HLRCC) is the primary tumor predisposition syndrome associated with inherited CLs, affecting 180 families worldwide, with significant mortality. CLs are subdivided into piloleiomyomas, genital leiomyomas, and angioleiomyomas based on their smooth muscle of origin, as well as their clinicopathologic features. Piloleiomyomas, derived from arrector pili muscle, are solitary or multiple firm papulonodules located typically on the extremities and trunk; genital leiomyomas, derived from dartoic, vulvar, or mammary smooth muscle, are solitary papulonodules or pedunculated papules located on the scrotum, vulva, or nipple; and angioleiomyomas, which include solid, cavernous, or venous subtypes, are derived from the tunica media of small arteries and veins and typically present on the extremities. Partial/excisional biopsy is required for diagnosing all CLs. Histology shows interlacing fascicles of spindle cells with moderate amounts of eosinophilic cytoplasm and a blunt-ended, elongated nucleus with perinuclear halos. Surgical excision is curative for CLs, with other management options including medical or destructive therapy; active surveillance is advised to monitor HLRCC-associated neoplasms, with pharmacological therapies under active research.
Casein Secretion and Cytological Differentiation in Mammary Tissue from Bulls of High or Low Genetic Merit

We evaluated tissue content and secretion of milk proteins by mammary parenchymal explants prepared from tissue of mature Holstein bulls as a possible index for genetic merit. Explants from eight selection-line and eight control-line bulls were cultured for 48 or 96 h in medium with 5% fetal bovine serum with or without the addition of lactogenic hormones. Four selection-line and four control-line bulls were also treated for 7 d with estrogen and progesterone or placebo before tissue was removed on d 15 of the experiment. Overall, tissue content and secretion of casein were increased approximately twofold in selection-line bulls. Differences between genetic lines were evident only with the addition of lactogenic hormones. However, treatment of bulls with steroids was not necessary for casein secretion or detection of differences between genetic lines. Averaged for both lines, 96-h media concentrations of casein were 89-fold greater for explants cultured with added lactogenic hormones. Epithelial cells were classified as non-secretory, droplet-containing, or degenerated. The appearance of droplet-containing cells was markedly increased in cultures supplemented with lactogenic hormones, and the cells were most often located within epithelial folds or pockets. Only occasionally did we observe areas of alveolar-like tissue. The data demonstrate that it is possible to induce the secretion of casein in mammary explants prepared from sexually mature bulls, that lactogenic hormones markedly stimulate secretion, and that differences in genetic merit may be expressed.
Anisotropic vacancy kinetics and single-domain stabilization on Si(100)-2×1

Preferential annihilation of mobile surface vacancies at the ends, rather than the sides, of dimer rows leads to a new, nonequilibrium, single-domain phase of Si(100) that is not accessible by epitaxial growth, but is stable at moderate temperatures (T\ensuremath{\sim}450 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C). These results emerge from a tunneling-microscope study of layer-by-layer removal of Si from Si(100) under 225-eV Xe-ion bombardment.
Cold-plasma modification of oxide surfaces for covalent biomolecule attachment

While many processes have been developed to modify the surface of glass and other oxides for biomolecule attachment, they rely primarily upon wet chemistry and are costly and time-consuming. We describe a process that uses a cold plasma and a subsequent in vacuo vapor-phase reaction to terminate a variety of oxide surfaces with epoxide chemical groups. These epoxide groups can react with amine-containing biomolecules, such as proteins and modified oligonucleotides, to form strong covalent linkages between the biomolecules and the treated surface. The use of a plasma activation step followed by an in vacuo vapor-phase reaction allows for the precise control of surface functional groups, rather than the mixture of functionalities normally produced. By maintaining the samples under vacuum throughout the process, adsorption of contaminants is effectively eliminated. This process modifies a range of different oxide surfaces, is fast, consumes a minimal amount of reagents, and produces attachment densities for bound biomolecules that are comparable to or better than commercially available substrates.
Hormonal Control of Mammary Growth and Lactation in the Goat

Summary Mammary growth and lactation were induced in kids and mature goats by weekly injections of macrocrystalline stilbestrol alone, or of macrocrystalline progesterone and stilbestrol in combination at ratios of 40:1, 80.1, and 1.000:1. Sexually mature goats were distinctly more responsive to the treatments than 8-mo.-old goats. Although all groups reached approximately the same peak production 7 mo. from the start of the experiment, a more rapid onset of lactation was noted in those groups where progesterone and stilbestrol were combined in the treatment. Two goats approached closely the level of production recorded in the subsequent normal lactation. However, most of them were considerably below this level. No clear-cut indications were found for an optimum ratio between progesterone and estrogen for the induction of mammary growth and lactation in the goat.
Computer simulation of vacancy segregation during spinodal decomposition and Ostwald ripening

It is well accepted that, in most ceramics and alloys, atom diffusion occurs predominantly by the vacancy mechanism rather than the direct exchange mechanism. Therefore, it is expected that the rates of different diffusion processes depend strongly on the number of vacancies in a system. Moreover, most practical systems are inhomogeneous in composition or long-range order. There is an important question about how vacancies are distributed during ordering, phase separation and coarsening in inhomogeneous alloy systems. Recently, one of the author's studied the kinetics of ordering and ordered domain coarsening using the Cluster Activation Method based on the microscopic master equations with atom diffusion described by the vacancy mechanism. Through computer simulation, it was shown that vacancies are strongly segregated into the antiphase domain boundaries during coarsening with vacancy concentration at the boundaries being several to about twenty times higher than that inside the ordered domains. The authors also found that, as expected, the rate of coarsening increases significantly as the overall vacancy concentration increases. However, using a Monte-Carlo simulation technique, Yaldram and Binder found no enrichment of vacancies at interphase boundaries during spinodal phase separation of a binary alloy in a two-dimensional square lattice. In this brief report, themore » authors employ the Cluster Activation Method to study the kinetics of spinodal decomposition using the vacancy mechanism, and in particular, the vacancy distribution during spinodal decomposition and subsequent Ostwald ripening process. For comparison, they use the same Hamiltonian as Yaldram and Binder in their Monte-Carlo simulation of spinodal decomposition with vacancies. The effect of the number of vacancies on the Ostwald ripening process is investigated by artificially introducing different vacancy concentrations.« less
Positive Psychology's Two Cultures:

The rise of positive psychology has contributed to the scientific study of human strengths and virtues. This article identifies two types of character strengths: focus strengths, exemplified by cre...
Corticotropins (ACTH). IX. Investigations on the serine and tyrosine residues in α-corticotropin

Abstract The recovery of N-terminal serine has been investigated with the dinitrophenylated N-terminal octapeptide of α-corticotropin and with a modified corticotropin from which the first two amino acids (serine and tyrosine) have been removed. The yield of DNP-serine in all cases was from 10 to 20% of the theoretically expected value. These results are similar to those previously reported for intact corticotropin. The p K ′ of the tyrosine phenolic groups of α-corticotropin has been found by spectrophotometric methods to be 10.01 ± 0.08.
Changes in Drug Usage and Associated Personality Traits among College Students

This study was designed to determine if the trend toward stability of drug usage among college students has continued and to reexamine the relationship between six personality factors and drug usage which had been found in an earlier study. Results indicated that drug use has leveled off, although a relatively minor increase in marijuana use was noted. Results also indicated that four of the six personality factors remained moderately good predictors of drug usage. The implications of the findings that two of the factors were no longer predictive of drug usage were discussed.
Electrical properties of manganese doped Ga1−xInxAs grown by liquid phase epitaxy

Mn-doped Ga1−xInxAs crystals (0 < x < 0.25) have been grown by the LPE technique, and the doping characteristics and electrical properties of the layers have been studied by Hall measurement. The distribution coefficient of Mn has been found to depend on the substrate orientation. The acceptor enerby level is about 77 meV and is comparable to that of Mn-doped GaAs. p-n junction diodes with high InAs compositions, grown using the step grading technique, showed a diode factor of 2. Electron diffusion lengths greater than 3μm have been measured in these Mn doped layers.
Intramolecular triplet-triplet energy transfer from xanthene dyes to an anthryl substituent

Abstract The 9-methylanthryl esters of three xanthene dyes, erythrosine, phloxine, and rose bengal, have been synthesized. Flash photolysis and transient absorption measurements at 600 nm (xanthene triplet state) and 435 nm (anthryl triplet state) have been used to determine that intramolecular triplet-triplet energy transfer is highly efficient in two of these esters but is only partial in the ester of rose bengal. These results demonstrate that the triplet states of erythrosine and phloxine lie higher in energy, while the triplet state of rose bengal is close to but lower in energy, than that of the anthryl moiety.
Glutathione S‐transferases: Two‐dimensional electrophoretic protein markers of lead exposure

Glutathione S-transferases (GST) are a family of detoxification isoenzymes that catalyze the conjugation of xenobiotics and their metabolites with reduced glutathione. Lead exposure in rats is known to induce GST isoenzymes in the liver and kidney. These changes in expression have potential use as biomarkers of lead exposure. Because two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) enables one to analyze both protein abundance changes and chemical changes in protein structure, 2-DE was used to determine the effect of in vivo lead exposure on GST isoform expression in rat kidney cytosols. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to inorganic lead, and proteins were separated by conventional ISO-DALT and NEPHGE-DALT techniques and blotted for immunological identification. Lead exposure caused detectable inductions in both GSTP1 and GSTM1 and quantifiable charge modification in GSTP1. These preliminary data confirm the utility of 2-D electrophoretic GST analysis as indicative of lead exposure and toxicity and support its use for further elaboration of lead's effects on renal protein expression.
CPAT: Coding-Potential Assessment Tool using an alignment-free logistic regression model

Thousands of novel transcripts have been identified using deep transcriptome sequencing. This discovery of large and ‘hidden’ transcriptome rejuvenates the demand for methods that can rapidly distinguish between coding and noncoding RNA. Here, we present a novel alignment-free method, Coding Potential Assessment Tool (CPAT), which rapidly recognizes coding and noncoding transcripts from a large pool of candidates. To this end, CPAT uses a logistic regression model built with four sequence features: open reading frame size, open reading frame coverage, Fickett TESTCODE statistic and hexamer usage bias. CPAT software outperformed (sensitivity: 0.96, specificity: 0.97) other state-of-the-art alignment-based software such as Coding-Potential Calculator (sensitivity: 0.99, specificity: 0.74) and Phylo Codon Substitution Frequencies (sensitivity: 0.90, specificity: 0.63). In addition to high accuracy, CPAT is approximately four orders of magnitude faster than Coding-Potential Calculator and Phylo Codon Substitution Frequencies, enabling its users to process thousands of transcripts within seconds. The software accepts input sequences in either FASTA- or BED-formatted data files. We also developed a web interface for CPAT that allows users to submit sequences and receive the prediction results almost instantly.
Enhancing the computer networking curriculum

An increasing number of students in computer science are requesting advanced study and active learning experiences in computer networking. Employers need graduates who not only understand the fundamentals of networking but those who can quickly be involved in network administration. Meeting these demands in the curriculum suggests that new and well-planned laboratory and internship experiences should be incorporated into the computer science curriculum. However, there are some major challenges in providing these experiences; it is much more complex than just adding another compiler or server to a laboratory. This paper describes several efforts the authors are making to meet these challenges.The environment in which these efforts have been studied is a small state-supported university, Northwest Missouri State University, in rural Missouri. Northwest has over 6,200 students pursuing baccalaureate, masters and specialist degrees. The networking environment at Northwest is more robust than one might expect. In 1987, the University became the first public institution in the United States to develop an "Electronic Campus" featuring University-provided, networked computing stations located in every residence hall room and faculty office. Then in 1999, each faculty member was issued a personal notebook computer and the residence halls were upgraded to Windows-based, networked desktop computers. [9]
Distal acquired demyelinating symmetric polyneuropathy progressing to classic chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy and response to fludarabine and cyclophosphamide.

Introduction: Distal acquired demyelinating symmetric polyneuropathy (DADS) is proposed as a distinct entity from classic chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). Methods: We report a 58-year-old woman with DADS that progressed to a severe case of classic CIDP. Results: She had distal numbness and paresthesias, minimal distal weakness and impaired vibratory sensation. She had anti-MAG antibodies, negative Western blot, and lacked a monoclonal gammopathy. There were prolonged distal motor latencies. She remained stable for 6 years until developing proximal and distal weakness. Nerve conduction studies showed multiple conduction blocks. She developed quadriparesis despite first-line treatment for CIDP. She was started on cyclophosphamide and fludarabine. Twenty-five months after receiving chemotherapy, she had only mild signs of neuropathy off all immunotherapy. Conclusions: DADS may progress to classic CIDP and is unlikely to be a separate disorder. Fludarabine and cyclophosphamide may be effective for refractory CIDP. Muscle Nerve, 2013
The Problem of Autocorrelation in Regression Analysis

Abstract * Paper presented at Annual Meeting of American Statistical Association, Chicago, December 27, 1952.
Selective depletion and measurement of glutathione in periportal and pericentral regions in the perfused rat liver

Abstract A method was developed to selectively deplete and measure glutathione (GSH) in periportal and pericentral regions of the liver lobule based on the formation of chlorodinitrobenzene-glutathione (CDNB-GSH) adducts. Using microlight guides, we demonstrated that small pulses of CDNB caused reflected light at 366 nm to decline only in upstream regions of the liver lobule. This indicates that GSH was only depleted in upstream periportal or pericentral regions following perfusions in the anterograde or retrograde direction, respectively. Infusion of repeated pulses of CDNB in alternating directions of perfusion (up to eight) allowed selective and complete depletion of GSH in specific sublobular regions. Summation of local rates of adduct formation indicated that GSH content averaged 3.6 ± 0.8 μ mol/g in periportal regions and was 3.3 ± 0.8 μ mol/g in pericentral areas. Total values for GSH calculated from GSH-CDNB adduct formation were nearly identical to levels of GSH measured chemically. This new method may be useful in evaluating the mechanism of toxic chemicals which interact with GSH in discrete regions of the liver lobule.
Post‐NAFTA production and sourcing development in the maquiladora program

The maquiladora program is an important part of the economy in North America. A significant share of intra‐industry trade has been generated between the USA and Mexico. The imports and exports from maquiladoras to the USA continue to grow under NAFTA. However, non‐maquiladora sectors are growing at a faster pace. Non‐US foreign direct investment, particularly from Asian and European companies, is a current trend in maquiladoras. A cluster concept is now developed among new maquiladoras from Asia and Europe to remain competitive in an increasingly price‐sensitive market, to maintain consistent quality standards in a high‐volume environment, and to fulfill the NAFTA’s rules of origin provision. Maquiladora production is now shifting from lower‐skilled, labor‐intensive assembly to advanced production technologies. Obstacles still remain in Mexico’s infrastructure and regulations to its market. There are some debates on the future of maquiladoras after January 1, 2001, the theoretical expiration date of maquiladoras. However, the complementarity of the US and Mexican economies should nonetheless sustain incentives for production sharing and sourcing.
On Understanding the Radiation Mechanism of Reflectarray Antennas: An Insightful and Illustrative Approach

This article presents a unique point of view for microstrip reflectarrays. Through the effective utilization of graphical visualization of the scattered fields from the reflectarrays, one can gain insightful understanding into the fundamental workings of these antennas. The most important part of the reflectarray analysis and design is the accurate characterization of the individual reflectarray element for reflection phase performance. Using this visualization approach, reflectarray elements are characterized in unit-cell environments. This exercise aids in identifying the important geometrical parameters of the element that contribute to the reflection phase shift. These elements are then placed in an actual reflectarray environment, and the performance of the reflectarray is evaluated through full-wave electromagnetic simulations and measurements. It is validated that this technique can be successfully used to analyze, design, and potentially diagnose reflectarray antennas.
The use of oxygen as a test for an abyssal circulation model

Abstract Stommel's abyssal circulation velocities are used in the advective-diffusive-decay equation to calculate the dissolved oxygen distribution in an idealized world ocean basin. The use of a weighted difference scheme allows an extension of results obtained earlier to a broader range of values of the parameters for advection, decay and eddy diffusion. Extreme cases of no diffusion and of no advection are used to interpret the results for intermediate values of the parameters. The optimal set of values found for the parameters are: horizontal eddy diffusion = 6 × 106 cm2 sec−1, uniform upwelling velocity = 1.5 × 10−5 cm sec−1, oxygen consumption rate in abyssal waters = 0.002 ml 1.−1 yr−1, recirculation around the Antarctic Circumpolar Current = 35 × 106 m3 sec−1. The optimal pattern is then compared with (an updated) observed oxygen distribution to determine the merits and deficiencies of the circulation model. The major deficiency appears to be the neglect of topographic effects on the abyssal circulation.
Can Examinees Use Judgments of Item Difficulty to Improve Proficiency Estimates on Computerized Adaptive Vocabulary Tests

Recent simulation studies indicate that there are occasions when examinees can use judgments of relative item difficulty to obtain positively biased proficiency estimates on computerized adaptive tests (CATs) that permit item review and answer change. Our purpose in the study reported here was to evaluate examinees' success in using these strategies while taking CATs in a live testing setting. We taught examinees two item difficulty judgment strategies designed to increase proficiency estimates. Examinees who were taught each strategy and examinees who were taught neither strategy were assigned at random to complete vocabulary CATs under conditions in which review was allowed after completing all items and when review was allowed only within successive blocks of items. We found that proficiency estimate changes following review were significantly higher in the regular review conditions than in the strategy conditions. Failure to obtain systematically higher scores in the strategy conditions was due in large part to errors examinees made in judging the relative difficulty of CAT items.
General approach to synthesis of chiral branched hydrocarbons in high configurational purity

Configurationally pure (>99.6%) α-methylalkanoic acids have been employed to prepare chiral hydrocarbon semiochemicals. The stereoisomers of the following compounds were synthesized: 13-methylhentriacontane, 15-methyltritriacontane, and 15,19-dimethyltritriacontane. The first compound was identified earlier as a kairomone of the corn earworm while the other two are sex excitants of the stable fly. The methods described have broad applicability in asymmetric synthesis.
The low-lying triplet state in p-nitrobenzaldimide

Abstract Ion–molecule reactions show that p-nitrobenzaldimide, the conjugate-base anion of the benzaldimine, has a low-lying triplet state that is accessible under thermal conditions. Whether it is the ground state or a low-lying excited state cannot be determined, and both possibilities have computational support. Reactivity studies indicate that imide anions with weaker π-donors have singlet ground states, with no evidence for an accessible triplet.