cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Increasing worker buy-in for child welfare reform: Examining the influence of individual, organizational, and implementation factors

Abstract In an effort to improve outcomes for children and families, child welfare systems across the U.S. have placed an increased emphasis on implementing evidence-supported interventions (ESIs). Evaluations of these programs often reveal, however, that implementation of child welfare reforms are incomplete and front-line workers sometimes use their discretion to selectively implement certain practice changes while failing to implement others. Implementation frameworks and guidebooks have been developed to facilitate the translation of ESIs into effective practice with clients; these guides often suggest that a critical first step in the implementation process is to gain buy-in from stakeholders within the agency and surrounding community. Few studies, however, have examined the influences on worker buy-in for child welfare reform efforts. The current study uses data collected during the statewide implementation of a child welfare reform to examine the individual, organizational, and implementation factors that predict worker buy-in for the reform. Using the results of a worker survey (N = 558), stepwise regression found a positive association between a participant's sense of purpose in their work and buy-in for the new initiative. In addition, receiving coaching on specific practices associated with the new initiative was related to higher levels of buy-in. The paper concludes by discussing limitations of the study and the implications of the findings for child welfare implementation efforts.
Non-perturbative large N trans-series for the Gross-Witten-Wadia beta function

Abstract We describe the non-perturbative trans-series, at both weak- and strong-coupling, of the large N approximation to the beta function of the Gross–Witten–Wadia unitary matrix model. This system models a running coupling, and the structure of the trans-series changes as one crosses the large N phase transition. The perturbative beta function acquires a non-perturbative trans-series completion at large but finite N in the 't Hooft limit, as does the running coupling.
Production and Detection of an Axion Dark Matter Echo

Electromagnetic radiation with angular frequency equal to half the axion mass stimulates the decay of cold dark matter axions and produces an echo, i.e., faint electromagnetic radiation traveling in the opposite direction. We propose to search for axion dark matter by sending out to space a powerful beam of microwave radiation and listening for its echo. We estimate the sensitivity of this technique in the isothermal and caustic ring models of the Milky Way halo and find it to be a promising approach to axion, or axionlike, dark matter detection.
Modeling dynamic, nutrient-access-based lesion progression using stochastic processes

Simulation methods can be used to generate realistic, computational lesions for insertion into anatomical backgrounds for use in a virtual clinical trial framework. Typically, these simulation methods rely on clinical lesion images|with resolution many times the size of a cell|to produce a lesion that is time- and anatomical- location{invariant. Though, in reality, a lesion's morphology and growth rate are dependent on both of those things. The goal of this work was to produce a lesion model starting from simple assumptions about the behavior of proliferating cells, simulate their states over time, and produce a lesion model for which the morphological features are determined by known cellular properties. Each cell of each lesion that is simulated can exist in one of several states depending on its access to nutrients and potential for proliferation at a given time. Running these simulations a sufficiently large number of times under the same conditions yields the most probable lesion for a given set of constraints|or, specifically for this work, a given anatomical environment. These lesions can be used in studies in which detection of subtle pathological features on small scales are essential to obtain meaningful results.
Ethical and Privacy Issues in Social-Behavioral Research

We discuss key ethical and privacy issues: meaningful user notice,assuring usable and accurate access control, anonymizing data, validating algorithms to avoid harms, addressing harms, and deterring abuse.
Developing a Web-Based Cost Assessment Tool for Colorectal Cancer Screening Programs.

Introduction We developed a web-based cost assessment tool (CAT) to collect cost data as an improvement from a desktop instrument to perform economic evaluations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC's) Colorectal Cancer Control Program (CRCCP) grantees. We describe the development of the web-based CAT, evaluate the quality of the data obtained, and discuss lessons learned. Methods We developed and refined a web-based CAT to collect 5 years (2009-2014) of cost data from 29 CRCCP grantees. We analyzed funding distribution; costs by budget categories; distribution of costs related to screening promotion, screening provision, and overarching activities; and reporting of screenings for grantees that received funding from non-CDC sources compared with those grantees that did not. Results CDC provided 85.6% of the resources for the CRCCP, with smaller amounts from in-kind contributions (7.8%), and funding from other sources (6.6%) (eg, state funding). Grantees allocated, on average, 95% of their expenditures to specific program activities and 5% to other activities. Some non-CDC funds were used to provide screening tests to additional people, and these additional screens were captured in the CAT. Conclusion A web-based tool can be successfully used to collect cost data on expenditures associated with CRCCP activities. Areas for future refinement include how to collect and allocate dollars from other sources in addition to CDC dollars.
Increasing Redundancy Exponentially Reduces Error Rates during Algorithmic Self-Assembly

While biology demonstrates that molecules can reliably transfer information and compute, design principles for implementing complex molecular computations in vitro are still being developed. In electronic computers, large-scale computation is made possible by redundancy, which allows errors to be detected and corrected. Increasing the amount of redundancy can exponentially reduce errors. Here, we use algorithmic self-assembly, a generalization of crystal growth in which the self-assembly process executes a program for growing an object, to examine experimentally whether redundancy can analogously reduce the rate at which errors occur during molecular self-assembly. We designed DNA double-crossover molecules to algorithmically self-assemble ribbon crystals that repeatedly copy a short bitstring, and we measured the error rate when each bit is encoded by 1 molecule, or redundantly encoded by 2, 3, or 4 molecules. Under our experimental conditions, each additional level of redundancy decreases the bitwise error rate by a factor of roughly 3, with the 4-redundant encoding yielding an error rate less than 0.1%. While theory and simulation predict that larger improvements in error rates are possible, our results already suggest that by using sufficient redundancy it may be possible to algorithmically self-assemble micrometer-sized objects with programmable, nanometer-scale features.
Changes in nucleic acids over the molt cycle in relation to food availability and temperature in Homarus americanus postlarvae

Postlarval lobsters Homarus americanus Milne Edwards hatched from three females collected in 1989 from Block Island Sound, Rhode Island were reared individually in the laboratory under nine treatment combinations of temperature (15, 18 and 21°C) and feeding (starved, low ration and full ration). Total RNA, DNA (mgind.-1), RNA:DNA ratios and molt stage were determined for individuals sampled at daily intervals. Postlarval lobsters had high resistance to starvation. A majority of the lobsters survive 12 d of food deprivation, with some surviving up to 24–29 d. During starvation, cell biomass (estimated from protein:DNA) decreased to a minumum size, whereas cell number (based on total DNA) was generally conserved. The molt cycle was arrested at molt stage C in the starved postalrvae. Instar duration was inversely related to temperature. However, the duration of the postlarval instar did not differ between the low and full ration treatments. Uncoupling of cell growth and the molt cycle was evident in the full and low ration treatments. In the full ration treatments, the postmolt through early premolt was characterized by a rapid increase in total RNA and DNA. Maximum cell biomass was attained by molt stage C or D0. In the low ration treatments, total RNA and DNA were less than those in the full ration treatments and the maximum cell biomass was attained only at molt stage D2-3. Notably, different feeding regimes resulted in different patterns in RNA:DNA ratios over the molt cycle during the postlarval instar. RNA:DNA ratio was a sensitive indicator of recent (2 to 3 d) food deprivation. However, this ratio was positively related to the level of feeding only at molt stages C to D1 and was inversely related to temperature regime. These results indicate that the use of RNA:DNA ratios to estimate the relative nutritional state of postlarval tobsters must be qualified with respect to the period of the molt cycle and the temperature regime.
VHDL Floating Point Operations

In this paper, we present a set of portable floating point VHDL functions. These functions provide the VHDL programmer with absolute portability and very precise control over floating point operations. A single VHDL type is used to represent single, double, and extended precision floating point numbers. The VHDL package includes functions to perform relational, arithmetic, and trigonometric floating point operations on all three precisions. This package was designed to be easily maintained and upgraded to include new floating point precisions or operations. We also describe a method for verifying the results from the VHDL package of floating point operations.
Inhibition of CaMKII in mitochondria preserves endothelial barrier function after irradiation.

Abstract Damage to the microvascular endothelium is an important part of normal tissue injury after radiation exposure and driven by the production of pro-oxidants. The Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II is present in the mitochondrial matrix (mitoCaMKII) where it regulates Ca2+ uptake via the mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter (MCU) and pro-oxidant production. Here, we demonstrate that radiation exposure disrupts endothelial cell barrier integrity in vitro, but can be abrogated by inhibition of mitoCaMKII, MCU, or opening of the mitochondrial transition pore. Scavenging of mitochondrial pro-oxidants with mitoTEMPO before, but not after irradiation, protected barrier function. Furthermore, markers of apoptosis and mitochondrial pro-oxidant production were elevated at 24 h following irradiation and abolished by mitoCaMKII inhibition. Endothelial barrier dysfunction was detected as early as 2 h after irradiation. Despite only mildly impaired mitochondrial respiration, the intracellular ATP levels were significantly reduced 4 h after irradiation and correlated with barrier function. MitoCaMKII inhibition improved intracellular ATP concentrations by increasing glycolysis. Finally, DNA double strand break repair and non-homologous end joining, two major drivers of ATP consumption after irradiation, were greatly increased but not significantly affected by mitoCaMKII inhibition. These findings support the hypothesis that mitoCaMKII activity is linked to mitochondrial pro-oxidant production, reduced ATP production, and loss of endothelial barrier function following irradiation. The inhibition of mitoCaMKII is a promising approach to limiting radiation-induced endothelial injury.
Adaptive Variable Impulsive Synchronization of Multi-agent Systems

This paper is concerned with the adaptive synchronization of multi-agent systems via variable impulsive control method. Based on the theory of impulsive differential equations, adaptive control technique, Lyapunov stability theory and comparison system method, some novel adaptive synchronization conditions with impulsive time window are given to realize the synchronization of multi-agent nonlinear systems with uncertain parameters. Different from the existing investigations of impulsive synchronization of multi-agent systems, the proposed impulsive control protocol with impulsive time window is more effective in practical systems. Finally, two simulation results demonstrate the validity of the theoretical results.
Open and Percutaneous Dilation Tracheostomy

This chapter describes the surgical procedure for tracheostomy as performed by the following approach: open and percutaneous dilation. The text includes an introduction that outlines the indications, risks, alternatives, essential steps, needed equipment, and variations in technique for the procedure in question. This is followed by a template operative dictation, which provides the reader with an operative report, such as is found in a patient chart or electronic medical record. A description is provided of the following critical concepts for this procedure, including various tracheostomy incisions, the mature stoma tracheostomy technique, and the technical variation with percutaneous dilation, including bronchoscopy.
Using Simulation to Analyze Interrupted Time Series Designs.

We are sometimes forced to use the Interrupted Time Series (ITS) design as an identification strategy for potential policy change, such as when we only have a single treated unit and no comparable controls. For example, with recent county- and state-wide criminal justice reform efforts, where judicial bodies have changed bail setting practices for everyone in their jurisdiction in order to reduce rates of pre-trial detention while maintaining court order and public safety, we have no natural comparison group other than the past. In these contexts, it is imperative to model pre-policy trends with a light touch, allowing for structures such as autoregressive departures from any pre-existing trend, in order to accurately and realistically assess the statistical uncertainty of our projections (beyond the stringent assumptions necessary for the subsequent causal inferences). To tackle this problem we provide a methodological approach rooted in commonly understood and used modeling approaches that better captures uncertainty. We quantify uncertainty with simulation, generating a distribution of plausible counterfactual trajectories to compare to the observed; this approach naturally allows for incorporating seasonality and other time varying covariates, and provides confidence intervals along with point estimates for the potential impacts of policy change. We find simulation provides a natural framework to capture and show uncertainty in the ITS designs. It also allows for easy extensions such as nonparametric smoothing in order to handle multiple post-policy time points or more structural models to account for seasonality.
The Vaginal Microbiome in U.S. Black Women: A Systematic Review.

Background: Advancements in next-generation sequencing have allowed for a more complete understanding of the vaginal microbiome and its role in health and disease. The role of race/ethnicity in the...
Brewpubs and Microbreweries: A Midwestern Geography of Local Craft Beer Markets by Firm Type

Microbreweries and brewpubs are distinct components of a growing craft beer industry that includes four broad segments: brewpubs, microbreweries, regional brewers, and large producers which often have a partial ownership connection to macro-brewers, such as Heineken, Pabst, or AB InBev. This research aims to identify the factors that influence the locations of smaller production sites, specifically microbreweries and brewpubs, in a seven-state region—the American Midwest (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, and Wisconsin). Using map analysis and statistical analysis, this research differentiates between microbreweries and brewpubs to understand the specific nature of the target markets for each type of business. This research demonstrates that the sociodemographic characteristics at the county scale vary between firm types and that location co-varies with diversity, workforce participation rates, wealth, and urbanization. Additionally, the research underscores the importance of the Millennial cohort and the proportion of residents employed in advanced professions. The data also indicate that the markets for brewpubs versus microbreweries are unique insofar as higher proportions of brewpubs, particularly firms with three or more locations in the study area, tend to be located in less urban areas including suburbs and college towns. In contrast, microbreweries are located in larger urban centers, tend to be single locations, and are more localized compared to brewpubs.
A Novel Three Dimensional (3D) Winding Structure for Planar Transformers

This paper presents a novel 3D planar transformer winding structure. The proposed winding structure achieves low AC resistance without multiple interleaving between primary and secondary windings. The parasitic capacitance between primary and secondary windings are significantly reduced by the proposed structure. The 3D finite element analysis (FEA) has proven effective current sharing between all paralleled traces. The proposed 3D winding structure is applied to a 3.2 kW 500 kHz LLC resonant converter and >98% efficiency is demonstrated.
Contrasts between the Romantic Syndrome and the Enlightenment Syndrome: Political Theory

In this chapter we continue our study of influence of the various romantic biases defined in Chapter IV. We shall now examine their influence on the formulation of political theory. It is important, here as elsewhere, to distinguish between what is affected, and what is not affected, by these biases. All sorts of complex factors in a man’s heredity and environment, we may suppose, go to determine whether he becomes a poet or a philosopher or a political theorist; the biases defined here do not seem to be among these factors. Rather, they determine, if he is a poet, the kind of imagery he prefers and if he is a metaphysician, the kinds of metaphysical formulas he finds congenial. So, if he is a political theorist, they determine the kinds of arguments he uses to justify his politics. In a word, we are not claiming that our axes explain why one man is a Marxist and another is an Eisenhower Republican, or a liberal, or a conservative, or a reactionary, or a utopian socialist. What we do assert is that liberals in politics will defend their liberalism by quite different arguments, depending on whether they happen to have a romantic or an enlightenment configuration of biases.
PI3K Inhibitors and Adverse Events: Optimizing Patient Care for the Treatment of Advanced Breast Cancer.

Background Excessive activation of the PI3K pathway has been associated with malignant transformation and resistance to treatment in various cancer types. Various PI3K inhibitors have been evaluated in phase 3 clinical trials; however, most have been associated with modest clinical improvement and poor tolerability. The safety profile of PI3K inhibitors poses new challenges in treatment monitoring and management of common adverse events (AEs). Objectives The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of AEs associated with PI3K inhibitors, with a focus on alpelisib, as well as guidance on the prevention and management of AEs. Methods The literature and results from phase 3 trials evaluating the efficacy and safety of endocrine therapy plus PI3K inhibitors in patients with advanced breast cancer were reviewed. Findings AEs associated with PI3K inhibitors include hyperglycemia, diarrhea, nausea, rash, and decreased appetite. Prevention strategies are recommended to avoid the development or decrease the severity of these AEs. Patient education and multidisciplinary care are necessary for the optimal care of these patients.
Evolution of Technologies with Multi-Mode Interactions: New Perspectives for Technology Analyses

Dominant approaches for the study of the evolution of technologies are based on processes of competitive substitution of a new technology for the old one. However, new perspectives based on a multi-mode interaction between technologies in a complex system provide a much richer theoretical framework for technology analysis. A main theoretical framework in this new research stream is the theory of technological parasitism to explain the evolution of technology in society, considering the parasite-host relationship between technologies that generates the coevolution of overall complex system of technology. The theoretical background of this theory is based on a “Generalized Darwinism” for framing a broad analogy between technologies and evolutionary ecology of parasites that provides a logical structure of scientific inquiry. This approach is illustrated with realistic examples using empirical data of product and process technologies (farm tractor, freight locomotive, aircraft and bicycle technology). Overall, then, the proposed theory of technological parasitism here can be useful for bringing a new perspective to explain and generalize the evolution of technology and predict which innovations are likely to evolve rapidly in society.
Biochar improves soil physical characteristics and strengthens root architecture in Muscadine grape ( Vitis rotundifolia L.)

Biochar is widely assumed as an effective soil amendment. It improves soil structure and fertility, thereby enhancing crop growth and development. There is still a knowledge gap in research on the beneficial impact of biochar on root growth and root architecture in perennial woody plants. Therefore, in our 14-week greenhouse study, pinewood-based biochar was applied as soil amendment for muscadine grape cultivation to investigate its effects on soil physical properties and crop root growth. Muscadine grape cv. Alachua was grown on Ultisols soil mixed with five rates of biochar on weight basis. Soil mixture properties and root attributes were determined. The soil bulk density decreased 40% and the total porosity increased 50% by adding 20% biochar into pure sandy soil. The soil water-holding capacity (WHC) of 20% biochar amendment soil was 1.9 times as pure as sandy soil. In addition, the incorporation of biochar did not only ameliorate soil acidity at the beginning but also increased soil pH buffering capacity, providing suitable soil pH a few months after application. Moreover, biochar induced woody plant finer roots development and significantly promoted root length, number of root forks, and crossings, while decreasing root average diameter. Pinewood biochar significantly improved soil physical properties by moderating soil thermal properties, buffering soil pH, improving soil WHC, decreasing soil bulk density, and increasing soil porosity. In addition, biochar also strengthened the root architecture by improving root length, number of root forks, and crossings. Furthermore, roots from the amended treatment had longer root length with less average diameter than unamended roots, indicating that biochar may stimulate muscadine fine root development. The incorporation of biochar in soil enhanced woody plant root growth and development improved soil structure in sandy soils. It could potentially be a good strategy to tackle water loss, particularly in sandy soils.
Persistent neurologic symptoms and cognitive dysfunction in non-hospitalized Covid-19 "long haulers".

OBJECTIVE: Most SARS-CoV-2-infected individuals never require hospitalization. However, some develop prolonged symptoms. We sought to characterize the spectrum of neurologic manifestations in non-hospitalized Covid-19 "long haulers". METHODS: This is a prospective study of the first 100 consecutive patients (50 SARS-CoV-2 laboratory-positive (SARS-CoV-2+ ) and 50 laboratory-negative (SARS-CoV-2- ) individuals) presenting to our Neuro-Covid-19 clinic between May and November 2020. Due to early pandemic testing limitations, patients were included if they met Infectious Diseases Society of America symptoms of Covid-19, were never hospitalized for pneumonia or hypoxemia, and had neurologic symptoms lasting over 6 weeks. We recorded the frequency of neurologic symptoms and analyzed patient-reported quality of life measures and standardized cognitive assessments. RESULTS: Mean age was 43.2 ± 11.3 years, 70% were female, and 48% were evaluated in televisits. The most frequent comorbidities were depression/anxiety (42%) and autoimmune disease (16%). The main neurologic manifestations were: "brain fog" (81%), headache (68%), numbness/tingling (60%), dysgeusia (59%), anosmia (55%), and myalgias (55%), with only anosmia being more frequent in SARS-CoV-2+ than SARS-CoV-2- patients (37/50 [74%] vs. 18/50 [36%]; p < 0.001). Moreover, 85% also experienced fatigue. There was no correlation between time from disease onset and subjective impression of recovery. Both groups exhibited impaired quality of life in cognitive and fatigue domains. SARS-CoV-2+ patients performed worse in attention and working memory cognitive tasks compared to a demographic-matched US population (T-score 41.5 [37, 48.25] and 43 [37.5, 48.75], respectively; both p < 0.01). INTERPRETATION: Non-hospitalized Covid-19 "long haulers" experience prominent and persistent "brain fog" and fatigue that affect their cognition and quality of life.
Impact of mechanical circulatory support on post-transplant stroke risk.

The effect of type of mechanical circulatory support on stroke risk during the early post-transplant period remains undefined in patients bridged to transplant. This study assesses if the type of c...
School Closures and Effective In-Person Learning during COVID-19: When, Where and for Whom (preprint)

We combine cell phone data on foot-traffic to a highly representative sample of almost 70,000 schools in the U.S. with information on school learning modes to estimate a measure of effective in-person learning (EIPL) during the COVID-19 pandemic. We then match the data with various administrative records to document differences in EIPL over time, across regions, and by individual school characteristics. We find three main results. First, while EIPL dropped to below 20% of its pre-pandemic level across all regions of the U.S. during Spring 2020, EIPL varied widely during the 2020-21 school year, ranging from less than 20% in some cities on the West Coast to more than 80% in some cities in the South. Second, a substantial part of this variation is accounted for by observable school characteristics: (i) public schools provided on average less EIPL than private schools;(ii) schools in more affluent and educated localities and schools with a larger share of non-white students provided on average lower EIPL;and (iii) public schools with higher pre-pandemic spending per student, higher district-level Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funding per student, and larger student enrollment provided on average lower EIPL. Third, the negative association of EIPL with affluence, education and pre-pandemic school spending is driven in large part by systematic regional differences that are correlated with political preferences. In contrast, the negative association of EIPL with a school's share of non-white students and ESSER funding persists even within counties and controlling for local affluence and education. These patterns are important for our understanding of the factors that led to the large disparities in school closures and the impact of in-person learning loss during the pandemic on future educational attainment, income inequality, and economic growth.
Mechanisms of Tumor Cell Lysis by Natural Killer Cells

Immune reactivity against malignant cells is well-documented for a number of lymphoid cell types (1). The foremost features of anti-timor immune effector cells appears to be their capacity to recognize and subsequently kill tumor cells. Nevertheless, the mechanism(s) by which effector cells of the immune response mediate tumor cell lysis is largely unknown. The lack of precise knowledge concerning lytic pathways is evident for well studied immune killer cells, such as cytotoxic T Ijrmphocytes, as well as for effector cells that have only recently received intense experimental scrutiny, such as natural killer (NK) cells.
Alteration of Fluorouracil Metabolism in Human Colon Cancer Cells by Dipyridamole with a Selective Increase in Fluorodeoxyuridine Monophosphate Levels

The nucleoside transport inhibitor dipyridamole can increase the cytotoxicity of 5-fluorouracil in a human colon cancer cell line (HCT 116) without affecting the total amount of fluorouracil incorporated into the acid soluble and insoluble fractions (J. L. Grem and P. H. Fischer, Cancer Res., 45: 2967-2972, 1985). We now report that dipyridamole altered the pattern of fluorouracil metabolism and provided a selective increase in intracellular fluorodeoxyuridine monophosphate (FdUMP) levels. At 2 and 4 h after exposure to fluorouracil and dipyridamole, FdUMP levels were approximately 5-fold higher in the presence of dipyridamole. The ratio of FdUMP to fluorouridine triphosphate at 4 h was substantially increased in the presence of dipyridamole (0.4 +/- 0.05) compared to fluorouracil alone (0.08 +/- 0.03). In cells preloaded with fluorodeoxyuridine (FdUrd), dipyridamole potently inhibited the efflux of FdUrd, leading to an increased retention of intracellular FdUMP. One h following removal of [6-3H]FdUrd, the FdUMP levels were increased 8-fold in the presence of dipyridamole, and the half-life of intracellular FdUMP was increased from 24 to 78 min. We have previously shown that the addition of sufficient thymidine (25 microM) can prevent the augmentation of fluorouracil toxicity produced by dipyridamole. In these studies, the addition of 25 microM thymidine reduced the FdUMP levels to less than half of those measured in the presence of fluorouracil plus dipyridamole for the first 8 h of exposure, and reduced the FdUMP levels to 6% of the FdUMP levels seen with fluorouracil and dipyridamole after 24 h of exposure. Thymidine prevented the enhanced intracellular retention of FdUMP produced by dipyridamole in cells preloaded with FdUrd. In addition, thymidine inhibited the accumulation of FdUMP in cells exposed to FdUrd. In cancer cells which significantly catabolize FdUMP, the ability of dipyridamole to block the efflux of FdUrd may provide an effective means of selectively increasing FdUMP levels and enhancing the toxicity of fluorouracil. Furthermore, dipyridamole blocked the efflux of deoxyuridine and prolonged the intracellular half-life of deoxyuridine monophosphate. In cells prelabeled with [2'-3H]dUrd, transfer of tritium to FdUrd and FdUMP occurred in cells exposed to fluorouracil and dipyridamole. These data suggest that blockade of nucleoside efflux can enhance the availability of deoxyribose-1-phosphate donors for the synthesis of FdUrd. Thus, dipyridamole's ability to inhibit nucleoside transport can perturb the metabolism of a nucleobase, fluorouracil.
Arsenic Epidemiology and Drinking Water Standards

Establishment of the maximum contaminant level that regulates the concentration of arsenic in public water supplies has been an extraordinarily protracted process. The U.S. Public Health Service set an interim standard of 50 mg per liter in 1942. It was another 60 years before the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency lowered the standard to 10 mg per liter, despite extensive epidemiological evidence of significant cancer risks. [ Smith et al .][1] of this Policy Forum consider how the regulatory process might interpret and respond more effectively to results from epidemiological studies. [1]: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/296/5576/2145
Sea Ice Microbial Communities: Distribution, Abundance, and Diversity of Ice Bacteria in McMurdo Sound, Antarctica, in 1980

An abundant and diverse bacterial community was found within brine channels of annual sea ice and at the ice-seawater interface in McMurdo Sound, Antarctica, in 1980. The mean bacterial standing crop was 1.4 × 1011 cells m−2 (9.8 mg of C m−2); bacterial concentrations as high as 1.02 × 1012 cells m−3 were observed in ice core melt water. Vertical profiles of ice cores 1.3 to 2.5 m long showed that 47% of the bacterial numbers and 93% of the bacterial biomass were located in the bottom 20 cm of sea ice. Ice bacterial biomass concentration was more than 10 times higher than bacterioplankton from the water column. Scanning electron micrographs showed a variety of morphologically distinct cell types, including coccoid, rod, fusiform, filamentous, and prosthecate forms; dividing cells were commonly observed. Approximately 70% of the ice bacteria were free-living, whereas 30% were attached to either living algal cells or detritus. Interactions between ice bacteria and microalgae were suggested by a positive correlation between bacterial numbers and chlorophyll a content of the ice. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy revealed a close physical association between epibacteria and a dominant ice alga of the genus Amphiprora. We propose that sea ice microbial communities are not only sources of primary production but also sources of secondary microbial production in polar ecosystems. Furthermore, we propose that a detrital food web may be associated with polar sea ice. Images
A Laser‐Induced Fluorescence Imaging System for Isoelectric Focusing*

Abstract This paper describes a laser‐induced fluorescence (LIF) imaging system for detecting proteins separated by isoelectric focusing (IEF). IEF was carried out in either microfabricated glass devices or in capillaries. Compared to the single‐point‐detection used in capillary IEF (CIEF), the imaging approach eliminates the need for mobilizing the focused proteins to the detector, thereby reducing proteins' de‐focusing during mobilization and improving separation resolution. The LIF imaging system consists of a laser; its diameter is first increased through a beam expander and subsequently the laser beam is focused into a line using a cylindrical lens. The resultant laser line is used to image an entire channel or capillary in which protein separation take place. The fluorescence emission is collected with a cooled, scientific grade charge‐coupled device (CCD) camera. The detection limit was determined using a series of concentrations of fluorescein solutions. The imaging system was demonstrated by isoe...
Terahertz spectroscopy of Ni-Ti alloy thin films

Using THz spectroscopy, we obtained the resistivity of Ni-Ti alloy thin-films as a function of Ti concentration. The resistivity sharply increases near the phase transition boundaries, Ti concentrations of 22%, 44% and 62%.
Buoyancy effects on the vapor condensation rate on a horizontal liquid surface

The results are presented of a numerical study of the effects of buoyancy on the direct condensation of saturated or nearly saturated vapor on a horizontal liquid surface in a cylindrical tank. The liquid motion beneath the liquid-vapor interface is induced by an axisymmetric laminar jet of subcooled liquid. Analysis and numerical results show that the dominant parameter which determines the influence of buoyancy on the condensation rate is the Richardson number. However, the effect of buoyancy on the condensation rate cannot be quantified in terms of the Richardson number alone. The critical value of the Richardson number below which the condensation rate is not significantly reduced depends on the Reynolds number as well as the Prandtl number.
Function and morphology of platelets produced for transfusion by intermittent‐flow centrifugation plateletpheresis or combined platelet‐ leukapheresis

The effects on platelet function of intermittent-flow centrifugation pheresis were measured employing platelets collected from ten donors by combined platelet-leukapheresis with hydroxyethyl starch (LP) and from ten by plateletpheresis (PP) by similar techniques except without starch. Greater numbers of platelets were produced by LP than by PP. Aggregation of platelets collected by both LP and PP was normal (did not differ from prepheresis baseline) to collagen and to 10(-5)M adenosine diphosphate (ADP). Slight impairment to aggregation with 2 X 10(-6)M ADP and 5.5 X 10(-5)M epinephrine occurred with both techniques. These abnormalities, however, were significantly less severe in platelets collected by LP. Platelet morphology by electron microscopy was nearly normal, although glycogen granules were absent in LP platelets. Thus, hydroxyethyl starch, at doses currently used during a single LP, does not enhance abnormalities of platelet aggregation over those expected to result from PP alone. Actually, LP platelets function better in vitro than those collected by PP. Large numbers of platelets can be harvested by LP, and their use as a component that is comparable to PP platelets may mean improved efficiency and reduced costs for pheresis centers.
A System Identification Technique Using Bias Current Perturbation for Determining the Effective Rotor Origin of Active Magnetic Bearings

Locating the effective rotor origin of an active magnetic bearing (AMB) is an important step toward accurate characterization of the bearing air gaps for field tuning, performance analyses, and some shaft force measurement techniques. Specifically, application of current-based force measurement techniques to AMBs requires accurate modeling of air gaps in order to predict dynamic forces with accuracy. This paper discusses the application of a system identification technique that employs perturbation of the bias current and allows the user to establish the location of the effective rotor origin, an important step in characterizing the actual bearing gap. The technique analyzes the AMB system's response to the perturbation of bias currents in conjunction with a magnetic circuit model to infer the center position. The effective rotor origin identification technique developed here does not require additional hardware and is suitable for use in the general class of AMBs in field applications. For our purposes, the effective rotor origin of an electro-magnet biased magnetic bearing is defined as the unique rotor location for which a magnetic circuit based force model of the bearing is satisfied for zero position offset of the rotor along each control axis. Note that the effective rotor origin referred to here is the radial origin.
Perinatal depression at 34 weeks is not commonly associated with intrapartum metabolic acidosis

INTRAPARTUM METABOLIC ACIDOSIS ANADIR SILVA (F), ALICE COOTAUCO, ABIMBOLA AINA-MUMUNEY, PAMELA DONOHUE, ERNEST GRAHAM, Johns Hopkins University, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baltimore, Maryland, Johns Hopkins University, Pediatrics, Baltimore, Maryland OBJECTIVE: Signs of perinatal depression (PD) at or near term are commonly ascribed to intrapartum hypoxia-ischemia without objective evidence. Our objective was to use cord gas data to determine the presence of severe metabolic acidosis (pH! 7.0 or BE! 12 mmol/L) in depressed infants born at R34 weeks. STUDY DESIGN: We identified 111 infants born at R34 weeks at a single hospital between 7/91 to 10/04 depressed enough at birth to require resuscitation and NICU admission. Neonates with major congenital and chromosomal abnormalities were excluded. Each case was matched by gestational age (GA) within 7 days to the subsequent delivery without PD admitted to the regular nursery. Umbilical arterial gas data was available for 87 cases and 65 controls. Continuous data were compared by independent sample t-test, and categorical data by chi square of Fisher’s exact with p ! 0.05 considered significant. RESULTS: Cases and controls were matched by GA and had similar birth weights. The cases had longer length of stay, 1 min Apgar ! 7 and 5 min Apgar ! 7.
Available Potential Energy for MODE Eddies

Abstract Available, potential energy (APE) is defined as the difference between total potential plus internal energy of a fluid in a gravity field and a corresponding reference field in which the fluid is redistributed (leveled) adiabatically to have constant stably-stratified densities along geopotential surfaces. Potential energy changes result from local shifts of fluid mass relative to geopotential surfaces that are accompanied by local changes of enthalpy and internal energy and global shifts of mass (because volumes of fluid elements are not conserved) that do not change enthalpy or internal energy. The potential energy changes are examined separately by computing available gravitational potential energy (GPE) per unit mass and total GPE (TGPE) per unit area. A technique for estimating GPF, in the ocean is developed by introducing a reference density field (or an equivalent specific volume anomaly field) that is a function of pressure only and is connected to the observed field by adiabatic vertical...
Alleviating the Policy Paradox through Improved Institutional Policy Systems: A Case Study

Institutional policies and policy systems are vital to the well-being of institutions of higher education. While many institutions dedicate time and resources to the development of key policies, the establishment of a well-designed and well-functioning policy system is often neglected. We refer to the discrepancy between the importance of institutional policy systems and the lack of time and resources devoted to them as the policy paradox. This article chronicles Utah Valley University’s policy improvement initiative as a guide for institutions of higher education interested in improving institutional policy systems.
So many pixels, so little time

Previous work has focused on neuronal encoding of two-dimensional shapes. Using a new search algorithm and three-dimensional object primitives, a study in this issue identifies potential subunits of complex object recognition.
Error Factor Analysis for Wild Scene Image-Labelling

PASCAL VOC Segmentation Challenge [10] is currently considered as one of the datasets that reflect the image segmentation difficulties for real world scenarios [29]. However, current evaluation is simply based on a single Inter-section Over Union (IOU) score. In this paper, we try to discover the error factors under the IOU, which makes the results more informative to understand rather than a black box. Specifically, we decompose the error into three error types in terms of object characteristics, i.e. general, appearance and shape. Each error type is composed of respective factors, e.g. size and aspect ratio for general, appearance distinctiveness for appearance, etc. Finally, for each factor and error type, we perform analysis over its impact on and correlation with the final IOU through robust regression. Our experiments show that these error factors have significant relationship with the given IOU accuracy, and the analysis provides practical guidance on further improvement of the given algorithm.
Metabolism of presenilins.

Understanding mechanisms involved in the production of Aβ has long been the central focus of cell biologists engaged in molecular AD research. The discovery of two genes that encode homologous polytopic membrane proteins termed Presenilins (PS), has lead to several exciting recent findings on the proteolytic processes responsible for generating the COOH-terminus of Aβ. What we now know is that PS proteins play an important role in Aβ production and are considered one of the therapeutic targets. Here I have reviewed the vast literature on the biology of PS, especially focusing on PS endoproteolysis and the accumulation of stable PS derivatives that are likely the functional units.
Treatment of repetitive use carpal tunnel syndrome

In 1990, a randomized, double-blind study was initiated to evaluate the use of an eight-point conservative treatment program in carpal tunnel syndrome. A total of 160 patients were delineated with symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. These patients were then divided into two groups. Both groups were subjected to an ergonomically correct eight-point work modification program. A counterfeit low level laser therapy unit was utilized in Group A, while an actual low level laser therapy unit was utilized in Group B. The difference between Groups A and B was statistically significant in terms of return to work, conduction study improvement, and certain range of motion and strength studies.
Effects of slight variations in nutrient loadings on pore plugging in soil columns

The high nutrient concentrations that would exist near the nutrient injection well during the application of cometabolicin situ bioremediation may lead to the development of significant quantities of biomass at this point in the subsurface. This biomass can decrease the porosity of the soil to such an extent that nutrient injection is no longer possible. In this work, experiments were conducted using a porous media biofilm reactor, operated under constant substrate loading conditions, such that the pressure drop across the reactor was allowed to increase to maintain a constant volumetric flow rate through the reactor. Results suggest that biomass production, and hence biofilm thickness, near the injection feed port is highly sensitive to substrate loading. In addition, these variations in biofilm thickness produce dramatic differences in the pressure drop that is attained across the reactor. Use of the Kozeny-Carman equation can be used to predict that once a critical depth has been exceeded, the pressure drop across the bed will increase exponentially within biofilm depth. This result means that pressure is not a reliable indicator of the onset of pore plugging.
AEA awards at evaluation '87

gram chairs put together a terrific program with the help of Bob Covert, AEA president, Wei Li Fang, and others from the University of Virginia and Virginia Tech. Maurice Eash was responsible as local arrangements chair for all the Boston arrangements, and was constantly on call, or helping out, during the conference. The second meeting of AEA was more exciting and informative than the first. It is further evidence that this field is growing in meaningful and valuable ways, and the American Evaluation Association is a vibrant part of that growth. Plan NOWto attend Evaluation '88, Octobcr26-29, 1988 in New Orleans, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel.
A LIGHT AND ELECTRON MICROSCOPIC STUDY OF PEROXIDASE LOCALIZATION IN THE ONION ROOT TIP

A B S T R A C T Peroxidase activity in the onion root tip was localized by the diaminobenzidine procedure and studied at the light and electron microscope levels. Reaction product was observed in the cell wall, on the plasmalemma, in the Golgi apparatus cisternae and vesicles, in young and developing vacuoles, in the endoplasmic reticulum, and on both soluble and membrane-bound ribosomes. The reaction product at the various cellular and subcellular sites occurs in distinct tissue and developmental patterns. DESPITE THE FACT that peroxidases are among the oldest enzymes known and are widely distributed in nature, very little is known about their
Characterization of Proteins in Cuphea (PSR23) Seeds

This study characterized the proteins in Cuphea (PSR23) seed to provide fundamental information on their size, amino acid profile, solubility classes, and solubility behavior. The seed contained 32% (dry basis, db) oil and 21% (db) crude protein. Over 70% of the protein was extracted at pH 11.6. Nonprotein nitrogen accounted for 9% of the total N content. Compared with the Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization/United Nations University suggested pattern of requirements, Cuphea PSR23 seed protein had sufficient amounts of methionine+cystine-cysteine, considerable amounts (90%) of valine, phenylalanine+tyrosine, but was practically devoid of tryptophan. Lysine was the second-most limiting essential amino acid at 68%. Glutelins and albumins accounted for 83.5 and 15.4%, respectively, of the total protein extracted. SDS-PAGE showed that Cuphea protein subunits had M.W. ranging from <6.5 to 110 kDa. Dominant protein subunits in albumins had M.W. of 30, 40, 50, and 86 kDa. Glutelins had two major protein subunits with M.W. of 15 and 30 kDa. The distribution of essential amino acids was better in the albumin and glutelin fractions than in the defatted meal.