cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
All that is labeled data is not gold

Most of us are quite comfortable with the idea of evolution in the animal kingdom or in climate, by which small departures from the norm can spread and eventually change the entire picture. We are not as ready to accept a similar evolution in classical data sets, the gold standard of climatology. Recently, I have been using a small subset of the data generated by the GEOSECS (Geochemical Ocean Sections) program (1973–1974), in particular, the ocean profiles of oxygen-18 and deuterium measured by Harmon Craig at Scripps Institution of Oceanography in La Jolla, Calif. Until recently, I was secure in the knowledge that the data I was using, gathered from the National Climate Data Center repository, were complete and unadulterated. Earlier this year, while presenting my results and using these data for comparison, a member of the audience wondered why I was not using the complete data set. Confused, I defended myself vigorously. Later, it appeared that although I had correctly presented the published data, there was an underground version of unpublished data that was known only to a small circle of initiates. My hosts were kind enough to include me among the cognoscenti and it was at this point that things started to become interesting.
Are over a third of foster parent molestations homosexual

50% of foster parent abuse in a general population survey and 34% of abuse as determined by the Illinois DCFS was homosexual. In news stories in the 50 largest newspapers and wire services 1980-2003, 175 foster parents sexually abused 351+ charges. For the 169 whose sex of victim could be determined: 149 (88%) were men; 76 (53%) victimized homosexually; and 85 (50%) were unmarried. Men assaulted 319 (91%) victims, homosexual practitioners 222 (63%), and the unmarried 164 (47%). From 1980-1994 57% of the victims were girls; after 1994 56% were boys. In 21 group homes, the molestation was homosexual in 15 (71%) and 31 of the 32+ perpetrators were male and at least 334 of 349+ victims were boys.
Operant conditioned potentials, centrally evoked at random intervals

Rats were operantly conditioned for both increasing and decreasing the amplitude of one component of both visual and somatic sensory evoked potentials. The potentials were recorded in visual cortex, somatic sensory cortex, or nucleus intercollicularis in the midbrain reticular formation. The visual cortical potentials were evoked by shocks to the optic chiasm. The somatic sensory cortical and subcortical potentials were evoked by shocks to the nucleus subcoeruleus of the pontine reticular formation. The evoking stimuli (shocks) were presented at random intervals. The results rule out trivial mediation of operant neural control and are discussed in these terms.
A Historical Sketch of the Olympiads, National and International

(1978). A Historical Sketch of the Olympiads, National and International. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 85, No. 10, pp. 802-807.
Processing of No-release Variants in Connected Speech

The cross modal repetition priming paradigm was used to investigate how potential lexically ambiguous no-release variants are processed. In particular we focus on segmental regularities that affect the variant's frequency of occurrence (voicing of the critical segment) and phonological context in which the variant occurs (status of the following word-initial segment). Primes consisted of carrier words ending in a segment likely (voiced; e.g., BAND) or unlikely (voiceless; PLANT) to be produced in no-release form followed by a consonant or vowel onset context word. Each carrier word had an embedded lexical competitor (embedded word) formed by the segments prior to its final consonant (e.g., plan in plant). Productions of these embedded words (true embedded word) were also used as primes. Both true embedded words (Experiments Ia-Ic) and carrier words (Experiments 2a-2c) were used as visual targets.The results are discussed in terms of the contribution of probabilistic speech events to theories of spoken word recognition and lexical competition.
Respiratory burst in murine peritoneal macrophages: Differential sensitivity to phorbol diesters by macrophages in different states of functional activation

Abstract Activation of macrophages either in vivo or in vitro can modulate the capacity to generate and secrete reactive oxygen intermediates including H 2 O 2 and O 2 − . Thus, the cellular and biochemical components requisite for execution of the respiratory burst must be regulated during the activation process. In the present report, we have examined murine peritoneal macrophages in different stages of activation for their sensitivity to stimulants of respiratory burst known to activate protein kinase c (i.e., phorbol dibutyrate or diacylglycerol). The results demonstrated that more highly activated macrophages showed, in addition to greater magnitude of H 2 O 2 or O 2 − production, a two- to fourfold greater sensitivity to these stimuli. While more active macrophages also exhibited a higher rate of H 2 O 2 secretion, the time at which secretion was measured did not account for or modulate the heightened sensitivity. The increased sensitivity to stimulation was dependent upon the stage of activation and not on the agent used to elicit the macrophages. Increased sensitivity of the more active macrophage populations was also seen when physiologic stimuli (i.e., insoluble immune complexes or unopsonized zymosan) were used. These findings indicate that macrophage activation for H 2 O 2 secretion modulates the sensitivity to stimulation such that more H 2 O 2 is produced in a shorter time and at a lower concentration of stimulus, thereby heightening the inflammatory response in several independent ways. Because all the stimuli employed in the present study have in common the ability to activate protein kinase c (either directly or indirectly), the data also suggest that this form of macrophage activation may involve, at least in part, modulation of the stimulus-response coupling mechanisms which utilize this enzyme.
Multispectral optics designs using expanded glass map

We report new materials that transmit from 0.9 to > 14 μm in wavelength and fill up the glass map for multispectral optics having refractive index from 2.38 to 3.17. They show a large spread in dispersion (Abbe number) and offer some unique solutions for multispectral optics designs. The new IR glasses can be easily molded and also fused together to make bonded doublets. We present the benefits of these new materials through dual-band optics designs and compare to designs using currently available crystalline materials.
Pilot study describing the use of pravastatin in pediatric renal transplant recipients

: Renal transplant (Tx) recipients frequently develop hypercholesterolemia. Pravastatin (P) has been shown to be effective in adult renal Tx recipients, not only in reducing serum cholesterol, but possibly also in decreasing graft rejection. However, there are no data on the use of P in children following renal transplantation. We conducted a retrospective case–control study evaluating the safety and efficacy of P (10–20 mg/day) in reducing hypercholesterolemia, when used pre-emptively in the post-Tx period in seven children, compared with an historical control (C) group of nine children who had not received P. The two groups were comparable with respect to their demographics and in their pretransplant serum cholesterol. Compared with the C group, the mean serum cholesterol in the P group was lower at 3 months (159 mg/dL vs. 225 mg/dL), 6 months (134 mg/dL vs. 200 mg/dL), 9 months (134 mg/dL vs. 209 mg/dL), and 12 months (125 mg/dL vs. 195 mg/dL) (p < 0.005 for all, Student's two-tailed t-test). At 1 month only 43% of the P group had hypercholesterolemia compared with 67% of the controls; by 12 months this difference was even more significant (0% in the P group vs. 45% in the C group). None of the treated patients developed any adverse reactions. This study demonstrates that the pre-emptive use of P in pediatric renal Tx recipients appears to be effective in significantly reducing serum cholesterol. Whether this effect will translate into improved allograft and patient survival in the long term cannot be predicted at present and will require additional studies to evaluate.
Ribonuclease. V. Studies on the properties and distribution of ribonuclease inhibitor in the rat.

Abstract 1. The properties of a RNase inhibitor found in the supernatant fraction prepared from rat liver homogenates have been investigated. 2. The inhibitor, which is heat labile and non-dialyzable, is active against crystalline pancreatic RNase and alkaline RNases from rat tissues but apparently has little effect on acid RNase. 3. The distribution of inhibitor in the supernatant fractions prepared from several rat tissues was determined. Brain, liver and lung contain the highest concentrations in decreasing order, while kidney and muscle contain smaller amounts. 4. Large quantities of RNase are normally bound to the inhibitor. The bound RNase is equal to or greater than the total mitochondrial alkaline RNase activity of liver or kidney. The bound enzyme may be released and the inhibitor inactivated by Pb++ and p-chloromercuribenzoic acid but not by iodoacetate or iodoacetamide.
Translating genetic findings in hereditary nephrotic syndrome: the missing loops

Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is a clinicopathological entity characterized by proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, peripheral edema, and hyperlipidemia. It is the most common cause of glomerular disease in children and adults. Although the molecular pathogenesis of NS is not completely understood, data from the study of familial NS suggest that it is a “podocytopathy.” Virtually all of the genes mutated in hereditary NS localize to the podocyte or its secreted products and the slit diaphragm. Since the completion of human genome sequence and the advent of next generation sequencing, at least 29 causes of single-gene NS have been identified. However, these findings have not been matched by therapeutic advances owing to suboptimal in vitro and in vivo models for the study of human glomerular disease and podocyte injury phenotypes. Multidisciplinary collaboration between clinicians, geneticists, cell biologists, and molecular physiologists has the potential to overcome this barrier and thereby speed up the translation of genetic findings into improved patient care.
Alterations in Regional Pulmonary Blood Flow in Mitral Valve Disease Studied by Radioisotope Scanning A Simple Nontraumatic Technique for Estimation of Left Atrial Pressure

The distribution of pulmonary blood flow was studied by external scintillation scanning of intravenously injected 131 I-labeled macroaggregates of human serum albumin. The technique, its validation, and the underlying considerations are discussed in detail. In 13 normal subjects, in whom the indicator was injected while they were in the erect position, the ratio of concentration of radioactivity per unit of lung volume in the upper third of the right lung to that in the lower third (U/L) averaged 0.43±0.08 sd. When 131 I-MAA was injected with the subjects in the supine position, this ratio averaged 0.92±0.05. In 35 patients with mitral valve disease in whom the injections were made while they were in the erect position, varying abnormalities of the distribution of the pulmonary arterial blood flow were observed, U/L averaging 1.01±0.34. The extent of the abnormality of distribution was found to be a function of the hemodynamic severity of the mitral valve disease, and U/L correlated more closely with the mean left atrial pressure than with any other hemodynamic variable. The potential applicability of the 131 I-MAA technique in the detection and assessment of mitral valve disease was discussed.
Osteomyelitis of the axial skeleton and the flat and small bones

Infection of the axial skeleton and the flat and small bones represents a growing proportion of all cases of osteomyelitis. The most common causative agent is Staphylococcus aureus , but this varies with the site involved and the pathogenesis. In contrast to osteomyelitis of the long bones, osteomyelitis of the flat and irregular bones presents with low-grade or no fever and poorly localized symptoms. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate almost invariably is elevated, and the C-reactive protein concentration rises and falls in a pattern that mirrors the clinical course, rendering it a valuable test with which to monitor the success of therapy. Initial plain radiographs often are normal, and bone scan usually is more sensitive to confirm the diagnosis early in the course of the illness. Antimicrobial therapy is based on the patient's age and site of infection. Complications are rare with expedient diagnosis and appropriate therapy.
Laser Glazing of Boronized Iron and Tool Steels

AbstractEfforts were made to generate amorphous surface layers on iron and high speed tool steels by the use of high power CO2 lasers (up to 5 kW) and of boron as an alloying element. Results were unsatisfactory. However, laser processed coatings were substantially thicker and harder than the initial boride coatings and exhibited hardness gradients along the melt depth. A maximum hardness of 2300 HV was observed in laser glazed regions. Microstructural analysis revealed that laser treatment produced fine Fe2B + eutectic in iron, and M2B+M23(B, C)6 + ternary eutectic in tool steels. The inability of laser glazing to produce amorphous coatings is examined and discussed.
Predicting effective continuous positive airway pressure in sleep apnea using an artificial neural network.

Abstract Background Mathematical formulas have been less than adequate in assessing the optimal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) level in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The objectives of the study were (1) to develop an artificial neural network (ANN) using demographic and anthropometric information to predict optimal CPAP level based on an overnight titration study and (2) to compare the predicted pressures derived from the ANN to the pressures computed from a previously described regression equation. Methods A general regression neural network was used to develop the predictive model. The derivation cohort included 311 consecutive patients who underwent CPAP titration at a University-affiliated Sleep Center. The model was validated subsequently on 98 participants from a private sleep laboratory. Results The correlation coefficients between the optimal pressure determined by the titration study and the predicted pressure by the ANN were 0.86 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.83–0.88; p p p = 0.4), the estimated pressure derived from the regression equation underestimated the optimal pressure in both the derivation and the validation group, respectively. Conclusion The optimal CPAP level predicted by the ANN provides a more accurate assessment of the pressure derived from the historic regression equation.
Using Theater to Teach Clinical Empathy: A Pilot Study

Background Clinical empathy, a critical skill for the doctor–patient relationship, is infrequently taught in graduate medical education. No study has tested if clinical empathy can be taught effectively.
Near-surface Vs Profiling in the New Madrid Seismic Zone Using Surface-wave Methods

Surface-wave tests were performed at eleven sites in Shelby County and Memphis, Tennessee and northeast Arkansas representing soil deposits of differing types and ages to determine near-surface shear-wave velocity ( Vs ) profiles for site-response analyses. Active surface-wave tests were conducted using a harmonic source and an irregular linear array of receivers. At two of the eleven sites, a two-dimensional array of receivers was used to record surface waves generated by passive sources including microtremors and cultural noise. Dispersion curves for both types of tests were calculated using frequency-wavenumber methods and were inverted using an algorithm that encourages smoothness of the resulting Vs profile. The surface-wave test results compare well with profiles obtained by other researchers using a variety of methods. We believe that most observed differences are due to the nature of surface-wave propagation and the characteristics of the inversion algorithm. At the Mud Island B site, we obtained a profile to a depth of 170 m by combining active and passive dispersion data to form a composite dispersion curve. The combination of active and passive data significantly enhances the capabilities of surface-wave test procedures. Finally, the measured Vs profiles were used to calculate linear amplification spectra, which clearly indicate differences in site response between Holocene- and Pleistocene-age deposits.
An esterase from barley endosperm

Abstract An esterase isolated from barley endosperm which hydrolyzes α-naphthyl acetate has a mol. wt. of 29,500 and an isoelectric pH of 6·2. Other esterases and peptide hydrolase C were also present. The mol. wt. of the esterase was lower than those of the barley enzymes peptide hydrolases A, B, and C (56,000, 80,000, and 39,500 respectively), and l -leucyl-β-naphthylamidase (56,000). The esterase showed no phosphatase activity.
Predation of Sharks on Man

An analysis of 1,406 shark attack cases has revealed some of the factors that may impell sharks to bite man. Mostunprovoked shark attacks take place where a concentration of bathers occur, usually within 1,000 feet of the shore line.
Chemical mutagenesis testing in Drosophila. VII. Results of 22 coded compounds tested in larval feeding experiments

Twenty-two chemicals were tested for mutagenicity in the sex-linked recessive lethal (SLRL) mutation assay after being fed to Drosophila melanogaster larvae. One compound, maleic hydrazide, was found to be mutagenic. It was tested for the ability to produce reciprocal translocations (RTs) and was positive in that assay as well.
How Contemporary History is Presented in Chilean Middle School Textbooks

This article provides a textual analysis of the pedagogical discourse of history textbooks used in the education of Chilean students. In particular, I focus on how the impact of Salvador Allende's ...
Hydroxyurea induces precommitment during retinoic induced HL-60 terminal myeloid differentiation: possible involvement of gene amplification

Abstract Control of terminal cell differentiation was studied in the HL-60 human promyelocytic leukemia cell line. Retinoic acid is known to induce myeloid differentiation associated with GO arrest in these cells. In this case, onset of terminal differentiation occurs after an exposure period corresponding to two division cycles. This is preceded by acquisition of a precommitment memory state occurring by one division cycle. Cells in precommitment undergo accelerated onset of terminal differentiation upon reexposure to inducer. The present report shows that the precommitment state can be induced by a pulse exposure to hydroxyurea. While the hydroxyurea exposure does not itself induce terminal differentiation, the treated cells undergo accelerated onset of phenotypic differentiation and GO arrest upon exposure to retinoic acid. Thus a perturbation of S-phase specific cellular metabolism induces the early precommitment regulatory state in the course of induced HL-60 terminal myeloid differentiation. The results support a model in which initiation of a cellular program of terminal differentiation depends on an S-phase specific event associated with replication of cellular DNA and possibly involving gene amplification. Significantly, the results indicate that a conventional chemotherapeutic agent such as hydroxyurea can synergistically interact with a differentiation inducing agent such as retinoic acid. This indicates the significance of investigating the interaction between conventional S-phase specific chemotherapeutic agents and differentiation inducing agents as a potential treatment modality.
An LMI Approach to Robust Control of Packet Loss Probability

Provisioning QoS enabled VPN services over packet switched networks is increasingly important for service providers. Previous works propose a dynamic packet loss control system that maintains preset packet loss targets for the instantiated VPN services in the provider's backbone network. In the control system, the transducer and dynamic model have been studied. However, the identified linear model contains time-varying norm-bounded uncertain parameters. This paper extends the previous research and designs a robust controller. Specifically, the classical controller is first designed. A Linear Matrix Inequality (LMI) approach for designing the robust Proportional-Integral (PI) controller is then studied. By adopting the LMI expression, a symmetric positive definite matrix P with guaranteed overall system's quadratic stability is determined. The matrix P finally infers the robust PI controller parameters. Through a number of experiments, the transient and steady state performance of the controller is evaluated on the live NCIT*net network.
Nanoparticle deposition effects on the minimum heat flux point and quench front speed during quenching in water-based alumina nanofluids

Abstract The quenching characteristics of metallic rodlets and spheres were investigated in pure water and water-based nanofluids with alumina nanoparticles of 0.1% by volume. The experiments were performed at both saturated and subcooled conditions under atmospheric pressure. The results demonstrate that while the initial quenching behavior in nanofluids is identical to that in pure water, both the minimum heat flux point temperature and quench front speed are significantly enhanced in subsequent quenching repetitions due to nanoparticle deposition. The nanoparticle effects on the quenching process were analyzed with focus on the intermittent liquid–solid contacts in the film boiling regime. It appears that the liquid–solid interaction during such short-lived contacts is more vigorous when a nanoparticle layer with improved surface wettability and roughness is present, which leads to the premature disruption of film boiling and quenching acceleration.
Serum Bioavailability and Tissue Metabolism of Testosterone and Estradiol in Rat Salivary Gland

The concentration of testosterone in saliva is probably in equilibrium with the concentration of cellular exchangeable testosterone in salivary gland, and these pools are a function of 1) hormone transplant from the plasma compartment, and 2) hormone metabolism in salivary gland cells. Both of these processes were examined in the present study using the carotid injection technique in normal and pilocarpine-stimulated ketamine-anesthetized rats. Both testosterone and estradiol were rapidly transported across salivary gland capillaries in vivo from the circulating albumin-bound pool. Estradiol, but not testosterone, was also rapidly transported into salivary gland from the circulating human sex hormone-binding globulinbound pool. Hormone transport was several-fold greater thanthe capillary transport of [3H]bovine albumin, indicating thatbound hormone was available for transport across salivary gland capillaries via an enhanced dissociation mechanism, with the plasma protein primarily residing in the plasma ...
Asymmetry of Systolic Anterior Motion of the Mitral Valve in Patients with Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy: A Real-time Three-dimensional Echocardiographic Study

By geometric analysis of real-time 3-dimensional echocardiography performed in 39 patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy and definite systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve, we found that the angle between the mitral annular plane and basal portion of the anterior mitral valve leaflet, and the angle between the basal portion of the anterior leaflet and its tip portion measured in the medial and central anteroposterior planes, were significantly smaller than those in the lateral plane. The distance between the interventricular septum and the anterior mitral valve tip in the medial and central plane was also significantly smaller than that in the lateral plane. The lateral distance between the interventricular septum and the anterior mitral valve tip was the only independent determinant of left ventricular outflow tract pressure gradient by multiple stepwise regression analysis. In conclusion, systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve develops predominantly in the medial side, resulting in laterally located narrow left ventricular outflow tract opening in patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy.
First Reports of Ectoparasites Collected from Wild-Caught Exotic Reptiles in Florida

We collected ectoparasites from 27 of 51 wild-caught, free-ranging exotic reptiles examined in Florida from 2003 to 2008. Sampled animals represented eight species, five of which yielded ectoparasites. Reported new parasite distribution records for the United States include the following: the first collection of the African tick Amblyomma latum (Koch) from a wild-caught animal [ball python, Python regius (Shaw)] in the United States; the first collection of the lizard scale mite Hirstiella stamii (Jack) from any wild-caught animal [green iguana, Iguana iguana (L.)]; and the first collection of the lizard scale mite Geckobia hemidactyli (Lawrence) in the continental United States from a wild-caught tropical house gecko, Hemidactylus mabouia (Moreau de Jonnes). We also report the first collections of the Neotropical ticks Amblyomma rotundatum (Koch) and Amblyomma dissimile (Koch) from wild-caught Burmese pythons, Python molurus bivittatus (Kuhl); the first collections of A. dissimile from a wild-caught African savannah monitor, Varanus exanthematicus (Bosc); and from wild-caught green iguanas in the United States; and the first collections of the native chiggers Eutrombicula splendens (Ewing) and Eutrombicula cinnabaris (Ewing) from wild-caught Burmese pythons. These reports may only suggest the diversity of reptile ectoparasites introduced and established in Florida and the new host-parasite relationships that have developed among exotic and native ectoparasites and established exotic reptiles.
Monozygotic twins discordant for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: ascertainment and clinical characteristics.

ABSTRACT Objective Nongenetic factors and phenomenology of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were examined in monozygotic (MZ) twin pairs discordant for ADHD. Method Recruitment included telephone screening ( n = 297 pairs), behavioral ratings obtained from parents and teachers ( n = 59 pairs), and, finally, in-person assessment ( n = 25 pairs; structured classroom observation, diagnostic interview, psychoeducational evaluation, birth record review, establishment of monozygosity, and anatomic brain imaging). Affected twins were further contrasted with previously studied affected singletons. Results Of the 25 MZ twin pairs qualifying for in-person evaluation, only 10 proved discordant for ADHD. Affected twins were mostly comparable with affected singletons on clinical measures, although fathers' self-ratings of childhood ADHD status were significantly lower in twins than in singletons. Conclusions Discordance for ADHD in MZ twins appears to be ascribable to greater environmental discordance and decreased familiality. Despite these differences, affected twins were phenotypically comparable with affected singletons. Thus MZ twins discordant for ADHD, while rare, can inform research on the etiology and pathophysiology of this disorder.
Feminine Irony and the Art of Linguistic Cooperation in Anne Askew's Sixteenth-Century Examinacyons

Abstract This essay examines linguistic and contextual features to understand Anne Askew9s ironic performances, her positioning in rhetorical history, and her texts9 persuasive power. While Askew9s tactical irony has been studied as silence, resistance, and protest, this essay shows that she uses irony to undermine the communicative event and to initiate discourse without committing to cooperative communication for all audiences involved. I argue that Askew9s performances are best accounted for as relevant-inappropriateness, and that a close examination of embedded features in her discourse helps us view Early Modern women9s performances as inventive and productive rather than patriarchal or anti-patriarchal.
Electronic Health Record Implementation in Community Nursing Homes

Introduction The Electronic Health Record (EHR) is being advocated as a tool to improve patient care. Nationwide initiatives are under way to determine how to implement EHR. To date, community nursing homes have not been involved in that effort. Many reasons, including multiple providers in a home, physical structure of a facility, multiple facilities, high costs of implementation, and maintenance of an EHR, hinder efforts to establish such a record in a nursing home. Convinced that an EHR would improve resident care, we undertook a project to establish an EHR in 11 community nursing homes. Methods Boston University Geriatric Services and Boston Medical Center partnered with 11 community nursing homes in the Boston, MA, area to introduce GE Centricity as the medical provider’s medical recordfor the residents under the care of this medical practice. This effort included allowing the software to be used at various sites, providing hardware, and establishing Internet connectivity. Results All 11 of the nursing homes served by Boston University Geriatric Services have been connected to the system. Discussion It is possible to establish an EHR in a diverse, unrelated group of nursing homes. This has allowed for improved communication between providers, consultants, hospital, and nursing home staff.
Reactor and Technical Feasibility Aspects of a CO2 Decomposition-Based Power Generation Cycle, Utilizing a High-Temperature Membrane Reactor

The technical feasibility of separating and decomposing CO2 in the context of a novel energy generation cycle during the operation of a glass furnace was investigated. The concept envisions CO2 decomposition to take place in a membrane reactor utilizing high-temperature solid-oxide membranes with the aid of oxygen chemical pumping. The glass furnace environment is well suited for such an application because it provides the high-temperature conditions needed for the operation of these membranes. As part of this effort, solid-oxide membranes were prepared and their oxygen permeation was measured in a membrane reactor system. The O2 permeabilities in the presence of a reactive sweep were significantly higher than the corresponding permeabilities measured in the presence of He as a sweep gas. These membranes were utilized for CO2 decomposition in a membrane reactor. Conversions significantly higher than the expected thermodynamic equilibrium values were attained. Engineering calculations of the overall glass ...
Oral Mucosa Bleeding Times of Normal Cats and Cats with Chediak-Higashi Syndrome or Hageman Trait (Factor XII Deficiency).

Summary A commercially available, disposable blade in a spring-loaded cassette was used to measure oral mucosa bleeding times (OMBT) of ketamine/acepromazine-anesthetized cats. The OMBT were determined in cats homozygous for Chediak-Higashi syndrome (CHS; n = 7), cats heterozygous for CHS (n = 6), and cats homozygous for Hageman factor (factor XII) deficiency (n = 5). In addition, OMBT were determined in three groups of normal cats: random-source cats (n = 14), inbred normal relatives of the cats with CHS (n = 7), and inbred normal relatives of Hageman factor deficient cats (n = 9). No significant differences were found in the OMBT of the three groups of normal cats. The mean OMBT for all 30 normal cats was 1.9 minutes ± 0.5 minutes s.d. Compared to the normal cats, those homozygous for CHS had significantly prolonged OMBT (14.1 ± 3.3 minutes; ±p >0.05). The mean OMBT of cats heterozygous for CHS (2.6 ± 0.8 minutes) was also significantly longer than the OMBT of the combined normal group. The mean OMBT of the CHS heterozygotes, however, was not significantly longer than that of their normal relatives (OMBT = 1.8 ± 0.5 minutes), probably because of the low number of cats in this subgroup of normals. As expected, the OMBT of cats homozygous for Hageman factor deficiency (2.3 ± 0.3 minutes) were not significantly prolonged.
A successful physician training program in cholesterol screening and management.

Method. Thirty-six resident physicians received a blood cholesterol training program which included training in blood cholesterol screening using a fingerstick method and a desktop analyzer, diet assessment and counseling, and a management protocol for follow-up diet and drug treatment. The program also included feedback to residents about their blood cholesterol screening activity, incentives, and biweekly articles in the department newsletter. Results. Between 1986–1987 (baseline) and 1987–1988 (intervention), the percentage of the target patient population (ages 20–65 years, nonpregnant, not screened in the previous year) that was screened for hypercholesterolemia in this primary care practice increased from 16.2 to 23.2% [rate difference (RD) = 7.0; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 4.75–9.25]. The mean value of the screening tests decreased from 5.36 mmol/liter (207.2 mg/dl) to 5.08 mmol/liter (196.6 mg/dl; t = 2.98, P = 0.003) and the percentage of the population screened needing further evaluation decreased from 36.8 to 27.6% (RD 9.2; CI = 2.00–14.00). In the intervention year, compared with the baseline year, patients with a borderline blood cholesterol and cardiovascular risk factors were more likely to have a follow-up test (28.8% vs 11.9%, RD = 16.9; 95% CI = 0.80–33.00) and the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol test was used less for screening (8.2% vs 19.4%, P < 0.0001). Conclusion. We conclude that this program was effectively integrated into a busy primary care practice, leading to improvement in blood cholesterol screening and management practices.
The endodontic management of multirooted teeth.

Abstract Having diagnosed a multirooted tooth as one which would respond favorably to treatment, it is important to measure accurately each root so that these roots may be properly prepared to their apices. It is equally important to dry the canals and to obliterate all space created by the reaming. Having performed these operations, the measure of success will be commensurate with the degree of perfection with which these operations have been performed.
Gulf Stream remote forcing of shelfbreak currents in the Mid‐Atlantic Bight

The “Slope Sea” is a narrow band of ocean that lies between the Gulf Stream and the continental shelf edge in the Mid-Atlantic Bight. It is composed primarily of slopewater, and a closed cyclonic gyre circulates within the upper few hundred meters of its western end. A two-year time series of current measurements in this region has shown that the southwestward flowing shelfbreak currents along the shoreward flank of the gyre are directly related to the position of the Gulf Stream, which is typically some 150 to 300 km seaward of the shelfbreak. The mean monthly shelfbreak currents are strongest, towards the southwest at about 30–40 cm s−1, when the Stream is within 150 km of the shelf edge, whereas those currents are close to zero when the Stream is about 300 km away.
The Kansas internship program assistance/assessment model: A design for beginning teachers' professional growth

In the words of the recent Personnel Evaluation Standards, " . . . educational institutions have often been ineffective in carrying out their personnel evaluation responsibilities" (1988, p. 6). According to these standards, this failure is documented in many current books, articles, and reviews that call for a reform in evaluating educational personnel (Andrews, 1985; Brodinsky, 1984; Carnegie Task Force on Teaching as a Profession, 1986; Coker, Medley & Soar, 1980; Educating Americans for the 21st CenturypNational Science Foundation, 1983; Goodlad, 1983; Millman, 1981; A Nation at Risk--National Commission on Excellence in Education, 1983; Wise & Darling-Hammond, 1985). State departments and school districts look to teacher evaluation as a means of enhancing teacher performance (Educational Research Service, 1978; Bolton, 1973). However, given the incompetence of many evaluation practices, most are not achieving this goal to any degree that is impressive (Stiggins & Duke, 1988). Kansas recognized the need for educational reform in the area of teacher evaluation by taking an innovative approach to evaluating and assisting beginning teachers.
Biophysical characterization of higher plant Rubisco activase.

Abstract Rubisco activase (Rca) is a chaperone-like protein of the AAA + family, which uses mechano-chemical energy derived from ATP hydrolysis to release tightly bound inhibitors from the active site of the primary carbon fixing enzyme ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate oxygenase/carboxylase (Rubisco). Mechanistic and structural investigations of Rca have been hampered by its exceptional thermolability, high degree of size polydispersity and propensity towards subunit aggregation. In this work, we have characterized the thermal stability and self-association behavior of recombinant Rca preparations, and have developed ligand screening methods. Thermal denaturation profiles generated by circular dichroism indicate that creosote and tobacco short-form Rcas are the most stable proteins examined, with an estimated mid-point temperature of 45–47 °C for protein denaturation. We demonstrate that ADP provides a higher degree of stabilization than ATP, that magnesium ions have a small stabilizing effect on ATP-bound, but a significant destabilizing effect on ADP-bound Rca, and that phosphate provides weak stabilization of the ADP-bound form of the protein. A dimeric species was identified by size-exclusion chromatography, suggesting that the two-subunit module may comprise the basic building block for larger assemblies. Evidence is provided that chromatographic procedures reflect non-equilibrium multimeric states. Dynamic light scattering experiments performed on nucleotide-bearing Rca support the notion that several larger, highly polydisperse assembly states coexist over a broad concentration range. No significant changes in aggregation are observed upon replacement of ADP with ATP. However, in the absence of nucleotides, the major protein population appears to consist of a monodisperse oligomer smaller than a hexamer.
Cutting Back: Retrenchment and Redevelopment in Human and Community Services

The article presents a review of the book “Cutting Back: Retrenchment and Redevelopment in Human and Community Services,” by Larry Hirschhorn.
Biological Nitrogen Fixation

Biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) is the process of the reduction of dinitrogen from the air to ammonia carried out by a large number of species of free-living and symbiotic microbes called diazotrophs. BNF presents an inexpensive and environmentally sound, sustainable approach to crop production and constitutes one of the most important Plant Growth Promotion (PGP) scenarios. Here I will summarize various aspects of BNF, including the dinitrogen reduction catalysed reaction carried out by “nitrogenase” and the enzymes/genes involved and their regulation, the inherent “oxygen paradox” , the identification of diazotrophs, sustainable agricultural uses of BNF, symbiotic plant-diazotroph interactions and endophytic diazotrophs, data from the field, and future prospects in BNF.
Use of laboratory markers in deciding whether to perform temporal artery biopsy.

Temporal artery biopsy (TAB) can confirm the diagnosis of giant cell arteritis (GCA), but it is not without risk.1 Therefore, markers of inflammation such as the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein level (CRP), and platelet counts are often used to select patients for TAB.2–4 Our aim was to investigate which demographic and laboratory data predict biopsy-proven GCA in patients undergoing biopsy to generate hypotheses about how physicians integrate this information into TAB decisions.
Endocrine effects of chronic opioid therapy: implications for clinical management.

SUMMARY Over the past few decades, the use of opioids in the management of chronic pain conditions has greatly increased. As opioid utilization has expanded, so has the recognition of associated hormonal derangements. These hormonal disturbances involve disruption, predominantly of the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis, and can affect both men and women treated with opioids. The best recognized of these hormonal disorders is opioid-associated androgen deficiency. Opioid-associated androgen deficiency is most likely to occur with prolonged, high-dose opioid therapy and may be associated with the development of other conditions such as depression, osteoporosis and possible hyperalgesia. Once identified, opioid-associated androgen deficiency should be managed with appropriate hormonal replacement therapy and patients should be closely monitored for adequacy of treatment and treatment-associated adverse events.
Trauma Exposure and Posttraumatic Symptoms in Hawaii: Gender, Ethnicity, and Social Context.

Eight-hundred and 33 members of an ethnically diverse longitudinal cohort study in Hawaii were surveyed about their personal exposure to several types of traumatic events, socioeconomic resources, and mental health symptoms. Results replicated findings from prior research that while men and women are exposed to similar rates of trauma overall, women report more exposure to traumas high in betrayal (HB), while men report exposure to more traumas lower in betrayal (LB). Trauma exposure was predictive of mental health symptoms, with neglect, household dysfunction, and HB traumas predicting symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD, dissociation, and sleep disturbance, and LB traumas predicting PTSD and dissociation symptoms. Native Hawaiian ethnicity and poorer socioeconomic status were predictive of greater trauma exposure and symptoms. Results suggest that more inclusive definitions of trauma are important for gender equity, and that ethnic group variation in symptoms is better explained by factors such as differential trauma exposure and economic and social status differences, rather than minority status per se.
Suboptimal linear regulators for systems subject to parameter variations

A procedure is developed for designing nearly optimal linear regulators for systems subject to large parameter variations. The technique is applicable to the general multivariable linear system and yields a feedback controller which is relatively easy to implement. Approximate controllers are derived by expanding the gain matrix in a Taylor series expansion in powers of the variable parameter. Gain is adjusted on the basis of measured or estimated values of the parameter. The technique is developed for the case where the cost functional is an explicit function of the variable parameter in order to achieve similar controlled time responses over a wide range of parameter variation. A computational example is presented to illustrate the approach.
SIN3 is critical for stress resistance and modulates adult lifespan.

Coordinate control of gene activity is critical for fitness and longevity of an organism. The SIN3 histone deacetylase (HDAC) complex functions as a transcriptional repressor of many genes. SIN3-regulated genes include those that encode proteins affecting multiple aspects of mitochondrial function, such as energy production and stress responsiveness, important for health maintenance. Here we used Drosophila melanogaster as a model organism to examine the role of SIN3 in the regulation of fitness and longevity. Adult flies with RNA interference (RNAi) induced knockdown expression of Sin3A have reduced climbing ability; an activity that likely requires fully functional mitochondria. Additionally, compared to wild type, adult Sin3A knockdo wn flies were more sensitive to oxidative stress. Interestingly, media supplementation with the antioxidant glutathione largely restored fly tolerance to oxidative stress. Although Sin3A knockdown fli es exhibited decreased longevity compared to wild type, no significant changes in expression of many well- categorized aging genes were observed. We found, however, that Sin3A knockdown corresponded to a significant reduction in expression of genes encoding proteins involved in the de novo synthesis of glutathione. Taken together, the data support a model whereby SIN3 regulates a gene expression program required for proper mitochondrial function and effective stress response during adulthood.
Measurement and characterization of ultra-wideband wireless interconnects within active computing systems

This paper presents experimental measurements of ultra-wideband (UWB) wireless interconnects within an operational computer system chassis. Using an impulse-radio ultra-wideband (IR-UWB) 3–5GHz transceiver, this paper analyzes and verifies the implementation of high-bandwidth wireless communications within an enclosed, heavy multipath, metallic environment such as a computer server chassis. Bit-error-rate (BER) and recovered clock jitter were measured at various positions within the computer chassis. The results show a 6X improvement in BER after applying the equalizer to the noisy channel while the motherboard is fully operating.
Family Quality of Life Following Early Identification of Deafness

Purpose Family members' perceptions of their quality of life were examined following early identification of deafness in children. Method A questionnaire was used to solicit ratings of satisfaction...
Assessing dynamics in computer-based instruction

We present an evaluation of a multimedia educational software system that includes text, graphics, animations, and simulations. When compared with an informationally equivalent control environment that used text and carefully selected still images, we found little evidence that the dynamic presentations enhanced student understanding of the declarative information in this lesson. Furthermore, students cannot be relied on to take fllll advantage of exploratory opportunities in computer-based instruction. These results prescribe further investigation of whether and how computer-based multimedia can be used effectively in education and training.
Relationship between canker size and wood starch in American chestnut

Chestnut trees (Castanca dentata) were wounded in May and inoculated with Cryphonectria parasitica. In August, canker area was measured and the surfaces of longitudinal dissections of stem wood were stained with I2KI to reveal the presence of starch. Sections with the most starch had smaller cankers than sections with no starch. Results show that starch reserves were related to canker size and therefore may play a role in the tree's ability to respond to infection.
VHF highly linear fully-balanced CMOS OTA

A fully-balanced, highly linear CMOS operational transconductance amplifier (OTA) based on a cross-coupled, voltage-tunable quad input circuit is presented. Simulations show that for a standard 2-/spl mu/m CMOS technology with a power supply of /spl plusmn/5V, the linearity error is lower than 0.1% for an input voltage /spl plusmn/2.5V, the -3 dB frequency is over 1.5 GHz and the tuning range of g/sub m/ is 17 /spl mu/S to 202 /spl mu/S. The simulated dynamic range of an integrator built with this OTA is over 70 dB. >
Cardiac Tumors and the Nevoid Basal Cell Carcinoma Syndrome

Nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome is a multisystem disease with a wide range of initial symptoms that can be seen at any age. The most characteristic features are vertebral or rib anomalies, intracranial falx calcification, multiple basal cell carcinomas, odontogenic keratocysts of the jaw, and palmar and/or plantar pits. Pediatricians need to be aware that if any one of these major anomalies is seen, this diagnosis should be considered. There now appears to be an established association between cardiac tumors and nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome. Primary cardiac tumors have been associated with cerebral tuberous sclerosis and neurofibromatosis,20,21 and evaluation of cardiac status is recommended when these genetically determined syndromes are diagnosed. This communication should serve to alert pediatricians to the need for complete cardiac evaluation and genetic counseling when a diagnosis of nevoid basal cell carcinoma is made.