cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cortical thickness and its associations with age, total cognition and education across the adult lifespan

Early-life education (years of schooling) has been investigated in regards to cognition, health outcomes and mortality. It has been shown to confer cognitive reserve that might lessen the impact of brain pathology and its impact on cognitive and motor functioning in a variety of neurodegenerative diseases and, for instance, to influence electrical activity [Begum, T., Reza, F., Ahmed, I., & Abdullah, J. M. (2014). Influence of education level on design-induced N170 and P300 components of event related potentials in the human brain. J Integr Neurosci, 13(1), 71-88. doi:10.1142/S0219635214500058]. On the other hand, demonstrations of a direct association between education and brain-structural measures have been more equivocal and scant. The current study sought to identify univariate cortical-thickness patterns underlying education and general intelligence after adjusting for age, gender and possible in-scanner movement in 353 individuals aged 40 to 80. We followed up this idea with multivariate analyses as well. For univariate analyses, our analyses yielded no robust associations between education and general intelligence beyond confounding effects of gender, age and extraneous in-scanner movement. A subsequent multivariate analyses showed a relationship between education and regional cortical thickness with a robust pattern of negative as well as positive loadings in several right-sided brain areas, speaking to a subtle but robust distributed effect of education on cortical thickness. Cortical thickness variance that is the residual of this education-related pattern was shown to be positively associated with age and extraneous in-scanner movement. Our study thus presents a complex picture of the association of education with regional cortical thickness: education was associated with a distributed brain-wide pattern of positive as well as negative loadings with unaccounted residuals being larger for older participants. Focal regional associations beyond demographic and age covariates were not identified.
Key Indicators for the SDGs

This chapter discusses our selection of key indicators for assessing progress towards each SDG and its associated target. We begin by discussing the relationship between SDGs, targets, and indicators. We then explain the criteria for choosing our representative indicators for assessing progress towards each SDG, and our representative selection of countries to apply our analysis. As the UN Agenda 2030 is global in focus, we apply our analysis to all countries of the world, and we conduct a separate analysis for low-income countries. Finally, we also select three representative economics each from all low-income, lower middle-income, and upper middle-income economies.
Evaluation of a proactive hiring model to achieve workforce stability in the intensive care unit

Aim The purpose was to evaluate an innovative Prospective Hiring Equation to determine registered nurse hiring needs. Background The American Organization for Nursing Leadership identifies human resource management as a competency for nurse managers, yet calculations to determine when and how many registered nurses to hire are not readily available. Methods We implemented an educational intervention to teach nurse mangers the Prospective Hiring Equation. We evaluated the processes (adoption and confidence) and outcomes (vacancy rates) using a pre-evaluation/postevaluation design in a single cohort of nurse managers (n = 9). We used a statistical process control chart to depict mean differences in vacancy rate at baseline and 6-month postimplementation. Results Participants (n = 9) were on average 43 years' old, female, and had 2.94 (SD = 2.66) years' of nurse manager experience. Following implementation of the intervention, the combined vacancy rates of the intensive care units improved by 11.8% (SD = 7), and use of agency nurses decreased by 42.5% (premedian = 7.2, interquartile ratio = 3.6, 10.8; postmedian = 1.8, interquartile ratio 0.9, 8.55). Conclusions The Prospective Hiring Equation may be a useful tool to improve nurse managers human resource management competencies. Implications for nursing management The Prospective Hiring Equation may help nurse managers improve accuracy when evaluating hiring needs.
Associations between anti-bisexual minority stress and body esteem and emotional eating among bi+ individuals: The protective role of individual- and community-level factors.

Abstract Bisexual individuals experience prejudice specifically related to their bisexual identity, and these experiences may compound extant risk for disordered eating behaviors and body esteem concerns. However, little is known about how sexual minority stress related to bisexual orientation is associated with emotional eating and body esteem. The current study examined the associations between bisexual-specific minority stress and emotional eating and body esteem in a sample of bisexual plus (bi+) adults (including bisexual, pansexual, queer, and those with attractions to more than one gender regardless of identity), and tested the moderating effects of identity centrality, affirmation, and community connectedness as potential protective factors. This study leveraged data from an online survey of 498 adults (77.46% cisgender women; 79.7% White), ages 18 to 64 years (M = 28.5; SD = 9.59). Bisexual-specific minority stress was associated with more emotional eating (β = 0.15, p = .013) and lower body esteem (β = −0.16, p = .005), while controlling for sociodemographic characteristics, body mass index, and heterosexist minority stress. This finding remained the same when sensitivity analyses were conducted with participants who identified specifically as bisexual. Identity centrality and affirmation and community connectedness did not demonstrate moderating effects but they had main effects, such that they were positively associated with body esteem (β = 0.16, p = .001; β = 0.21, p
The significance of clostridium welchii in the genital tract of pregnant and puerperal women

Abstract 1. In 547 routine cases of pregnant and puerperal women positive Cl. welchii vaginal cultures were obtained in 4.5 per cent. 2. Of the patients with positive cultures, 20 per cent showed puerperal morbidity and clinical evidence of at least an endometritis. 3. Traumatized or devitalized tissues were present in all infected cases. 4. Infection or contamination may be considered exogenous in origin being more common after delivery. 5. Treatment with antitoxin and local zinc peroxide was followed by complete recovery in all of the endometritis cases.
Antecedents to team member commitment from near and far: A comparison between collocated and virtual teams

Purpose – The paper has two primary purposes: the first is to determine antecedents to commitment to a work team; the second to compare how antecedents to commitment differ between collocated and virtual teams.Design/methodology/approach – Survey data were collected using 52 three‐member teams – 28 collocated teams and 24 virtual teams using graduate students from three countries.Findings – Results indicate that team work processes and member effort have a significant, positive relationship with trust in collocated teams, but results for virtual teams show that member efforts is not a significant predictor of trust. Comparing collocated teams and virtual teams, collocated teams had stronger relationships (compared to virtual teams) between member effort and trust, and between trust and normative commitment. Virtual teams had stronger relationships (compared to collocated teams) between work processes and trust, and between trust and affective commitment.Research limitations/implications – Additional studi...
Evaluating an Online Family Assessment Activity: A Focus on Diversity and Health Promotion.

Problem A lack of exposure to diverse families and family interactions created a need to identify effective teaching strategies that emphasized diversity and health promotion in a Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing online transition course. Methods A family assessment activity was designed to emphasize diversity and health promotion utilizing the Family Health Systems approach to family assessment and Healthy People 2020 as a framework for family health promotion. The activity was evaluated through faculty observation and student feedback, which is discussed in the article. Findings Evaluation data indicated that students believed the activity provided a safe environment to practice assessment skills for working with diverse families, pushed them out of their comfort zones, enhanced their awareness of the need for health promotion, extended their definition of diversity, increased their cultural knowledge, expanded their personal perspectives on families, and provided them with a broader scope of nursing practice in the community. Conclusions Using constructivist strategies that emphasize active learning and the use of cinema to teach family assessment results in increased awareness of diversity and increased knowledge of opportunities for health promotion in families. Smith Jones.
Preparation, characterization, and preliminary application of fibrinogen-coated olive oil droplets for the targeted delivery of docetaxel to solid malignancies.

Micronized droplets of olive oil loaded with docetaxel (1.0 mg·ml −1 ) and coated with fibrinogen were prepared and then characterized for physicochemical and cytotoxic properties in vitro and anticancer activity in vivo . The droplets remain readily dispersible and relatively stable in size for at least 24 h when stored at 4°C. During storage, the fibrinogen remains bound to the droplets and thrombin coagulable. Nucleoside incorporation assays, growth inhibition assays, and clonogenic assays involving several different tumor cell lines all indicate that the cytotoxicity in vitro of docetaxel applied in olive oil droplets is at least as great as that of docetaxel applied in DMSO. When compared with Taxotere, an equivalent dose of docetaxel administered in fibrinogen-coated oil droplets improved the median survival time of B16F10 melanoma-bearing mice from 21 days to 69 days. Furthermore, whereas none of the Taxotere-treated mice survived longer than 34 days, 33% (three of nine) of the mice treated with docetaxel-loaded, fibrinogen-coated oil droplets were apparently free of disease after 139 days. Preliminary studies indicate fibrinogen adsorbed to docetaxel-loaded oil droplets facilitates the retention of the droplets within the fibrin-rich tumor microenvironment. We propose this new formulation may prove generally useful for the treatment of taxane-sensitive, fibrin-rich tumors.
The human serglycin gene. Nucleotide sequence and methylation pattern in human promyelocytic leukemia HL-60 cells and T-lymphoblast Molt-4 cells.

Abstract The complete nucleotide sequence of the 16.7-kb human gene that encodes the peptide core (serglycin) of a secretory granule proteoglycan was determined, thus representing the first proteoglycan peptide core gene to be sequenced in its entirety. The exons, intron 1, and intron 2 comprised 7, 53, and 40% of the gene, respectively. Nineteen Alu-repetitive DNA sequences were interspersed in the gene, accounting for 28% of the total nucleotides in intron 1 and 40% of the nucleotides in intron 2. The nucleotide sequence was then used in an examination of the methylation pattern of the human serglycin gene in human promyelocytic leukemia HL-60 cells that contain serglycin mRNA and in T-lymphoblast Molt-4 cells that do not. With polymerase chain reaction methodology, 13 DNA probes of 250-880 base pairs in length were generated that corresponded to unique, non-Alu sequences spaced throughout the entire human serglycin gene. When blots containing genomic DNA digested with HpaII or MspI were examined with these genomic probes, it was discovered that the 5'-flanking region and intron 1 of the serglycin gene in HL-60 cells were both substantially less methylated than intron 2. In contrast, the entire serglycin gene in Molt-4 cells was highly methylated. Because hypomethylated genes generally are transcribed more efficiently than hypermethylated genes, the high level of serglycin mRNA in HL-60 cells probably is a consequence of the low level of methylation of intron 1 and the 5'-flanking region of the serglycin gene in these cells.
Posttranslational Processing of Nuclear Lamins

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews the posttranslational processing of the nuclear lamins and discusses its importance to health and disease. The nuclear lamina, a meshwork formed from intermediate filament proteins, provides structural scaffolding for the cell nucleus. The principal proteins of the nuclear lamina are lamin A, lamin B1, lamin B2, and lamin C. Prelamin A (the precursor to mature lamin A), lamin B1, and lamin B2 contain a carboxyl-terminal CAAX motif that triggers farnesylation and methylation of a carboxyl-terminal cysteine. Although it has long been recognized that lamin B1 and lamin B2 undergo farnesylation and methylation, the purpose of these modifications remains unclear. The purpose of prelamin A processing remains a mystery. The carboxyl terminus of prelamin A is farnesylated and methylated, but that segment is clipped off and degraded during the biogenesis of mature lamin A. Interfering with the conversion of farnesyl-prelamin A to mature lamin A leads to severe disease. The purpose of prelamin A processing remains elusive and the ongoing challenge is to understand why this pathway has been preserved in vertebrate evolution.
US telecommunications deregulation: Implications for industry structure and social welfare

Abstract Upon the initial divestiture agreement between the US Department of Justice and the AT&T Company, a blueprint for gradual deregulation of the telecommunications industry was drafted. For the last few years the blueprint has been in the implementation stage. It is time to examine critically the deregulation blueprint and the implementation process from an economic perspective. The basic policy conclusion is that, from an economic welfare standpoint, the blueprint and the path of deregulation is seriously flawed. The critical analysis should help guide future deregulatory policy, especially in other countries considering telecommunications deregulation.
Modeling and optimization of multilayer LTCC inductors for RF/wireless applications using neural network and genetic algorithms

The design and modeling of multilayer inductors offers considerable challenges to circuit designers because of their complex 3D topology. In this paper, we present a neural network based modeling scheme for multilayer ceramic system-on-package (SOP) inductor library development. A genetic algorithm based optimizer is coupled with the obtained neural network model, for subsequent design and optimization of inductor circuit model parameters. This methodology is validated by characterization data collected from multilayer inductors fabricated in a 12 metal layer low-temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) fabrication process. The embedded inductors considered are of great interest for W-CDMA and C-Band applications. The layout parameters predicted by the genetic optimizer match the measured results over the 1-5 GHz range to within 5%. The proposed neuro-genetic algorithm based design promises to minimize the time and cost for multilayer passive design while providing high accuracy.
The German Democratic Republic: State Power and Everyday Life

Scholars continue to debate the relationship of state and society in the German Democratic Republic (GDR) over fifteen years after the demise of that communist state. After briefly tracing the western historiography during the Cold War, this article concentrates its analysis on conceptual frameworks employed after the fall of the East German regime. Historians who emphasize the totalitarian power of the state argue that no independent society existed as the regime played an important role in all sectors of society, while those who focus on everyday life declare there was more individual agency in the former GDR. I argue that a more useful paradigm than state and society may be a breakdown between center and periphery as at the local level, state representatives often had more in common with their neighbors than with leaders in Berlin.
Binding of Cerebratulus cytolysin A-III to human erythrocyte membranes.

Abstract Binding of Cerebratulus lacteus cytolysin A-III to intact human erythrocytes and erythrocyte membranes has been investigated. Binding to ghosts is essentially complete within 2.5 min of mixing which is slightly faster than the rate of hemolysis measured with intact cells. Approximately 4·10 4 binding sites per cell, exhibiting a K 0.5 of 0.7 μ M exist ; this compares with 50% hematocrit of about 0.3 μM for A-III. Binding is absent in ghosts extracted with Nonidet P-40, but is unaffected by pretreatment of ghosts with either trypsin or elastase.
Ringtail (Bassariscus astutus) Ecology And Behavior In Central New Mexico, USA

ABSTRACT. I studied the ecology and behavior of ringtails (Bassariscus astutus) in juniper (Juniperus monosperma) woodland on the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge in central New Mexico. Average home-range sizes of ringtails (males 462 ha, females 94 ha, 95% fixed kernel) were among the largest reported to date. Females moved least in summer and most in autumn, but males showed no seasonal trend in movements. The average stay in a single den was 1.3 days. I found no effect of the closeness of approach of the den observer on the distance moved between successive dens. Ringtails used a variety of den settings: rocks, trees, shrubs, rocks and shrubs, and holes in the ground. Males used trees and rocks more and shrubs less than females. In summer and autumn, ringtails used rocks more and shrubs less than expected, and in winter ringtails used rocks less and shrubs and holes in the ground more than expected. There was no tendency to reuse certain types of dens, and 31.6% of dens were reoccupied at least once....
The natural history of the multicystic dysplastic kidney--is limited follow-up warranted?

Objective Imaging of patients with multicystic dysplastic kidney (MCDK) has increased over the past three decades. This increased use of imaging has provided additional insights into the natural history of MCDK. The present study looked at this data for predictors of involution and associated anomalies. Methods and materials Institutional review board approval was obtained for this retrospective study. The University of Michigan Departments of Urology and Radiology records were searched to identify unilateral MCDK patients during 1980–2012. Available clinical, radiological and surgical records were reviewed, and pertinent data were recorded. The log-rank test and a Cox proportional regression analysis were performed to identify predictors of MCDK involution. Probability of involution over time was assessed using Kaplan–Meier methodology. Results 301 unilateral MCDKs were identified; 195 (64.8%) were detected antenatally. Of the MCDKs found, 136 (45.2%) were in girls; 160 (53.2%) were right-sided. Mean size at baseline was 5.0 ± 0.2 cm (Mean ± SE). Associated abnormalities included: contralateral ureteropelvic junction obstruction (n = 10; 3.3%); contralateral ureterovesical junction obstruction/primary megaureter (n = 6; 2.0%); ipsilateral VUR (n = 21; 7.0%); contralateral VUR (n = 63; 20.1%); and renal fusion anomaly (n = 4; 1.3%). The cumulative probability of involution was: 9.8% at one year, 38.5% at five years, and 53.5% at ten years of age. Baseline MCDK size was the only significant predictor of involution at bivariate (p < 0.0001) and multivariate (p < 0.0001; HR 0.58 [95% CI: 0.49, 0.69]) analyses. No MCDK developed malignancy during the follow-up period. Conclusion As many MCDKs eventually involute and the risk of associated malignancy appears to be very low, there is no absolute indication for nephrectomy. Based on the data and other recent studies, it is believed that pediatric MCDK patients with no other urologic abnormalities can safely tolerate more limited urological and radiological follow-up.
Affect hunger and the evolution of human behavior

It is a great privilege to be standing before this august audience of worldwide leaders in all fields of anthropology in this most beautiful of cities with its great historic role in the re-birth of European civilization. Anthropology was broadly speaking present then in the person of Nicola Machiavelli, who made cross-cultural studies of the character and function of leadership. If his name has acquired a cynical coloring, it is because, as often among anthropologists, he took on the attributes of the subjects of his research. I am especially pleased to address this Congress because its theme, the relation between the biological and the social, is of very great significance and because I am devoting my closing years to examining it. I consider it the central issue in all social science and despair at the way it is bickered over and trivialized. No wonder that we draw a scornful public press-at least in America. Just look at the newspaper treatment of the attacks on Mead and Chagnon coming from uninformed partisanship. It is particularly timely now, since new physiological and neurological knowledge is emerging from the laboratories, giving us concrete knowledge about the mechanisms that transform infants from speechless animals into a cultural human beings (Arbib 2001; lacoboni, et al. 1999; Rizzolatti and Arbib 1998). Anthropology is essential to this discourse for it is the only science with the breadth of interest needed in our increasingly compartmentalized world of knowledge (Weisner 1997). I will be calling on all four fields of anthropology to make the case that the social and the biological are neither conflicting nor compromising, but that the two are interacting.
Evaluation of cancer stem cell migration using compartmentalizing microfluidic devices and live cell imaging

In the last 40 years, the United States invested over 200 billion dollars on cancer research, resulting in only a 5% decrease in death rate. A major obstacle for improving patient outcomes is the poor understanding of mechanisms underlying cellular migration associated with aggressive cancer cell invasion, metastasis and therapeutic resistance. Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM), the most prevalent primary malignant adult brain tumor, exemplifies this difficulty. Despite standard surgery, radiation and chemotherapies, patient median survival is only fifteen months, due to aggressive GBM infiltration into adjacent brain and rapid cancer recurrence. The interactions of aberrant cell migratory mechanisms and the tumor microenvironment likely differentiate cancer from normal cells. Therefore, improving therapeutic approaches for GBM require a better understanding of cancer cell migration mechanisms. Recent work suggests that a small subpopulation of cells within GBM, the brain tumor stem cell (BTSC), may be responsible for therapeutic resistance and recurrence. Mechanisms underlying BTSC migratory capacity are only starting to be characterized. Due to a limitation in visual inspection and geometrical manipulation, conventional migration assays are restricted to quantifying overall cell populations. In contrast, microfluidic devices permit single cell analysis because of compatibility with modern microscopy and control over micro-environment. We present a method for detailed characterization of BTSC migration using compartmentalizing microfluidic devices. These PDMS-made devices cast the tissue culture environment into three connected compartments: seeding chamber, receiving chamber and bridging microchannels. We tailored the device such that both chambers hold sufficient media to support viable BTSC for 4-5 days without media exchange. Highly mobile BTSCs initially introduced into the seeding chamber are isolated after migration though bridging microchannels to the parallel receiving chamber. This migration simulates cancer cellular spread through the interstitial spaces of the brain. The phase live images of cell morphology during migration are recorded over several days. Highly migratory BTSC can therefore be isolated, recultured, and analyzed further. Compartmentalizing microfluidics can be a versatile platform to study the migratory behavior of BTSCs and other cancer stem cells. By combining gradient generators, fluid handling, micro-electrodes and other microfluidic modules, these devices can also be used for drug screening and disease diagnosis. Isolation of an aggressive subpopulation of migratory cells will enable studies of underlying molecular mechanisms.
Carotid angioplasty and stenting versus redo endarterectomy for recurrent stenosis.

Abstract Background Carotid angioplasty and stent (CAS) is an alternative to redo carotid endarterectomy (RCEA) for recurrent carotid stenosis (RCS). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of CAS in the treatment of RCS. Methods In an 8-year period, all patients presenting for treatment of RCS were followed-up prospectively. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify variables associated with unfavorable outcomes. Results There were 45 CAS and 46 RCEA procedures performed in 75 patients. One patient in each group suffered a stroke. There were no deaths. The hospital length of stay was significantly shorter for CAS. Secondary recurrence was higher after RCEA (14% vs 6.1%) and failure to take β-blockers was an independent predictor for multiple recurrences. Conclusions CAS is a safe and effective method to treat patients with RCS and may become the procedure of choice for this disease.
Use of a Recurrence Formula in Generating Intermodulation-Free Frequency Lists

A recurrence formula is developed that can be used to generate an intermodulation-free frequency list. A frequency list is intermodulation-free if it satisfies one or more linear inequalities. Although the list developed here satisfies a simple linear inequality, it is hoped that this presentation will provide insight into developing recurrence formulas that can be used to generate lists that satisfy more complicated linear inequalities.
From Folk to Computer Songs: The Evolution of Malaysian Popular Music, 1930–1990

Depuis les annees 1960 la musique populaire en Malaisie a connu diverses influences culturelles et stylistiques provenant aussi bien des pays asiatiques (notamment Singapour, Taiwan, Hong Kong et l'Inde) qu'occidendaux (Europe et Etats-Unis). L'industrie discographique et les medias ont permis une large diffusion de la musique depassant les simples appartenances sociales et culturelles. L'A. etudie la pluralite culturelle des racines de la musique traditionnelle puis populaire avant les annees 60 puis les profondes transformations culturelles et technologiques qui ont affecte les musiques populaires.
Some Comments on Graduate Education in the Management Sciences

There are sundry purposes to be served by graduate education in the management sciences. These purposes include the development of professional abilities in model-building and mathematical model-transformation; and managerial implementation skills in model-use. These abilities require different mixtures of behavioral and quantitative sensitivities. Degrees of specialization and generalization are evidently in conflict both for teaching time and by the natural inclinations of various personality types both students and teachers. It is unclear how if at all it is possible to achieve the purposes of specialization and generalization at the same time. Also, we know very little about how to combine behavioral and quantitative considerations.
The chemistry of the initial stages of the growth of ZnSe on GaAs(100) using diethylzinc and diethylselenium precursors

Abstract The adsorption and reaction of molecular and cracked diethylselenium on clean GaAs(100)-4×1 and in the presence of coadsorbed diethylzinc were studied using temperature programmed desorption, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and high resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy. Diethylselenium was found to adsorb only molecularly on the GaAs(100)-4×1 surface and was unreactive toward coadsorbed diethylzinc. Cracking of the diethylselenium prior to adsorption resulted in the deposition of selenium on the surface. Heating the adsorbed selenium layer to 800 K produced a Ga2Se3 surface compound. Diethylzinc adsorbed dissociatively on the selenium-covered surface resulting in the formation of ZnSe and adsorbed ethyl groups. For submonolayer Se coverages, the adsorbed ethyl groups reacted to form gaseous ethylene, ethane and hydrogen near 570 K, while Se in excess of one monolayer reacted with adsorbed ethyl groups at 435 K to form gaseous diethylselenium. The mechanisms and stable surface species involved in these reactions and their implications for the metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) growth of ZnSe thin films are discussed.
MARKETING IN A RESOURCE‐SHORT SOCIALIST ENVIRONMENT: ROMANIA

Resource shortages, which have increased in severity since the early 1970's, appear to have had a significant impact on the development of marketing thought and practice in Romania. They may well provide a practical rationale for the emergence of one of the principles underlying marketing in Romania, that of “rational and scientific” consumption. The impact of resource shortages on marketing, both at the micro and macro levels, is examined, as well as the ability of the system to meet its planned goals. It appears that resource shortages have not been instrumental in bringing about a more widespread acceptance of western‐style marketing practices in Romania. And it is doubtful whether the near future will see much change in this regard.
Designing Transition Metal Complexes for Molecular Recognition in Synthetic Transformations

While the concept of molecular chirality celebrated its 100th birthday some years ago, the impact of this fundamental structural issue has been slow to gain prominence in synthetic chemistry. Except for the obvious situation wherein enantiomerically pure starting materials, largely from nature, were the synthetic building blocks to permit access to enantiomerically pure products, the difficulties of controlling relative stereochemistry made the more difficult task of controlling absolute stereochemistry out of reach. The realization of the potential profoundly different effects that enantiomers can have in biological applications dictated that chiral products should be introduced solely as the enantiomerically beneficial isomer with few exceptions. The challenge to invent synthetic protocols to generate enantiomerically pure products was presented to the synthetic community.
Enterprise Ownership, Market Competition and Manufacturing Priorities in a Sub-Saharan African Emerging Economy: Evidence from Ghana

The economic liberalization policies being implemented by many African economies have led to significant efficiency and performance improvements in the activities of privately owned enterprises. This study examines the effect of the economic liberalization policies on the entrepreneurial development of domestic-owned enterprises. This is done by examining how the type of enterprise ownership (wholly domestic-owned enterprises vs. foreign–domestic joint ventures enterprises), and the increase in competition affect the manufacturing priorities of privately owned enterprises in Ghana. The results show that the enhancement in manufacturing efficiency and quality improvement in privately owned enterprises could be traced to the activities of foreign–domestic joint venture enterprises. However, as market competition increases, wholly domestic-owned enterprises emphasize manufacturing efficiency and quality improvement more that foreign–domestic joint venture enterprises. Implications for policy are discussed.
Amyloid beta-protein deposition in tissues other than brain in Alzheimer's disease.

ALZHEIMER'S disease is the most common cause of progressive intellectual failure in aged humans. The filamentous brain lesions which define the disease occur within neurons (neurofibrillary tangles), in extracellular cerebral deposits (amyloid plaques) and in meningocerebral blood vessels (amyloid angiopathy)1,2. They are found in lesser numbers in the brains of virtually all old humans1. A protein with a relative molecular mass (Mr) of ∼4,000, designated amyloid β-protein or amyloid A4 protein, is the subunit of the vascular and plaque amyloid filaments in individuals with Alzheimer's disease3–5, normal ageing6 and trisomy 21 (Down's syndrome) 7. The amyloid β-protein is a small fragment of a membrane-associated glycoprotein8–13, encoded by a gene on human chromosome 21 which is telomeric to a genetic defect that causes at least some cases of familial Alzheimer's disease14,15. Until now, the pathological lesions of the disease have been found only in the brain, although reports of phenotypic abnormalities in non-neural tissues16–20 have suggested that Alzheimer's disease may be a widespread, systemic disorder. Here we report the detection of amyloid β-protein deposits in non-neural tissues and blood vessels of Alzheimer's disease patients, including skin, subcutaneous tissue and intestine. The protein was also present in non-neural tissues in a proportion of aged, normal subjects. Our findings indicate that a principal feature of the disease process is expressed subclinically in tissues other than brain. The occurrence of amyloid β- protein deposits in multiple tissues suggests that the protein may be produced locally in numerous organs or may, as in other human amyloidoses, be derived from a common circulating precursor. These observations affect the rationale for many experiments analysing the amyloid β-protein precursor and its messenger RNAs in Alzheimer's disease brain tissue and have major implications for the pathogenesis and treatment of the disease.
An electron microscope study of the nuclear envelope of amphibian oocytes.

Immature oocytes from Triturus viridescens of two stages, both prior to yolk formation, were studied by electron microscopy. In the transition from the first to the second of these stages, two nuclear transformations, namely, undulation of the nuclear envelope and nucleolar shredding, apparently take place simultaneously. The nuclear outpocketings are usually bulbous. Infrequently, invaginations of the nuclear envelope occur. The nuclear envelope is composed of two membranes, each about 75 A thick, which are separated by a perinuclear space which is 150 A in width. The envelope is interrupted by small circular discontinuities, 800–1000 A in diameter, which result from the union of the two membranes at regular intervals. It has been established that there are tubes within the discontinuities which are probably not interrupted by the nuclear envelope. Each tube is about 1000 A in diameter and has a total height of 1500 A. The annuli seen in tangential sections are considered to represent cross-sections of the tubes. Within or making up the tube walls are about 8 microcylinders which are seen in cross-section as subannuli. Many of the annuli were seen to contain a central granule about 150 A in diameter. The nucleoli, which increase in size during the transition from one stage to another, are made up of granules about 150 A in diameter. A new approach to the geometric interpretation of structures has been presented. X-rays of lucite models embedded in paraffin have been studied in order to determine that the conclusions regarding the structural relationships seen in electron micrographs were not optical illusions.
Moving South: The Economic Motives and Structural Context of North America’s Emigrants in Cuenca, Ecuador

ABSTRACTThe article is based on qualitative interviews with lifestyle migrants from North America to Cuenca, Ecuador. It attempts to further the understanding of transnational migration scholars of the structural contexts that influence lifestyle migration decisions and agency. In 2009, Cuenca was selected by international lifestyle marketer International Living as the best retirement destination in the world, largely based on a methodology that privileges low real estate and living costs. Since then, perhaps as many as 5000 North Americans have moved to the city. North Americans in Cuenca report economic motivation as a major reason for their move, and report making those decisions against a backdrop of economic and financial insecurity. The article argues that they are economic migrants, even as their relatively higher spending power has economic consequences for receiving communities like Cuenca.
PCV3: AN ANALYSIS OF THE COST OF ADVERSE EVENTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE USE OF HMG-COA REDUCTASE INHIBITORS

OBJECTIVE: To perform an analysis of the cost of adverse events (AEs) associated with treatment by atorvastatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin, pravastatin, and simvastatin following NCEP low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) guidelines. METHODS: Data come from a 54-week randomized, open-label, double-blind controlled trial conducted in 158 US centers between May 1997 and January 1999. Patients (n = 3916) with or without coronary heart disease and/or peripheral vascular disease were randomized to receive atorvastatin (n = 1958), fluvastatin (n = 497), lovastatin (n = 498), pravastatin (n = 481), and simvastatin (n = 482). Inclusion criteria included elevated LDL-C for patients 18–80 years of age. Exclusion criteria included known hypersensitivity to HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, use of selected medications, and other patient characteristics. Data were collected on AEs. RESULTS: A total of 9707 AEs were reported during the trial. Of these AEs, 1327 (14%) were related to the use of study medications. Related AEs involved the digestive system (387, 29%), musculoskeletal system (356, 27%), central nervous system (269, 20%), skin (124, 9%), abnormal laboratory values (68, 5%), respiratory system (40, 3%), urogenital system (25, 2%), cardiovascular system (24, 2%), and miscellaneous (35, 3%). The 1327 medication related AEs were associated with the use of 1384 medical services. Many AEs were treated at scheduled study visits (239, 18%) and did not involve additional costs. Additional medical services typically consisted of physician office visits. There was one hospitalization (gastroenteritis). Costs of AEs were measured at Medicare payment rates—a third party perspective. The average cost of treating AEs were similar among study arms: atorvastatin $27.78, fluvastatin $31.78, lovastatin $26.58, pravastatin $25.17, and simvastatin $32.58 (no differences were significant at p < 0.1). CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that the cost associated with adverse events related to study medications did not vary significantly among HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors used to treat patients with elevated cholesterol levels.
Introduction: From product to process: Legacy of the problem-solving approach to writing

A 1993 cartoon from Wiley's Non Sequitur depicts Thomas Jefferson considering alternative openings for the Declaration of Independence. Alternatives range from "We the really ticked-off people" to "Yo, tax this," and the caption reads "Before eloquence there are rough drafts." Posted on the door of my office, the cartoon sends a message to students complaining about my revision requests; however, the message for me is more personal. The cartoon reminds me of my days teaching freshman composition, when I dissected the Declaration of Independence for my students as an exemplar of an argument essay, sent them off to write their own arguments, and then viewed with dismay their inability to write persuasive arguments. The cartoon emphasizes the writing process, whereas I, the writing teacher, had emphasized only the written product. Emphasis on the writing process is so widely accepted today that it is difficult for some to imagine how recently the idea was novel. It is an overstatement to claim that the study of writing as a cognitive process began with the publication of Hayes and Flower's process model in Gregg and Steinberg's (1980) edited volume, Cognitive Processes in Writing. Prior to that time, process-oriented arguments had come from rhetoric and composition researchers (e.g., Britton, 1970; Britton, Burgess, Martin, McLeod, and Rosen, 1975; Moffett, 1968a,b; Emig, 1971; see Nystrand, Greene, and Wiemelt, 1993, for a historical review), and Flower and Hayes (1977) had already published in the journal College English. Still, the publication of Cognitive Processes in Writing, containing seminal chapters by Hayes and Flower (1980; Flower and Hayes, 1980) as well as Bereiter (1980), broke new ground within psychology. Just as the area of composition studies had
Extracting operative temperatures from temperatures of physical models with thermal inertia.

Abstract Temperatures of operative temperature models, particularly those of thick-walled models of larger ectotherms, lag behind and are more restricted in range than the operative temperatures they estimate. Algorithms are provided to extract estimates of instantaneous operative temperatures from model temperatures. A simple deconvolution method can be used when wind speeds are constant. An iterative estimation method must be used when wind speed varies during the monitoring period. The iterative method is sensitive to measurement error, and so uses a smoothing filter to limit instabilities. The smoothing also limits the short-term fluctuations in the estimated operative temperature. Iterative estimates of operative temperature suggested time lags of up to 90 min between predicted operative temperatures and model temperatures for desert tortoises (mass=3 kg). Differences this large could affect estimates of time available for foraging.
Oscillatory Flows Induced by Microorganisms Swimming in Two Dimensions

We present the first time-resolved measurements of the oscillatory velocity field induced by swimming unicellular microorganisms. Confinement of the green alga C. reinhardtii in stabilized thin liquid films allows simultaneous tracking of cells and tracer particles. The measured velocity field reveals complex time-dependent flow structures, and scales inversely with distance. The instantaneous mechanical power generated by the cells is measured from the velocity fields and peaks at 15 fW. The dissipation per cycle is more than 4 times what steady swimming would require.
Polarization Measurements of Molded Liquid Crystal Polymer/Titania Composites

During the past decade, the preparation of inorganic/organic hybrid materials with high refractive index has attracted considerable attention. In particular, TiO2 (Titanium dioxide or Titania), as inorganic domains, have been incorporated into a polymer matrix to produce high refractive index hybrid materials [1–3]. Polarization of injection molded liquid crystal polymer/Titania composite parts have been investigated in the broad band millimeter wave frequency range. The measurements have been performed by using two different spectroscopy techniques. First, free space quasi optical millimeter wave spectrometer, equipped with a high power source coherent radiation tunable in the 40–90 GHz frequency range is used. Second, low power dispersive Fourier transform spectrometer has been used for higher frequencies in the range of 100–600 GHz. Dielectric properties of liquid crystal polymer/Titania composites have been determined in the broad band millimeter wave frequency range. A correlation between dielectric properties and dispersed Titania weight percent has been observed using the two spectroscopy techniques. It is found that the absorption coefficient and loss tangent is a strong function of the output power of the sources of the incident radiation. On the other hand, refractive index and real permittivity values measured from both spectroscopy techniques are similar. In addition, it has been found that transmittance level and absorption losses depend on the orientation of the samples with respect to the orientation of electric and magnetic fields in the incident electro-magnetic wave. Finally, the polarization of the parts varies with the direction of flow of the molten plastic into the cavity.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Cold tolerance of a world class channel swimmer

Abstract 1. 1. Body adiposity appears to be the most important means that the ocean swimmer defends against the cold. 2. 2. The role of physiological adaptations to cold and cross-adaptation from physical fitness in the ocean swimmer's tolerance may be minimal.
Sensitivity of isovolumic relaxation to hypothermia during myocardial infarction

Effects of moderate spontaneous hypothermia on left ventricular systolic and diastolic function during acute myocardial infarction were documented in 17 anesthetized dogs with micromanometric pressure and ventriculographic dimension recordings acquired at baseline and at 1 and 3 h after coronary occlusion. In Group 1 (n = 5), core temperature was allowed to decline spontaneously. In Groups 2 (n = 6) and 3 (n = 6), core temperature was maintained at normothermic levels. Hypothermia impaired isovolumic relaxation markedly despite its lack of effect on ventricular volumes or ejection fraction. At 32.3 degrees C, tau 1/2, defined as the time needed for the left ventricular pressure at the time of peak negative rate of change of left ventricular pressure (dP/dt) to fall by 50%, was increased by 129% 3 h after occlusion. In addition, at this temperature significant changes were found in heart rate, cardiac output, minute work, peak positive and peak negative dP/dt, systolic ejection time, mean velocity of circumferential fiber shortening, mean aortic pressure and end-diastolic pressure. Thus, hypothermia evolving under conditions of general anesthesia profoundly alters left ventricular function in the setting of acute myocardial infarction, a phenomenon that requires consideration and control in studies of myocardial ischemia and left ventricular function in experimental animals.
The behavior of the Mg II doublet features near 2800 Å observed in F, A, and B supergiants.

The Mg II doublet features near 2800 A were recently observed in F-, A-, and B-type supergiants with a balloon-borne ultraviolet stellar spectrometer. The stars observed are Alpha UMi (F8 Ib), Alpha Per (F5 Ib), Eta Leo (A0 Ib), and Rho Leo (B1 Ib). The Mg II doublet features in Alpha UMi and Alpha Per show emission superposed on photospheric absorption. In the spectrum of Eta Leo, the Mg II lines are in absorption and show shortward-shifted components attributable to mass loss. In the spectrum of Rho Leo, the Mg II lines are primarily a composite of the photospheric and interstellar absorption features. The general behavior of the Mg II lines for supergiants of spectral types M through B are also discussed.
Control of juvenile hormone esterase activity in Galleria mellonella larvae

Abstract The juvenile hormone esterase (JHE) activity in Galleria mellonella larvae was measured after exposure to different experimental conditions that affect larval-pupal transformation. The data show that stimulation of production of JHE is closely coupled with the developmental signals that intiate larval-pupal metamorphosis. Injury, which delays pupation, delays the appearance of JHE activity if the larvae are injured within 48 hr after the last larval moult. Chilling of day-0 larvae induces a supernumerary larval moult and inhibits the appearance of JHE. However, JHE activity increases in chilled larvae when their commitment for an extra larval moult is reversed by starvation. Starvation is effective in reversing the commitment for an extra larval moult if commenced within 48 hr after chilling, thereby suggesting a critical period for that commitment. These data suggest that the stimulus for JHE synthesis and/or release occurs approximately within 48 hr after the last larval ecdysis. A series of studies involving implantation of brain, suboesophageal ganglion and fat body into chilled, as well as chilled and ligated larvae suggest that a factor from the brain is involved in stimulation or production of JHE in Galleria larvae. JH, which suppresses JHE activity in day-3, -5 and early day-6 Galleria larvae, stimulates the production of JHE in late day-6 larvae, suggesting that reprogramming in larval fat body may occur on day 6 of the last larval stadium.