cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
When No Bilingual Examiner Is Available: Exploring the Use of Ancillary Examiners as a Viable Testing Solution

Reliable and valid assessment of individuals who are English language learners (ELL) has presented a dilemma to psychologists, and school psychologists in particular, as it is complicated by the small number of professionals qualified to serve as bilingual examiners. Some psychologists use ancillary examiners during testing when no bilingual psychologist is available to conduct the evaluation, and both the process and the impact of using ancillary examiners need further investigation. This study examined the performance of students under two testing conditions, one with a monolingual psychologist and an ancillary examiner, and another with a bilingual psychologist without an ancillary examiner. Students tested in English, with English as their dominant language, consistently performed better than those students tested in Spanish on sub-tests that required detailed verbal responses. Results also indicated that evaluation format may have an effect on student performance and can lead to different levels of p...
Reduced Suppression or Labile Memory? Mechanisms of Inefficient Filtering of Irrelevant Information in Older Adults

Cognitive aging theories emphasize the decrease in efficiency of inhibitory processes and attention control in normal aging, which, in turn, may result in reduction of working memory function. Accordingly, some of these age-related changes may be due to faster sensory memory decay or to inefficient filtering of irrelevant sensory information (sensory gating). Here, event-related brain potentials and the event-related optical signal were recorded in younger and older adults passively listening to tone trains. To determine whether age differentially affects decay of sensory memory templates over short intervals, trains were separated by delays of either 1 or 5 sec. To determine whether age affects the suppression of responses to unattended repeated stimuli, we evaluated the brain activity elicited by successive train stimuli. Some trains started with a shorter-duration stimulus (deviant trains). Results showed that both electrical and optical responses to tones were more persistent with repeated stimulation in older adults than in younger adults, whereas the effects of delay were similar in the two groups. A mismatch negativity (MMN) was elicited by the first stimulus in deviant trains. This MMN was larger for 1- than 5-sec delay, but did not differ across groups. These data suggest that age-related changes in sensory processing are likely due to inefficient filtering of repeated information, rather than to faster sensory memory decay. This inefficient filtering may be due to, or interact with, reduced attention control. Furthermore, it may increase the noise levels in the information processing system and thus contribute to problems with working memory and speed of processing.
ONTOGENY OF RENAL β-AMINO ACID TRANSPORT IN RAT KIDNEY CORTEX

Taurine (T), a β-amino add characteristic of rodent urine, is taken up across the antiluminal membrane into adult cortex slices by 2 uptake processes that require oxidative metabolism and the presence of sodium. This non-metaboHzable compound is not incorporated into TCA precipitable material ( 4 week > 2 week > NB and initial uptake rate is greater in adult slices. B-alanine shares both uptake sites at all ages and both sites are Na-dependent. Efflux of T from preloaded slices is slower in NB, 2 week and 4 week slices as a further indication of the ontogenic maturation of peritubular transport processes with aging. These studies provide a setting against which such manipulations as dietary alteration or the use of hormonal agents can be used to attempt to augment the rate of uptake and efflux of T in immature slices.
Studying mountain glacier processes using a staring instrument

Mountain glaciers around the globe are retreating rapidly, but the exact mechanisms causing the retreat are not well understood. Is warming of the atmosphere the key driver? What are the roles of changes in surface albedo due to contaminants and snow optical grain size and surface roughness? Improved understanding of the response of mountain glaciers to global and environmental change is key to answering these questions. A staring instrument that provides measurements from multiple viewing and illumination angles enables simultaneous measurement of 3D surface structure, including texture, material characteristics, and albedo. Such measurements make it possible to determine melt due to absorbed solar energy separately from melt due to other sources. The International Space Station (ISS) provides a possible host platform for a staring instrument that could access all tropical and most temperate mountain glaciers. The non-sun-synchronous orbit enables varying solar illumination angles.
Percolation efficiency and mixed alkali effect

Abstract The introduction of two conversion processes, the instantaneous distribution conversion process and the time conversion process, into the original Path Probability method (PPM) of irreversible statistical mechanics shows that the percolation efficiency of the ionic conduction in binary systems is extremely sensitive to the fluctuation in the distribution of two kinds of ions than the original PPM. The decrease of the percolation efficiency over a wide composition region is thus predicted and this makes the concept of the percolation efficiency proposed earlier based on the original PPM more plausible in accounting for the mixed alkali effect.
Late Postpoliomyelitis Muscular Atrophy: Clinical, Virologic, and Immunologic Studies

Seventeen relatively young patients, ages 31-65 years (average, 45) with prior poliomyelitis, who after a number of years of stability had experienced new neuromuscular symptoms, were studied. Seven patients had deterioration of functional capacity and then stabilization without new muscular weakness. The other 10 had late postpoliomyelitis muscular atrophy (late PPMA) characterized by focal progressive muscle weakness, wasting, fasciculations, and muscle pains affecting previously spared muscles or muscles previously affected but recovered. Four patients with late PPMA had lymphorrhages or lymphocytic infiltrates in their biopsied muscle; three of three patients had oligoclonal IgG bands in their spinal fluid, and five had variable peripheral T lymphocyte-subset ratios. In one patient with late PPMA, antibodies to poliovirus were specifically elevated in the cerebrospinal fluid. Our findings indicate that new motor-neuron disease can occur in patients with prior poliomyelitis and that immunopathologic mechanisms may play a role. Some patients with a history of acute paralytic poliomyelitis experience not only residual muscle weakness from the initial illness, but they also develop new neuromuscular symptoms later in life. These symptoms may vary in form and severity from simple decline of musculoskeletal function to the development of new progressive muscle weakness and typical cases of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis [1-7]. The cause and frequency of these symptoms are unknown. Some of the proposed explanations include reactivation of poliovirus and normal aging process in previously affected muscle groups collaterally innervated by an already de
GROWTH, TIME, AND FORM

Summary 1. The equation, log w=k. log (2t+ 1) +C is a peculiar modification of the compound interest law. It is derived from growth in fresh weight of chick embryos, and applies to fresh weights of the domestic fowl and of the smaller as well as larger domestic mammals. For the dairy cow, weights are calculable from time, with an error of less than 1 per cent. 2. The circumstances under which k can remain constant are analysed. A period of constancy is called a stanza of growth. Stanzas for the whole and the part or for different parts, may or may not be synchronized. The conditions under which a particular category terminates a stanza of growth can be foreseen from the circumstances that assure the constancy of k. 3. In the category of fresh weight, water is the quantitatively dominant entity. The equation describes also other categories: (a) when dominated by specific entities; (b) when their quantitative organization is constant; (c) when applied to specific isolated chemical substances. This and the relatively independent behaviour of unit categories or entities makes it possible to calculate the amount of calcium moved from the shell by the developing embryo; and to account for the upward swing of dry substance after the ninth day of incubation. The only specific postnatal category dealt with, is “antlers” in deer. Such analysis is possible since, under certain conditions, the time “lost” in intermittent growth, becomes irrelevant. 4. The effects of temporal errors introduced by faulty timing are discussed and illustrated. According to the equation, any finite value of k automatically provides for the termination of growth at infinity. Actual cessation is mathematically precocious, and implicates heterogony. 5. By means of y=bxk, the functional relation between organic mass and time can be extended to include also form, since the heterogonic constant or 6. Heterogonous growth may be considered as imposed on a system in certain respects practically or actually isogonous at origin. Parallel rates whether limited to a single stanza or surviving several are designated according to the number of rates involved, as isogonic diads, triads, etc., and are responsible for the maintenance of the compatibilities during heterogonic growth. 7. Among the heterogonic relationships is one that cannot at all times conform to y= bxk, since it involves the mixture “dry substance”. Excepting the frog tadpole prior to metamorphosis, the ratio of water to dry substance falls during growth and stabilizes at maturity. Where growth is indeterminate, stabilization occurs at a level higher than for determinate growth. 8. Certain kinetic implications of the water to dry substance ratio suggest that growth, maintenance, and senility, are related to changes in the rates of the several metabolic transactions. This hypothesis is tested by an appeal to data on the frog, the white rat, man, and a variety of crop plants. In all the plants the onset of senility demonstrably associates with a fall of the water to dry substance ratio below the maintenance level of maturity.
Status of Community-Based Transition Programs: A National Database

The goal of transition services is to improve the postschool outcomes for students with disabilities, but more than 10 years after the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) mandated transition services, students with disabilities are still exiting high school with significantly different postschool outcomes than their peers. Community-based instruction, work experience, family involvement, interagency collaboration, and postsecondary training have been highlighted as methods to improve student outcomes. This article identifies 101 community-based transition programs that incorporate community-based instruction, work experience, and postsecondary education especially designed for students aged 18-21 years old. Findings regarding disability populations, ages served, community locations, funding sources, interagency collaboration, and staffing of these programs are discussed.
Effects of repeated administration of the Beck Depression Inventory and other measures of negative mood states

Abstract A methodological problem that has not been given serious attention by researchers using repeated administrations of mood or “state” measures is the potential for testing effects. The occurrence of testing effects in these cases makes interpretation of results difficult. The danger of not being aware of these effects is that a researcher may mistakenly identify a testing effect as an effect of treatment or as evidence of change. Such an effect has been observed in past research with the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and other measures of negative moods. The present study addressed this issue by examining the effects of repeated administration of the BDI and other popular state measures. Results indicated that testing effects occurred for several of the measures. These findings have implications for treatment effectiveness research and research design considerations. Hypotheses concerning the nature of the testing effect are offered, including socially desirable responding, mood-congruent associative processing and selfmonitoring.
Courtship and mating behaviour of the Chinese praying mantis, Tenodera aridifolia sinensis

Abstract The courtship and mating behaviour of the Chinese praying mantis was studied by analysing videotapes of adults in an enclosed, illuminated arena. Three courtship patterns were observed: (1) the male approached while in view of the female; (2) the male approached the female from behind; and (3) the female approached the male. For pattern 1 (the one most frequently observed), the courtship behaviour of the male consisted of 11 discrete components which emerged together 10 days after the final moult. Maturational changes in the male's sexual behaviour included a decline in the time to intromission with increasing age. This decline in time to intromission was faster in sexually mature males, indicating an experiential component. Cannibalism in the mantis was not causally associated with sexual behaviour, but occurred in association with sexual behaviour when females were hungry. Decapitation of the male by the female preceded intromission in only one of 69 experiments. The courtship displays of the male and female may play the role of reducing intraspecific aggression during courtship and thus reducing the likelihood of cannibalism.
X-linked agammaglobulinemia presenting as polymicrobial pneumonia, including Pneumocystis jirovecii

Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia is an opportunistic pulmonary infection usually associated with T-cell defects. Clinical and murine studies demonstrate that B-cells and Pneumocystis-specific antibodies also contribute to effective immune responses.1 Patients with primary humoral immunodeficiencies, including X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA), may develop P . jirovecii pneumonia despite normal T-cell number and function.2,3 XLA arises from Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) gene mutations, leading to pre-B-cell differentiation arrest, absence of immunoglobulin expression, and increased susceptibility to bacterial/enteroviral infections.4 Although more than 600 BTK mutations have been described, new variations/mutations continue to be identified. We describe an infant with a novel BTK kinase domain variation who presented with polymicrobial pneumonia, including P. jirovecii.
Special Section Editorial: Russell Messier's Lifetime of Nanomorphology

Let me introduce you to my friend, colleague, and mentor, Russell Francis Messier, who prefers to omit his middle name for some reason. He prefers to be called Russ. One look at him, and you will agree that he is definitely a Russ. Not only a Russ, but he is a New-England Russ, as you will quickly guess from his pronunciation: when he calls out to his lovely wife Linda, Linder comes out of his mouth. Russ was born on July 30, 1944, into a working-class family with no history of formal education beyond high school. His father made shoes at a local factory and his mother did piecework for Sprague Electric. While growing up in southern New Hampshire, his childhood was typical of middle-class America at that time. He spent lots of time outdoors, playing games and sports and socializing, with ample time to simply lie down on the grass and look into the sky and fantasize about where he came from and where he wanted to go. Mathematics and science came easily and enjoyably, but baseball, basketball, soccer, and golf were his focus. Soccer, especially, taught him many life lessons, those of dedication, hard work, and teamwork leading to success in many different ways. During three years on his high-school’s premier soccer team, the last as a co-captain, his school came in third, first, and second, successively, in the New Hampshire state championships. But golf was, and remains, Journal of Nanophotonics, Vol. 2, 021999 (6 October 2008)
GHIC: a hierarchical pattern-based clustering algorithm for grouping Web transactions

Grouping customer transactions into segments may help understand customers better. The marketing literature has concentrated on identifying important segmentation variables (e.g., customer loyalty) and on using cluster analysis and mixture models for segmentation. The data mining literature has provided various clustering algorithms for segmentation without focusing specifically on clustering customer transactions. Building on the notion that observable customer transactions are generated by latent behavioral traits, in this paper, we investigate using a pattern-based clustering approach to grouping customer transactions. We define an objective function that we maximize in order to achieve a good clustering of customer transactions and present an algorithm, GHIC, that groups customer transactions such that itemsets generated from each cluster, while similar to each other, are different from ones generated from others. We present experimental results from user-centric Web usage data that demonstrates that GHIC generates a highly effective clustering of transactions.
Computer-aided design of nanocapsules for therapeutic delivery

The design of nanocapsules for targeted delivery of therapeutics presents many, often seemingly self-contradictory, constraints. An algorithm for predicting the physicochemical characteristics of nanocapsule delivery and payload release using a novel allatom, multiscale technique is presented. This computational method preserves key atomic-scale behaviours needed to make predictions of interactions of functionalized nanocapsules with the cell surface receptors, drug, siRNA, gene or other payload. We show how to introduce a variety of order parameters with distinct character to enable a multiscale analysis of a complex system. The all-atom formulation allows for the use of an interatomic force field, making the approach universal and avoiding recalibration with each new application. Alternatively, key parameters, which minimize the need for calibration, are also identified. Simultaneously, the methodology enables predictions of the supra-nanometer-scale behaviour, such as structural transitions and disassembly of the nanocapsule accompanying timed payload release or due to premature degradation. The final result is a Fokker ‐ Planck equation governing the rate of stochastic payload release and structural changes and migration accompanying it. A novel “salt shaker” effect that underlies fluctuation-enhancement of payload delivery is presented. Prospects for computer-aided design of nanocapsule delivery system are discussed.
A Comparison of Frequency-Shift Anti-Multipath Signaling Techniques for Digital Communication Systems

An important result of multipath propagation is the lengthening of the received signal due to a single transmitted pulse. The received pulse duration may be increased by the difference in propagation times between the longest and shortest of the active paths. This time difference represents the minimum pulse repetition period which can be used if errors due to inter-symbol interference are to be avoided. This minimum pulse repetition period places a limit on the available data rate per channel. The total data rate can be increased by frequency division multiplexing. Several recent papers have described a technique for synchronous frequency-division multiplexing for use under the multipath conditions described above. This synchronous system is analyzed to show its bandwidth, data rate, and signal-to-noise properties, and these parameters are compared with those of a conventional FSK system. A second refinement of conventional FSK is the use of more than two possible frequencies for each pulse. The bandwidth, data rate, and signal-to-noise properties of multilevel synchronous FSK are presented, and some circumstances under which it may be used to advantage are described.
Genetic control of Endosperm Balance Number (EBN) in the Solanaceae based on trisomic and mutation analysis.

The genetic control of Endosperm Balance Number (EBN) was studied using trisomics and induced mutation. In order to induce and detect a change in a factor determining the EBN of the male, pollen from tetraploid Datura was irradiated and used to pollinate diploids. No triploids were produced in over 70 000 fertilizations. At least 70 would have been expected if the deletion of the function of a single gene could change the EBN. An attempt was made to find a particular chromosome that could alter the EBN of the female when it was present as the extra chromosome in 2x + 1 × 4x crosses. In tests of trisomics in both Datura and Solanum (potato) no chromosome could be found that changed the EBN. Therefore, it is concluded that more than one gene and more than one chromosome is involved in determining EBN. Key words : crossing barriers, endosperm, Datura, potato, speciation.
Condom use at sexual debut and subsequent condom use: a test of the imprinting hypothesis.

Conclusions: Among sexually active adolescents using a condom during sexual debut is strongly associated with subsequent use which supports the imprinting hypothesis. Therefore early sexual education messages emphasizing condom use may be particularly important and hopefully effective at establishing a norm of regular condom use behavior thereby protecting adolescents from STIs and reducing levels of STIs in the adolescent population. (excerpt)
Two-scale model and ocean radar Doppler spectra at moderate- and low-grazing angles

Results of numerical calculations of polarized radar Doppler spectra from the ocean surface at low-grazing angles and at various wind speeds are presented. Calculations are based on the modified two-scale model, which includes Bragg scattering from both free and bound capillary waves. Here, we derive an analytical expression for the Doppler spectrum in the form of a two-dimensional (2-D) integral over large-scale slopes. For the surface description, the model of a directional wave spectrum is used, which takes into account the wave age (a limited fetch). A comparison of computed curves with experimentally measured Doppler spectra shows that the inclusion of "fast" bound capillary waves significantly improves results. Using reasonable parameter values for the model of bound waves we obtained widths of Doppler spectra which are in good agreement with experiments for low-grazing angles /spl theta//sub g/=10/spl deg/ and for winds up to U/sub 10//spl sim/10 m/s. However, the remaining discrepancies show that using Bragg scattering from bound waves is not enough to close the problem. Despite limitations the approach can be used for a more thorough analysis of measured Doppler spectra in order to determine the contributions of various scattering mechanisms.
Spatial scaling in a changing climate: A hierarchical bayesian model for non-stationary multi-site annual maximum and monthly streamflow

Summary Several studies have shown that statistics of streamflow time series, in particular empirical moments, scale with physical properties of the drainage basin, such as the catchment area. Those scaling laws have been extensively used to estimate statistics of streamflow series at ungauged sites. The role of climate variability and change has not been considered in such models. Further, most studies are based on classical statistics, where parameter uncertainties are usually neglected or not formally considered. In this paper we develop and apply hierarchical Bayesian models, to both assess regional and at-site trends in time in a spatial scaling framework, and simultaneously provide a rigorous framework for assessing and reducing parameter and model uncertainties. The models are tested with reconstructed natural inflow series from over 40 hydropower sites in Brazil with catchments areas varying from 2588 to 823,555 km 2 . Both annual maximum flood series and monthly streamflow are considered. Cross-validated results show that the Hierarchical Bayesian models are able to skillfully estimate monthly and flood flow probability distribution parameters for sites that were not used in model fitting. The models developed can be used to provide record augmentation at sites that have short records, or to estimate flow at ungauged sites, even in the absence of an assumption of time stationarity. Since model uncertainties are accounted for, the precision of the estimates can be quantified and hypotheses tests for regional and at-site trends can be formally made. A formal inclusion of climate predictors to facilitate seasonal forecasting or climate change scenario development is also feasible. This is indicated, but not developed here.
3D chip stack with integrated decoupling capacitors

In this work, thinned Si chips were stacked using conventional C4 (controlled collapse chip connection) technology. The test chips consisted of CMOS-compatible thru-silicon via (TSV) interconnects at a pitch of 200µm and integrated deep trench (DT) capacitors. The DC resistance of a TSV and a C4 bump is measured to be less than 10 mΩ and capacitance density of 14µF/cm2 and 28µF/cm2 were achieved for chip stack with o1 layer and 2 layers of interposer chips respectively. The integrated capacitors were characterized throughout the 3D chip bond and assembly process flow. Results indicated the process had negligible impact to the final capacitance value. The variation of the measured capacitance value for the final chip stacks was very small, approximately ∼ 2%.
Paradoxical effects of testing: Repeated retrieval attempts enhance the likelihood of later accurate and false recall

The testing effect is the finding that taking an initial test enhances the likelihood of later recall. The present report examines the extent to which this benefit of testing comes with a cost: an enhanced likelihood of erroneously recalling incorrect information. Subjects were given short lists of semantic associates (e.g., hill, valley, climb); each list converged upon a related nonpresented word (e.g., mountain). After presentation of some lists, the subjects received no initial test; after others, one initial free recall test; and after others, three successive free recall tests. The probabilities of final free recall (and the probability of reporting vivid recollection of the moment of encoding) of both studied and related, nonstudied words (e.g., mountain) were highest when three initial tests had been taken, intermediate following one initial test, and lowest when no initial test had occurred. The beneficial effects of testing carry the cost of increases in erroneous memory for related information.
Low inductance power module with blade connector

A novel single-switch power module has been developed, featuring a laminated blade connector for low inductance interconnect to a busbar. The module was designed, optimized and experimentally validated as part of a high frequency three-phase converter, demonstrating parasitic inductances of less than one nano henry for the module and as low as five nano henries for the converter phase-leg commutation loop. The flexible plug-in hardware facilitated direct comparison of switching performance between three different chipsets, including a 150A and a 300A hybrid designs using the fastest 1200V silicon IGBTs with silicon carbide (SiC) Schottky diodes, as well as a 150A all-SiC module with emerging SiC MOSFETs. The results were also compared with switching performance of standard modules. First, the impact of parasitic inductance on switching performance was quantified by testing the same 300A hybrid chipset in an industry-standard module. Compared to the low inductance blade POL module, the standard module had 65% higher voltage overshoot and 30% higher total switching losses. Second, the switching performance of the 150A, 1200V fast IGBT, in either standard silicon or the hybrid blade module, was compared with the all-SiC blade module under the same test conditions. The IGBT switching losses of the standard silicon module were 3.5 times higher, while the hybrid blade module losses were 2.5 times higher than those of the all-SiC module. The new low inductance blade module is an excellent package for the new generation of fast silicon IGBTs and the emerging SiC power devices. The module will enable efficient power conversion at significantly higher switching frequencies and power densities.
Parallel pattern identification in biological sequences on clusters

Tandem repeats are ubiquitous sequence features in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic genomes. They are known to cause several inherited neurological diseases in humans. Identifying these patterns is a highly computation-intensive process. Previous parallel implementations use straightforward domain decomposition based on existing sequential algorithms and rely on parallel machines with low-latency interconnection network and fast hardware support for processor synchronization. Our research exploits the superior cost effectiveness and flexibility achieved through low-cost clusters to speed up biological computations by designing communication-efficient parallel algorithms for pattern identification. This paper presents a low communication-overhead parallel algorithm for pattern identification in biological sequences. Given a biological sequence of length n and a pattern of length m, we conclude an algorithm with five computation/communication phases, each requiring O(n) computation time and only O(p) message units. The low communication overhead of the algorithm is essential in achieving reasonable speedups on clusters, where the interprocessor communication latency is usually higher.
Reply to Kirby's Comment on “Urban Structure and Geographical Access to Public Services”

(1983). Reply to Kirby's Comment on “Urban Structure and Geographical Access to Public Services”. Annals of the Association of American Geographers: Vol. 73, No. 2, pp. 296-298.
Effects of vasopressin on portal pressure during hemorrhage from esophageal varices.

Abstract Vasopressin is often used to treat variceal hemorrhage. However, its efficacy is uncertain, and its portal hemodynamic effects in this setting are unknown. Eleven patients with alcoholic liver disease and bleeding varices were given vasopressin (0.2 U/min for the first hour, then 0.4 U/min for 24 hours). Portal pressure was monitored using an indwelling hepatic vein balloon catheter. Seventeen patients with variceal bleeding who remained stable over 26 hours of initial treatment with crystalloid and blood products served as a comparison group. Vasopressin infusion (0.2 U/min) produced a significant decrease in wedged hepatic venous pressure, hepatic venous pressure gradient (wedged minus free hepatic venous pressure), and heart rate. Increases in the rate of infusion did not produce further decreases in the parameters measured, but the changes were sustained over the course of the infusion. Hemodynamics remained stable in the control group. Portal pressure did not increase when vasopressin was abruptly discontinued in the 3 patients in whom postinfusion measurements were made. Vasopressin retains its portal hypotensive effects in the setting of variceal hemorrhage. Tachyphylaxis does not develop over 26 hours, and a "rebound" increase in portal pressure probably does not occur when the infusion is discontinued.
Naphthalene Cytotoxicity of Differentiating Clara Cells in Neonatal Mice

Selective Clara cell injury produced by many bioactivated lung toxicants is thought to result from high levels of activating enzymes found in differentiated Clara cells. A recent study found an elevated susceptibility to the Clara cell toxicant 4-ipomeanol in neonatal rabbits when Clara cell P450 activity is low. To determine whether differentiating Clara cells in another species (mouse) are more susceptible to injury by a different bioactivated Clara cell toxicant (naphthalene), adult, 14-day postnatal (DPN) and 7DPN male mice were given a single intraperitoneal dose (25, 50, or 100 mg/kg) of naphthalene and killed 24 hr later. Epithelial damage, as assessed by quantitative histopathology, included cellular swelling, vacuolization, and exfoliation. In 7DPN mice, bronchiolar epithelium was severely injured at the lowest dose of naphthalene tested, 25 mg/kg. Bronchiolar epithelium in 14DPN mice was moderately injured at 25 mg/kg; injury severity was greatest at 50 and 100 mg/kg. Minimal bronchiolar epithelial injury occurred in adult mice at 50 mg/kg and moderate injury at 100 mg/kg. In proximal bronchi, epithelium of 7DPN mice showed signs of injury only at 100 mg/kg. Bronchial epithelium of adult mice was not injured at any dose. Isolated distal airways from 7DPN and 14DPN mice were more sensitive to naphthalene exposure than isolated distal airways from adult mice. Despite the low levels of P450 activity, differentiating Clara cells in neonatal mice are more susceptible to injury by the bioactivated cytotoxicant naphthalene than are differentiated Clara cells in adult mice.
The Chemistry of Al-Tobermorite and its Coexisting Phases AT 175°C

The substitution of Al into the structure of tobermorite was investigated, along with the resultant phase assemblages that compatibly coexist with the Al-tobermorite. All experiments were conducted under hydrothermal conditions at saturated steam pressure. The temperatures of the experiments varied from 90° to 190°C and times from 1 to 28 days. Ca/Si ratios varied from 0.7 to 1.7, Al/(Al+Si) from 0.12 to 0.30. NaOH varied from none to 5 moles/mole tobermorite constituents. X-ray diffraction was used not only to identify phases but to determine degree of substitution and the rate of approach to steady state. Maximum Al substitution was found to be Al/(Al+Si) = 0.13, and the maximum interlayer spacing was 11.42 ± 0.015 A. This is in agreement with previously published work which found a trace of hydrogarnet at Al(Al+Si) = 0.15 and a maximum interlayer spacing of 11.45 ± 0.02 A. When Al concentrations in the mix are greater than enough to make maximum Al-tobermorite, “low”-hydrogarnet (“low”-hydrogarnet has ∼0.1 SiO2 per mole). As Al concentration is raised, a variable composition hydrogamet is formed and then a “high”-garnet of constant composition (SiO2 = 0.7 moles/mole hydrogarnet) is formed. NaOH was found to have a major effect on the kinetics and the phase assemblages at a given time. Al-tobermorite, although stable at 90°C, converts to xonotlite at 175°C in the absence of NaOH. In its presence, even at a level too low to make Na-containing phases, Al-tobermorite persists at 21 days at 175°C. In the absence of NaOH, at 175°C, Al-tobermorite forms at up to 7–10 days but is converted to xonotlite at 28 days. Coexisting phases are gyrolite and cowlesite at Ca/Si ≥ 1 and hillebrandite and “low”-garnet at Ca/Si > 1. When there is enough NaOH to form Na-containing phases, Al-tobermorite coexists with reyerite and analcime at Ca/Si > 1. At Ca/Si < 1 and Al less than the composition on the tie line between Al-tobermorite and “low”-garnet, Al-tobermorite coexists with “low”-garnet and portlandite. In the compatibility triangle between Al-tobermorite, “low”-garnet, and “high”-garnet, Al-tobermorite coexists with variable Si-gamet. When Al exceeds its limiting value on the tie line, Al-tobermorite-“high”-gamet, the assemblage is Al-tobermorite-“high”-gamet-cowlesite.
The long-term efficacy of pneumatic dilatation and Heller myotomy for the treatment of achalasia.

Background & Aims: Studies comparing long-term success after pneumatic dilatation (PD) and laparoscopic Heller myotomy (HM) are lacking. This study compares long-term outcome of PD (single dilatation and graded approach) and laparoscopic HM and identifies risk factors for treatment failure. Methods: A cross-sectional follow-up evaluation of an achalasia cohort treated between 1994 and 2002 was followed-up for a mean of 3.1 years. There was a total of 106 patients treated by graded PD (1–3 dilatations with progressively larger balloons) and 73 patients treated by HM (20 had failed graded PD and crossed over to HM). A symptom assessment (structured telephone interview or clinic visit) was performed and patients were given freedom from alternative therapies to determine treatment outcome. Endoscopy, manometry, and timed barium esophagram were performed to determine the cause of treatment failure. Results: The success of single PD was defined as freedom from additional PDs: 62% at 6 months and 28% at 6 years (risk factors for failure: younger age, male sex, wider esophagus, and poor emptying on posttreatment timed barium esophagram). Freedom from subsequent PDs increased with each dilatation (graded PD). The success of graded PD and HM, defined as dysphagia/regurgitation less than 3 times/wk or freedom from alternative treatment, was similar: 90% vs 89% at 6 months and 44% vs 57% at 6 years (no risk factors for failure were identified). Causes of symptom recurrence were incompletely treated achalasia (96% after PD vs 64% after HM) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (4% after PD vs 36% after HM). Conclusions: No treatment cures achalasia. Short- and long-term success is similar for graded PD and laparoscopic HM. Therapeutic success decreases steadily over time. Achalasia patients need careful long-term follow-up evaluation.
The World Bank Approach to Pension Reform

This paper highlights the World Bank’s thinking and worldwide involvement in pension reform. Both are driven by the Bank’s mandate to help countries develop economically and to reduce poverty. The Bank has four key concerns in working with clients on pension policy: (1) short-term financing and long-term financial viability; (2) effects on economic growth; (3) adequacy and other distributive issues; and (4) political risk and sustainability. In response to these concerns and after review of the three main reform options for unfunded systems - mere PAYG reform, a rapid and complete shift to a mandatory funded system, and a gradual shift to a multipillar scheme - the Bank clearly favours the multipillar approach but in a pragmatic and country-specific manner. When helping to implement a pension reform the Bank fully takes account of country preferences and circumstances, bases its support on sound reform criteria, links the client assistance with knowledge management, provides training and other measures to enhance the reform capacity of a country, and seeks cooperation with other international institutions. In addition, the Bank has a comprehensive research agenda to improve the working of multipillar schemes, and the investigations include issues of coverage, administrative costs and annuities.
Centip3De: a many-core prototype exploring 3D integration and near-threshold computing

Process scaling has resulted in an exponential increase of the number of transistors available to designers. Meanwhile, global interconnect has not scaled nearly as well, because global wires scale only in one dimension instead of two, resulting in fewer, high-resistance routing tracks. This paper evaluates the use of three-dimensional (3D) integration to reduce global interconnect by adding multiple layers of silicon with vertical connections between them using through-silicon vias (TSVs). Because global interconnect can be millimeters long, and silicon layers tend to be only tens of microns thick in 3D stacked processes, the power and performance gains by using vertical interconnect can be substantial. To address the thermal issues that arise with 3D integration, this paper also evaluates the use of near-threshold computing---operating the system at a supply voltage just above the threshold voltage of the transistors.Specifically, we will discuss the design and test of Centip3De, a large-scale 3D-stacked near-threshold chip multiprocessor. Centip3De uses Tezzaron's 3D stacking technology in conjunction with Global Foundries' 130 nm process. The Centip3De design comprises 128 ARM Cortex-M3 cores and 256MB of integrated DRAM. Silicon measurements are presented for a 64-core version of the design.
From research to application: the cite natural language information retrieval system

Large operational information retrieval systems typically employ inverted file structures and Boolean logic operators for efficient text retrieval. These systems require considerable user training for effective use. As a consequence, searching is commonly performed by professional intermediaries on behalf of end users.By contrast, many small scale experimental retrieval systems incorporate desirable user interface features, such as natural (English) language querying, ranked output and relevance feedback.The author describes the design and implementation of a natural language search interface to MEDLINE, the National library of Medicines largest and most heavily used data base. The CITE (Current Information Transfer in English) prototype system is a large-scale, weighted logic information retrieval system with natural language query input, ranked search output, dynamic user feedback and automatic associative vocabulary mapping capahilities.
Intermittent fasting combined with resistance training: effects on body composition, muscular performance, and dietary intake

Background Intermittent fasting (IF) is a dietary strategy that has recently gained popularity due to a number of potential health benefits. One form of IF, termed time-restricted feeding (TRF), only allows caloric intake during a limited window of time each day (often 4 to 8 hours in duration). One concern of IF is the potential loss of lean mass due to the fasting periods. Resistance training is known to help mitigate loss of lean mass during hypocaloric diets. The purpose of this experiment was to examine the effects of TRF in combination with resistance training on body composition, muscular performance, and dietary intake in young untrained males.
Transverse Impact of a Horizontal Beam on a Vertical Column

AbstractThe transverse impact of a uniformly translating beam hitting a fixed-fixed column is investigated. Although in-air impact is considered, the study is motivated by water-driven woody debris during flood, storm surge, and tsunami. Hence, the beam (pole) is assumed to be wood, and the column is concrete, steel, or wood. Given the relatively small magnitude of the impact speed in such events, only elastic impact is considered. An analytical solution method is presented, which is also used to verify finite-element results. The results show that the contact force between the pole and the column depends on the local shear deformation in the pole and the column, and hence Timoshenko beam theory is needed. Multiple impacts are considered, and the whole collision event is divided into contact phases and separation phases. It is shown that for all cases the maximum contact force occurs during later contact phases and its value can reach up to 1.5 times the peak force in the first contact phase. The impact d...
Medikamentös bedingte Dermatosen

Der Inhalt meines Vortrages beruht auf den Verhaltnissen, wie sie heutzutage in den Vereinigten Staaten von Amerika und speziell in der Stadt New York existieren. Die Welt ist in den Jahren seit dem zweiten Weltkrieg sehr geschrumpft, und die Verhaltnisse in bezug auf die erwerbbaren und gebrauchlichen Medikamente sind daher in den verschiedenen Teilen der westlichen Welt sehr ahnlich. Ich nehme daher an, das die Situation hier in Deutschland mit Beziehung auf die medikamentosen Hauterkrankungen nicht nur im Prinzip, sondern auch in vielen Details nicht zu verschieden ist von der Situation in New York. Geringe Unterschiede, die mit lokalen Bedingungen zu tun haben, findet man naturlich immer.
Growth Rate and Variance in the Razor Clam

In discussing the growth of the razor clam (Siliqua patula, Dixon) we have pointed out a correlation between the absolute growth rate and the variability as measured by “D”, the interdecile range.1 In this work we used samples of clams representing the normal population of the respective beds. For this reason the numbers in the older age groups were small, and it was not possible to determine the presence or extent of selective mortality which might greatly affect the relation between growth and variance.Recently we have selected 2 samples of clams, one from Little River, Humboldt County, California, containing 300 specimens, all 7 years of age, and one from Hallo Bay on the Alaskan Peninsula, containing 76 specimens 13 years old. A complete growth record was obtained for each individual by measuring the consecutive annual rings. The mean length and the variance were calculated for each year for the 2 localities, and the tenth, the fiftieth (median), and the ninetieth percentiles were determined for the d...
Aurora Kinase B Protein Is Overexpressed in High-Grade Sarcomas:A Pilot Study

Aurora kinase B, a serine-threonine kinase, has an important role in mitosis. Chemotherapeutic agents available at present are not very effective in the treatment of high-grade sarcoma. The Aurora kinase B inhibitor drug AZD 1152 is currently in phase 1 clinical trials. The purpose of our study was to investigate Aurora kinase B …
Measurement and characterization of free radical generation in reoxygenated human endothelial cells

The endothelial cell is thought to be an important site of free radical generation in ischemic tissues. It has been demonstrated that endothelial cells from several species generate a burst of free...
Methylphenidate Usage for ADHD in the 1990s

The usage and usage trends for methylphenidate (MPH) treatment of ADHD from 1990 through 1995 were estimated by the Departments of Psychiatry and Pediatrics, Johs Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore County Health Department, and the Schools of Pharmacy and Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD.
ISOLATION AND MOLECULAR DETERMINATION OF THE FIRE BLIGHT PATHOGEN, ERWINIA AMYLOVORA, ISOLATED FROM APPLE TREES IN THE REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA

Fire blight is a bacterial disease caused by Erwinia amylovora. It is one of the most destructive diseases of pome fruit trees, particularly affecting apple and pear trees. In the present study, 15 bacterial isolates were isolated from apple orchards displaying fire blight disease symptoms in the summer of 2015. They were identified as E. amylovora based on morphological, pathological and biochemical (BIOLOG) analyses, including PCR assays. The molecular characterisation of these isolates using PCR were performed with specific primers for conventional (single) PCR, as well as from PCR amplification of the 16S rRNA gene using universal primers. The PCR products were positive and had the expected length of 1.1 kb. There is little information about the presence of E. amylovora on apple trees in Macedonia. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of fire blight in apples caused by E. amylovora in the Republic of Macedonia.