cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Classification of primary malignant tumors of liver in infancy and childhood

The clinical records and pathologic material of 24 cases of primary malignant tumors of liver in infancy and childhood are reviewed. The authors demonstrate that such tumors can be classified into two groups: (1) occurring in infants and children to three years of age and characterized by a mixture of embryonal hepatic parenchymal tissue and neoplastic mesenchymal tissue; (2) occurring in children older than 6 years and characterized by hepatic parenchymal elements alone. The tissues from three patients in the younger age group and two patients in the older age group were studied with the electron microscope. The tumor cells of the younger age group demonstrate a few cytoplasmic organelles indicating their embryonal nature. The tumor cells of the older age group demonstrate a large number of mitochondria and irregularly arranged endoplasmic reticulum. The authors conclude that tumors of the younger age group are embryonal and congenital in origin. Tumors of the older age group are clinically and histologically similar to the hepatomas in the adult although further investigation is needed to determine the nature of these tumors.
Block copolymers: With a little help from above

Complex nanoscale patterns can be generated by combining the self-assembly of block-copolymer thin films with minimal top-down templating.
Variation in cytochrome-c oxidase activity is not maternally inherited in the copepod Tigriopus californicus

The mitochondrial enzyme cytochrome-c oxidase (COX) is composed of multiple subunits encoded within both the nuclear and mitochondrial genomes. Isofemale lines of the intertidal copepod Tigriopus californicus showed significant variation in COX activity (measured by a standard spectrophotometric method) both within and between populations. This interline variation was expressed under common culture conditions and is evidence of a genetic component to COX enzymatic activity variation. Because the catalytic core of COX (subunits I, II and III) is encoded by mitochondrial DNA, which is inherited maternally in T. californicus, we hypothesized that variation in COX activity may show maternal inheritance. This hypothesis was evaluated by determining COX activity among F1 progeny of reciprocal crosses between isofemale lines. Results failed to support the hypothesis; COX activity did not show a pattern of maternal inheritance. Rather, the data suggest that genetic regulation of interline variation in COX activity is complex and involves nuclear genes. In general, F1 offspring tended to have higher COX activities than either parent, whereas F2 offspring had enzyme activities similar to or lower than the F1, suggesting that strong nuclear–nuclear or nuclear–mitochondrial interactions affect COX function.
Positron emission tomography/computed tomography of a rare xanthogranulomatous process: Erdheim-Chester disease.

Abstract Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) is a disseminated xanthogranulomatous infiltrative disease of unknown etiology due to infiltration of different organs and bones by foamy histiocytes. A 37-year-old male with cerebral and periorbital lesions was diagnosed with this rare disease and was evaluated with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-D-glucose (FDG) with positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) imaging at baseline and following therapy. FDG-PET imaging allowed accurate evaluation of the extent of the disease at baseline, as well as assessment of response to therapy.
Measurement of serum thyroxine-binding capacity

A new method for free thyroxine-binding sites on thyroxine-binding globulin has been described. This method for thyroxine-binding capacity has the virtues of reasonable specificity and convenience for routine use. When used with serum thyroxine levels it should be valuable in the calculation of free thyroxine and total thyroxine-binding globulin. A more directly estimated TBC as reported here should have more value than the various and more empirical T3 uptake methods.
Individual differences and the all-or-none vs incremental learning controversy

Abstract This paper provides an analysis of the ability of the all-or-none and incremental learning frameworks augmented with individual difference assumptions to account for several standard all-or-none learning demonstrations. The paper allows the one element model (OEM) and the linear operator model (LOM) to have a completely arbitrary individual difference distribution. Among the results are: 1. the LOM can not account for either the Rock replacement studies or Bower's constancy of the error given error curve. 2. The OEM can account for Rock's and Bower's results only if there are no individual differences. 3. No independent responding scheme can jointly predict Rock's and Bower's results. 4. A beta distribution on the learning rate allows the LOM to achieve a close fit to at most one of Rock's and Bower's results. 5. An RT(n) experiment can not rule out an independent responding scheme for any n, n ≥ 1.
Channelrhodopsin Photochromic Reactions Provide Multicolor Optogenetic Control

In this issue of the Biophysical Journal, Venkatachalam and Cohen (1) present an innovative combination of opsin-based optogenetic voltage control with simultaneous imaging of green fluorescent protein (GFP)-based sensors. The challenge is that the overlapping absorption spectra of GFP derivatives and the commonly used blue-light activated ChR2-based channelrhodopsins prevent photoactivation of neuron firing without simultaneously perturbing the fluorescent reporter. The authors elegantly circumvent this overlap by taking advantage of the color-sensitive photoreactions of spectral intermediates of ChR2. An interesting twist is that in the “stoplight” technique that they developed, optical engineering creatively mimics nature. Evolution produced a mechanism using the same principle to enable color-discriminating motility responses mediated by the phototaxis receptor sensory rhodopsin I in haloarchaea.
Guerrilla Statesmanship: Constitutionalizing an Ethic of Dissent

According to judicial precedents, administrators informed by their expertise can speak on issues of public concern under First Amendment protections. In one sense, they could dissent by working against their employers in an attempt to direct issues of public concern through an educational function. The power to act like a statesman in raising such issues allows administrators to lead from behind and in front, as long as certain judicial thresholds are met. However, the U.S. Supreme Court recently moved to tighten the scope of such activity. This article assesses how an ethic of dissent has been translated into a constitutional perspective that at first was moderately constrained and later became very restricted. While the move to limit an ethic of dissent provides necessary constraints, it also may have weakened administrators’ ability to perform necessary statesmanship acts rooted in guerrilla government to achieve the common good.
Can OPEC survive 1984

Abstract Speculation about the future of OPEC has raged for the last few years. OPEC has lost a considerable portion of the oil market and revenue flows that it once enjoyed, and has also lost much of its political unity. Despite this decline, there are reasons to believe that the oil cartel will survive the third year of recession and inflation in the world trade system. OPEC's agreement to fix export quotas and prices has survived for six months and looks set for another twelve. Forces of optimism will hold it together as competition from non-OPEC suppliers continues to erode its market share.
ENROLLMENT FORECASTING: USE OF A MULTIPLE‐METHOD MODEL FOR PLANNING AND BUDGETING*

A multiple-method approach is presented for making enrollment projections at the departmental, school, and university level. The various methods utilized are based on the application of a cohort model (macro level) and regression techniques (micro level). The model demonstrates its flexibility in selecting one of a number of regression techniques according to a comparison approach using historical and projected results. This multiple-method approach has proved to be highly accurate and thus useful in allocating and redistributing resources to the operating units of a university. Previous efforts have relied almost solely on a single regression technique for projections and allocation purposes rather than a method based on a measure of flexibility, adaptability, and prediction confirmation.
A Fluorescence Anisotropy Study of DNA Binding by HPV-11 E2C Protein: A Hierarchy of E2-Binding Sites

Association of the human papillomavirus (HPV) E2 protein with its palindromic DNA-binding site is a necessary step for transcriptional trans-activation. To study the interaction between DNA and E2, the carboxyl-terminal domain of HPV-11 E2 protein (E2C) was expressed in Escherichia coli and purified to homogeneity. The binding affinity of the recombinant E2C protein for a single palindromic DNA recognition site was determined using a 5‘-fluorescein-labeled 24 base pair oligonucleotide. Competitive titrations between the fluorescein-labeled oligonucleotide and an unlabeled oligonucleotide of identical sequence yielded a native affinity of 4.5 × 10-9 M. Sequences from the seven E2-binding sites within the HPV-11 genome were titrated to establish a hierarchy of binding site affinities. All high-affinity E2-binding sites are located within or near the HPV-11 LCR. E2-binding sites distant from the LCR appear to have low affinity for E2. When the location and affinity of each E2-binding site are plotted in rela...
Adeno-Associated Virus(AAV)-Mediated Expression of Ornithine Transcarbamylase (OTC) in OTC Deficient spf-ash mMice

Adeno-Associated Virus(AAV)-Mediated Expression of Ornithine Transcarbamylase (OTC) in OTC Deficient spf-ash mMice
A cyberenvironment for crystallography and materials science and an integrated user interface to the Crystallography Open Database and Predicted Crystallography Open Database

With the advent and subsequent evolution of the Internet the ways in which computational crystallographic research is conducted have dramatically changed. Consequently, secure, robust and efficient means of accessing remote data and computational resources have become a necessity. At present scientists in computational crystallography access remote data and resources via separate technologies, namely SSH and Web services. Computational Science and Engineering Online (CSE-Online) combines these two methods into a single seamless environment while simultaneously addressing issues such as stability with regard to Internet interruption. Presently CSE-Online contains several applications which are useful to crystallographers; however, continued development of new tools is necessary. Toward this end a Java application capable of running in CSE-Online, namely the Crystallography Open Database User Interface (CODUI), has been developed, which allows users to search for crystal structures stored in the Crystallography Open Database and Predicted Crystallography Open Database, to export structural data for visualization, or to input structural data in other CSE-Online applications.
Biomass from microalgae separation by electroflotation with iron and aluminum spiral electrodes

The aim of this study was to evaluate the biomass separation of the microalgae Desmodesmus subspicatus by electroflotation with a spiral-shaped electrode using aluminum or iron tubes and to identify the metal contamination present in the effluent and biomass. Both time and electric current were controlled in the experiments. The most effective conditions for this experiment involved the use of an iron electrode for 30 min with a current of 3 A, whereas the aluminum electrode has been used effectively for 20 min with a current of 3 A. The contribution of the electroflotation system to the concentration of iron or aluminum ions in the treated wastewater is significant, and the use of the iron electrode may be less detrimental to human and animal health due to the lower toxicity remaining concentration in the effluent.
Missed opportunities to counsel patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma about causation and potential compensation.

Abstract Introduction Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a lethal malignancy strongly associated with occupational exposure to asbestos. The aims of this study were to assess the quality of counseling provided to patients with MPM about the causation of MPM and the potential for compensation. Methods The authors conducted a structured retrospective chart review of patients with a diagnosis of MPM. They abstracted demographic data, occupational and environmental history and exposure data. They also searched for documentation of patient education and counseling. Results The authors identified 16 patients with a new diagnosis of MPM during the study period. A job title was documented at least once in the records of 12 (75%) patients. Documentation of occupational exposure to asbestos was found in the records of 12 (75%) patients. Two patients (13%) were presumed to have had bystander exposure to asbestos. Education about MPM causation and counseling about opportunities for compensation were documented in the record of 1 patient (6%). Conclusions Among patients with MPM, documentation of some elements of an occupational history, including an occupational asbestos exposure history, was common. Advice to pursue compensation for potential occupation related MPM was rare. Physicians may be missing opportunities to provide beneficial information to patients with newly diagnosed MPM regarding potential legal redress and compensation.
Development of phonetic memory in disabled and normal readers.

Abstract The development of phonetic codes in memory of 141 pairs of normal and disabled readers from 7.8 to 16.8 years of age was tested with a task adapted from L. S. Mark, D. Shankweiler, I. Y. Liberman, and C. A. Fowler ( Memory & Cognition , 1977 , 5 , 623–629) that measured false-positive errors in recognition memory for foil words which rhymed with words in the memory list versus foil words that did not rhyme. Our younger subjects replicated Mark et al., showing a larger difference between rhyming and nonrhyming false-positive errors for the normal readers. The older disabled readers' phonetic effect was comparable to that of the younger normal readers, suggesting a developmental lag in their use of phonetic coding in memory. Surprisingly, the normal readers' phonetic effect declined with age in the recognition task, but they maintained a significant advantage across age in the auditory WISC-R digit span recall test, and a test of phonological nonword decoding. The normals' decline with age in rhyming confusion may be due to an increase in the precision of their phonetic codes.
Computational design of thermoset nanocomposite coatings: Methodological study on coating development and testing

Thermoset nanocomposites (TSNCs) may offer significantly improved performance over conventional thermoset materials, and thus are attractive for wide industrial applications, especially in the coating industry. Design of TSNCs via experiment, however, faces various technical challenges due to design complexity. Computational design can provide deep insights and identify superior design solutions through exploring opportunities in a usually huge design space. This paper introduces a generic computational methodology for the design, characterization, and testing of TSNC-based coatings. A distinct feature of the methodology is its capability of generating quantitative correlations among material formulation, processing condition, coating microstructure and property, coating performance, and processing efficiency. The correlations can enable a comprehensive analysis for optimal TSNC coating design. Case studies will demonstrate the methodological efficacy and attractiveness.
Dynamics of dimethyl sulfide and dimethylsulfoniopropionate in oceanic water samples

Abstract The concentrations of dimethyl sulfide (DMS) and dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) were measured in incubated surface water samples collected from the Eastern Pacific Ocean and the Southern Sargasso Sea. During 12–48 h incubations, time courses of DMS concentrations in the water samples displayed a variety of patterns, including little net change, immediate decreases, and accumulation followed by removal. DMSP pools including particulate (DMSP part ) and dissolved (DMSP diss ) fractions declined significantly during 24 h dark incubations, and changes in DMSP pools could have affected DMS concentrations. Additions of DMSP diss in the 10–30 nM range to water samples produced an immediate stimulation of DMS production. The degradation of DMSP diss was partially inhibited by antibiotics, but was unaffected by chloroform (500 μM). DMS metabolism, on the other hand, was completely inhibited by chloroform. Depth profiles of DMS consumption rates for two stations in the Eastern Pacific revealed that rates were higher in the surface mixed layer than at 100 m depth. The rates of DMSP diss and DMS degradation in experiments were directly related to the concentrations of these compounds in the water samples. However, in Sargasso Sea water, apparent saturation of these respective consumption activities was observed above 20 nM for DMSP diss and 11 nM for DMS. During incubations, the DMSP lost from water samples was much greater than the DMS accumulated in these same samples. Concurrent removal of DMS by biological or photochemical mechanisms cannot account for the lower DMS accumulations; therefore, an alternative pathway for DMSP metabolism involving demethylation is suggested. This alternative pathway may be a major fate of DMSP in the ocean, thereby limiting the production of DMS. The results of this study indicate a dynamic biological cycling of DMS in ocean waters, with significant rates of simultaneous production and consumption. These biological processes are likely to play a key role in controlling the concentrations of DMS in seawater.
Same‐Sex Couple Perceptions of Family Support: A Consensual Qualitative Study

Few studies have examined the family context in which same-sex couples negotiate their lives and relationships. Consensual qualitative research methods (Hill, Thompson, & Williams, 1997) were used to analyze 14 same-sex couples' conversations about family support. Couples perceived that their families are positively supportive, non-supportive, or ambivalent in their support. These perceptions led to positive or negative emotional reactions in the couple members and to specific coping. The majority of couples perceived that family support (or lack of support) had an effect on the quality of their couple relationship. No general or typical response strategies to lack of family of origin support emerged, suggesting a lack of models or norms for same-sex couples. The implications for psychotherapeutic interventions with same-sex couples are discussed.
Maps of m-pires on the projective plane

In this paper the authors study maps of m-pires (empires). It is shown that Heawood's m-pire formula holds, for all values of m, for maps on the projective plane using the theory of current graphs.
Optimal adjustment strategies for a process with run-to-run variation and 0–1 quality loss

As short run manufacturing becomes more prevalent, run-to-run components of variation, such as that contributed by set-up error, have greater potential to crucially affect product quality. While efforts should be made to eliminate such between-run variance contributing factors, some will always be present. Here, we assume there is one such factor which we envisage as set-up error that, unless the process is adjusted, remains fixed throughout a run. We develop a single adjustment strategy based on taking a sample of fixed size from the process. If a significant set-up error is indicated, a single compensatory adjustment, equal to the predicted process offset, is executed. The actual procedure depends on process parameters, including adjustment error, run size, and adjustment and sampling costs. The procedure not only specifies the adjustment amount, if any, but the time during the run at which to adjust. The procedure is optimal among all fixed sample size procedures for the chosen cost function. Besides incorporating adjustment and sampling costs, the cost function is based on a 0–1 loss criterion, where the loss is 0 (1) units per item produced if the process offset caused by set-up error is less than or equal to (greater than) a specified amount. Tables are provided, with examples, illustrating the procedure for representative values of process parameters, costs, and run sizes.
Water and Electrolyte Content of Dolphin Kidney and Extraction of Pressor Substance (Renin)

Conclusions1. The values for the water content and electrolyte concentrations of a normal dolphin kidney were as follows: Total water, 821.0 g; chloride, 65.3 mM; sodium, 84.2 mM; potassium, 56.8 mM; calcium, 1.53 mM; and magnesium, 6.3 mM per kg of fat-free tissue.2. A pressor substance was isolated from the kidney of the dolphin which behaved chemically and physiologically like the renin prepared from the kidney of the dog or pig.
What do teenagers want? What do teenagers need?

It is widely accepted that adolescence is a developmental phase fraught with challenges, yet in the 1990s, teenagers face unique demands and difficulties. Dilemmas such as increased violence, drug and alcohol use, sexual involvement and AIDS pose problems not only for the teens themselves, but also for their families, teachers, health care providers and other caregivers.
Prevention of delirium in hospitalized older patients: risk factors and targeted intervention strategies

Delirium is a common, costly, and potentially devastating condition for hospitalized older patients. Delirium is a multifactorial syndrome, involving the inter-relationship between patient vulnerability, or predisposing factors at admission, and noxious insults or precipitating factors during hospitalization. Through a series of studies, we first identified significant predisposing factors for delirium, including vision impairment, severe illness, cognitive impairment, and dehydration. Subsequently, significant precipitating factors were identified, including physical restraint use, malnutrition, adding more than three drugs, bladder catheter use, and any iatrogenic event. Through targeting preventive strategies towards six identified risk factors in a controlled clinical trial, we were successful in the primary prevention of delirium. In 852 subjects, the incidence of delirium was significantly reduced in the intervention group compared with usual care (9.9% vs 15.0%, matched odds ratio: 0.60; 95% confidence interval: 0.39-0.92). The total number of days and episodes of delirium were also significantly reduced in the intervention group. Based on this work, evidence-based recommendations for delirium prevention are proposed. While not all cases of delirium will be preventable with this approach, unifying medical and epidemiological approaches to delirium represents a key advance essential to reducing the high morbidity and mortality associated with delirium in the older population.
TIPS-pentacene crystalline thin film growth

Abstract The crystalline film growth of TIPS-pentacene thin films by confined solution deposition is investigated. The crystalline thin films grow dendritic in the initial stage and continue to grow to elongated plate-like crystals when the solution is deposited in a confined space in-plane. The majority of the thin film, containing smaller thin crystals, is formed within the first 10 s after depositing the solution and continues to grow in minutes to millimeter sized single crystals. By atomic force microscopy we show that impurities are expelled by the growing crystals and clusters accumulate at step edges on the surface of the larger crystals. The influence of crystal thickness and orientation on the electronic transport in field-effect transistors is studied, and shows an optimum performance for devices with thin elongated crystals that are aligned parallel to the electric field between the source–drain electrodes.
A research platform for Implantable Cardiac Defibrillator (ICD) using a novel Power Harvesting Scheme

Dependency of human beings on technology is reaching such an extent that almost everything unimaginable until lately is now achievable technologically. Biomedical research and development is constantly exploring the natural phenomenon and is trying to achieve the same through engineering technology. In this research, we are proposing a research platform for Implantable Cardiac Defibrillator (ICD) using a novel Power Harvesting Scheme.
Flow-injection on-line sorbent extraction preconcentration and separation for flame and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry

Abstract Significant progress has been made recently in on-line preconcentration of trace elements for flame (F AAS) and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GF AAS) by the use of solid sorbents. The use of microcolumns which were eluted in a direction opposite to the direction of sample loading, and an overall optimization of the system made it possible to increase efficiency and sampling rate substantially. Enrichment factors of 20–25 could be achieved with only 20 s loading time so that the sampling frequency could be increased to 120/h, a value which is compatible with routine F AAS operation. On-line coupling of sortent extraction preconcentration with GF AAS was found to provide a number of important advantages. A 20- to 25-fold increase in sensitivity was typically obtained with 1 min preconcentration, using eluate zone sampling for the most efficient analyte transfer into the graphite tube. An effective separation of the analyte element from interfering matrix components could be achieved using carefully designed wash steps between sample loading and elution. This resulted in detection limits for a number of trace elements which were essentially identical for pure solutions and samples with a high total salt content such as seawater. Finally, sorbent extraction could be used to preconcentrate selectively one oxidation state of elements occurring in more than one valency, providing a means of speciation which is particularly attractive because of its speed of operation. Total analyte element concentrations could be determined after on-line or off-line reduction or oxidation of the other valency states.
Fluid‐wall effectiveness for preventing oxidation in solar‐thermal ZnO reactors

Computational fluid dynamics simulations of a “fluid-wall” solar reactor for the dissociation of ZnO were performed to determine the effectiveness of the fluid-wall strategy at preventing oxygen from reacting with the reactor wall. An axial boundary layer near the porous wall was found to exist where ZnO concentrations were essentially zero, demonstrating that the concept was effective at preventing particle contact with the reactor wall. ZnO particles were found to heat nearly instantaneously (>105 K/s), and ZnO conversions were found to be significant (>50%) in the short residence times employed. Conditions for high levels of oxidation of the tube wall coincided with those for high levels of ZnO conversion, and oxidation levels were high (>50%). This was confirmed in solar experiments, where all oxygen products reacted with the tube wall. Although an effective concept for keeping particles from contacting the wall, the fluid-wall strategy was not effective for preventing oxidation. © 2007 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2007
A closer look at NIR measurements

NIR spectroscopy has traditionally been associated with limited spectroscopic utility due to the broad nature of absorption peaks, the lack of distinct baseline resolution, the severe overlapping of absorption bands and the difficulty of interpretation related to these properties of NIR spectroscopic data. Some may suggest that with NIR spectroscopy there is an overall loss in sensitivity as compared to IR; that band assignments are difficult due to numerous overtone and combination bands; that reflectance measurements are more sensitive to particle size than in IR; and that transmission cannot be used easily on highly scattering samples. Other analytical challenges are created by differences in temperature, ionic strength and the concentration of interfering species, causing large changes in spectral response. A multitude of samples are non-homogeneous and thus sample presentation becomes a major challenge. Chemometrics is often considered a “black box” approach when compared to proven analytical methods, and once a research method is developed it can be a major difficulty to reproduce it on other instruments for routine or process analysis. According to Burns and Margoshes, “Although the NIR region was explored by a few spectroscopists, most of them avoided it like the plague”. Over the years between 1931 and 1985 the publications specifically dealing with NIR were as shown in Table 1. 1 So why is NIR analysis so popular? Because there are normally NO SHARP PEAKS associated with NIR spectra (with the exception of the lanthanides), measurements do not require high resolution optics. Typically 3‐10 nm nominal bandwidths are used; thus high etendue is possible due to simple, high throughput designs with relatively low resolution optics. The result is excellent signal-to-noise, typically an order of magnitude better than instruments making measurements in the IR region (above 4000 cm ‐1 or beyond 2500 nm). Due to the complexities of the baseline and all interferences associated with unresolved absorption bands within the NIR measurement region, correlation mathematics (chemometrics) are used. These mathematical tools relate a set of spectral responses for a number of optical channels (wavelengths or frequencies) to a set of reference parameters for a set of teaching samples. The teaching set is used to train the instrument to predict unknown samples. Correlation mathematics do not require baseline resolution but require extremely reproducible, high signal-to-noise spectra. Often the differences in slope of a side band is used for quantitative work. The continued refinement of chemometric techniques allows interpretation of spectra with no baseline resolution. The results are excellent quantitative data without baseline resolution. Since severe overlapping of peaks
Declining trends in cesarean deliveries, Ohio 1989-1996: an analysis by indications.

Background Similar to trends observed nationwide, the rates of cesarean deliveries declined in Ohio during the late 1980s and the early 1990s. This study examined the trends in cesarean deliveries in Ohio from 1989 through 1996, in the presence or absence of indications, and in relation to the use of obstetric procedures. Methods Birth certificate data for all singleton, liveborn infants in Ohio (n = 1,204,859) were used to analyze temporal trends in cesarean sections. Results The rates of primary and repeat cesarean deliveries declined, respectively, from 15.7 to 12.4 percent and from 83 to 63.3 percent during the 8-year study period. Significant declines in repeat cesarean deliveries were observed both in the presence and absence of documented medical conditions that could present a potential indication for the procedure. The rates of repeat cesareans remained comparable among women with and without documented indications for cesarean section (64% and 61%, respectively). In addition, 45 and 30 percent of repeat cesareans in 1989 and 1996, respectively, were performed in the absence of any documented indications, or on an elective basis. The declines in cesarean delivery rates during the 8-year study period occurred simultaneously with an increase in the use of electronic fetal monitoring, induction, and stimulation of labor. Conclusions The findings suggest that a sizable proportion of repeat cesarean deliveries in 1996 may be unnecessary, even though a marked decline in the procedure has occurred between 1989 and 1996.
Central limit theorems for empirical and U -processes of stationary mixing sequences

This paper gives sufficient conditions for the weak convergence to Gaussian processes of empirical processes andU-processes from stationary β mixing sequences indexed byV-C subgraph classes of functions. If the envelope function of theV-C subgraph class is inL p for some 2<p<∞, we obtain a uniform central limit theorem for the empirical process under the β mixing condition $$k^{p/(p - 2)} (\log k)^{2(p - 1)/(p - 2)} \beta _k \to 0 as k \to \infty $$ In the case that the functions in theV-C subgraph class are uniformly bounded, we obtain uniform central limit theorems for the empirical process and theU-process, provided that the decay rate of the β mixing coefficient satisfies β k =O(k −r ) for somer>1. These conditions are almost minimal.
Rapidity of Passage of Chloride Ion from Blood into Gastric Juice of Stimulated Stomach.

SummaryThe foregoing observations show that “tagged” chloride ions when injected into the general circulation are identified in the acid gastric juice of the stimulated stomach in dog and in man as quickly as 60 to 120 seconds after injection. Presumably at least some of these ions in the juice were derived from the HC1 present. Tagged chloride ions continued to circulate in the blood for more than one hour after intravenous injection and were transported into the gastric juice continuously during this period. Such ions did appear in the urine but were detected at irregular intervals and in relatively low concentration.
Time course of osmoregulatory, metabolic, and endocrine stress responses of Pacific halibut following a 30-min air exposure

Summary Endocrine, metabolic and osmoregulatory changes in Pacific halibut upon capture and at intervals following a 30-min air exposure were measured. Concentrations of cortisol, sodium, and chloride in plasma and serum peaked two hours after the stressor. Thirty minutes after a 30-min air exposure concentrations of glucose in plasma had increased significantly from levels obtained immediately after the stressor and remained elevated for up to 4 h. Plasma lactate was also elevated 30 min after the stress treatment and lactate concentrations increased significantly at each subsequent sampling interval, 2 and 4 h. There was a significant linear increase in plasma lactate for fish sampled from 1.5 to 6.5 h after capture. Incidence of delayed mortality was low; of 22 experimentally stressed animals only one died over a 10-day monitoring period. These data illustrate the difficulties in using single time-point plasma indices of stress to assess condition of animals after capture since the time-course of physiological changes associated with the stress response vary with parameter measured and may take hours to be fully expressed.
Can invisible watermarks resolve rightful ownerships

Digital watermarks have been proposed in recent literature as the means for copyright protection of multimedia data. In this paper we address the capability of invisible watermarking schemes to resolve copyright ownerships. We will show that rightful ownerships cannot be resolved by current watermarking schemes alone. In addition, in the absence of standardization of watermarking procedures, anyone can claim ownership of any watermarked image. Specifically, we provide counterfeit watermarking schemes that can be performed on a watermarked image to allow multiple claims of rightful ownerships. We also proposed non-invertible watermarking schemes in this paper and discuss in general the usefulness of digital watermarks in identifying the rightful copyright owners. The results, coupled with the recent attacks on some image watermarks, further imply that we have to carefully re-think our approaches to invisible watermarking of images, and re- evaluate the promises, applications and limitations of such digital means of copyright protection.
Direct estimation of the survival time of commercially produced adult Trichogramma platneri Nagarkatti (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) under field conditions

Abstract Studies were conducted to estimate survival time of commercially produced Trichogramma platneri Nagarkatti (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) in a walnut orchard in California. Batches of 23±7 female T. platneri were held in sleeves of dialysis tubing attached to walnut tree branches. Mean time to 50% survivorship of unfed parasitoids was 2.0±0.1 days whereas honey-fed parasitoids lived significantly longer (2.6±0.1 days) than unfed parasitoids. The presence of a leaf within a sleeve also increased mean time to 50% survivorship (2.9±0.2 days), relative to unfed parasitoids. Median survival time was inversely correlated with mean temperature for all treatments. The relationship between degree–day accumulation and survivorship was described using a Weibull function. Survival time in the field was less than expected from comparable laboratory estimates and reasons for these differences are discussed.
HômEnergy: A system to reduce home energy usage for systems and information design symposium

American home energy consumers comprise a significant portion of ever-increasing U.S. domestic energy usage, and the rise in home energy rates now exceeds inflation. [1] If this trend continues, rising energy costs will further deplete home energy users' expendable income. The EIA projects electricity consumption in the US to grow by 2.9 percent during 2010, and another 1.2 percent next year. [2]
All-trans-Retinoic Acid Imprints Expression of the Gut-Homing Marker α4β7 while Suppressing Lymph Node Homing of Dendritic Cells

Tissue-directed trafficking of dendritic cells (DCs) as natural adjuvants and/or direct vaccine carriers is highly attractive for the next generation of vaccines and immunotherapeutics. Since these types of studies would undoubtedly befirst conducted using nonhuman primate models, we evaluated the ability of all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) to induce gut-homing 47 expression on rhesus macaque plasmacytoid and myeloid DCs (pDCs and mDCs, respectively). Induction of 47 occurred in both a timedependent and a dose-dependent manner with up to 8-fold increases for mDCs and 2-fold increases for pDCs compared to medium controls. ATRA treatment was also specific in inducing 47 expression, but not expression of another mucosal trafficking receptor, CCR9. Unexpectedly, upregulation of 47 was associated with a concomitant downregulation of CD62L, a marker of lymph node homing, indicating an overall shift in the trafficking repertoire. These same phenomena occurred with ATRA treatment of human and chimpanzee DCs, suggesting a conserved mechanism among primates. Collectively, these data serve as afirst evaluation for ex vivo modification of primate DC homing patterns that could later be used in reinfusion studies for the purposes of immunotherapeutics or mucosa-directed vaccines.
Detecting natural selection in high-altitude human populations

High-altitude natives have distinctive biological characteristics that appear to offset the stress of hypoxia. Evolutionary theory reasons that they reflect genetic adaptations resulting from natural selection on traits with heritable variation. Furthermore, high-altitude natives of the Andean and Tibetan Plateaus differ from one another, perhaps resulting from different evolutionary histories. Three approaches have developed a case for the possibility of population genetic differences: comparing means of classical physiological traits measured in samples of natives and migrants between altitudes, estimating genetic variance using statistical genetics techniques, and comparing features of species with different evolutionary histories. Tibetans have an inferred autosomal dominant major gene for high oxygen saturation that is associated with higher offspring survival, a strong indicator of ongoing natural selection. New approaches use candidate gene and genomic analyses. Conclusive evidence about population genetic differences and associations with phenotypes remains to be discovered.
Comparison of six RNA extraction methods for the detection of classical swine fever virus by real-time and conventional reverse transcription-PCR.

Six RNA extraction methods, i.e., RNAqueous kit, Micro-to-midi total RNA purification system, NucleoSpin RNA II, GenElute mammalian total RNA kit, RNeasy mini kit, and TRIzol LS reagent, were evaluated on blood and 7 tissues from pig infected with classical swine fever virus (CSFV). Each of the 6 extraction methods yielded sufficient RNA for positive results in a real-time reverse transcription-PCR (RT- PCR) for CSFV, and all RNA, except the one extracted from blood by TRIzol LS reagent, yielded positive results in both a conventional RT-PCR for CSFV and a conventional RT-PCR for an endogenous gene encoding b-actin. The RNA extracted from blood by TRIzol LS reagent became positive in both conventional RT-PCR assays when it was diluted to 1:2, 1:4, or up to 1:64 in nuclease-free water. It is concluded that all 6 methods are more or less useful for the detection of CSFV by real-time and conventional RT-PCR in swine blood and tissues. However, some of the 6 reagents offer certain advantages not common to all 6 extraction procedures. For example, RNA extracted by the TRIzol LS reagent constantly had the highest yield; that by the RNAqueous kit had the highest A260/A280 ratio for almost all samples; and that by the NucleoSpin RNA II and the GenElute mammalian total RNA kit was most likely to be free of contaminations with genomic DNA. A prerequisite for the performance of RT-PCR is an effi- cient method for RNA extraction. Currently there are nu- merous methods that can be used to isolate and purify RNA, but there are few studies comparing extraction methods for samples of animal origin. The present study was designed to evaluate 6 commercially available methods for extraction of total RNA from blood and tissue samples collected from a CSFV-infected pig. These methods were based on RNA- queous kit a (abbreviated as the RNAqueous in this report), Micro-to-midi total RNA purification system b (the Micro-to- midi), NucleoSpin RNA II c (the NucleoSpin), RNeasy mini kit d (the RNeasy), GenElute mammalian total RNA kit e (the GenElute), and TRIzol LS reagent b (the TRIzol). This article describes the results of the evaluation focusing mainly on the yield and purity of RNA extracted by these methods and the performance of the RNA in a real-time RT-PCR and a conventional RT-PCR for the CSFV genome and a conven- tional RT-PCR for the endogenous mammalian gene encod- ing cytoskeletal b-actin.
A Method of Automatic Training Sequence Generation for Recursive Neural Networks in the Area of Sensing Directional Motion

In the modeling of vision systems of biological organisms, one of the important features is the ability to sense motion (BorgGraham et al. 1992, Huntsberger 1995, Klauber 1997, Missler and Kamangar 1995, Rosenberg and Ariel 1991). Motion is sensed by animals through neurons that receive input over some area of the field of view (Newman et al. 1982 and Rosenberg and Ariel 1991). For such a neuron to function properly implies the ability to "remember" how things were in the past and combine that information with how things are in the present. In attempting to come up with a computationally efficient model of a motion neuron a Jordan-Elman network has been utilized. The Jordan-Elman network allows for a one time step remembrance of the state space, making it suitable for motion sensing (Jordan 1986 and Elman 1990). To train the network an automatic method of building a training sequence was developed based off earlier work done mostly through hand coding to allow for easy construction of motion sensing networks of differing features. A network with a 3x3 input field and a network with a 5x5 input field were trained using the automatic method of training sequence generation. These two networks were tested against a network with a 3x3 input field trained using the training set constructed partially by hand. Results favored the latter network, but the former networks showed future promise. It is hoped with the right modifications to the creation of their training sequence they will become better than their hand built ancestor.
The Association between Medical Costs and Participation in the Vitality Health Promotion Program among 948,974 Members of a South African Health Insurance Company:

Abstract Purpose. Examine the association between the levels of participation in an incentive-based health promotion program (Vitality) and inpatient medical claims among members of a major health insurer. Design. A 1-year, cross-sectional, correlational analyses of engagement with a health promotion program and hospital claims experience (admissions costs, days in hospital, and admission rate) of members of a national private health insurer. Setting. Adult members of South Africa's largest national private health insurer, Discovery Health. Insured members were also eligible for voluntary membership in an insurance-linked incentivized health promotion program, Vitality. Subjects. The study sample included 948,974 adult members of the Discovery Health plan for the year 2006. Of these, 591,134 (62.3%) were also members of the Vitality health promotion program. Measures. The study sample was grouped based on registration and the level of engagement with the Vitality health promotion program into the followin...
Ethical nuances of combining romance with medical practice

An elderly, widowed man with early dementia has required several surgical procedures for treatment of peripheral vascular disease over the years. Each of the operations has been performed by a single surgeon, for whom the patient and his family have developed enormous respect and admiration. The patient is quite wealthy, and at the urging of his unmarried adult daughter, his guardian, has endowed a professorship and directed that this surgeon be the first appointment to the new position. The surgeon has recently divorced, and soon after he accepts the medical school offer the daughter invites him to dinner alone at her apartment. What should he do?
Core Elements of Hospital Antibiotic Stewardship Programs From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

The proven benefits of antibiotic stewardship programs (ASPs) for optimizing antibiotic use and minimizing adverse events, such as Clostridium difficile and antibiotic resistance, have prompted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to recommend that all hospitals have an ASP. This article summarizes Core Elements of Hospital Antibiotic Stewardship Programs, a recently released CDC document focused on defining the infrastructure and practices of coordinated multidisciplinary programs to improve antibiotic use and patient care in US hospitals.
Application of NMR and Molecular Docking in Structure-Based Drug Discovery

Drug discovery is a complex and costly endeavor, where few drugs that reach the clinical testing phase make it to market. High-throughput screening (HTS) is the primary method used by the pharmaceutical industry to identify initial lead compounds. Unfortunately, HTS has a high failure rate and is not particularly efficient at identifying viable drug leads. These shortcomings have encouraged the development of alternative methods to drive the drug discovery process. Specifically, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and molecular docking are routinely being employed as important components of drug discovery research. Molecular docking provides an extremely rapid way to evaluate likely binders from a large chemical library with minimal cost. NMR ligand-affinity screens can directly detect a protein-ligand interaction, can measure a corresponding dissociation constant, and can reliably identify the ligand binding site and generate a co-structure. Furthermore, NMR ligand affinity screens and molecular docking are perfectly complementary techniques, where the combination of the two has the potential to improve the efficiency and success rate of drug discovery. This review will highlight the use of NMR ligand affinity screens and molecular docking in drug discovery and describe recent examples where the two techniques were combined to identify new and effective therapeutic drugs.