cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An in-depth investigation on quality management practices in China

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to capture the up-to-date development of quality management (QM) programs in China’s manufacturing landscape. The study aims to gain understanding on the current state-of-the-art QM programs adopted by Chinese manufacturing companies. Furthermore, the study investigates the key drivers and organizational characteristics that may shape the decisions on QM program adoption. Design/methodology/approach – To gain a deep understanding of QM in China’s manufacturing landscape, in-depth interviews were conducted with production managers, quality managers, and/or executives of 12 manufacturing companies in four cities in China in May and June 2012. Each interview lasted about two hours and covered all aspects of QM in the business, including what quality programs are in place and why the business adopts and implements these programs. Grounded theory approach is used to conduct qualitative analysis on the interview transcripts using NVivo 9, a qualitative data analysis progra...
Morte D'Author: An Autopsy

IN 1968, ROLAND BARTHES proclaimed the death of the author in a manner reminiscent of Nietzsche's proclamation of the death of God. Yet, similarities in manner notwithstanding, the two proclamations are radically different in nature. Nietzsche's proclamation is an obituary; Barthes' is a suicide note, and an enigmatic one at that, for "this enemy of authors is himself preeminently an author, a writer whose varied products reveal a personal style and vision."1 And what is worse than the fact that Barthes, himself an author, proclaimed the death of the author, is that he proclaimed it in writing. Assent to Barthes' claim has been, not surpris ingly, far from universal; however, in recent years increasing attention has been given to the phenomenon it attempts to describe. In the investigation of any mysterious death, one of the first steps is nor mally the positive identification of the body. Yet this step seems to have been left out of the investigation of the death of the author. No one (in cluding Barthes himself as well as his detractors) seems to be sure who died. For this reason, I shall attempt in this paper to perform an autopsy in both senses of the word.2 I shall examine the author's corpse with a special concern to establish its identity, and I shall study the event of the author's death by analyzing texts relevant to it. Barthes only hints at the history of the author; he says that the "author is a modern figure" which our society produced as it discovered (under the influence of British empiricism, French rationalism, and the Reformation) "the prestige of the individual."3 Michel Foucault gives a slightly fuller ac count in his essay "What Is an Author?" noting two features of the author's history. First, in apparent agreement with Barthes' characteriza tion of the author as "the epitome and culmination of capitalist ideology" (p. 143), Foucault says:
The Chemistry of Neutral Species in the D and E Regions

The photodissociation of molecular species such as oxygen, nitrogen, and water vapor in the upper atmosphere leads to the formation of a reservoir of chemical energy consisting of highly reactive atomic gases. The reactions of these with each other, and with the rest of the atmosphere, gives a complex neutral chemistry involving many species and reactions. Local equilibrium can rarely be assumed for these reactions; transport by the horizontal and vertical mean flow, by eddy diffusion, and by molecular diffusion has quite different effects on the various constituents, depending on the time constants. The entire subject of the neutral chemistry in the D and E regions (between 50 and 160 km altitude) is reviewed, and related to existing experimental results. Needs for further research on the subject are indicated.
Sustainability and Hamiltonian value

The relationships among the Hamiltonian, NNP, and the level of sustainable consumption/utility have been widely misunderstood. This paper dispels the misconceptions and provides further new insight into these relationships. We show generally that for autonomous dynamic optimizing economies, a necessary and sufficient condition for sustainability is the stationarity of the current-value Hamiltonian. For autonomous cases, this stationarity condition generalizes Dixit et al.'s (1980) "zero-net-aggregate-investment" rule of sustainability, which in turn generalizes Solow-Hartwick's sustainability rule. For non-autonomous cases, however, except when the net "pure time effect" is constant over time, the stationarity condition is unfulfilled. In non-autonomous cases, Weitzman's (1976) "stationary equivalence" result does not hold, and the current-value Hamiltonian will underestimate (overestimate) the true welfare level when the net "pure time effect" is positive (negative). However, for the special non-autonomous case of a time-dependent utility discount rate we obtain a condition on the discount rate function that upholds the results obtained for autonomous cases. In turn, this condition extends Michel's (1982) transversality condition for the infinite-horizon autonomous control problems to problems with time dependent discount rates.
Prenatal diagnosis of coarctation of the aorta with the multiplanar display and B-flow imaging using 4-dimensional sonography.

Coarctation of the aorta is characterized by narrowing of the distal aortic arch. This obstructive lesion may reduce the blood flow in the fetal aortic arch, leading to arch hypoplasia, although in some cases this may only be clinically evident after birth. A sonographic finding described in neonates with coarctation of the aorta is the "contraductal shelf," which has been proposed to represent residual fibrous tissue derived from the ductus arteriosus. B-flow is a display modality in 4-dimensional (4D) sonography that enhances signals from weak blood reflectors from vessels, suppresses strong signals from surrounding tissues, and is angle independent. Here, we report a case of coarctation of the aorta diagnosed in utero in which B-flow imaging provided important insight into the location and nature of this aortic arch anomaly.
Inquiry through Modeling: Exploring the Tensions between Natural & Sexual Selection using Crickets

The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS Lead States, 2013) recommend that science courses engage communities of students in scientific practices that include building accurate conceptual models of phenomena central to the understanding of scientific disciplines. We offer a set of activities, implemented successfully at both the secondary and postsecondary levels, that involve students in guided inquiry toward creation and progressive revision of a robust model of selection that accounts for both natural and sexual selection and their complicated relationship to one another at the level of individuals and populations. Requiring students to progressively revise their models in light of data and previous understanding replicates scientific practice and allows for authentic assessment of students’ growing content knowledge, understanding, and skills regarding scientific modeling and communication processes.
Arsenic in Dermatology

BACKGROUND Arsenic is a chemical carcinogen that exists naturally and in the workplace. OBJECTIVES Review exposure, clinical signs of arsenic exposure, and the carcinogenic potential. METHOD Review of literature. RESULTS Arsenic is a known carcinogen that occurs both naturally and in the workplace. It causes cutaneous malignancies, hyperpigmentation, palmer and plantar keratosis, and internal malignancies, especially of the lung and bladder. CONCLUSION Exposure risks need to be well publicized. Those people with known exposure need regular full skin exams as well as close follow-up by their primary care physician.
A ∼60-min brisk walk increases insulin-stimulated glucose disposal but has no effect on hepatic and adipose tissue insulin sensitivity in older women

The purpose of this study was to determine whether brisk walking improves multiorgan (liver, muscle, adipose tissue) insulin sensitivity in older women. Ten nonobese older women (age: 66.7 ± 1.5 yr...
Uses and limitations of measurements of rates of isotopic exchange and incorporation in catalyzed reactions.

Abstract Equations are given for the rate of enzymic reactions at equilibrium in terms of velocity constants and concentrations of enzyme and reactants. Relationships are developed for reactions of the type A ⇌ B and A + B ⇌ C + D. The general equation for the latter type may be used to derive relationships for simpler systems and for reactions involving compulsory order of combination of enzyme and substrates. The relationships show, among other things, that measurements of isotopic exchange rates at equilibrium can lead to determinations of dissociation constants for enzyme-substrate intermediates in some simple systems. The relationships may also be useful in detection of compulsory orders of combination of reactants with an enzyme. Equations for the relative rates of exchange of two reactants in an enzymic reaction define clearly conditions where these rates may be unequal and independent of steps in which covalent bonds are formed or broken. Limitations of exchange data to predict occurrence of reaction steps involving covalent bond formation are pointed out. In addition, the considerations impose severe and insufficiently recognized limitations on the measurements of the relative rates or amounts of isotope incorporation for prediction of the occurrence or importance of metabolic pathways.
Strategic responses to institutional change: Parties, committees and multiple referral

Although multiple referral seems to remove committees' gatekeeping power, strategic opportunities exist for motivated committees to dominate late stages of the legislative process. Multiple referral does not necessarily diminish the power of committees, but it does solve an important problem for the leadership. If the goal of the leadership is to maximize the number of majority party members reelected, it will make procedural decisions to favor groups within the majority party that care the most about the issue. Multiple referral provides the leadership with information about preference intensity when jurisdiction is unclear. The committee willing to exert the most effort for a bill, even if this effort takes the form of strategic behavior, is the committee most affected by the issue.
Heterogeneity of defensive responses after exposure to trauma: Blunted autonomic reactivity in response to startling sounds

Abstract Research on threat responses, particularly among trauma-exposed individuals, has traditionally focused on increased autonomic arousal and reactivity. However, clinical features associated with trauma exposure, such as dissociation (e.g., shutting down or “spacing out”) manifest as the opposite pattern: non-reactivity and blunted arousal. These clinical features suggest that the possibility of threat responses other than fight/flight, namely, immobilization may be undergirded by hyper- or hypo-arousal. The goal of this paper is to examine autonomic responses to a stressful stimulus (acoustic startle) using analytic approaches which have been previously used to examine defensive responses before: heart rate acceleration, heart rate deceleration, and skin conductance response. We examined these responses in relation to symptoms (Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, and dissociation) and trauma exposure (cumulative exposure, age of onset) in a sample of trauma-exposed college students. We found evidence of blunted reactivity, with decreased acceleration and skin conductance, but with increased deceleration, particularly among individuals who had significant symptoms and early exposure to multiple types of trauma. However, individuals with sub-clinical symptoms and more attenuated exposure had large heart rate acceleration and skin conductance responses during the task. Taken together, these findings suggest that moderate symptoms and trauma exposure are related to exaggerated autonomic responses, while extreme symptoms and trauma exposure are related to blunted autonomic responses. These findings further suggest heterogeneity of stress responses within individuals with PTSD and with trauma exposure.
Prolegomenon to patterns in evolution.

Abstract Despite Darwin, we remain children of Newton and dream of a grand theory that is epistemologically complete and would allow prediction of the evolution of the biosphere. The main purpose of this article is to show that this dream is false, and bears on studying patterns of evolution. To do so, I must justify the use of the word “function” in biology, when physics has only happenings. The concept of “function” lifts biology irreducibly above physics, for as we shall see, we cannot prestate the ever new biological functions that arise and constitute the very phase space of evolution. Hence, we cannot mathematize the detailed becoming of the biosphere, nor write differential equations for functional variables we do not know ahead of time, nor integrate those equations, so no laws “entail” evolution. The dream of a grand theory fails. In place of entailing laws, I propose a post-entailing law explanatory framework in which Actuals arise in evolution that constitute new boundary conditions that are enabling constraints that create new, typically unprestatable, adjacent possible opportunities for further evolution, in which new Actuals arise, in a persistent becoming. Evolution flows into a typically unprestatable succession of adjacent possibles. Given the concept of function, the concept of functional closure of an organism making a living in its world becomes central. Implications for patterns in evolution include historical reconstruction, and statistical laws such as the distribution of extinction events, or species per genus, and the use of formal cause, not efficient cause, laws.
PHOTOHEMOLYTIC LESIONS: STOICHIOMETRY OF CREATION BY PHLOXINE B

The uptake of the halogenated fluorescein sensitizers, Rose Bengal and phloxine B, by erythrocyte membranes was measured as a function of incubation time. Ghost membranes concentrate the sensitizers to levels greatly in excess of the sensitizer concentration in the suspension medium. Most of the uptake occurs in the first hour and is virtually complete by four hours. It is not significantly affected by stirring under the present conditions. The distribution of sensitizer cannot be explained as partitioning between immiscible solvents. Rather the data fits the Freundlich adsorption isotherm over a wide range of sensitizer concentrations and ghost protein values. Photohemolysis experiments were performed using sensitizer concentrations and incubation times similar to those used in the sensitizer uptake studies. The kinetics of lysis were found to vary with the 1.2 power of sensitizer concentration using PB. When combined with the uptake data for this sensitizer, these results imply that photohemolytic lesions in the red cell membrane are formed by the action of two sensitizer molecules.
Effects of inorganic complexing on the toxicity of copper to Daphnia magna

Effects of carbonate-bicarbonate, orthophosphate, and pyrophosphate on the toxicity of copper (II) to Daphnia magna were studied at constant pH and total hardness. Mortality rates and reciprocal survival times were directly correlated with cupric (Cu2+) and copper hydroxy (Cu(OH)n) ion activities as determined by equilibrium calculations. Toxicity was negatively related to activities of soluble copper carbonate (CuCO3) and other complexes, and was found to be independent of dissolved copper or total copper concentrations.
Regular trees and the free iterative theory

Abstract This paper establishes the relationship between regular trees, equationally defined trees, and Elgot's iterative algebraic theories; in particular, it provides a regular tree characterization of the free iterative theory and an equational tree characterization of the free iterative theory. These tree characterizations have implications for decision problems involving flowchart schemes interpreted in iterative theories and they also help to explicate the connections between order theoretic and non-order theoretic fixed point models for iteration.
A Lower Lipschitz Condition for the Stable Subordinator

lim sup _ 1 ~ o oz,_<a ~b(h) 0 < h < e almost surely. Since the Brownian motion process is the only stable process with continuoas sample paths we can have no such result for stable processes of index c~, c~ < 2. We can, however, pose a related question for the stable subordinator, T t (co). Here the sample paths are increasing and one can ask to what extent they are uniformly increasing. In other words, for what functions ~b, if any, do we have
Anti-diffusive flux corrections for high order finite difference WENO schemes

In this paper, we generalize a technique of anti-diffusive flux corrections, recently introduced by Despres and Lagoutiere [Journal of Scientific Computing 16 (2001) 479-524] for first-order schemes, to high order finite difference weighted essentially non-oscillatory (WENO) schemes. The objective is to obtain sharp resolution for contact discontinuities, close to the quality of discrete traveling waves which do not smear progressively for longer time, while maintaining high order accuracy in smooth regions and non-oscillatory property for discontinuities. Numerical examples for one and two space dimensional scalar problems and systems demonstrate the good quality of this flux correction. High order accuracy is maintained and contact discontinuities are sharpened significantly compared with the original WENO schemes on the same meshes.
Spatial and Temporal Dynamics of T Cell Receptor Signaling with a Photoactivatable Agonist

The precise timing of signals downstream of the T cell receptor (TCR) is poorly understood. To address this problem, we prepared major histocompatibility complexes containing an antigenic peptide that is biologically inert until exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light. UV irradiation of these complexes in contact with cognate T cells enabled the high-resolution temporal analysis of signaling. Phosphorylation of the LAT adaptor molecule was observed in 4 s, and diacylglycerol production and calcium flux was observed in 6-7 s. TCR activation also induced cytoskeletal polarization within 2 min. Antibody blockade of CD4 reduced the intensity of LAT phosphorylation and the speed of calcium flux. Furthermore, strong desensitization of diacylglycerol production, but not LAT phosphorylation, occurred shortly after TCR activation, suggesting that different molecular events play distinct signal-processing roles. These results establish the speed and localization of early signaling steps, and have important implications regarding the overall structure of the network.
Overlay multicast for MANETs using dynamic virtual mesh

Overlay multicast protocol builds a virtual mesh spanning all member nodes of a multicast group. It employs standard unicast routing and forwarding to fulfill multicast functionality. The advantages of this approach are robustness and low overhead. However, efficiency is an issue since the generated multicast trees are normally not optimized in terms of total link cost and data delivery delay. In this paper, we propose an efficient overlay multicast protocol to tackle this problem in MANET environment. The virtual topology gradually adapts to the changes in underlying network topology in a fully distributed manner. To save control overhead, the participating nodes only keep a fisheye view of the dynamic mesh. The multicast tree is progressively adjusted according to the latest local topology information. Simulations are conducted to evaluate the tree quality. The results show that our approach solves the efficiency problem effectively.
Identifying variably saturated water-flow patterns in a steep hillslope under intermittent heavy rainfall

The objective of this paper is to identify water-flow patterns in part of an active landslide, through the use of numerical simulations and data obtained during a field study. The approaches adopted include measuring rainfall events and pore-pressure responses in both saturated and unsaturated soils at the site. To account for soil variability, the Richards equation is solved within deterministic and stochastic frameworks. The deterministic simulations considered average water-retention data, adjusted retention data to account for stones or cobbles, retention functions for a heterogeneous pore structure, and continuous retention functions for preferential flow. The stochastic simulations applied the Monte Carlo approach which considers statistical distribution and autocorrelation of the saturated conductivity and its cross correlation with the retention function. Although none of the models is capable of accurately predicting field measurements, appreciable improvement in accuracy was attained using stochastic, preferential flow, and heterogeneous pore-structure models. For the current study, continuum-flow models provide reasonable accuracy for practical purposes, although they are expected to be less accurate than multi-domain preferential flow models.
Extraction and analysis of low concentrations of DDT, DDE and DDD in small volumes of sediment pore water

Abstract As a result of effluent discharges by a previous chemical manufacturer, sediments in the Huntsville Spring Branch-Indian Creek (HSB-IC) near Huntsville, AL are contaminated with DDT and its metabolites. This area was selected as a field location at which to evaluate equilibrium partitioning theory (EqP) to predict the bioavailability of nonionic organic chemicals associated with sediments. An important component of the evaluation of EqP features determination of contaminant concentrations in the sediment interstitial (pore) water. The objective of our study was to develop an analytical method to measure o,p′- and p,p′-DDE, DDD and DDT at low concentrations (
Fabrication of high-efficiency multilayer-coated binary blazed gratings in the EUV regime

Improving the efficiency of soft X-ray and extreme ultraviolet (EUV) gratings by way of multilayer reflection coatings has been under investigation for many years. Here we present the fabrication and characterization of binary blazed gratings designed to operate in the 14 nm wavelength region. These binary gratings are stepped approximations to the ideal sawtooth blazed-grating profile and are fabricated directly into a layer of photoresist. Normal-incidence reflection efficiencies as high as 25% into the first-diffracted order have been demonstrated.
Histological analysis of a displaced femoral ring allograft spacer filled with a recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2-soaked collagen sponge. A case report.

R ecombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) has been tested as a bone-graft substitute in randomized, prospective clinical trials since 19971-4. In certain procedures, its efficacy with regard to both arthrodesis rates and clinical outcome has equaled that obtained with iliac crest bone graft. The United States Food and Drug Administration recently approved the use of rhBMP-2 as a bone-graft replacement during anterior lumbar interbody arthrodesis in conjunction with a tapered, threaded intervertebral cage (LT-CAGE; Medtronic Sofamor Danek, Minneapolis, Minnesota). Although the Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of rhBMP-2 only in conjunction with the LT-CAGE device, an off-label use of rhBMP-2 with structural allograft bone in anterior lumbar interbody arthrodesis has been reported. A pilot clinical trial in which allograft bone dowels and an rhBMP-2-soaked absorbable collagen sponge were used for lumbar interbody arthrodesis demonstrated favorable outcomes and good arthrodesis rates3. There have been some concerns about the potential up-regulation of osteoclastic activity leading to rapid resorption of the allograft when the allograft is used with rhBMP-2. Some of this concern originates from the fact that rhBMP-2 can stimulate differentiation and enhance survival of some populations of osteoclasts5. However, thus far, this concern has not been clearly validated in basic science or clinical investigations. In fact, rhBMP-2 has been used to enhance healing of allograft fractures in rats6 and to enhance the biomechanical properties of allograft-native bone interface in dogs7. We report a case in which a femoral ring spacer filled with an rhBMP-2-soaked sponge was retrieved from a woman who had undergone a combined anterior and posterior spinal reconstruction but had early dislodgment of the interbody graft. To our knowledge, this is the first report of retrieval and analysis of an rhBMP-2-soaked collagen sponge in …
Second-trimester echogenic bowel and chromosomal abnormalities

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to examine the outcomes of pregnancies in which echogenic bowel was detected in the second trimester. STUDY DESIGN: Twenty-two cases with a prospective diagnosis of echogenic bowel were reviewed. Karyotypic studies were performed in 19 cases, and 17 families had deoxyribonucleic acid-based risk assessment for cystic fibrosis. The echogenicity of the bowel was retrospectively reviewed and graded as mild or bright. RESULTS: Five cases of trisomy 21 and one case of trisomy 18 were detected; four of these had other ultrasonographic abnormalities. Twenty-seven percent of fetuses with echogenic bowel were aneuploid. Risk was greatest for cases with brightly echogenic bowel. No cystic fibrosis mutations were detected. The diagnosis of echogenic bowel was reproducible. CONCLUSION: Brightly echogenic bowel in the second trimester was found to be associated with asignificant risk of fetal aneuploidy. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 1992;167:889–94.)
Synthesis and purification of oligoribonucleotides using T4 RNA ligase and reverse-phase chromatography

T4 RNA ligase has been used to construct a series of defined oligoribonucleotides. Hexamer or pentamer blocks were synthesized first by multiple additions of mononucleotide diphosphates to trimers with T4 RNA ligase and removal of the terminal phosphate with alkaline phosphatase; inhibitors of the ligase were removed by passing the sample over a 1-ml reverse-phase octadecasilyl column. The two nucleotide blocks were then ligated to give undecamers. Yields for the individual ligations ranged from 85 to 100% for acceptors lacking uridines and at least 70% for those containing uridines. The overall yield of the undecamer relative to the starting trimers was about 10%. Each round of ligation averaged about 8 h; the time required to synthesize each undecamer was 1 to 2 weeks. Optimization of the steps to achieve this is described in detail.
Poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide)-Polystyrene Interpenetrating Polymer Networks

Interpenetrating polymer networks (IPN’s) are a novel type of polyblend composed of crosslinked polymers. They are more or less intimate mixtures of two or more distinct crosslinked polymers with no covalent bonds between the polymers. True IPN’s may be described as combinations of chemically dissimilar polymers in which the chains of one polymer are completely entangled with those of the other, i.e., a homogeneous morphology results.
Costs of eliminating malaria and the impact of the global fund in 34 countries

Background International financing for malaria increased more than 18-fold between 2000 and 2011; the largest source came from The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (Global Fund). Countries have made substantial progress, but achieving elimination requires sustained finances to interrupt transmission and prevent reintroduction. Since 2011, global financing for malaria has declined, fueling concerns that further progress will be impeded, especially for current malaria-eliminating countries that may face resurgent malaria if programs are disrupted. Objectives This study aims to 1) assess past total and Global Fund funding to the 34 current malaria-eliminating countries, and 2) estimate their future funding needs to achieve malaria elimination and prevent reintroduction through 2030. Methods Historical funding is assessed against trends in country-level malaria annual parasite incidences (APIs) and income per capita. Following Kizewski et al. (2007), program costs to eliminate malaria and prevent reintroduction through 2030 are estimated using a deterministic model. The cost parameters are tailored to a package of interventions aimed at malaria elimination and prevention of reintroduction. Results The majority of Global Fund-supported countries experiencing increases in total funding from 2005 to 2010 coincided with reductions in malaria APIs and also overall GNI per capita average annual growth. The total amount of projected funding needed for the current malaria-eliminating countries to achieve elimination and prevent reintroduction through 2030 is approximately US$8.5 billion, or about $1.84 per person at risk per year (PPY) (ranging from $2.51 PPY in 2014 to $1.43 PPY in 2030). Conclusions Although external donor funding, particularly from the Global Fund, has been key for many malaria-eliminating countries, sustained and sufficient financing is critical for furthering global malaria elimination. Projected cost estimates for elimination provide policymakers with an indication of the level of financial resources that should be mobilized to achieve malaria elimination goals.
Calcifying odontogenic cyst: A clinicopathologic study of 57 cases with immunohistochemical evaluation for cytokeratin

Abstract Purpose: A clinicopathologic study of all cases accessioned as calcifying odontogenic cyst (COC) from 1971 to 1996 from the files of the Oral Pathology Laboratory at Temple University School of Medicine was undertaken. Materials and Methods: Microscopic slides and clinical histories of cases diagnosed as calcifying odontogenic cyst were reviewed and analyzed. Ten cases were processed for cytokeratin immunohistochemical staining. Results: Fifty-seven cases were reviewed, 28 males and 29 females. Patients' ages ranged from 7 to 83 years, with a mean age of 49.8 years. Thirty-four cases involved the mandible and 23 were from the maxilla. Seventeen were reported in peripheral locations, and 38 occurred centrally within the jaws. Two were found both centrally and peripherally. The most common clinical sign for central lesions was a radiolucency sometimes associated with a jaw expansion. The most common clinical complaint for peripheral lesions was a nodular growth on the gingiva. Although lining epithelial cells were strongly positive for cytokeratin, full-blown ghost cells and disintegrating ghost cells were nonreactive. Conclusion: Calcifying odontogenic cyst can occur in any age-group, intraosseously or extraosseously, and as a solid lesion. No recurrences were found after surgical removal in the current series.
Children's Understanding of Emotion Communication in Families

SUMMARY There is a paucity of research on children's awareness of how emotion communication varies within relationships. Indeed, we operate on the assumption that a very significant function of emotion is to regulate interpersonal interaction. In this essay we discuss how children come to understand such phenomena as: (a) emotional-expressive behavior can have powerful interpersonal consequences; (b) relationship dimensions such as degree of power and closeness interact with intensity of emotion in how emotion is communicated; and (c) maintenance of relationship quality (e.g., equilibrium, attenuation, or deepening) requires different strategies of emotion communication. Among the constructs that we address are several that are useful for understanding the dynamics of interpersonal communication; they have also proven their utility over a considerable period of time. However, these constructs derive from social psychology and family systems; they have not been systematically investigated from a developmen...
The effect of malpractice liability on the delivery of rural obstetrical care.

A telephone survey of all non-governmental obstetricians, family physicians, general practitioners, and osteopathic physicians in rural Arizona was undertaken to determine the effect of medical liability issues on the availability of rural obstetrical services. One hundred ninety-one (88.8%) responded, and after exclusion of those who had never provided obstetrical care, 126 physicians remained for evaluation. These included 32 obstetricians, 55 family physicians, 25 general practitioners, and 14 osteopaths. During the past three years, 26 (20.6%) had discontinued providing obstetrical services, citing liability issues as the reason. An additional 12 physicians (9–5%) planned to discontinue obstetrics upon expiration of their 1986 malpractice insurance policy. By the end of 1986, the number of obstetrical providers in rural Arizona will have decreased by 30.1 percent. Women in many rural areas already have pregnancy outcomes that are inferior to their urban counterparts. A further decrease in the availability of obstetrical providers may have additional adverse effects on pregnancy outcomes.
A Geostatistical Approach to Linking Geographically Aggregated Data From Different Sources

The widespread availability of digital spatial data and the capabilities of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) make it possible to easily synthesize spatial data from a variety of sources. More often than not, data have been collected at different geographic scales, and each of the scales may be different from the one of interest. Geographic information systems effortlessly handle these types of problems through raster and geoprocessing operations based on proportional allocation and centroid smoothing techniques. However, these techniques do not provide a measure of uncertainty in the estimates and lack the ability to incorporate important covariate information that may be used to improve the estimates. They also often ignore the different spatial supports (e.g., shape and orientation) of the data. On the other hand, statistical solutions to change-of-support problems are rather specific and difficult to implement. In this article, we present a general geostatistical framework for linking geographic da...
Is an individual calving pen better than a group calving pen for preventing transmission of Mycobacterium avium subsp paratuberculosis in calves? Results from a field trial.

Abstract The objective of this study was to quantify the efficacy of using individual calving pens (ICP) from which manure was removed between successive calving compared with group calving pens (GCP) for limiting transmission of Mycobacterium avium subsp paratuberculosis (MAP) in Holstein calves. Every other pregnant cow in three Minnesota MAP endemic herds was assigned to calve in either the ICP or the GCP within 48–72 h prior to expected calving. Heifer calves born in the ICP were assigned to the intervention group ( n = 238) while heifer calves born in the GCP were considered controls ( n = 211). Calves were separated from their dams as soon as was possible once the calf was found. The intervention within the ICP relative to the GCP was the removal of fecal material in the ICP immediately after each birth. Upon enrollment in 2005, calves were monitored into adulthood. Of the original animals enrolled, 318 were tested for MAP at least once in 2007, 2009, or 2010 using serum ELISA (ICP, n = 165; GCP, n = 141) and bacterial culture of feces (ICP, n = 173; GCP, n = 145) tests. Cox regression analysis was performed to evaluate the time until MAP test positivity. Cows born in the ICP had a hazard ratio of 0.37 (95% CI = 0.34–0.4) for testing MAP serum ELISA positive, compared with cows born in GCP. Similarly, cows born in the ICP had a hazard ratio of 0.09 (95% CI = 0.06–0.14) for testing MAP fecal culture positive, compared with cows born in GCP. The Cox proportional-hazard assumption was violated in both models such that differences observed in the instantaneous hazards of MAP positive outcomes between groups (ICP vs. GCP) subsequently diminished overtime. These findings indicate that using ICP for calving delays exposure to MAP in calves and provides an effective strategy for reducing peripartum MAP transmission risks in herds attempting to limit the impact of paratuberculosis.
Penta-, hexa-, and hepta- coordinated cationic metal complexes of trimethyl phosphate

Abstract Interaction of trimethyl phosphate (TMP) with metal perchlorates in triethyl orthoformate leads to the formation of cationic complexes of the types: [M(TMP)6]n+ (M = Mg(II), Ca(II), Al(III), Cr(III), Fe(III), [Ce(TMP)6(OClO3]2+, [M(TMP)5]2+ (M = Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn) and [Ni(TMP)5 (H2O)]2+. The pentacoordinated Mn(II), Fe(II), Co(II) and Cu(II) complexes are of the high-spin type. The new complexes were characterized by means of spectral, magnetic, conductance and X-ray powder diffraction studies. A distorted Oh symmetry was assigned to the hexacoordinated cationic complexes, and a symmetry closer to C4v than D3h to the pentacoordinated complex cations. Solid-state and solution electronic spectra are discussed and compared to those reported for complexes of neutral organophosphoryl esters. Steric effects influencing the stabilization of higher-coordinated cationic metal complexes become more favorable as the number of methoxy substituents in ligands of the type RR′2PO(R,R′ = CH3 or CH3O) increases.
Pathways to depressed mood for midlife women: observations from the Seattle Midlife Women's Health Study.

To differentiate women who experience patterns of depressed mood with respect to their perceptions of menopausal changes and those that were part of everyday life, women (N=347) from the Seattle Midlife Women's Health Study were studied. Women participated in in-depth interviews, kept symptom diaries, and responded to mailed health updates. Data for years 1 and 2 on the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale revealed four patterns of depressed mood: consistent depressed mood, emerging depressed mood, resolving depressed mood, and absence of depressed mood. Discriminant function analyses differentiated women with consistent, emerging, and resolving depressed mood from those with absence of depressed mood. Patterns of depressed mood were related to stressful life context, past/present health status, and social learning about midlife. Menopausal status did not differentiate women with patterns of depressed mood from those without depressed mood. Vasomotor symptoms, history of premenstrual syndrome, and postpartum blues helped differentiate women with consistently depressed mood from those recovering from depressed mood.
Prostaglandin synthetase inhibitors antagonize hypothermia induced by sedative hypnotics

Previous studies in our laboratory have demonstrated that inhibition of prostaglandin biosynthesis through pretreatment with aspirin and other prostaglandin synthetase inhibitors (PGSI) significantly reduces CNS sensitivity to a hypnotic dose of ethanol. Indomethacin, a potent PGSI, was administered to male LS, SS, and HS/Ibg mice (65±10 days of age) 15 min prior to administration of a hypnotic dose of ethanol or pentobarbital. Doses of indomethacin used were identical to those previously reported as optimally antogonizing ethanol-induced sleep. Another group received a vehicle-control injection, while a third group also received a control injection, but were placed in a incubator maintained at 30±1°C. Body temperatures were recorded periodically for several hours. Both indomethacin and incubation significantly reduced hypothermia induced by ethanol and pentobarbital. Incubation increased sleep time after ethanol, but did not affect pentobarbital sleep time. These results suggest that the hypnotic and hypothermic effects of ethanol, although possibly mediated through prostaglandins, apparently are not causally linked.
Determination of azoferredoxin activity using cold-inactivated crude extracts of Clostridium pasteurianum

Abstract The cold-labile component that is required for N 2 fixation is azoferredoxin (AzoFd) and it can be preferentially inactivated by cold treating a crude N 2 -fixing extract. A method is described by which AzoFd activity can be readily determined by measuring the rate of acetylene or N 2 reduction by a combination of AzoFd with a cold-inactivated crude extract from Clostridium pasteurianum . The use of this method in measuring AzoFd activity in the course of its purification is reported.
Reliability of retrieving information from knowledge structures in memory: Scripts

Research has shown that the reliability of retrieving information from knowledge structures in memory is surprisingly low. For many knowledge structures only about half the information retrieved in one session is the same information retrieved in a second session 1 week later. A number of theorists have argued that knowledge structures known as scripts are particularly important and well-organized knowledge structures. The purpose of the two experiments reported here was to determine the reliability of retrieving script information from memory. In Experiment 1, 10 scripts were tested. It was found that the reliability of retrieving information from scripts had a mean value of.50, which is no larger a value than values found for many other knowledge structures. On the other hand, any script information recalled in both sessions was almost always recalled in the same relative order. The mean output-output correlation was.92. The results of Experiment 2 demonstrated that the strict ordering of script actions by the subjects was not the result of ordering instructions.
Radiative corrections to $mu$ decay in the SO(3) gauge model

We have examined the radiative corrections to $\ensuremath{\mu}$ decay in the SO(3) gauge model. Quantizing a theory in the generalized ${R}_{\ensuremath{\eta}}$ formalism, we have proved by actual calculation that the theory yields a gauge-independent $S$ matrix and is unitary when all the contributions are summed up. Taking the dimensional regularization method, we carried out the renormalization program in the Landau gauge, in which the ultraviolet divergences are shown to be eliminated by rescaling of the independent physical parameters and the wave functions in the original gauge-symmetric Lagrangian. We have also shown how to introduce an infinitesimally small mass to a photon without breaking the renormalizability of the theory in order to treat the infrared problem. We have then obtained the finite radiative corrections to $\ensuremath{\mu}$ decay without either ultraviolet or infrared divergences. The theory is indistinguishable from the classical theories of weak interactions as long as we observe only the $\ensuremath{\mu}$ decay, neglecting terms of order $O(\frac{\ensuremath{\alpha}m_{f}^{}{}_{}{}^{2}}{M_{W}^{}{}_{}{}^{2}})$. Similarly, we have computed the finite radiative corrections to $\ensuremath{\beta}$ decay. The ratio of $\ensuremath{\mu}$- and $\ensuremath{\beta}$-decay coupling constants is now model-dependent. In the case of the SO(3) gauge model, it depends on the fermion mass spectra of the model.
The differential effects of IL-1 and TNF-α on proinflammatory cytokine and matrix metalloproteinase expression in human chondrosarcoma cells

Objective and design:Interleukin-1 (IL-1), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play important roles in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA). In the present study, using Affymetrix oligonucleotide array technology and real-time quantitative RT-PCR we have investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying the differential effect of IL-1 and TNF-α on gene expression in the human chondrosarcoma cell line, SW1353.
Interaction of reduced glutathione with bovine brain tubulin.

Abstract Incubation of phosphocellulose-purified tubulin with GSH at 30°C results in an inhibition of colchicine binding activity. GSSG has a protective effect against the GSH-induced loss of colchicine-binding. Incubation of tubulin with GSH at 30°C results in the formation of abnormal tubulin polymers which are insensitive to cold. Such aggregation is insensitive to antimicrotubular drugs. Aggregation is inhibited by GSSG but not by DTT or mercaptoethanol. GSH-induced aggregation is very sensitive to the ionic strength of the assembly medium; both the aggregation and colchicine binding inhibition induced by GSH are inhibited at higher ionic strength. These results indicate a very complex interaction of GSH with tubulin.
Role of acid and duodenogastroesophageal reflux in gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Abstract BACKGROUND & AIMS: Acid and pepsin are known to cause esophagitis. However, the role of duodenogastroesophageal reflux (DGER) in producing esophageal mucosal injury across the spectrum of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is controversial. METHODS: Twenty controls (13 men; mean age, 41 years), 30 patients with GERD (15 men; mean age, 41 years), and 20 patients with Barrett's esophagus (17 men; mean age, 58 years) were studied. Twenty-four-hour ambulatory acid and bilirubin measurements were obtained with Bilitec 2000 using a glass pH electrode and fiberoptic sensor. RESULTS: Percentage times pH was or=0.14, and fasting gastric bile acid concentrations showed a graded increase across the GERD spectrum. Esophageal exposure to both acid and DGER was the most prevalent reflux pattern (100% in patients with complicated and 89% in patients with uncomplicated Barrett's esophagus, 79% in patients with esophagitis, and 50% in patients without esophagitis). The majority (70%-91%) of DGER episodes occurred in an acidic environment (pH or=0.14. CONCLUSIONS: Both acid and DGER show a graded increase in severity across the GERD spectrum. Acid and DGER occur simultaneously in the majority of the reflux episodes. (Gastroenterology 1996 Nov;111(5):1192-9)
Can curcumin cure cystic fibrosis

The most common cystic fibrosis mutation prevents the mutant protein (which forms a chloride channel) from reaching its usual destination: the cell surface. A recent study suggests that curcumin, a nutraceutical, may correct the effect of the mutation.
Permeability characteristics of the peritrophic membranes of Manduca sexta larvae

Abstract The in vitro permeability of the fifth-instar larval peritrophic membranes (or peritrophic envelope) varies from larva to larva of the same age, varies along the length of the membranes within the same larva, and appears to vary with the age of the larva. The permeability of glucose through the anterior half of the peritrophic membranes, of day-2 larvae, ranged from 2.4 to 6.2% crossing/cm2 peritrophic membranes/h. The permeability of the peritrophic membranes from individual larvae is lower at the posterior than at the anterior end; the reduction in permeability for five larvae ranged from 35 to 53%. Although the permeabilities of some day-2 and day-3 larvae fall within a similar range, the data suggest that the peritrophic membranes permeability falls as the larvae approach wandering.