cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Presentation, Heritability, and Genome-Wide Linkage Analysis of the Midchildhood Growth Spurt in Healthy Children from the Fels Longitudinal Study

Growth is a complex process composed of distinct phases over the course of childhood. Although the pubertal growth spurt has received the most attention from auxologists and pediatricians, the midchildhood growth spurt has been less well studied. The midchildhood growth spurt refers to a relatively small increase in growth velocity observed in some, but not necessarily all, children in early to middle childhood. If present, the midchildhood growth spurt typically occurs sometime between the ages of 4 and 8 years, well before the onset of the far more pronounced pubertal growth spurt. In this study we used a triple logistic curve-fitting method to fit individual growth curves to serial stature data from 579 healthy participants in the Fels Longitudinal Study, 479 of whom have been genotyped for about 400 short tandem repeat (STR) markers spanning the genome. We categorized individuals according to the presence or absence of a midchildhood growth spurt and then conducted heritability and genome-wide linkage analyses on the dichotomous trait. In the total sample of 579 individuals, 336 (58%) were found to have evidence of having had a midchildhood growth spurt. There was a marked sex difference in presence of the midchildhood growth spurt, however, with 232 of the 293 males (79%) having had a midchildhood growth spurt but just 104 of the 286 females (36%) having had one. Presence of a midchildhood growth spurt was found to have a significant heritability of 0.37 ± 0.14 (p = 0.003). Two quantitative trait loci with suggestive LOD scores were found: one at 12 cM on chromosome 17p13.2 (LOD = 2.13) between markers D17S831 and D17S938 and one at 85 cM on chromosome 12q14 (LOD = 2.06) between markers D12S83 and D12S326.
Phase I/IIA randomized study of PHY906, a novel herbal agent, as a modulator of chemotherapy in patients with advanced colorectal cancer.

Approximately 40%-70% of patients in the United States use some form of CAM. According to various reports, the typical CAM user is white, well-educated, 30-50 years of age, and lives in the western or northeastern parts of the United States. Patients used CAM to feel more hopeful regarding treatment outcome (73%), believed these approaches were less harmful if not nontoxic (48.9%), and desired greater control in the decision-making process about their medical care (43.8%). Most patient expectations from CAM appear to stem from their desire to improve their quality of life (76.7%), boost their immune system (71.1%), prolong their life (62.5%), and relieve their symptoms (47%). Approximately 33% of patients expect CAM to cure their disease. 2-5
Restriciting Queries that Might Lead to Compromise

The feasibility of an inference control that determines at the time of a query whether a requested statistic could lead to compromise is investigated. One candidate is the "fail-safe" control, which restricts any statistic whose implied query sets are too small (or too large). We shall show that this control is infeasible, and does not prevent many compromises. By comparison, the cell suppression procedures used by census bureaus prevent compromise, but are also infeasible for on-line database systems.
Laser deposition of a Cu-based metallic glass powder on a Zr-based glass substrate

Laser Engineered Net Shaping (LENS™) is a laser-assisted manufacturing process that offers the possibility of producing metallic coatings and components with highly nonequilibrium microstructures. In this work, the microstructure developed by LENS deposition of Cu47Ti33Zr11Ni8Si1 powder on a bulk metallic glass substrate, with nominal composition Zr58.5Nb2.8Cu15.6Ni12.8Al10.3, is investigated. Single-layer deposition results in the formation of an inhomogeneous but partially amorphous layer above a crystalline heat-affected zone. Elemental analysis of the deposited layer indicates incomplete mixing of the powder with the melt pool. The as-deposited alloy exhibits a single glass transition event and its primary crystallization event is consistent with the first crystallization temperature of the Cu-based powder. Subsequent remelting of this layer results in a still partially amorphous deposit with a uniform composition of (Zr + Nb)51.8Cu24.7Ti3.4Ni16.4Al3.7. The remelted layer exhibits a structural rearrangement immediately prior to the primary crystallization event, possibly associated with the formation of a quasicrystalline phase.
CELLULASE IN TOMATO FRUITS.

THERE are only a few reports of enzymes from higher plants which can hydrolyse cellulose or water-soluble cellulose derivatives. Several reports show that malt extracts are capable of hydrolysing water-soluble cellulose derivatives1,3,11 and dispersed cellulose fibres1,7. A malt extract was found to hydrolyse reprecipitated cellulose more rapidly than a similar extract from barley seeds1. There is a single report that potato sprouts hydrolysed the cellulose in cardboard8. Another report10 showed that sap from tobacco leaves and roots hydrolysed carbpxy-methylcellulose and reprecipitated cellulose. In addition to tobacco, cellulase was found on single occasions in bean leaves, roots of beet and woody nightshade, asparagus stems, and the flesh of vegetable marrow fruit. The enzyme was not detected in tomato fruits or rhubarb petioles which had pH. values of 4.3 and 3.4 respectively. The author mentioned that the pH. was greater than 5 in all the saps in which activity was found.
Occupational stress and psychological functioning in law enforcement officers

Law enforcement officers experience a variety of stressors because of their police work responsibilities. The use of avoidance coping in order to cope with emotions, thoughts, and memories of traumatic or stressful events may explain increases in occupational stress and poorer psychological functioning. In this study, avoidance coping, occupational stress, and psychological distress were assessed in law enforcement officers. The sample was majority Caucasian, male, and married with a mean of 12.4 years of law enforcement experience. Results indicated that participants reported high levels of psychological distress as compared to an adult male non-patient sample. The use of avoidant coping was associated with higher levels of organizational stress. Additionally, a predictor of psychological distress was the use of avoidant coping strategies and high levels of occupational stress, respectively. Implications of these findings concerning the role of workplace acceptance in a law enforcement setting are discussed.
Phenothiazine analgesia in a patient with psychotic symptoms

The appropriateness of using phenothiazines in the treatment ofpain has been questioned by McGeen and Alexander. I From their extensive review of double­ blind studies of phenothiazines as analgesics or as analgesic potentiators, they concluded that the efficacy of such treatment has not been demonstrated suffi­ ciently to warrant this use, given possible side effects associated with phenothiazines. However, those studies involved medical patients with obstetric or postopera­ tive pain, cancer, or chronic pain of varying etiologies. No mention was made of their psychiatric status, or of possible differential responses of patients with psychi­ atric disorders within the series. Merskey2 points out that pain often presents as a symptom in many psychiatric illnesses, and that the experience of pain may be heightened in patients with psychiatric disorders. He further observes that schizo­ phrenic individuals are underrepresented among psy­ chiatric patients complaining of pain, and that they seem to experience proportionally less pain than others. Similarly, Davis and associates) have suggested that some schizophrenics may actually have analgesia to pain stimuli. On the other hand, Lipowski's review4 found that schizophrenic patients may report pain or
An embedded atom method study of the equilibrium shapes of small platinum and palladium clusters

The embedded atom method (EAM) was used to determine the equilibrium shapes of small platinum and palladium clusters (N=5–60 atoms). The stability of various polyhedral symmetries was performed at 0K. A search for the presence of any other lower energy structures was also carried out. Pt clusters reconstructed to lower energy clusters even at the magic numbers. Pd also reconstructed to lower energy structures except at the magic number sizes where the icosahedron was found to be the most stable.
The Fisher effect in a signal extraction framework The recent Brazilian experience

Abstract This paper derives a signal extraction framework for examining all testable implications of the Fisher equation. The signal is the net of taxes nominal interest rate, which, under the Fisher model, equals inflation expectation plus the real rate (assumed to be constant or a constant plus a martingale difference). All alternative linear models can be represented as noise added to the signal. The international and Brazilian literature are briefly reviewed and the empirical tests reinterpreted in the signal extraction framework. The model is tested with Brazilian data for the period 1973–1990 using interest rate data on non-indexed certificates of deposit from a sample of major Brazilian banks. The framework detects little noise, i.e., the Fisher equation seems to reasonably fit the Brazilian evidence. This result carries the policy implication that the government cannot have the burden of financing its fiscal deficits ameliorated by issuing non-indexed debt in periods when inflation is escalating. Given the large fluctuations observed in ex post real rates in Brazil, the reasonable success of the Fisher equation also implies the existence of large inflation forecast errors, which suggest the need for further research on how agents form inflation expectations. When inflation escalates rapidly, as it did in the late 1980s in Brazil, price indices lag behind true inflation. This generates a Fisher effect even for indexed securities. The empirical evidence also corroborates the existence of this Fisher effect for indexed securities.
Tunable-laser derivative spectroscopy on spectral lines with combined Doppler and collision broadening

Abstract In derivative spectroscopy, we optimize the measurement sensitivity by utilizing the maximum excursion of the derivative of the spectral absorption coefficient as a single spectral line is scanned. Results for lines with pure Doppler or Lorentz contour have been given previously. We present here the required spectroscopic data for spectral lines with combined Doppler and collision broadening.
Electromagnetic generation of acoustic waves and the surface impedance of metals

Abstract The generation of acoustic waves by rf electromagnetic radiation is studied, and its effect on the surface impedance of metals is evaluated.
Cell Phone Methodology for Research and Service with High Risk Mothers and Children.

Cell phones afford a set of distinctive advantages for gathering information on daily patterns of behavior, establishing relationships, maintaining contact, and providing professional expertise to participants in a wide array of programs, including intervention, treatment, and service. This paper presents new findings about innovative applications of cell phone technology in research on daily patterns of behavior with adolescent mothers, findings relative to feasibility and utility, and presents recommendations for the applicability of its use in early care and education.
The Market for Subscription Television Service in the United States

This study develops a simultaneous equations model of the market for subscription television service consisting of analog and digital cable service. Beyond modeling the market for subscription television service and identifying the factors that impact the demand and supply of analog and digital cable service, an effort is made to determine the extent to which direct broadcast satellite service competes with cable television for subscribers in this market. The model consists of four equations: demand equations for analog cable service and digital cable service and supply equations for analog cable service and digital cable service. The model is estimated using the full information maximum likelihood technique. A number of factors clearly impact the demand and supply of analog and digital cable service, and this impact is quantifiable. The size of the market measured as the number of households passed is, not surprisingly, a dominant factor in explaining analog and digital cable service demand and supply. P...
The Folk-Linguistics of Women's Speech: An Empirical Examination.

Folk‐linguists have advanced the claim that women's speech differs from men's in several significant ways that serve to reflect and reinforce the lower status of women in this society. This study examined this claim by focusing on reactions to male and female discussants who used varying linguistic and substantive strategies to express positions of dissent in small decision‐making groups. Specifically, the study compared the presence and absence of qualifying phrases (tag questions and disclaimers) and of supporting evidence. Results indicated that both males and females were more influential and perceived more positively when they used well supported arguments than when they advanced their assertions without support. The use of qualifying phrases only had an adverse affect, however, when they were used by women in the investigation. Females who advanced their arguments with tag questions and disclaimers exerted little influence and were viewed as having little knowledge and intelligence. Moreover, regard...
Feed Consumption in Relation to Dietary Bulk and Energy Level: The Effect of Surgical Removal of the Crop

Abstract RECENT years have seen a renewed interest in the energy requirements of chickens. Before the introduction of the high energy broiler ration by Scott et al. (1947) little attention was paid to energy levels and to the bulk (indigestible matter) content of poultry rations, with the result that most older type rations were high in bulk, low in energy, and were usually less efficiently utilized. Since 1947 we have been moving in the opposite direction: decreasing the bulkiness of our diets and concommitantly increasing the energy and efficiency of utilization. This past year has seen the use of fats in poultry rations to further increase the energy content and possibly the efficiency of utilization as well. The concept of bulk (indigestible matter) and feed volume (dry matter) was introduced by Lehmann (Scharrer, 1951), who pointed out their importance in relation to satisfying the animal’s need in two ways: first, the physiological …
Charging energy and spin polarization in artificial atoms and molecules

We investigate the electronic properties of single and coupled quantum dot systems by a self-consistent solution of Schrodinger and Poisson equations within the density functional theory. The single and coupled quantum dots show remarkable similarities to atoms and molecules. We observe that in the case of single quantum dots with cylindrical symmetry, the electrons in the dot form shells like in atoms. This sheel structure is slightly distorted due to the electron-electron interaction, as the number of electrons, N, increases. In the case of coupled quantum dots, we observe that the dots can be driven from a state wherein the individual dots are separate, akin to two isolated atoms, to one in which the dots couple forming an “artificial molecule.” By using the local spin density approximation, we observe spin polarization in the double dot for specific values of N.
New Strategies for the Design of Folded Peptoids Revealed by a Survey of Noncovalent Interactions in Model Systems

Controlling the equilibria between backbone cis- and trans-amides in peptoids, or N-substituted glycine oligomers, constitutes a significant challenge in the construction of discretely folded peptoid structures. Through the analysis of a set of monomeric peptoid model systems, we have developed new and general strategies for controlling peptoid conformation that utilize local noncovalent interactions to regulate backbone amide rotameric equilibria, including n→π*, steric, and hydrogen bonding interactions. The chemical functionalities required to implement these strategies are typically confined to the peptoid side chains, preserve chirality at the side chain N-α-carbon known to engender peptoid structure, and are fully compatible with standard peptoid synthesis techniques. Our examinations of peptoid model systems have also elucidated how solvents affect various side chain−backbone interactions, revealing fundamental aspects of these noncovalent interactions in peptoids that were largely uncharacterized ...
SU-FF-T-369: An Estimation of Radiobiological Parameters From Clinical Outcomes for Radiation Treatment Planning of Brain Tumor

Purpose: Appropriate organ‐specific radiobiological parameters are crucial for biologically‐based treatment planning. The purpose of this work is to derive a plausible set of such radiobiological parameters for malignant gliomas (MG) based on clinical outcomes. Method and Materials: Several radiobiological models, including the linear quadratic formalism with consideration of repopulation and repair, tumorcontrol probability and equivalent uniform dose, were used to analyze a series of published clinical data for MG involving different regimens of radiation therapy. The least chi‐square χ2 fitting technique was employed to estimate the LQ parameters. Results: A plausible set of LQ parameters: α = 0.08 ± 0.02 Gy−1, α/β = 11.4 ± 8.6 Gy, the tumor cell doubling time Td = 50 ± 30 days, with the repair halftime of 0.5 h was obtained for gliomas. The presently estimated biological parameters reasonably predict the effectiveness of the most of recently reported clinical results employing either single or combined RT modalities. In addiation, the radiosensitivity for grade III and VI astrocytoma was found to be: α = 0.18 ± 0.03 Gy−1, α/β = 6.0 ± 4.1 Gy and α = 0.09 ± 0.04 Gy−1, α/β = 9.0 ± 9.8 Gy respectively. For Grade III, our result agreed with the published in vitro data, while for Grade 4, the α and α/β values estimated presently based on clinical data are smaller than those from in vitro measurements, indicating lower radiosensitivity occurred in vivo as compared to in vitro. The derived α and α/β values demonstrated that GBM is quite radioresistant as known from clinical practice. Conclusion: The radiobiological parameters derived presently for MG can reasonably predict the most of the recently reported clinical results employing either single or combined RT modalities. These parameters can be potentially useful in evaluating, optimizing, and designing biological/functional image guided IMRT strategies.
An automaton analysis approach to the study of neural nets.

Abstract Neural firing is herein considered to be a sequence of changes of state of the neuron. Thus, a state diagram analysis of the neuron or of neural nets would seem to be a more natural procedure to follow than would simple logic element analysis. This paper describes a theoretical analysis of the individual neuron, and compares this with both theoretical and experimental analyses of an artificial neuron (a neuromime slightly modified from the Harmon circuit to provide more synaptic actions). The analysis then proceeds to include simple neural networks. The result of such analysis is in the form of a set of state transition tables, from which actual output firing patterns can be obtained. In the experimental phases of this work, input patterns were produced and output was monitored with a linc digital computer. This experimental technique may be developed to greater sophistication for future experiments.
Evolución y desarrollo del texto de especialidad

Writing volves in society and so do kinds of text in a discourse community in specific ways. The disciplines involved in the analysis of these written texts follow these changes and explain these adjustments. This article reviews the idea of texts when discourse analysis began. Its objective is to look at how this concept has evolved within each discourse community through the several changes that have occurred in the society during the last few decades.
Career Anchorage: Managerial Mobility Motivations—A Replication

A replication of the study of career-anchorage points among 493 middle managers in American industry reveals only one in seven motivated to reach higher positions. Measures correlated with career a...
Relationships between family characteristics and communication apprehension

This study examined relationships between college students’ communication apprehension (CA) and their perceptions of characteristics of their families of origin. The results indicated that a linear composite of parental acceptance‐rejection, family cohesion, expressiveness, independence, conflict, and communication patterns was significantly correlated with CA. When analyzed separately for men and women, men's CA was only significantly and positively related to conformity‐oriented family communication patterns, whereas women's CA was significantly and negatively related to parental acceptance, family cohesion, expressiveness, independence, & conversation orientation and positively related to conformity orientation.
Ocular pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics

Delivering drugs to the front of the eye is an exceedingly complicated issue because of the numerous protective mechanisms that are present in the eye to shield the visual pathway from foreign chemicals. Design of modern ocular drug delivery systems is based on an understanding of the drug disposition pathways in the eye and the overall ocular pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic profile. Appropriate mathematical models to describe and predict drug disposition and response have evolved over the past twenty years and have become reasonably sophisticated. In this paper we review various ocular pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic models for different model drugs and drug delivery systems.
Predictors of health functioning in two high-risk groups of smokers.

Abstract The relative and combined health effects of cigarette smoking, heroin use, and depression were examined in 322 clinically depressed smokers and 117 opioid-dependent smokers participating in two studies of the San Francisco Treatment Research Center. Opioid-dependent smokers averaged 16 years (S.D. = 9) of heroin use; 3% of depressed smokers used opiates in the past 6 months. Cigarettes per day ( M = 15, S.D. = 10) and Beck Depression (BDI-II) scores ( M = 21, S.D. = 11) were comparable between the two groups. Health functioning was assessed using the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form ( SF -36). Adjusting for demographic differences, depressed smokers reported better physical but poorer emotional health relative to opioid-dependent smokers. Both groups scored significantly lower than published norms ( p p p
A new Riff: Rif1 eats its cake and has it too.

Rif1 protein is present in eukaryotic cells from yeast to human. In yeast, Rif1 is important for telomere homeostasis. Despite conservation in its domain organization, human Rif1 is not part of the telomere complex but was recently reported to work at DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) with 53BP1 to inhibit 5′ strand degradation (resection) and stimulate a subset of nonhomologous end-joining (NHEJ) reactions. Martina et al 1 report in this issue of EMBO reports that yeast Rif1 is also recruited to DSBs, but in contrast to its human counterpart, it promotes resection. The authors propose that Rif1 stimulates resection by limiting the access of Rad9, an ortholog of 53BP1, to DSBs.
Interaction of cerebellar mutant genes. II. Mice doubly affected by 'reeler' and 'weaver' conditions.

Abstract As an extension of a study of the mode of interaction of mutant genes that affect motor activities and cerebellar cytoarchitectonics, mice doubly affected by both the ‘reeler’ and ‘weaver’ conditions were produced. The cerebellum of the double mutant showed both reeler and weaver characteristics. Anomalies present in both mutants were greatly accentuated in the double mutant. In addition to the paucity of fissures and general cerebellar disorganization observed in reeler and the extreme scarcity of granule cells seen in weaver, double mutants showed an additional decrease in the cerebellar size and the molecular layer, and a further loss of external granule cells. These observations were interpreted as indicating that the effects of the reeler and weaver genes upon altering the cytoarchitectonics of the cerebellum were additive.
Childhood epilepsy, attention problems, and ADHD: review and practical considerations

Children with epilepsy have a significant risk for problems with attention and/or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Clinical studies suggest a prevalence of 30% to 40%. Inattention is more common than hyperactivity and impulsivity. Additional central nervous system dysfunction and intractable seizures are major risk factors. Treatment should include psychoeducational interventions and medication. Stimulant drugs are safe and effective in children with epilepsy and currently are first-line agents for treatment of attention problems in this population.
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Acupuncture With Placebo Acupuncture for the Treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Objective To investigate the efficacy of acupuncture for the treatment of mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Design Prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded study. Setting Single-center study. Participants Forty-one acupuncture-naive adult subjects with mild to moderate CTS enrolled in the study. Thirty-four subjects completed the study. Methods Clinical diagnosis of CTS was supported by electrodiagnostic findings. Subjects were randomly assigned to either (1) acupuncture (n = 21) or (2) placebo acupuncture (n = 20) with use of Streitberger placebo acupuncture needles. Both groups received weekly sessions of acupuncture for 6 weeks. Wrist braces were provided to both groups to wear at night, and compliance was monitored. Main Outcome Measurements The primary outcome measurement was subject-reported change in the Carpal Tunnel Self Assessment Questionnaire (CTSAQ) Symptom and Function scales immediately after and at 2 weeks and 3 months after the final treatment. The secondary outcomes included tip and key pinch strength and combined sensory index. Results Compared with pretreatment baseline values, subjects in the acupuncture group had 0.58 improvement ( P = .03) on the CTSAQ Symptom scale score at 3 months after the last treatment, whereas 0.81 improvement ( P = .001) was noted in the placebo acupuncture group. No statistically significant difference was found between the groups treated with acupuncture and placebo acupuncture with respect to improvement in CTS symptoms, function, tip/key pinch, or combined sensory index. Conclusions To our knowledge, this study is the first randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded prospective study of traditional acupuncture for CTS. Both the treatment and placebo groups demonstrated improvements from baseline. Acupuncture was not shown to be superior to placebo acupuncture when used in conjunction with bracing for patients with mild to moderate CTS.
PATIENCE AND/OR POLITICS: AUGUSTINE AND THE CRISIS AT CALAMA, 408-409

Few scholars would quarrel with Ernst Dassmann's observation that early Christian "reserve" toward the political cultures of antiquity-a mixture of deference and indifference, which only occasionally gave way to hostilityturned Christians' outcast status into something of a virtue.1 Still fewer are likely to dispute the assertion that influential fourth-century Christians unreservedly welcomed the changes that came with Constantine and anticipated the "Christianization" of imperial, if not also local, politics.2 But evaluations of Augustine's enthusiasm later that century and early the next never fail now to elicit disagreement. From the time he left his political ambitions in Milan and returned to Africa as a servus Dei until the news
Tuning of Peroxiredoxin Catalysis for Various Physiological Roles

Peroxiredoxins (Prxs) make up an ancient family of enzymes that are the predominant peroxidases for nearly all organisms and play essential roles in reducing hydrogen peroxide, organic hydroperoxides, and peroxynitrite. Even between distantly related organisms, the core protein fold and key catalytic residues related to its cysteine-based catalytic mechanism have been retained. Given that these enzymes appeared early in biology, Prxs have experienced more than 1 billion years of optimization for specific ecological niches. Although their basic enzymatic function remains the same, Prxs have diversified and are involved in roles such as protecting DNA against mutation, defending pathogens against host immune responses, suppressing tumor formation, and—for eukaryotes—helping regulate peroxide signaling via hyperoxidation of their catalytic Cys residues. Here, we review the current understanding of the physiological roles of Prxs by analyzing knockout and knockdown studies from ∼25 different species. We also ...
Multiple congenital dislocations associated with characteristics facial abnormality

Summary Six cases of multiple congenital dislocation have been separated as an entity from the confusion of congenital anomaly. They are characterized by flattened facies, with prominent forehead, depressed nasal bridge, and wide-spaced eyes; bilateral dislocations of the elbown, hips, and knees; equinovalgus or equinovarus of the feet; cylindrical fingers that do not taper normally; occasional cleft palate, or other palate abnormalities; and occasional associated failure of spinal segmentation.
A small molecule diacid with long-term chiral memory.

A small, axially chiral diacid was designed with chiral memory based on restricted rotation. Heating a racemic sample with a chiral alkaloid led to an enantiomeric excess of up to 40% ee. The guest-induced chirality was preserved on cooling to rt, which was maintained even in the absence of guest (t1/2 = 14y). The chiral enrichment process was also reversible, allowing the diacid to be used as a chiral switch.
Malaria and French Imperialism

It has been argued that the conquest of disease, particularly malaria, preceded and facilitated the spread of the European empires in Africa. The French experience shows the contrary. Even into the twentieth century surprisingly little use was made of quinine; death rates from malaria remained high. Yet the French empire expanded steadily. As the empire expanded, more and more use was made of indigenous troops. Africans recruited within the conquered territories were sent to conquer new territories. As the number of European combatants fell, so did the European death rate. Then, once the colonies were subjugated, communications and living conditions improved, making life healthier for Euopeans. The lowering of the death rate must therefore be ascribed to the expansion of the French empire rather than to the achievements of medical science.
Comparison of ventricular mass and function in early versus late repair of coarctation of the aorta

Abstract Left ventricular (LV) mass and function in 11 patients (group 1) with coarctation of the aorta repaired at a mean age of 35 days were compared with that of 14 patients (group 11) who under went repair at a mean age of 8 years. Each group was compared to age- and sex-matched normal control subjects. All patients were normotensive and had resting arm4eg peak systolic blood pressure gradients c20 mm Hg. Quantitative M-mode echocardiography was used to determine LV mass index and systolic performance. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed to assess residual narrowing of the descending aorta. LV mass index was increased in both groups when compared with control subjects (group I p = 0.01; group 11 p = 0.007). Whereas systolic performance in group I was similar to its control group, group II patients had enhanced LV systolic performance as measured by shortening fraction (p = 0.007). Multiple regression analysis of combined group I and 11 patients demonstrated a significant positive correlation of residual aortic narrowing with LV mass index (p = 0.01). Thus, LV mass remains increased in normotensive patients without major blood pressure gradients after repair of coarctation of the aorta in infancy or childhood. Small degrees of residual aortic narrowing were associated with increased postoperative LV mass regardless of the age at repair.
Post-settlement emigration affects mortality estimates for two Bahamian wrasses

Understanding the dynamics of open marine populations is inherently complex, and this complexity has led to decades of debate regarding the relative importance of pre- versus post-settlement processes in structuring these populations. Movement between patches may be an important modifier of patterns established at settlement, yet local immigration and emigration have received less attention than other demographic rates. I examined loss rates from tagged populations of juvenile wrasses (yellowhead wrasse Halichoeres garnoti and bluehead wrasse Thalassoma bifasciatum) at two sites in the Bahamas. Assuming that all losses were due solely to mortality would have significantly underestimated survivorship of yellowhead wrasse by 29% and bluehead wrasse by 14%. On average, per capita mortality and emigration rates were higher for yellowhead than bluehead wrasse, but neither demographic rate differed between sites for either species. With respect to within-species density, bluehead wrasse mortality was density-dependent at the patch reef site, but mortality rates of yellowhead wrasse were consistently density-independent. Evaluating the effects of between-species density, yellowhead wrasse mortality increased with a decrease in bluehead wrasse density, but this effect was limited to the patch reef site. Emigration rates were not a function of either within-species or between-species density, but instead varied inversely with isolation distance. Numerous previous studies of coral-reef fish, conducted on patch reefs separated by only a few meters of sand and often using untagged fish, may have confounded losses due to emigration with those due to mortality. A better understanding of the factors affecting emigration in marine fishes is important to their effective management using spatial tools such as marine protected areas.
An Upper Bound on the Number of Measurements Required by the Contour Tangent Optimization Technique

An upper bound for the number of measurements required by the contour tangent optimization technique [1], [3] to give an ? approximation to the maximum is determined. The bound is applicable to n-dimensional quasiconcave functions and requires an estimate of the modulus of continuity ? near the maximum. For large even n and domain on the unit interval, the number of contour tangent measurements required is less than 2.18n (? ln n - ln ? - 0.22). If each contour tangent is approximated by n + 1 explicit measurements of the objective, then an upper bound on the number of function evaluations is n + 1 times the above. The bound derived shows that the contour tangent technique is far superior to dichotomous search [3], the next best direct search elimination technique.
Mask lithography assessment for 45nm node technology

Photomasks to support 45nm node circuit development will be needed by mid year 2007 to meet the most aggressive device development programs. Volume manufacturing of 45nm technology photomask, however, would not occur until 2-3 years later. Either case would require an advanced photomask lithography capability that can meet the 45nm node specifications. From a mask maker's perspective, a lithography tool platform that is flexible, that supports high resolution and can be ramped for throughput would be the best solution. In an effort to understand if a potential tool platform(s) will exist, Photronics performed characterization and assessment studies of all commercial mask pattern generator platforms. All mask pattern generator tools, including both e-beam and laser platforms, were evaluated for performance against 45nm node target specifications as defined by the International Technology Roadmap for Semiconductors.
Political Aspects of MNE Theory

Political behavior by MNEs has usually been ignored, downplayed or passively treated in dominant economic models of the multinational enterprise. In order to remedy this lacuna, Dunning’s eclectic paradigm is expanded to integrate political dimensions in the analysis of ownership, internalization and location advantages.
Separation of sperm and epithelial cells in a microfabricated device: Potential application to forensic analysis of sexual assault evidence

Forensic DNA analysis of sexual assault evidence requires separation of DNA from epithelial (victim) and sperm (perpetrator) cells. The conventional method used by crime laboratories, which is termed “differential extraction”, is a time-consuming process. To supplant the conventional process, separation of sperm from a biological mixture containing epithelial cells has been demonstrated on a microfluidic device. This separation utilizes the differential physical properties of the cells that result in settling of the epithelial cells to the bottom of the inlet reservoir and subsequent adherence to the glass substrate. As a result, low flow rates can be used to separate the sperm cells from the epithelial cell-containing biological mixture. Following cell separation on the microdevice, DNA extraction, amplification, and separation were performed using conventional laboratory methods, showing that the cell separation product in the outlet reservoir was of male origin. The reported cell separation has the pot...
Some Geomagnetic Phenomena associated with Nuclear Explosions

Magnetic disturbances following the various nuclear tests conducted by the British in the vicinity of Christmas Island during 1958 are described. The British tests are believed to have occurred at relatively low altitudes in the lower atmosphere. Magnetograms from three observation stations are reproduced, and vector diagrams are included of the distrubance in the vertical plane. Data are compared with data from the Johnston Island high-altitude explosion of August 1, 1958. It is concluded that no simple explanation of the magnetic phenomena is to be expected. Data indicate that several distinctly separate mechanisms are involved. (C.H.)
Translation of relevant and irrelevant multilingual group support system comments

This study examines the effect of the type of comment contributed using a group support system on automatic language translation. Three groups entered ideas in nine languages about the solution of the parking problem on campus while the electronic meeting system translated the text to English. The most important, relevant comments were translated more accurately (89.2% of the text was understood), but other comments in the discussion did not appear to help with this understanding. This research contributes to the literature of group support systems by demonstrating how multilingual meetings can now be supported effectively.
A computational framework to investigate charge transport in heterogeneous organic photovoltaic devices

Abstract Low cost per watt and mechanical flexibility of organic solar cells (OSCs) make it a promising alternative to traditional inorganic solar cells. Recently, conjugated polymer based organic solar cells with efficiency of 8.13% [1] have been reported. Experimental results suggest that the distribution of the donor and acceptor constituents in the morphology is a key factor in determining the efficiency of such devices. A computational framework that can effectively explore that correlation between morphology and performance would greatly accelerate the development of high efficiency organic photovoltaic devices. In this paper, we develop a scalable computational framework to understand the correlation between nanoscale morphology and performance of OSC. We focus on the charge transport mechanism while considering one-stage interfacial charge generation process. Steady state drift–diffusion equations are used for modeling these devices. We discuss the numerical challenges associated with a finite element based simulation of OSC with spatial variation in material properties and large charge density gradients. The effect of microstructure on the distribution of charge densities and electrostatic potential is investigated. The prominent effect of feature size and interface area on the current–voltage characteristics is illustrated using realistic microstructures. We showcase the framework by interrogating fully 3D heterogeneous microstructures.
Solid phase preparations of 99mTc labeled radiopharmaceuticals

For the preparation of most 99mTc radiopharmaceuticals, SnCl2 has remained the agent of choice for reduction of Tc7+ to lower valency states, which facilitates its chelation by compounds of diagnostic importance. We have developed a simple technique in which SnCl2 lyophilized in a glass vial, either alone or on a solid matrix of polymeric microspheres (beads), was used. Tin-113 (t1/2 – 115 d) was used as a tracer, which facilitated quantitative assessment of loss or release of tin in the reaction mixtures. The feasibility and efficacy of this technique were examined for preparations of four 99mTc- labeled peptides, in which SnCl2 was used as a reducing agent for radiolabeling, a procedure well established in our laboratory. Labeling efficiencies for all four peptides using SnCl2 on solid phase was greater than 95%, as compared to less than 90% (P=0.05) for SnCl2 lyophilized without the solid matrix. Colloid formation was less than 3% in either case. The stability of SnCl2 was greater than six months for solid matrix, and less for that without the microspheres. The 113Sn measured as a daughter product 113mIn indicated that release of SnCl2 from microspheres in reaction mixture was 85±3%, as compared to 80±5% lyophilized alone. The recovery of 99mTc in solution from microspheres was 95–100%. The large size of the microspheres used (649 μm) eliminated the risk of drawing them through a needle in a syringe used for injection of a preparation. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Differential RNA regulation by staphylococcal enterotoxins A and B in murine macrophages

Staphylococcal enterotoxin A (SEA) is significantly better than enterotoxin B (SEB) in activating tumor necrosis factor (TNF) secretion by B6MP102 cells. Both toxins bound to B6MP102 cells; however, SEB competed less effectively with SEA than SEA competed with SEB. This suggested that receptors unique to SEA were present on B6MP102 cells. Signal transduction occurred in response to both toxins. Within 30 s after addition, SEA and SEB significantly increased the F-actin concentration in B6MP102 cells. However, only SEA induced increased TNF mRNA levels. B6MP102 cells incubated with interferon-gamma and SEB secreted TNF. However, enhanced mRNA expression was delayed and the concentration of TNF secreted was less than that of B6MP102 cells stimulated with SEA. Although these data suggest that receptors unique to SEA are present on B6MP102 cells, they also indicate that staphylococcal enterotoxins differentially regulate TNF at the RNA level, perhaps because of differences in binding to the plasma membrane.
Proprietary market research: are online panels appropriate?

This study assesses the efficacy of using an online panel to represent the views of participants in an annual proprietary multi‐sports event. A mixed mode (online and mail survey) research design was used in an attempt to collect data from the entire client‐base. While there were some demographic similarities between the online and mail respondent groups, there were also some significant demographic and behavioral differences and important product preference differences. Our survey findings are presented and discussed. In addition, we discuss the implications of our findings for panel selection in proprietary marketing research settings.
Free-knot spline smoothing for functional data

Summary. The paper introduces free-knot regression spline estimators for the mean and the variance components of a sample of curves. The asymptotic distribution of the mean estimator is derived, and asymptotic confidence bands are constructed. A comparative simulation study shows that free-knot splines estimate salient features of the functions (such as sharp peaks) more accurately than smoothing splines. This adaptive behaviour is also illustrated by an analysis of weather data.
Neurohospitalists Enhance Resident Perception of the Educational and Clinical Value of a Night Float Rotation

Background and Purpose:Neurology residency training programs have been profoundly impacted by recent changes in resident duty hours, workloads, and supervisory requirements. In response, many programs have adopted a night float coverage system to minimize the requirements for overnight call. The majority involves residents working a block of night shifts in what is typically a service-oriented rotation. Recently, concerns have arisen regarding the impact of this design on resident education and patient care. We have developed a novel on-site nighttime neurohospitalist model for the explicit purpose of steepening the initial learning curve for neurology residents in an effort to rapidly improve their neurological skills and, in conjunction, overnight patient care. We surveyed residents after the initiation of this system to assess their perception of the impact of direct overnight supervision on education and patient care.Methods:As part of ongoing quality improvement efforts, surveys were administered to ...
The More Things Change the More They Stay the Same: Factors Influencing Teachers' Interpretations and Delivery of National Curriculum Physical Education

ABSTRACT A small number of studies have previously indicated that National Curriculum Physical Education (NCPE) policy texts have been adapted and recreated by teachers (Evans & Penney, 1993a; Laws & Aldridge, 1995). The purposes of this study were to describe teachers' differing interpretations of NCPE and to identify factors which influenced these interpretations. Two theoretical perspectives guided data collection and analysis. These were occupational socialization theory (Lawson, 1983a, b) and the technological, ecological, and cultural perspectives on curriculum change identified by Sparkes (1991a). Participants were 23 teachers working in eight secondary schools in three towns located in the south of England. Data collection techniques employed were passive participant observation, formal and informal interviews, and document analysis. Data were analysed using constant comparison and analytic induction. In addition, hypotheses were developed that were grounded in the data and which appeared to expla...