cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Follicular development and ovulation in Macaca fascicularis, Saimiri sciureus and Galago senegalensis.

A technique utilizing laparoscopy to determine the precise time of ovulation in three species is described. Determination is based on morphological changes that occur 24 to 36 hours before ovulation. This technique, coupled with mating sessions of short-duration, has been used to produce precisely defined pregnancies; the implications of this technique in reproduction research and teratology are discussed. A comparison of ovulation times in Macaca fascicularis indicates that ovulation normally occurs on day 13 of animals having a cycle length from 25 to 28 days. In animals with a cycle length from 31 to 34 days, ovulation occurred on day 14.8. Evidence presented does not substantiate previous claims for alternation between ovaries in consecutive cycles.
Growth of Muscle Tissue and Muscle Mass

Muscle tissue consists of cylindrical, multinucleated cells called muscle fibers. A skeletal muscle contains many long fibers that have the ability to contract. This contractile property resides in specialized and interacting proteins localized in myofibrils making up the muscle fiber. Myofibrils have a transverse banding pattern that gives skeletal muscle its striated appearance. This banded pattern is produced by the alignment of a sequence of sarcomeres, the contractile units of the muscle fiber.
COMMENTARY. Clinical decisions for anterior restorations: the concept of restorative volume.

Minimally invasive treatment has become a mantra for all health care providers. It has often been said that “dentistrybegets dentistry.”The more dentistry you perform for an individual, the more dentistry that person will be likely toneed in the future.We know there is no such thing as a “permanent restoration.”With future treatment a possibilityfor many restored teeth, it becomes apparent that the more tooth structure that can preserved, the more that will beavailable later.Years ago, the only type of indirect restoration that could adequately restore signiﬁcant amounts of diseased toothstructure was gold.The demand for more esthetic restorations led to the development of acrylic to gold and porcelainfused to metal restorations.These required removal of more tooth structure to allow for thickness of both metal- andtooth-colored material.The advent of all-ceramic crowns often necessitated even more removal of tooth structure foradequate strength. More involved and demanding adhesive techniques were required.The combination of moreintrusive preparation and technique-sensitive bonding procedures resulted in an increased need for endodonticroot-canal therapy.The public has become aware of these problems and is demanding more conservative treatment. Itis not surprising that controversies abound today about prepared versus non-prepared porcelain laminate veneers.In today’s economic environment patients are seeking more economical solutions to their problems.They arechallenged to afford extensive indirect procedures and are opting for simpler, less expensive direct restorations.Thenumber of indirect procedures has reportedly decreased in North America the past 3 years. During this same periodof time, several new all-ceramics restorations with increased strength have become popular. Lithium disilicaterestorations and zirconia-based crowns have increased.These restorations do not require bonding but can becemented.The all-zirconia crowns do not require as much removal of tooth structure.This paper is one of the ﬁrst to logically address the treatment decision-making process for speciﬁc treatments withregards to the amount of tooth structure that will have to be removed.
Micellar-catalyzed reactions for flow-injection systems : Determination of pyridoxal

The advantages of applying the solubilization and catalytic properties of aqueous micelle solutions to reactions taking place in flow-injection systems are demonstrated. The reaction of pyridoxal (a B6 vitamin) with cyanide was investigated in both aqueous and micellar cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) solution. Higher sensitivities and lower limits of detection were obtained for the micellar carrier, with the pseudo-first-order reaction rate increasing by a factor of two in 0.05 M CTAB relative to water carrier. Because the micellar aggregates also increase fluorescence quantum yields, use of fluorescence detection gave further signal enhancement, with the limit of detection lowered by a factor of three. Measurement of dispersion in the two systems was also investigated and compared. A new method of characterizing dispersion in flow-injection systems, based on moment analysis of exponentially modified Gaussian peak shapes, is described.
Quality Control in Nucleic Acid Amplification Methods: Use of Elementary Probability Theory

Since it is not possible to state with certainty that contamination has occurred during a nucleic acid amplification assay in the absence of a positive result for a negative control, methods of elementary probability theory are used to illustrate how to identify those runs in which the possibility of contamination should be considered. The use of binomial and Poisson distributions and an analysis of clusters are presented with illustrative examples to demonstrate their use.
Pulse corticosteroid therapy for cutaneous diseases: efficacy and side-effects

Pulse corticosteroid therapy has been used for the treatment of various dermatologic diseases. Most of the data generated from the use of pulse steroids to treat dermatologic diseases has been from studies with a limited number of patients. Further data relating the complications and clinical experience with the use of pulse corticosteroids in dermatology is needed. Our purpose was to review our 4-year experience with patients who had received pulse corticosteroids alone or in conjunction with cyclophosphamide at our inpatient service. Particular attention was given to the complications encountered and response to therapy. The medical records of patients who received pulse steroids at our center were reviewed with respect to patient demographics, clinical response and complications of therapy. During a period of 4 years, 38 patients received pulse corticosteroids alone and 4 received them in combination with cyclophosphamide. The conditions treated were: pyoderma gangrenosum, pemphigus vulgaris and foliac...
Mortality prediction using a modified Seattle Heart Failure Model may improve patient selection for ventricular tachycardia ablation

Background Catheter ablation is frequently used as a palliative option to reduce shock burden in patients with ventricular tachycardia (VT). A risk prediction tool that accurately predicts short-term survival could improve patient selection for VT ablation. Objective The objective of the study is to assess utility of the Seattle Heart Failure Model (SHFM) to predict 6-month mortality in patients undergoing VT ablation. Methods Data on patients who underwent VT ablation at 2 tertiary institutions were retrospectively compiled. The SHFM score at the time of ablation, including 2 added VT variables, was used to predict 6-month mortality. The predicted number of deaths was compared to the observed number to assess model calibration. Model discrimination of those who died within 6 months was assessed by both K- and C-statistics. Results Mean age of the 243 patients was 63 ± 12 years; 89% were male. Mean SHFM score for the cohort was 1.3 ± 1.3. The Kaplan-Meier probability of death within 6 months was 14% (34 patients). The number of deaths estimated by the SHFM at 6 months was 31 (13%) giving a predicted to observed ratio of 0.91 (95% CI 0.64-1.30). The K-statistic for 6-month mortality predictions was 0.77 (95% CI 0.73-0.81), whereas the C-statistic was 0.84 (95% CI 0.78-0.92). Patients with an SHFM score ≥4.0 had an estimated positive predictive value of 80% (95% CI 28%-99%) for dying within 6 months of VT ablation. Conclusion The SHFM was well calibrated to a sample of patients who underwent VT ablation and provided good discrimination of short-term deaths. This model could be useful as a prognostic tool to improve patient selection for VT ablation.
A Multivariate Faa di Bruno Formula with Applications

A multivariate Faa di Bruno formula for computing arbitrary partial derivatives of a function composition is presented. It is shown, by way of a general identity, how such derivatives can also be expressed in the form of an infinite series. Applications to stochastic processes and multivariate cumulants are then delineated.
A future at risk: children having children.

(1994). A Future at Risk: Children Having Children. The Clearing House: A Journal of Educational Strategies, Issues and Ideas: Vol. 67, No. 4, pp. 224-227.
Unusual liquid-liquid phase transition in aqueous mixtures of a well-known dendrimer†

Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) has been extensively investigated for polymer and protein solutions due to its importance in mixture thermodynamics, separation science and self-assembly processes. However, to date, no experimental studies have been reported on LLPS of dendrimer solutions. Here, it is shown that LLPS of aqueous solutions containing a hydroxyl-functionalized poly(amido amine) dendrimer of fourth generation is induced in the presence of sodium sulfate. Both the LLPS temperature and salt-dendrimer partitioning between the two coexisting phases at constant temperature were measured. Interestingly, our experiments show that LLPS switches from being induced by cooling to being induced by heating as the salt concentration increases. The two coexisting phases also show opposite temperature response. Thus, this phase transition exhibits a simultaneous lower and upper critical solution temperature-type behavior. Dynamic light-scattering and dye-binding experiments indicate that no appreciable conformational change occurs as the salt concentration increases. To explain the observed phase behavior, a thermodynamic model based on two parameters was developed. The first parameter, which describes dendrimer-dendrimer interaction energy, was determined by isothermal titration calorimetry. The second parameter describes the salt salting-out strength. By varying the salting-out parameter, it is shown that the model achieves agreement not only with the location of the experimental binodal at 25 °C but also with the slope of this curve around the critical point. The proposed model also predicts that the unusual temperature behavior of this phase transition can be described as the net result of two thermodynamic factors with opposite temperature responses: salt thermodynamic non-ideality and salting-out strength.
Polarographic determination of α-isonitrosomethylethyl ketone

Abstract A polarographic method for the determination of α-isonitrosomethylethyl ketone has been developed. Variations of the method allow the determination of diacetyl monoxime in the presence of diacetyl by adjustment of the pH of the polarographic media. The method is uncomplicated and gives a linear plot of id versus concentration in the 1.0 × 10−4 to 5.0 × 10−6M range.
A model program for hepatitis B vaccination and education of schoolchildren in rural China

Incomplete hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccine coverage and poor HBV-related knowledge in China leave millions of children unprotected from this life-threatening infection. To address these gaps, a pilot program for HBV education and vaccination was launched in rural China. In 2006, public and private organizations in the US and China collaborated to provide HBV education and vaccination to 55,000 school-age children in the remote, highly HBV-endemic area of Qinghai Province. The impact of the educational program on HBV-related knowledge was evaluated among more than 2,800 elementary school students. Between September 2006 and March 2007, the three-shot hepatitis B vaccine series was administered to 54,680 students, with a completion rate of 99.4%. From low pre-existing knowledge levels, classroom educational sessions statistically significantly increased knowledge about HBV risks, symptoms, transmission, and prevention. This program offers an effective and sustainable model for HBV catch-up vaccination and education that can be replicated throughout China, as well as in other underserved HBV-endemic regions, as a strategy to reduce chronic HBV infection, liver failure, and liver cancer.
THE INFLUENCE OF INFANT-CAREGIVER EXPERIENCES ON AMYGDALA Bdnf, OXTr, AND NPY EXPRESSION IN DEVELOPING AND ADULT MALE AND FEMALE RATS

Previous work with various animal models has demonstrated that alterations in the caregiving environment produce long-term changes in anxiety-related and social behaviors, as well as amygdala gene expression. We previously introduced a rodent model in which the timing and duration of exposure to maltreatment or nurturing care outside the home cage can be controlled to assess neurobiological outcomes. Here we sought to determine whether our brief experimental conditions produce changes in gene expression within the developing and adult amygdala. Using a candidate gene approach, we examined fold mRNA changes for the Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf), Oxytocin receptor (OXTr), and Neuropeptide Y (NPY) genes, which are all highly expressed in the amygdala and play important roles in anxiety-related and social behaviors. In adults, significant group differences were detected for only Bdnf, with higher levels of Bdnf mRNA for females that had been exposed to maltreatment and males exposed to nurturing care outside the home cage relative to littermate controls. For pups, significant group differences were detected for only OXTr, with lower levels of OXTr mRNA in females exposed to maltreatment. Finally, for adolescents, maltreated-females showed significant changes in Bdnf (decreased), OXTr (decreased), and NPY (increased) mRNA relative to controls. These data illustrate the ability of brief, but repeated exposure to different caregiving environments during the first postnatal week to have long-term effects on gene expression within the developing and adult amygdala, especially for females.
The electronic chemical potential and the H atom in the H2 molecule

Properties of the functional relationship between the energy and the natural orbitals and occupation numbers of a system are used to obtain an expression for the chemical potential of the electrons for the case of one or two electrons. These expressions are then used with the principle of equal orbital electronegativity to find the electron density of the hydrogen atom in the H2 molecule; the perturbed atomic potential of which that atom is the ground state is also determined.
Enzyme elements involved in the interconversion of L-carbamylaspartate and L-dihydroorotate by dihydroorotase from Clostridium oroticum.

Abstract Enzyme elements that are involved in the reversible cyclization of l -carbamylaspartate to l -dihydroorotate catalyzed by dihydroorotase (EC 3.5.2.3) from Clostridium oroticum (ATCC 25750) have been studied. Removal of Zn(II) from the enzyme by chelators followed by incubation of apoenzyme with Co(II) results in replacement of two to three of the four Zn(II) ions per molecule by Co(II). The catalytic properties of the Zn(II)Co(II) dihydroorotase are different from those of native enzyme. The V max is increased for both the synthesis and hydrolysis of l -dihydroorotate. The K m for l -dihydroorotate is unchanged, while the K m for l -carbamylaspartate is increased more than twofold. On the other hand, the kinetic properties of Zn(II)-reconstituted dihydroorotase are indistinguishable from those of native enzyme. The pH dependence of V max is also altered by the Co(II) substitution. For both Zn(II)- and Zn(II)Co(II)-dihydroorotase, this pH dependence is well described by a single ionization and the p K 's for l -dihydroorotate synthesis and hydrolysis are different. Substitution with Co(II) increases the p K for both reaction directions to different extents. These results strongly support a role for the tightly bound metals in the catalytic mechanism. In addition, diethylpyrocarbonate rapidly inactivates the enzyme. The inactivation is prevented by l -dihydroorotate. This result is consistent with a role for at least one histidine in catalysis. The possibility that C. oroticum dihydroorotase may be a useful model for the more complex mammalian enzyme is considered.
Towards a green electronic world: a collaborative approach

Summary form only given. Increasing power density of complex SoC's have made low-power a topic of interest in the industry. Power considerations in portable and wireless consumer devices have become a key part of many product specifications. Even for wired devices and other industry segments in which battery power has not traditionally been an issue, considerations of packaging, reliability, and cooling costs brings power firmly to the forefront at smaller geometries. In particular, as designs migrate to sub-90 nm process nodes, power management becomes a serious concern across the entire design and manufacturing chain. To help design teams, there is a need to adopt advanced power reduction techniques, where a complete low power solution is needed for the design, verification, and implementation of low-power chips. Since the challenge spans across the design chain, industry collaboration is an imperative.
Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Clients in a Substance Abuse Treatment Program Serving a Mostly Black and Hispanic Population

There has been a lack of studies regarding non-White lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) clients in substance abuse treatment. In an urban inpatient program with mostly Black and Hispanic clients, 780 heterosexual and 86 LGB respondents completed surveys that compared their treatment experiences on factors including satisfaction, therapeutic alliance with counselors, social affiliation with peers, and connection to the program. Results indicated that LGB participants reported higher levels of therapeutic alliance than heterosexual respondents. No differences were found between their program completion rates. Bisexual participants were less likely to disclose their sexual orientation in treatment than lesbian and gay respondents. A content analysis of the responses to open-ended questions revealed that over 40% of LGB clients reported experiencing at least some difficulties in treatment due to their sexual orientation.
The use of bal in the treatment of acute lead encephalopathy.

T HE use of BAL (2,3-dimercaptopropanol) has proved satisfactory in the treatment of certain heavy metal poisonings. 1 Recently, BAL has been used successfully in the clinical management of acute lead encephalopathy.2, 3 In this paper we have summarized the results of treatment in fifty-four cases of acute lead encephalopathy admitted to the University Hospital. The cases are divided into those treated before the advent of BAL and those treated with BAL. This division was made in an effort to evaluate the efflca~y of BAL. Added information was tabulated in regard to incidence, symptomatology, and laboratory findings.
Radical mastectomy in 20 ruminants.

Objective— To describe a surgical technique for radical mastectomy in ruminants and to report experience and outcome in 20 animals. Study Design— Retrospective study. Animals— Seventeen goats and 3 cows. Methods— Medical records of ruminants that had radical mastectomy between June 1, 1987 and June 1, 2003 were reviewed. Follow-up information was obtained by telephone interview of owners. Results— One animal died within 24 hours from complications of gangrenous mastitis and another died from necrotizing cellulitis. Eighteen animals were discharged and follow-up information was available for 15 animals; 12 animals lived at least 1 year postoperatively. Conclusions— Ruminants with severe but localized diseases of the udder did well after radical mastectomy. The procedure was well tolerated, made the animals more comfortable, and potentially prolonged their lives as pets. Clinical Relevance— Radical mastectomy can be a safe and effective procedure for ruminants with udder disease, with few complications.
An analysis of the effects of heat exchange and heat refluxing in the generation of electricity with a gas turbine

Six incremental but accumulative thermal schemes to improve the operation of a natural-gas-fired turbine in conjunction with a single steam turbine were analyzed in detail. Each of these was found to improve the efficiency and increase the electrical output, and to be justified economically on the basis of fixed and operating costs. The best overall scheme from a combined economic and thermodynamic point of view consisted of steam inputs to the turbine at three different pressure levels and the use of 13 separate heat exchanger sections (fours preheaters, three evaporators, and six superheaters). The overall efficiency based on the lower heating value of the natural gas was increased from 37.9% to 57.4% and the electrical output from 220 to 340 MW as compared to the bare gas turbine exhausting to the atmosphere. Further incremental improvements were found to be possible technically but not advisable economically because of the diminishing return per unit of expenditure.
Angel Finance: The Other Venture Capital

Angel financing is one of the most common, but least studied methods, to finance new ventures. In this paper, I propose a model to explain angel behavior. I use a unique dataset of angel-backed firms to test the predictions of the model and examine the characteristics of angel financing. Although they are exposed to greater uncertainty by investing earlier in the life of a firm compared to venture capital, angel investors do not rely on traditional control mechanisms such as board control, staging, or contractual provisions to protect against expropriation. Instead, angels reduce expected agency costs by forcing entrepreneurs to hold a larger stake in the firm, thereby aligning the interests of the entrepreneur with the outcome of the firm. In addition, angels use more informal methods such as investing in close geographic proximity and syndicating investments with other angels to mitigate risks.
Burrowing/Soil-Texture Relationships in the Crayfish, Cambar Us Diogenes Diogenes Girard (Decapoda, Astacidea)

Les relations terrier/substrat ont ete etudiees chez l'ecrevisse Cambarus diogenes diogenes. Les recherches, conduites en vue de determiner l'efficacite de creusement de C. d. diogenes dans des sols de texture variee, ont revele que l'ecrevisse etait capable de construire ses terriers plus rapidement dans les sols a fine granulation. De plus, quand on lui donnait le choix entre deux substrats on la trouvait plus souvent dans les sols a granulation fine que dans ceux a granulation grossiere. Ainsi, en presence de substrats a textures differentes, l'ecrevisse "prefere" ceux ou elle peut plus facilement creuser un terrier.
Sex differences in response to cues of parental investment: An evolutionary social psychological perspective.

Past research on human mating behaviors has operationalized parental investment (PI) in terms of sex differences – with females reflecting high parental investment (and resultant long-term mating strategies) and males demonstrating low parental investment (and resultant short-term mating strategies). The present research draws on methods adopted from social psychology to operationalize parental investment in terms of conscious and non-conscious attitudinal indices. In a sample of young heterosexual adults, we examined sex differences in two measures of attitudes toward one’s ability/willingness to invest in parenting. One measure was a self-report index while the other was based on autonomic nervous system (ANS) responses. No sex difference was obtained regarding self-report responses to PI. However, males showed significantly larger increases in heart rate than females when presented with PI-relevant (compared with PI-neutral) stimuli. The findings are consistent with past research suggesting that males are less prepared to confront issues associated with parenting than are females. Further, the findings suggest that males are somewhat unaware of their own perceived lack of parental preparedness. The incongruity between males’ self-reports and their ANS responses is discussed with regard to Error Management Theory (EMT; Haselton & Buss, 2000). We also discuss more generally how this research may serve as a model for using the subjectivist tradition in social psychology to expand our study of objective variables derived from the evolutionary perspective.
Incubation success and habitat selection of shore‐spawning kokanee Oncorhynchus nerka: effects of water‐level regulation and habitat characteristics

Changes to water-level regimes have been known to restructure fish assemblages and interfere with the population dynamics of both littoral and pelagic species. The effect of altered water-level regimes on shore-spawning kokanee Oncorhynchus nerka incubation success was evaluated using a comprehensive in situ study in Lake Pend Oreille, ID, USA. Survival was not related to substrate size composition or depth, indicating that shore-spawning kokanee do not currently receive a substrate-mediated survival benefit from higher winter water levels. Substrate composition also did not differ among isobaths in the nearshore area. On average, the odds of an egg surviving to the preemergent stage were more than three times greater for sites in downwelling areas than those lacking downwelling. This study revealed that shoreline spawning habitat is not as limited as previously thought. Downwelling areas appear to contribute substantially to shore-spawning kokanee recruitment. This research illustrates the value of rigorous in situ studies both for testing potential mechanisms underlying population trends and providing insight into spawning habitat selection.
Developing a process framework using principles of value-based software engineering

In this article we present a software process framework using the 4 + 1 theory and principles of value-based software engineering (VBSE). The value-based process framework serves as a 6-step process guide, and explains critical interactions between the five theories in the 4 + 1 theory of value-based software engineering. This article also applies the process framework to a supply chain organization through a case study analysis to illustrate its strength in practice. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Undervoltage effects in the determination of silver by scanning coulometry

Summary The effects of the monolayer formation process on the coulometric titration of silver at the gold electrode are described. The electrodeposition of silver in less than monolayer amounts occurred in three distinct steps. These steps were from 0.25 to 0.75 V more positive than predicted by the abridged form of the Nernst equation, and the corresponding current efficiencies were 150%. The standard deviation of the coulometric method in the concentration range that includes monolayer formation was 3.3%.
Relative efficiencies of tritium atoms and ionic species in peptide labeling

Glycylglycyl-L-leucine and glycyl-L-leucine dispersed on silica-alumina and supported Ni catalyst, were labeled with tritium by microwave discharge activation of tritium gas, as a model to study the optimum condition for labeling peptides and proteins. In the reaction, decreasing the tritium pressure and increasing the microwave power promote the formation of tritium ions and result in an increase in specific activity of the labeled product. The highest specific activity was achieved with the adsorbate molecules as a monolayer on support. Under similar conditions, amino acids glycine and L-leucine were less efficiently labeled than the peptides. Tritium atoms generated by mercury photosensitization with a uv light were less effective for labeling than tritium ions. Impurities in tritium gas can adversely affect the degree of tritium incorporation in peptides.
An Exploratory Survey and Analysis of Sailing in Galveston Bay, Texas

. Participation in sailing has increased dramatically over the past fifteen years. During some periods the growth in sailing participation has actually exceeded that of other forms of recreational boating. Although increased sailing activity has exerted pressure for policy and facility development, our understanding of sailing is limited. The lack of baseline information systems may be a major reason for the absence of sailing research efforts. The purpose of this paper is to describe the findings of an exploratory survey of sailing in Galveston Bay, Texas. Included are findings on the descriptive characteristics, boat ownership, sailing experience, extent and nature of sailing participation and geographic patterns of sailing of a group of sailing participants in Galveston Bay. Although exploratory in nature, this survey provides an increased understanding of sailing activities as well as difficulties involved in obtaining data.
Flow-distortion effects on scalar flux measurements in the surface layer: Implications for sensor design

Scalar fluxes measured through the eddy-correlation technique are prone to two types of errors caused by the sensor-induced flow distortion: those due to crosstalk from the horizontal flux, and those due to amplification or attenuation due to flow blocking. We show that the crosstalk error can be eliminated by designing the sensor array to be vertically symmetric about its horizontal midplane. In such an array, the flow-blocking effect causes the scalar flux to be overestimated, but this error can be made negligible by designing an array with minimal stagnation loss in streamwise speed at the flux-measurement point.
La polyvalence du moi tragique : La portée idéologique des dernières volontés chez les tragiques grecs

Les dernieres volontes furent l’occasion, pour les heros de la tragedie grecque, de dire la diversite du moi tragique a travers ses agitations in articulo mortis. Moyennant l’accomplissement d’un geste sacramentel qui tient lieu d’une promesse se dressant contre les incertitudes du devenir, elles permirent en effet aux heros tragiques d’exalter le moi physique, de prevenir l’attentat a l’integrite de ce dernier, d’en prolonger les affections, soit directement ou par procuration, comme dans le cas des voeux de vengeance, ou le mourant devient a posteriori sujet agissant dans le moi d’un autre sujet, soit au moyen d’un acte dicte par les imperatifs memes de l’ethique de telle ou telle passion, telle que l’amour, qui, suivant sa definition mytho-ideologique, fait du sujet aimant a la fois un moi-meme et un autre.
''Frog, where are you?'' Narratives in children with specific language impairment, early focal brain injury, and Williams syndrome

In this cross-population study, we use narratives as a context to investigate language development in children from 4 to 12 years of age from three experimental groups: children with early unilateral focal brain damage (FL; N=52); children with specific language impairment (SLI; N=44); children with Williams syndrome (WMS; N=36), and typically developing controls. We compare the developmental trajectories of these groups in the following domains: morphological errors, use of complex syntax, complexity of narrative structure, and types and frequency of evaluative devices. For the children with early unilateral brain damage, there is initial delay. However, by age 10, they are generally within the normal range of performance for all narrative measures. Interestingly, there are few, if any, side specific differences. Children with SLI, who have no frank neurological damage and show no cognitive impairment demonstrate significantly more delay on all morphosyntactic measures than the FL group. Quantitatively, on morphosyntactic measures, the SLI group clusters with those children with WMS who are moderately retarded. Together these data help us to understand the extent and nature of brain plasticity for language development and those aspects of language and discourse that are dissociable.
The effects of dynamic residential load participation: penetration levels for operational impact on reliability

Building an electrical load system that uses prioritised loads has been suggested as a means of approaching the overloading of the aging electrical infrastructure and thus increasing system reliability. In this paradigm, local controls would shut off electrical loads when overload conditions are being approached in the electrical power system. An unresolved question is how these systems might be configured and whether the deployment of residential load control will make a difference. This paper provides answers to both of these questions by suggesting several methods of deploying residential load control and determining the level of participation needed for each to make a difference in overall system reliability. The approach suggested was shown to improve the reliability of electrical power delivery even under very modest levels of participation. Under emergency conditions with 10% of load available for control, there is a factor of ten improvement in electrical power system reliability.
IEEE 802.11ah: Energy efficient MAC protocols for long range wireless LAN

IEEE 802.11ah enables new use cases such as smart grid and smart metering for 802.11 with an increased transmission range that reaches up to 1 km at 150 kbps. However, such a large outdoor network creates more hidden nodes due to a much higher path loss between stations than between a station to an access point (AP). 802.11ah has adopted a slotted medium access scheme and an AP assisted medium access scheme to mitigate the hidden node problem to enable energy efficient medium access for a large outdoor network. This paper presents details of the protocols being developed in the standard and evaluates the gains of the protocols.
Abstract 1010: Effect of dietary energy balance modulation on the ability of metformin to inhibit skin tumor promotion

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL The prevalence of obesity has drastically increased over the last decade and is associated with increased risk for several cancers. In contrast, calorie restriction (CR) universally inhibits cancer. Plausible mechanisms for the energy balance-cancer link include differential signaling through Akt/mTOR via the IGF-1R as well as other growth factor receptors. Previous data from our lab, using topical administration of rapamycin, support the hypothesis that pharmacological disruption of mTORC1 signaling mimics some of the effects of CR on skin tumor promotion. To further explore the role of mTORC1 signaling in tumor promotion we have conducted studies using metformin. In the present study, metformin was administered in the drinking water at doses of 250 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg body weight per day to female FVB/N mice, to assess its ability to reverse the effects of overweight/obesity on skin tumor promotion during two-stage skin carcinogenesis. Metformin treatment during skin tumor promotion significantly inhibited tumor multiplicity in a dose dependent manner in mice on an overweight control diet (AIN76A). There was a 70% reduction in papillomas per mouse at the 250 mg/kg dose and a 35% reduction at the 50 mg/kg dose. Short term mechanistic experiments with these same doses revealed significant decreases in TPA-induced epidermal hyperproliferation (as measured by epidermal hyperplasia and labeling index) after oral administration of metformin. Metformin also activated AMP Kinase in the epidermis as measured by pAMPKαT172 at both doses used as well as attenuated signaling through mTORC1 at the highest dose as measured by downstream signaling proteins p70S6KT389 and prS6S235/236. Treatment with the higher dose of metformin also prevented TPA-induced mTORC1 mediated degradation of translational repressor PDCD4. Current experiments are assessing the ability of metformin to suppress skin tumor promotion in mice maintained on an obesity inducing diet (60kcal% fat) and these studies will also be presented. Overall, the current data support the hypothesis that selectively targeting mTORC1, either directly (rapamycin) or indirectly via AMPK activation, may be an effective strategy for reversing the effects of overweight and obesity on tumor development during epithelial carcinogenesis. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1010. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-1010
Responses to changing energy conditions among Massachusetts households

Abstract Survey data on 478 residential electricity consumers in Massachusetts are used to examine the effects of economic, demographic, structural, and attitudinal variables on energy-saving activity disaggregated into behaviorally distinct types involving energy efficiency improvements or curtailments. Home ownership, household energy bills, and personal norms for conservation all influence total energy savings, but different patterns of influence operate for different classes of behavior. Structural factors, particularly home ownership, were most important in influencing major efficiency improvements, while personal norms became increasingly important with less structurally constrained types of behavior, such as temperature settings. High and rising fuel prices indirectly produced some general energy savings, but the only classes of behavior to be directly affected were low-cost efficiency improvement and sacrifices of non-energy amenities. Some implications are discussed.
The Usefulness of Applied Social Science: Three Views

Books reviewed in this article: Peter W. House, The Art of Public Policy Analysis. Robert F. Rich, Social Science Information and Public Policy Making. Robert A. Scott and Arnold R. Shore, Why Sociology Does Not Apply; A Study of the Use of Sociology in Public Policy.
Differential effects of antipsychotics on haloperidol-induced vacuous chewing movements and subcortical gene expression in the rat

Abstract The behavioral and neurochemical effects of switching from typical to atypical medications have not been evaluated in the rodent models of tardive dyskinesia. Thus, we treated rats with haloperidol–decanoate for 12 weeks, and assessed the effects of additional treatment with olanzapine, haloperidol, clozapine, or vehicle on vacuous chewing movements and expression of transcripts for dopamine receptors, tyrosine hydroxylase, δ-opioid receptor, prodynorphin, preproenkephalin, glutamic acid decarboxylase-65 (glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD)-65) and GAD-67 and N -methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor subunits in the striatum and its efferent pathways. Haloperidol–decanoate induced vacuous chewing movements extinguished following an additional 4 weeks of treatment with vehicle, olanzapine or haloperidol, but not clozapine. Post-treatment, vacuous chewing movements in the clozapine group were significantly higher than the vehicle, olanzapine and haloperidol groups. GAD-67 mRNA expression in the globus pallidus was decreased following additional treatment with olanzapine or haloperidol, but not clozapine. Changes in expression of other transcripts were not detected. These findings demonstrate important differences in the effects of typical and atypical antipsychotics on chronic vacuous chewing movements.
Learning needs of growth-oriented entrepreneurs

Abstract As firms increase in size and complexities, the entrepreneurs managing them face a number of unique problems. Often the entrepreneurs lack the experience to address these challenges. Further, finding the best method to acquire the needed information has proven elusive for both entrepreneurs and educators. The existing entrepreneurship education literature related to teaching and/or learning skills to grow a business does not significantly address the problems brought on by growth. Most studies have examined students in an academic environment, away from realworld problems, in a relatively structured setting of a specific duration and with similar levels of competency and knowledge. Practicing entrepreneurs do not fit this educational mold. The results of this study show that entrepreneurs prefer learning experiences that are short, to the point, content oriented, and taught by practicing professionals. This study also identifies the priority learning needs and preferred delivery methods of fast growth entrepreneurs. These findings could be used to develop a series of courses or modules that could enhance the management efficiency and effectiveness of fast growth entrepreneurs. This study contributes to the general knowledge of entrepreneurship education in the following areas: 1. 1. It identifies the learning needs and preferred instructional methods of practicing, fast growth entrepreneurs. 2. 2. It provides market information on course offerings for executive education programs. 3. 3. It provides a model of curriculum content for universities that wish to bring their courses more in line with the needs of practicing entrepreneurs. 4. 4. It provides a teaching approach that can help bridge the gap between academe and the business world by focusing on learning needs common to both students and entrepreneurs.
Novel mutations in Moloney Murine Leukemia Virus reverse transcriptase increase thermostability through tighter binding to template-primer

In an effort to increase the thermostability of Moloney Murine Leukemia Virus reverse transcriptase (MMLV RT), we screened random and site-saturation libraries for variants that show increased resistance to thermal inactivation. We discovered five mutations E69K, E302R, W313F, L435G and N454K that collectively increase the half-life of MMLV RT at 55 degrees C from less than 5 min to approximately 30 min in the presence of template-primer. In addition, these mutations alter the thermal profile by increasing specific activity of the pentuple mutant (M5) over a broad range of cDNA synthesis temperatures (25-70 degrees C). We further show that M5 generates higher cDNA yields and exhibits better RT-PCR performance compared to wild-type RT when used at high temperature to amplify RNA targets containing secondary structure. Finally, we demonstrate that M5 exhibits tighter binding (lower K(m)) to template-primer, which likely protects against heat inactivation.
Improving Asthma Care in the Hospital: an Overview of Treatments and Quality Improvement Interventions for Children Hospitalized for Status Asthmaticus

Asthma is one of the leading causes of pediatric hospitalization in the USA. This review summarizes evidence-based practices for inpatient pediatric asthma treatment, including routine care, care escalation, and discharge care, along with established and emerging inpatient quality improvement approaches. Intermittent inhaled beta agonists, systemic steroids, and, for patients with low oxygen saturation, supplemental oxygen remain the cornerstones of routine inpatient asthma care. Compared to nebulization, metered-dose inhaler delivery of intermittent beta agonist therapy is more effective and underused. Oral prednisone produces similar clinical outcomes and is more cost-effective when compared with intravenous methylprednisolone. Standardized respiratory assessment scores should supplement clinical judgment in evaluating response to therapy. There are no studies that demonstrate the effectiveness of routine adjuvant anticholinergic therapy outside of the emergency room, though it may be effective in a subset of inpatients. Evidence for inpatient care escalation is limited. With respect to discharge care, simple provision of asthma care plans does not appear to reduce readmissions, though individually tailored asthma care plans remain a standard of discharge care, along with systemic steroids, beta agonists, and, when indicated, inhaled corticosteroids. To avoid medication access barriers for high-risk patients, clinicians can ensure that discharge medications are in-hand before the patient leaves the hospital. A number of quality improvement strategies have shown promise in the inpatient setting. Clinical pathways reduce length of stay and costs associated with care without an associated increase in readmissions. Inpatient family education programs can be effective but should incorporate multiple strategies, including individualized management strategies and post-discharge follow-up. Inpatient care also serves as a useful opportunity to assess home environmental risk and to refer high-risk families to outpatient and community resources.
Caspase-dependent and independent cell death in rat hepatoma 5123tc cells.

The objective of this study was to establish whether apoptosis in 5123tc rat hepatoma cells required the caspase-3 dependent pathway. Apoptosis was induced by either growth factor deprivation or treatment with a topoisomerase II inhibitor, VM26, in the absence or presence of caspase inhibitors (DEVD-fmk, z-VAD-fmk and BAF). The results indicated that, although these inhibitors at 10 μM concentration completely blocked caspase-3 activity, they had no effect on either the rate of cell death or on any other apoptotic features, e.g., chromatin condensation, DNA fragmentation, protein cleavage, suggesting that caspase-3 was not required to mediate nuclear destruction in these hepatoma cells. At higher concentrations, up to 100 μM, z-VAD-fmk and BAF, but not DEVD-fmk, did block apoptosis, however, they also caused cell swelling and membrane permeabilization, which are the hallmarks of necrotic cell death. Clearly, high concentrations of these inhibitors must have interfered non-specifically with other metabolic pathways, e.g., z-VAD-fmk at a high concentration blocked protein phosphorylation, and caused cell death by a different mechanism.
Electronic structure of defects in amorphous arsenic

The cluster-Bethe-lattice method, self-consistent pseudopotentials, and tight-binding Hamiltonians are used to study the electronic structure of various possible defects in amorphous As. The electronic densities of states of isolated twofold coordinated As atoms, fourfold coordinated As atoms, "intimate valence alternation pairs," and vacancies are calculated. The origin, character, and localization of the resulting gap states are discussed. It is found that isolated fourfold coordinated As atoms give rise to states in the gap that are nondegenerate, fairly localized, and predominantly $p$-like in character. Moreover, our investigation indicates that the character and localization of the gap states arising from the "valence alternation pair" are consistent with the properties of optically induced paramagnetic states observed in amorphous As, while the electronic gap states of the vacancy defect may be consistent with the recently observed thermally generated paramagnetic states in this material.