cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Career Intervention Considerations for Unwed Young Black Mothers in the United States

Teen pregnancy among unwed young Black mothers is still an issue of concern in the United States. Black teen mothers face educational, economic, and career/vocational challenges. This article discusses integrating Gottfredson's (1981) career theory and the Outline for Cultural Formulation (American Psychiatric Association, 1994) in career development counseling with young Black mothers.
Evolutionary potential but not extinction risk of Lahontan cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii henshawi) is associated with stream characteristics

Habitat fragmentation represents a major extinction threat for species of all taxa. Isolated populations have a higher risk of local extinction because of environmental variability and demographic ...
In vivo efficacy of dendrimer-methylprednisolone conjugate formulation for the treatment of lung inflammation.

Abstract Dendrimers are an emerging class of nanoscale intracellular drug delivery vehicles. Methylprednisolone (MP) is an important corticosteroid used in the treatment (through inhalation) of lung inflammation associated with asthma. The ability of MP–polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimer conjugate to improve the airway delivery was evaluated in a pulmonary inflammatory murine model that was based on an 11-fold enhancement of eosinophil lung accumulation following five daily inhalation exposures of sensitized mice to the experimental allergen, ovalbumin. MP was successfully conjugated to PAMAM-G4-OH dendrimer yielding 12 MP molecules per dendrimer, and further solubilized in lysine carrier. Five daily trans-nasal treatments with the carrier alone, free MP, and MP–dendrimer at 5 mg kg−1 (on a drug basis) did not induce additional lung inflammation, although free MP decreased baseline phagocytic cell recoveries by airway lavage and tissue collagenase dispersion. MP treatments alone decreased ovalbumin-associated airway and tissue eosinophil recoveries by 71 and 47%, respectively. Equivalent daily MP dosing with MP–dendrimer conjugate further diminished these values, with decreases of 87% and 67%, respectively. These findings demonstrate that conjugation of MP with a dendrimer enhances the ability of MP to decrease allergen-induced inflammation, perhaps by improving drug residence time in the lung. This is supported by the fact that only 24% of a single dose of dendrimer delivered to the peripheral lung is lost over a 3-day period. Therefore, conjugation of drugs to a dendrimer may provide an improved method for retaining drugs within the lung when treating such inflammatory disorders as asthma.
Spiral waves in the Belousov-Zhabotinskii reaction

Abstract The beautiful spiral waves of oxidation in the Belousov-Zhabotinskii reaction are the source of many interesting and important questions about periods structures in excitable media. It has long been known that these spirals are similar to involutes of circles, at least some distance from the center, but until now, no way has been known to determine the correct wavelength and frequency. In this paper, we show that the parameters of a spiral wave can be viwed s eigenvalues of a problem with unique solution. The critical ingredients of the theory are the effects of curvature on the propagation of wavefronts in two-dimensional media, and the dispersion of plane waves Our analytical results are shown to be in good agreement with experimental data for the Belousov-Zhabotinskii reagent.
Cranial base reconstruction after transsphenoidal surgery with bioabsorbable implants.

Objective Reconstruction of the cranial base is often necessary after transsphenoidal surgery to prevent the occurrence of cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea and to maintain anatomic integrity. In most cases, sellar packing (fat, muscle, gelatin sponge) may be supported by bone or cartilage harvested at the time of surgery. The use of synthetic material, however, becomes desirable in cases in which an autograft is not available. Low-molecular-weight polylactide implants may serve as an effective alternative because they are immunologically inert, magnetic resonance imaging-compatible, and easily contoured to custom-fit a defect. Methods and results MacroSorb (MacroPore, San Diego, CA) absorbable plates are made from amorphous 70:30 poly (L-lactide-co-D,L-lactide) polymers. Implants are malleable at temperatures of 70 degrees C and solidify at room or body temperature; plates are resorbed in 18 months. Conclusion Polylactide polymer implants are effective adjuncts in transsphenoidal surgery when cranial base reconstruction is necessary and when an endogenous osseous or cartilaginous graft is unavailable.
Quality of life in MS: does aging enhance perceptions of mental health?

Purpose. This study was designed to examine the relationship between age and quality of life in middle aged and older adults with MS.Method. Individuals with MS, recruited through a Comprehensive Care Centre and local registries of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, completed a telephone interview which incorporated several scales of the MS Quality of Life Inventory. Participants were divided into three age groups reflective of developmental transitions in adulthood, from midlife transition to late adulthood.Results. Between group comparisons controlling for physical functioning and duration of MS revealed that the oldest age group (age 65 and above) reported significantly better mental health than the middle age group (age 50–64), but not the youngest age group (age 35–49). Differences between the middle and youngest age group were not significant.Conclusions. Results suggest that perhaps the process of getting older, or factors related to being older, enhance perceptions of mental health in indivi...
Adsorption characteristics of polyacrylamide and sulfonate‐containing polyacrylamide copolymers on sodium kaolinite

Polyacrylamide and its copolymer containing 6.8 mole % 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid were prepared by an irradiation-initiated precipitation polymerization technique. The polymer was characterized by intrinsic viscosity under conditions similar to those used during adsorption measurements. Hydrolytic degradation of the polyacrylamide was found to be negligible under conditions used. The adsorption substrate, sodium kaolinite, was prepared by extensive ion exchange treatment. Equilibrium adsorption of the polymers on the sodium kaolinite was made as a function of polymer concentration, solution pH, ionic strength, and temperature.
Risk of venous thromboembolism outweighs post-hepatectomy bleeding complications: analysis of 5651 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program patients

Background Historically, liver surgeons have withheld venous thromboembolism (VTE) chemoprophylaxis due to perceived postoperative bleeding risk and theorized protective anticoagulation effects of a hepatectomy. The relationships between extent of hepatectomy, postoperative VTE and bleeding events were evaluated using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database.
How and where did GEMS form

Abstract In the paper “On the Origins of GEMS” Keller and Messenger (2011) present the results of a study of GEMS (glass with embedded metal and sulfides) in chondritic porous interplanetary dust particles (CP IDPs). They find that non-solar oxygen isotopic abundances are detectable in a few typically the largest GEMS, confirming that they are surviving presolar amorphous silicates derived from the interstellar medium (ISM). They argue that those without detectable anomalies, the majority, formed in the solar system even though they are otherwise identical to the anomalous GEMS. Their conclusion is based on element-to-Si ratios, but GEMS-rich CP IDPs are collected, stored in and permanently contaminated with silicone oil. They are also thermally unstable and chemically reactive during atmospheric entry, which further modifies element-to-Si ratios. Both of the approaches employed to argue negligible silicone oil contamination are problematical: First, carbon is used as a tracer for silicone oil contamination, but carbon is both native to the IDPs and introduced throughout the sample collection and preparation processes. Second, the absence of an ∼8 μm infrared (IR) feature is cited, based on refitting of previously published spectra using a polynomial spline.
The study of abnormal bone development in the Apert syndrome Fgfr2 +/S252W mouse using a 3D hydrogel culture model

Apert syndrome is caused by mutations in fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (Fgfr2) and is characterized by craniosynostosis and other skeletal abnormalities. The Apert syndrome Fgfr2+/S252W mouse model exhibits perinatal lethality. A 3D hydrogel culture model, derived from tissue engineering strategies, was used to extend the study of the effect of the Fgfr2+/S252W mutation in differentiating osteoblasts postnatally. We isolated cells from the long bones of Apert Fgfr2+/S252W mice (n=6) and cells from the wild-type sibling mice (n=6) to be used as controls. During monolayer expansion, Fgfr2+/S252W cells demonstrated increased proliferation and ALP activity, as well as altered responses of these cellular functions in the presence of FGF ligands with different binding specificity (FGF2 or FGF10). To better mimic the in vivo disease development scenario, cells were also encapsulated in 3D hydrogels and their phenotype in 3D in vitro culture was compared to that of in vivo tissue specimens. After 4 weeks in 3D culture in osteogenic medium, Fgfr2+/S252W cells expressed 2.8-fold more collagen type I and 3.3-fold more osteocalcin than did wild-type controls (p<0.01). Meanwhile, Fgfr2+/S252W cells showed decreased bone matrix remodeling and expressed 87% less Metalloprotease-13 and 71% less Noggin (p<0.01). The S252W mutation also led to significantly higher production of collagen type I and II in 3D as shown by immunofluorescence staining. In situ hybridization and alizarin red S staining of postnatal day 0 (P0) mouse limb sections demonstrated significantly higher levels of osteopontin expression and mineralization in Fgfr2+/S252W mice. Complementary to in vivo findings, this 3D hydrogel culture system provides an effective in vitro venue to study the pathogenesis of Apert syndrome caused by the analogous mutation in humans.
IL-6-deficient mice show impaired inflammatory response in a model of myosin-induced experimental myositis

Inflammatory/immune reactions against muscle cells are responsible for the damage in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies. We investigated the role of IL-6, a cytokine known to contribute to local leukocyte accumulation, in a model of myosin-induced experimental myositis. After injection of rabbit myosin in CFA/pertussis toxin, normal mice develop clinically evident muscle deficit and damage, as demonstrated by myofiber necrosis and leukocyte infiltration, while IL-6-deficient mice have no clinical or histological signs of muscle damage. This study evidences that selective deficiency of IL-6 directly or indirectly hinders the local inflammatory response and its harmful effects in this model of muscle damage.
Differential gene expression in mummichogs (Fundulus heteroclitus) following treatment with pyrene: comparison to a creosote contaminated site.

Mummichogs, Fundulus heteroclitus, an estuarine fish with a relatively small home range found along the eastern coast of the United States are well-suited to monitoring contaminant effects, including those of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). One of the common PAHs in estruaries is pyrene. We report here on efforts to develop multiple biomarkers of pyrene exposure in this species. Adult male mummichogs were exposed in the laboratory to the weak aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) agonist pyrene at 0, 30, or 50 μg/L in 7-day static renewal exposures. The RNA was extracted from livers and alterations in mRNA expression were assessed by subtractive hybridization and differential display in order to produce multiple biomarkers of pyrene exposure. Genes demonstrating differential expression were confirmed by quantitative-PCR (Q-PCR) and include cytochrome P-450 1A (CYP1A), a putative hepatocyte growth factor activator, a X-ray inducible retrotransposon, and several expressed sequenced tags (ESTs). Some of these genes represent new biomarkers of pyrene exposure and potential biomarkers of PAH exposure. Therefore, similar changes were investigated at a Superfund site in Charleston, SC. Mummichogs from a creosote contaminated site and from a reference site (North Inlet National Estuarine Research Reserve near Georgetown, SC) were trapped, RNA extracted from the livers, and Q-PCR performed. Many of the genes differentially expressed following pyrene exposure were not altered at the creosote contaminated site in comparison to the reference site. However, CYP1A and an EST were induced. CYP1A induction at Diesel Creek indicates that this population of fish does not demonstrate refractory CYP1A phenotypes observed at several sites with high levels of AhR agonists. Ultimately, we anticipate that the use of multiple biomarkers of PAH exposure will provide useful information on the potential effects of toxicants.
Effect of an electric stimulation facilitation program on quadriceps motor unit recruitment after stroke.

Abstract Newsam CJ, Baker LL. Effect of an electric stimulation facilitation program on quadriceps motor unit recruitment after stroke. Objective To compare maximum voluntary isometric torque (MVIT) and motor unit recruitment of the quadriceps after an electric stimulation facilitation program in persons affected by cerebrovascular accident (CVA). Design Three-week, randomized controlled trial with an electric stimulation facilitation program added to standard care. Setting Inpatient rehabilitation center. Participants Twenty patients receiving rehabilitation for first-time CVA (51.8±15.2y; days post-CVA, 38.4±40.0d). Patients were randomly assigned to study and control groups. Interventions All patients received standard physical therapy (PT) care. In addition, the study group received an electric stimulation facilitation program during weight-bearing and ambulatory activities of the PT program. Main outcome measures MVIT and motor unit recruitment measured by interpolated twitch testing. A 2×4 repeated-measures analysis of variance was performed on measurements at 4 intervals: pretest, 1 week, 2 weeks, and 3 weeks. Results MVIT increased by 77% in patients receiving electric stimulation, compared with a 31% increase for the control group. There was a significant effect for assessment time only. Motor unit recruitment increased from 35% to 53% for the study group, whereas the control group recorded no change in recruitment ability. A significant interaction was recorded, indicating improved motor unit recruitment for the study group. Conclusions A brief and dynamic electric stimulation facilitation program significantly improved motor unit recruitment in persons after CVA.
Simulation of Electron Beam Heating of a Cu Thin Film on a Si Substrate

Electron beam interaction with thin films is a critical phenomenon in applications such as nanostructure fabrication, surface treatment and curing, surface sterilization, scanning electron microscopy, and electron beam lithography. Unlike bulk solids, thin films whose thickness is on the same order of magnitude as the penetration depth require consideration of interface effects: namely resistance to heat transfer and more electron scattering. In such cases, the energy deposition profile, the location of interfaces and the associated change in material properties must be accounted for. In this paper we describe the thermal simulation of a thin copper film (0.5 μm, 1 μm, 2μm) on a Si substrate irradiated by an electron beam (10 keV, 20 keV, 40 keV). We explore the effect of the interface position relative to the electron range and the local heating effects associated with continuous or long pulse beams.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Effects of Several Factors on Quantification of Fat, Protein, and Somatic Cells in Milk

Abstract Two studies were conducted to determine sources of variation in analysis of milk samples subjected to combinations of handling procedures typical of the Alabama DHIA testing program compared with those of a local milk processing plant. In study 1, cooled bulk tank samples from Jersey and Holstein herds were split and sent to five DHIA laboratories and one milk plant laboratory. All five DHIA laboratories reported similar results for fat with slight differences in percentage protein and SCC. Addition of preservative, shipping on ice, or method of shipping did not affect percentage fat. Milk plant electronic analysis was approximately .05% higher than DHIA. Because the statistical difference is less than the accuracy of the Babcock test (± .1%), the practical significance of the difference is minimal. Samples without preservative or shipped on ice had a higher percentage of protein and lower SCC. Holding preserved samples up to 96 h did not affect electronic analysis of percentage fat but resulted in increased percentage protein. In study 2, samples held over the weekend by a commercial transport company had a similar percentage of fat but higher protein and SCC than in samples delivered directly.
Formulations for trans-tympanic antibiotic delivery

We have developed a drug delivery system for prolonged trans-tympanic antibiotic delivery from a single dose administration. Increased permeability to ciprofloxacin of the intact tympanic membrane (TM) was achieved by chemical permeation enhancers (CPEs--bupivacaine, limonene, sodium dodecyl sulfate); this was also seen by CPEs contained within a hydrogel (poloxamer 407) to maintain the formulation at the TM. The CPE-hydrogel formulation had minimal effects on auditory thresholds and tissue response in vivo. CPE-hydrogel formulations have potential for ototopical delivery of ciprofloxacin for the treatment of acute otitis media (AOM) and other middle ear diseases.
Optimal GEDF-based schedulers that allow intra-task parallelism on heterogeneous multiprocessors

A variant of the conventional sporadic task model is considered wherein successive invocations of the same task do not have to execute in precedence order. This model is motivated by stream-processing applications where successive data items can be processed independently. The considered hardware platform is assumed to be a heterogeneous multiprocessor with processors of different speeds. Such platforms can be utilized in embedded applications to enable performance guarantees to be made with acceptable energy costs. The main contribution of this paper is to show that preemptive and non-preemptive variants of the global earliest-deadline-first scheduler are optimal with respect to ensuring bounded response times under the considered task model and hardware platform. An experimental evaluation of both variants is presented as well.
Non-GAAP adjustments to net income appearing in the earnings releases of the S&P 100: An analysis of frequency of occurrence, materiality and rationale

Abstract For 2005 through 2010, we examine the extent to which S&P 100 companies provide non-GAAP income measures in their annual earnings releases. Our findings provide insight into the evolving nature and magnitude of the adjusting items characteristic of non-GAAP income measures during the post-Reg G period. We find that the number of S&P 100 companies disclosing a non-GAAP income measure increases significantly from 44% to 60% during our period of study. Based on Gray’s (1980) index of materiality, we find that for each year between 2005 and 2010, the excess of non-GAAP income compared to GAAP income is 18%, 19%, 43%, 61%, 54%, and 45%, respectively. For approximately half of the S&P 100 disclosing non-GAAP income measures, we identify repetitive adjustments for the same item (e.g. restructuring) in multiple years. While none of these companies specifically refer to repetitive adjustments as non-recurring, infrequent or unusual, several include terminology alluding to the use of non-GAAP earnings to evaluate ‘ongoing’ operating trends. Thus, our findings suggest that a change in tone at the SEC has lead to the reappearance of the disclosure of non-GAAP performance measures that the Commission previously considered to be potentially misleading. In January 2010, the SEC relaxed its position on non-GAAP disclosures clarifying that the recurring item prohibition for SEC filings is based on the description of the item adjusted, not its nature. Finally, while most of the S&P 100 providing such disclosures indicate why management believes presentation of a non-GAAP financial measure is useful to investors, the rationales are typically general and broad and accordingly not informative.
Private geosocial networking

Location based social or geosocial networks (GSNs) have recently emerged as a natural combination of location based services with online social networks: users register their location and activities, share it with friends and achieve special status (e.g., "mayorship" badges) based on aggregate location predicates. Boasting millions of users and tens of daily check-ins, such services pose significant privacy threats: user location information may be tracked and leaked to third parties. Conversely, a solution enabling location privacy may provide cheating capabilities to users wanting to claim special location status. In this paper we introduce new mechanisms that allow users to (inter)act privately in today's geosocial networks while simultaneously ensuring honest behaviors. We show that our solutions are efficient both on the provider and the client side.
Theory of the role of covalence in the perovskite-type manganites [La,M(II)]MnO3

The theory of semicovalent exchange is reviewed and applied to the perovskite-type manganites $[\mathrm{La}, M(\mathrm{II})]\mathrm{Mn}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$. With the hypothesis of covalent and semicovalent bonding between the oxygen and manganese ions plus the mechanism of double exchange, detailed qualitative predictions are made about the magnetic lattice, the crystallographic lattice, the electrical resistivity, and the Curie temperature as functions of the fraction of ${\mathrm{Mn}}^{4+}$ present. These predictions are found to be in accord with recent findings from neutron-diffraction and x-ray data as well as with the earlier experiments on this system by Jonker and van Santen.
Immunofluorescent Detection of Staphylococcal Enterotoxin B I. Detection in Culture Media

SUMMARY Application of the fluorescent antibody technique (FAT) to detection of staphylococcal enterotoxin B and of the cells that produce it in culture media was investigated. Enterotoxin B was detected by FAT in culture media both in the presence and in the absence of bacterial cells. Two methods of detection were developed. The first involved staining of fixed smears with fluorescein-isothiocyanate-conjugated anti-enterotoxin B serum. The second technique involved the precipitation of enterotoxin by mixing one drop of fluid containing either living cells and toxin or only toxin with two drops of serially diluted conjugate. After incubation, the formed precipitates were caught on Millipore filter membranes and washed, and impression smears were made on slides. Enterotoxin B was demonstrated with the first technique only when there was a minimum of 15 fig/ml. The second technique detected as little as 1 fig toxin/m1.
Influence of Atmospheric Properties on the Self-Absorption in Exploding Wires

The effects of ambient conditions on the spectral characteristics of exploding wires have been studied over wide ranges. It is found that the breakdown potential in the surrounding gas determines the type of wire explosion and consequently the spectra emitted. Rules are developed for the applicability of exploding wires in photochemical systems and in quantitative spectroscopy.
University of Wisconsin preservation solution compared with Euro Collins preservation solution in pediatric liver transplantation.

Orthotopic liver transplantation has become the accepted treatment for end-stage liver disease in children. To evaluate the efficacy of the University of Wisconsin (UW) preservation solution in pediatric liver transplantation, a group of 34 livers preserved with UW solution was compared in a nonrandomized fashion with a historical control group of 34 livers preserved with Euro Collins (EC) solution. Primary graft nonfunction did not occur in either group. Both groups were similar with respect to age, sex, weight, diagnosis, severity of the recipient's condition, donor condition at harvest, donor/recipient blood type match, and immunosuppressive management. The UW group had a significantly higher bilirubin, AST, ALT, and GGT during the first week after transplantation when compared with the EC group but no significant differences were noted after the ninth post-transplant day. No differences were noted when the groups were compared as to surgery time (9.1 v 8.4 hours), blood volumes replaced (1.8 v 2.0), number of ICU days (5.0 v 6.5), total number of infections per graft (1.0 v 0.8), total hospital days (31 v 30), and hospital cost ($134,000 v $126,000). The total preservation time was improved from 7 hours (range, 3.2 to 9.9) in the EC group to 13.9 hours (range, 6.9 to 22.3) in the UW group (P < .001). UW solution allows a significant increase in cold ischemic time in liver transplantation when compared with EC. This increase in preservation time resulted in no detrimental effect when compared with EC and potentially led to milder episodes of rejection in the postoperative period.
Construction of orthogonal arrays

Abstract For every prime-power q and n ⩾ m we construct orthogonal arrays OA q i −1 −m (t, q n + ⌊ n/m ⌋, q m )(2 ≤ t ≤, q n ). If qm OA q i −1 −m (t, q n , q m Finally we construct families of large sets of orthogonal arrays and of t-resilient functions.
Masson's "vegetant intravascular hemangioendothelioma:" a lesion often mistaken for angiosarcoma: study of seventeen cases located in the skin and soft tissues

The occurrence of Masson's "hemangio-endotheliome vegetant intravasculaire" (Masson's pseudoangiosarcoma) in the skin and soft tissues is illustrated with 17 surgically excised specimens. Two forms are recognized; it may appear either as a pure lesion or as a focal condition in a pre-existing vascular process, such as pyogenic granuloma or hemangioma. The clinical appearance is not specific and the diagnosis can only be established by microscopic examination. It shows a predilection for the head and extremities. Its characteristic morphologic appearance makes possible its differentiation from a group of benign and malignant vascular proliferations. The key microscopic feature is the presence of a papillary growth composed of hyperplastic endothelial cells supported by delicate fibrous stalks entirely confined within the vascular lumen. The lesion should not be mistaken for angiosarcoma, since its clinical behavior is invariably benign.
Pharmacology of metabotropic glutamate receptor inhibition of cyclic AMP formation in the adult rat hippocampus.

Abstract Phosphoinositide-linked metabotropic glutamate receptors have been well characterized in a variety of CNS tissues. In this study the pharmacology of metabotropic glutamate receptors negatively coupled to cAMP formation was investigated in cross-chopped slices of the adult rat hippocampus. Excitatory amino acid agonists and antagonists were examined for effects on forskolin (30 μM)-simulated cAMP formation. The selective metabotropic glutamate agonist (IS,3R)-1-aminocyclopentane-1,3-dicarboxylic acid (1S,3R-ACPD) and various nonselective metabotropic/ionotropic agonists were found to inhibit forskolin-stimulated cAMP formation. Inhibition of cAMP formation was observed using 1S,3R-ACPD (57% at 100 μM), quisqualate (92% at 500 μM), ibotenate (44% at 500 μM), l -glutamate (41% at 1000 μM), and l -aspartate (59% at 1000 μM). Inhibition of forskolin-stimulated cAMP formation induced by these agonists was observed even in the presence of the ionotropic antagonists MK-801 and 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione. Up to 500 μM of the ionotropic agonist N- methyl- d -aspartate-AMPA , and kainate did not inhibit forskolin-stimulated cAMP formation. l -2-amino-3-phosphonopropionate (500 μM) greatly inhibited the stimulatory effect of 1S,3R-ACPD on phosphoinositide hydrolysis, even in the presence of forskolin. However when measuring cAMP formation, l -2-amino-3-phosphonoproprionate (500 μM) mimicked the effect of 1S,3R-ACPD, producing 64% inhibition of forskolin-stimulated cAMP. These studies show that in the adult rat hippocampus metabotropic glutamate receptors that are negatively linked to cAMP formation have a pharmacology that is distinct from ionotropic glutamate receptors and phosphoinositide-linked metabotropic glutamate receptors.
The impact of emerging information technology on auditing

As businesses increasingly use electronic data processing (EDP) techniques to process their accounting systems, auditors must gather critical information more efficiently. Such tools and techniques as electronic data interchange, the Internet and other modern technological subjects signal the end of the traditional audit. Technology has made inputting information for transactions and events more simple ‐ and evaluating the related controls and results more critical. Accumulating sufficient evidence needed to construct an informed decision means understanding where to look for that evidence, what control procedures to consider and how to evaluate those procedures. The purpose of this article is to draw attention to these issues and the recently issued SAS No. 80, which offers auditors guidance to accumulate sufficient evidence to audit their computerized clients. We also address some issues auditors may face in evaluating the security control in their clients’ businesses.
Rapid Growth in Height Produced by Chorionic Gonadotropin in a Dwarfed Infantile Identical Twin

There is no doubt that animal experimentation plays a great part in the development of new thought in research medicine. One is, however, well acquainted with the shortcomings of observations so attained, when one attempts to duplicate the results in the clinic patient. It is therefore of ad vantage, whenever possible to illustrate certain phenomena through the use of the human subject. It has been possible to corroborate in a human control subject some observations previously made in the study of the effects of sex and growth in a group of boys to whom chorionic gonadotropin had been given (1). The observations reported herewith are particularly significant because the subjects were a set of identical twins who presented similar developmental defects in sex and growth and the observation period extended over a prolonged period of time.
Gangrenous and perforated appendicitis: a meta-analytic study of 2532 patients indicates that the incision should be closed primarily.

Abstract Background: Surgical incisions after appendectomy for complicated (gangrenous or perforated) acute appendicitis are often managed with delayed closure (DC) rather than primary closure (PC). This study synthesizes the results of other studies in the surgical literature and supports the routine use of PC. Methods: Studies dealing with complicated appendicitis were reviewed to assess the results of PC in comparison with DC. The rate of incision (wound) infection in groups of patients managed by PC and DC were compared with the use of a statistical technique that defined the probability of expected results by incorporating data derived from all of the various study groups. Results: Of the 2532 patients who had been treated for complicated appendicitis and who were assessed, 1724 patients underwent PC and 808 patients underwent DC. The rate of incision infection was 4.7% and 4.6% in the PC and DC groups, respectively. With a 95% confidence interval, there was no demonstrable difference between the 2 types of operative site management ( P Conclusions: PC of the skin and subcutaneous tissue after appendectomy for gangrenous or perforated appendicitis, combined with the use of antibiotic therapy in the perioperative period, is not associated with an increased risk of incision infection when compared with DC. (Surgery 2000;127:136-41.)
Musical emotions, cognitive science, and art of music

Various proposals and criticisms are addressed. Particular attention is given to future developments, both theoretical and experimental.
Id1 delays senescence of primary human melanocytes

The Id family of helix-loop-helix transcription factors is upregulated in a variety of human malignancies and has been implicated in promoting tumorigenesis through effects on cell growth, differentiation, and tumor angiogenesis. While expression of Id proteins has been associated with tumorigenesis, the precise mechanistic relationship between Id expression and carcinogenesis has not been clearly delineated. We have previously shown that Id1 delays cellular senescence in primary mammalian cells through inhibition of the cell cycle regulatory protein and familial melanoma gene, p16/INK4a. We have also demonstrated that Id1 expression is upregulated in early stage primary human melanomas and may be an important marker for early malignancy. In order to further define the role of Id1 in human melanoma development, we have evaluated the function of Id1 in primary human melanocytes. Here we show that constitutive expression of Id1 in primary human melanocytes leads to delayed cellular senescence and decreased expression of the familial melanoma gene, p16/INK4a. Although melanocytes constitutively expressing Id1 are shown to possess extended lifespans, this is not associated with an appreciable change in cell growth or telomere length. We conclude that Id1 delays cellular senescence in primary human melanocytes through inhibition of p16/INK4a expression and suggest that Id1 may contribute to the malignant conversion of primary human melanocytes through extension of cellular lifespan.
Is it possible to safely triage callers to EMS dispatch centers to alternative resources

Objective. To develop guidelines allowing emergency medical services (EMS) dispatchers to safely match callers to an EMS response or, alternatively, to a nontraditional resource. Methods. This was a prospective cohort study of callers to an urban EMS dispatch center and an associated review of EMS patient care forms and emergency department (ED) patient care records. The following five “nature codes” (patient chief complaints) were included: back pain, fall, bleeding or laceration, sick, and trauma. Callers included in the study had been assigned the lowest severity level (Alpha), according to existing dispatch criteria. An a priori list of EMS and ED “important findings,” indicating need for an EMS response, was used as the outcome variable. Classification and regression tree (CART) analysis was used to develop a decision rule to further identify a low-risk subgroup of patients who could potentially be served by alternative resources. Results. From November 1, 1998, to May 31, 1999, 656 subjects were ent...
Development of a code-agnostic computational infrastructure for the dynamic generation of accident progression event trees

Analysis of dynamic accident progression trees (ADAPT) is a mechanized procedure for the generation of accident progression event trees. Use of ADAPT substantially reduces the manual and computational effort for Level 2 probabilistic risk assessment (PRA) of nuclear power plants; reduces the likelihood of input errors; determines the order of events dynamically; and treats accidents in a phenomenology consistent manner. ADAPT is based on the concept of dynamic event trees which use explicit modeling of the deterministic dynamic processes that take place within the plant (through system simulation codes such as MELCOR, RELAP) for the modeling of stochastic system evolution. The computational infrastructure of ADAPT is presented, along with a prototype implementation of ADAPT using MELCOR for the PRA modeling of a station blackout in a pressurized water reactor. The computational infrastructure allows for flexibility in linking with different simulation codes, parallel processing of the scenarios under consideration, on-line scenario management (initiation as well as termination) and user-friendly graphical capabilities.
A collaborative framework for contributing DICOM RT PHI (Protected Health Information) to augment data mining in clinical decision support

We have built a decision support system that provides recommendations for customizing radiation therapy treatment plans, based on patient models generated from a database of retrospective planning data. This database consists of relevant metadata and information derived from the following DICOM objects - CT images, RT Structure Set, RT Dose and RT Plan. The usefulness and accuracy of such patient models partly depends on the sample size of the learning data set. Our current goal is to increase this sample size by expanding our decision support system into a collaborative framework to include contributions from multiple collaborators. Potential collaborators are often reluctant to upload even anonymized patient files to repositories outside their local organizational network in order to avoid any conflicts with HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules. We have circumvented this problem by developing a tool that can parse DICOM files on the client’s side and extract de-identified numeric and text data from DICOM RT headers for uploading to a centralized system. As a result, the DICOM files containing PHI remain local to the client side. This is a novel workflow that results in adding only relevant yet valuable data from DICOM files to the centralized decision support knowledge base in such a way that the DICOM files never leave the contributor’s local workstation in a cloud-based environment. Such a workflow serves to encourage clinicians to contribute data for research endeavors by ensuring protection of electronic patient data.
Computer science and general education: Java, graphics, and the Web

We describe a Computer Science General Education course offered at Hope College. This course stresses problem-solving. It uses traditional concepts of programming, but does it with new methods and materials. Graphics is used throughout the course, with programming done in Java applets. All course materials are delivered on the web. All class sessions are combinations of lecture and laboratory modes of instruction. We describe a new interactive environment for student program development in Java. Finally we show how we utilize the World Wide Web as a substitute for a textbook and for course administration.
Dielectric study of probe rotation in viscous liquids

Dielectric molecular probes are employed to assess the averaging required for a transition from heterogeneous to more hydrodynamic rotational behaviour in supercooled liquids. The degree of averaging is controlled by the size of the probe molecule relative to the liquid constituents. Larger solutes exhibit longer time constants and more exponential dynamics as a result of effective time averaging over fluctuating environments. With this approach, the time scale of rate exchange is measured across a range of eight decades, in which the characteristic relaxation time varies from 5 s to 50 ns. The sharp transition from dispersive to exponential probe rotation suggests that rate exchange occurs on the time scale of the slowest time constant of structural relaxation. No change in the environmental fluctuation to structural relaxation time ratio is observed across this wide range of frequencies.
Taking Advantage of Reduced Droplet-surface Interaction to Optimize Transport of Bioanalytes in Digital Microfluidics

Digital microfluidics (DMF), a technique for manipulation of droplets, is a promising alternative for the development of "lab-on-a-chip" platforms. Often, droplet motion relies on the wetting of a surface, directly associated with the application of an electric field; surface interactions, however, make motion dependent on droplet contents, limiting the breadth of applications of the technique. Some alternatives have been presented to minimize this dependence. However, they rely on the addition of extra chemical species to the droplet or its surroundings, which could potentially interact with droplet moieties. Addressing this challenge, our group recently developed Field-DW devices to allow the transport of cells and proteins in DMF, without extra additives. Here, the protocol for device fabrication and operation is provided, including the electronic interface for motion control. We also continue the studies with the devices, showing that multicellular, relatively large, model organisms can also be transported, arguably unaffected by the electric fields required for device operation.
Adaptive resource allocation for synthetic aperture radars under resource constraints

In along-track synthetic aperture radar systems, measurements from multiple phase centers can be used to remove bright stationary clutter in order to detect and estimate moving targets in the scene. The effectiveness of this procedure can be improved by increasing the number of antennas in the system. However, due to computational and communication constraints, it may be prohibitive to use a large number of antennas. In this work, an efficient resource allocation policy is provided to exploit sparsity in the scene, namely that there are few targets relative to the size of the scene. It is shown that even with limited computational resources, one can have significant estimation and computational gains over non-adaptive strategies. Moreover, the performance of the adaptive strategy approaches that of an oracle policy as the number of the stages grows large.
Cloud-Based Information Technology Framework for Data Driven Intelligent Transportation Systems

We present a novel cloud based IT framework, CloudTrack, for data driven intelligent transportation systems. We describe how the proposed framework can be leveraged for real-time fresh food supply tracking and monitoring. CloudTrack allows efficient storage, processing and analysis of real-time location and sensor data collected from fresh food supply vehicles. This paper describes the architecture, design, and implementation of CloudTrack, and how the proposed cloud-based IT framework leverages the parallel computing capability of a computing cloud based on a large-scale distributed batch processing infrastructure. A dynamic vehicle routing approach is adopted where the alerts trigger the generation of new routes. CloudTrack provides the global information of the entire fleet of food supply vehicles and can be used to track and monitor a large number of vehicles in real-time. Our approach leverages the advantages of the IT capabilities of a computing cloud into the operations and supply chain.
Electrophoresis of red cell NADH- and NADPH-diaphorases in normal subjects and patients with congenital methemoglobinemia☆

Abstract Erythrocyte NADH-and NADPH-diaphorases (so-called methemoglobin reductases) have been shown to be different enzymes. A deficiency of NADH-diaphorase activity results in congenital methemoglobinemia ( Gibson, 1948 ; Scott and Griffith, 1959 ; Jaffe, 1966b ). Further understanding of this abnormality has been hampered by the fact that no satisfactory method for staining diaphorases after gel electrophoresis has been devised previously. We now present a method for staining both diaphorases after starch gel electrophoresis and describe the results obtained with normal and NADH-diaphorase-deficient red cells. In one subject with congenital methemoglobinemia an electrophoretic variant (California) was found; in two other cases, this abnormality was not found and it is therefore believed that deficiency of NADH-diaphorase is genetically and biochemically heterogeneous.
Mechanism of the alkali azide melt decomposition on metal surfaces

Abstract The decomposition of molten KN3 and CsN3 catalyzed by surfaces of the group VIII and 1B metals was investigated. These catalytic decomposition reactions followed zero-order kinetics and the activities of the catalysts decreased in the direction from the VIII1 over the VIII2 and VIII3 to the 1B metals. For comparison, the thermal decomposition of transition metal azido complexes in molten salt solutions was studied. These complexes decomposed in first-order reactions and the activation energies of their decomposition reactions followed the same trends as observed in the catalytic decomposition of molten alkali azides on surfaces of the respective metals. These results support the theory that azido species are formed on the metal catalyst surfaces which are related to the respective transition metal azido complexes studied in solution.
Process Window for Friction Stir Lap Welding of Aluminum Alloy 6061

Precipitation-hardenable 6xxx series aluminum alloys are incorporated in many structural components with due consideration of their good combination of properties including a relatively high strength, outstanding extrudability and excellent corrosion resistance. Accordingly, AA6061 has been identified as a very good candidate material for structural lightweighting of transportation vehicles. However, the weldability of aluminum alloy (AA) 6061 by means of conventional technologies such as GMAW and GTAW methods is limited by sensitivity to solidification cracking. In this respect, friction stir welding (FSW) presents a tremendous potential for assembly of aluminum structures for the transportation industry due to the low heat involved that can mitigate crack formation and, thus, translate into improved mechanical performance of the assembly. In this work, FSW of 3.18 mm thick AA6061-T6 sheets in the lap joint configuration was investigated. This configuration is considered to be more challenging for assembly by FSW than the butt joint type due to the orientation of the interface with respect to the welding tools and the necessity to break the oxide layer on two aluminium alloy planar surfaces. Weld trials were performed to examine the influence of the FSW tool geometry and process parameters on the welding defects, microstructure, hardness and bend performance. Unacceptable material expulsion and/or significant thinning in one of the two overlapped sheets were produced under most conditions. A set of FSW tool geometries leading to a viable process operational window under which the risk of defects could be mitigated and/or eliminated was identified in this study.
Establishing a pure lymphocyte gate for subset analysis by flow cytometry

Development of a more cost-effective and efficient method of performing lymphocyte subset analysis is of continuing importance in clinical flow cytometry laboratories. Current two-color methods utilize forward and right angle light scatter and multiple tubes per sample and are thereby liable to gate contamination. Methods using three-color analysis with CD45 vs. right angle light scatter (RALS) gating cannot always exclude a contaminating nonlymphoid population. We have established a two tube approach to directly measure total T cells, T suppressor, and T helper subsets, total B cells and total natural killer cells. The technique involves staining of whole blood with a mixture of five monoclonal antibodies conjugated to three fluorochromes: CD4+CD19 fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC), CD3+CD33 phycoerythrin (PE), CD45 peridin chlorophyll alpha protein (PerCP), CD8+CD16 FITC, CD3+CD33 PE, and CD45 PerCP. Analysis is performed using a single laser flow cytometer. This method has equivalent recovery to and improved purity of the lymphocyte gate when compared to well-established methods. These antibody combinations additionally allow clear separation of lymphocytes from other leukocytes and debris as well as separation of the T cell helper and suppressor subsets, natural killer cells and B lymphocytes. We additionally provide preliminary data that an accurate lymphocyte subset analysis can be performed on a single tube containing five antibodies (CD4+CD19 FITC, CD3+CD33 PE, and CD45 PerCP), although some measurements are performed deductively.
Recent Developments on Strawberry Plant Collapse Problems in California Caused by Fusarium and Macrophomina

Beginning at least as early as 2005 and continuing through 2010, the California strawberry industry has suffered production losses caused by soilborne fungi not previously recognized as strawberry ...