cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
EXCITATION FUNCTION AND ISOMER RATIOS FOR HEAVY ION INDUCED REACTIONS.

A method for the calculation of excitation functions and isomer ratios in heavy-ion-induced reactions is developed. The method is applied to the calculation of the excitation function and isomer ratio for the reaction Dy(40Ar,xn)Po. Calculated values are compared with experiment.
The transfer of 2,4,5,2',4',5'-hexachlorobiphenyl to fetuses and nursing offspring. I. Disposition in pregnant and lactating mice and accumulation in young.

Abstract The disposition of 2,4,5,2′,4′,5′-hexachlorobi[ 14 C]phenyl (6-CB) in pregnant and lactating mice and its transfer to fetuses and nursing offspring were examined by administration of 6-CB to virgin female mice 2 weeks prior to mating. No differences were observed in tissue concentrations of [ 14 C]6-CB in pregnant animals when compared to virgin controls. However, on the day of birth, liver, adipose tissue, and kidney 6-CB contents in pregnant mice were higher than those in virgins sacrificed concurrently. Transplacental passage of 6-CB was minimal. Lactating mothers eliminated essentially their entire body burden of the PCB by 20 days postpartum and 6-CB was, in turn, accumulated by nursing offspring. No measurable elimination of 6-CB was observed from virgin controls during this time. Thus, although little passage of 6-CB occurred across the placenta once it had been sequestered into storage depots, it was readily transferred to suckling offspring through the lactating mammary gland.
Trends in household coverage of modern infrastructure services in Africa

Household surveys have long been used to estimate poverty and inequality trends, as well as trends in education and health indicators, but they have not been used to the same extent to assess trends in the access to or coverage of modern infrastructure services. In this paper, we use Demographic and Health Surveys from a larger sample of sub-Saharan African countries in order to collect comparable information across countries on coverage of piped water, flush toilets, electricity, and landline telephones over time. The results suggest that coverage rates for electricity, flush toilets have improved slightly over the last decade. Coverage of piped water has declined, at the same time as coverage of landline (as well as cellular) telephone has increased rapidly. The decline has been primarily in the urban areas while the infrastructure coverage has either increased or remained stable in rural Africa. For all four services, among the poorest households coverage remains virtually inexistent. If business as usual continues, it would take a very long time to reach universal or widely shared coverage even in countries where coverage has improved. These results point to the need to increase efforts by governments and international community to progressively increase access to modern infrastructure services in Africa.
Fluid Cognitive Abilities Neglected Aspects of Cognition in Research on Mental Retardation

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses primarily on idiopathic, nonorganic or cultural–familial, mild mental retardation. The chapter describes the study of fluid cognition in typically developing children and adults. It outlines how fluid cognition has been shown to be central to general intelligence in many instances but highly distinct in others. The chapter describes the role of fluid cognition in developing cognitive and social‐emotional competence from a neuroscientific perspective. It presents evidence that suggests that developmental neuroscience work on stress and emotion early in the life course helps to account for the dissociation between fluid and crystallized aspects of cognitive functioning. The chapter examines the idea that work linking stress, emotion, and fluid cognition provides an important integrative link between the development of cognition and the development of adaptive behavior in persons with mental retardation (MR). It reviews the literature on fluid cognition in the study of MR and considers the relation of this work to the study of motivational and personality characteristics in individuals with MR. Some additional implications of the developmental neuroscience approach to fluid cognition for the study of mental retardation are considered. The chapter concludes by examining evidence indicating the applicability of a focus on fluid cognition and self‐regulation to intervention efforts directed at enhancing cognitive function and improving quality of life for persons with mental retardation.
Grieving, Learning, and Growing: A Mentoring Model for Organizational and Personal Growth

The process of organizational and personal improvement can often be a daunting challenge, particularly for organizational and executive leaders. To address this process, the authors offer a cognitive learning strategy for any leader to consider as part of his or her personal development process based on the nexus of Elisabeth Kubler-Ross's stages of grief, Benjamin Bloom's cognitive taxonomy, and Richard Schuttler's executive mentoring model. In a time when formal and informal leaders are needed to set a great example, the industry of mentoring (and coaching) appears to have many people trying to help others, yet perhaps not all of them have the foundational underpinnings of knowledge needed to fully understand the emotional reactions or steps to learning.
The Effect of Book Banning on Child Culture: A Close Look at the Harry Potter Series

The Harry Potter series has been both immensely popular and frequently criticized, and even banned in some quarters. All literature requires active participation from its readers, and children's literature provides a context that can allow children to make valid judgments about their culture. If we remove that opportunity for contextualizing, we may leave children with narrow knowledge and experience to make those judgements. This article considers how the conflicting approaches of banning and free access to problematic texts may be resolved.
Service delivery and community: social capital, service systems integration, and outcomes among homeless persons with severe mental illness.

Abstract OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the influence of features of community social environment and service system integration on service use, housing, and clinical outcomes among homeless people with serious mental illness. STUDY SETTING: A one-year observational outcome study was conducted of homeless people with serious mental illness at 18 sites. DATA SOURCES: Measures of community social environment (e.g., social capital) were based on local surveys and voting records. Housing affordability was assessed with housing survey data. Service system integration was assessed through interviews with key informants at each site to document interorganizational transactions. Standardized clinical measures were used to assess clinical and housing outcomes in face-to-face interviews. RESEARCH DESIGN: Structural equation modeling was used to determine the relationship between (1) characteristics of the social environment (social capital, housing affordability); (2) the level of integration of the service system for persons who are homeless in each community; (3) access to and use of services by individual clients; and (4) successful exit from homelessness or clinical improvement. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Social capital was associated with greater service systems integration, which was associated in turn with greater access to assistance from a public housing agency and to a greater probability of exiting from homelessness at 12 months. Housing affordability also predicted exit from homelessness. Neither environmental factors nor systems integration predicted outcomes for psychiatric problems, substance abuse, employment, physical health, or income support. CONCLUSION: Community social capital and service system integration are related through a series of direct and indirect pathways with better housing outcomes but not with superior clinical outcomes for homeless people with mental illness. Implications for designing improved service systems are discussed.
A liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for the quantitative determination of diastereomers of a phosphoramidate nucleotide prodrug (PSI-7851) in human plasma.

A rapid and stereospecific method using high performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) for the separation and determination of PSI-7851 diastereomers in human K2EDTA plasma has been developed. The analytical method involves direct protein precipitation with acetonitrile, followed by separation of the diastereomers on a Luna C18 column, positive mode electrospray ionization and selected reaction monitoring mode mass spectrometry detection. The mobile phase composition and pH were investigated for the resolution of the two diastereomers of PSI-7851. The optimized method showed good resolution (Rs = 4.8) within short analysis time (approximately 8 min). The assay range was 5–2500 ng/mL for both diastereomers using a 1/x2 weighted linear regression analysis for standard curve fitting. Replicate sample analysis indicated that intra- and inter-day accuracy and precision were within ±15.0%. The recovery of diastereomers from human plasma was greater than 85% and no significant matrix effect was observed. The method was demonstrated to be sensitive, selective and robust, and was successfully used to support clinical studies. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Acute‐onset epilepsy triggered by fever mimicking FIRES (febrile infection–related epilepsy syndrome): The role of protocadherin 19 (PCDH19) gene mutation

Summary To report differences and similarities between febrile infection–related epilepsy syndrome (FIRES) and epilepsy in female patients with protocadherin 19 (PCDH19) mutation. These are two recently described epileptic conditions characterized by drug-resistant epilepsy and cognitive impairment. We report, as exemplification, one of our patients with acute-onset epilepsy triggered by fever with clinical course resembling FIRES, but with a missense mutation of PCDH19 gene. The clinical characteristics of this patient are similar to those reported for FIRES. We believe that female patients with febrile acute-onset epilepsy resembling FIRES are potential PCDH19 mutation carriers.
New measurements on the absolute cosmic ray ionization from sea level to 1540 kilometers altitude

An air filled ionization chamber has been constructed with a volume of 552 liters and a wall consisting of 12.7 mg/cm2 of plastic wrapped over a rigid, lightweight aluminum frame. A calibration in absolute units, independent of previous Caltech ion chamber calibrations, was applied to a sealed Neher electrometer for use in this chamber. The new chamber was flown along with an older, argon filled, balloon type chamber in a C-135 aircraft from 1,000 to 40,000 feet altitude, and other measurements of sea level cosmic ray ionization were made, resulting in the value of 2.60 ± .03 ion pairs/cm3 sec atm) at sea level. The calibrations of the two instruments were found to agree within 1 percent, and the airplane data were consistent with previous balloon measurements in the upper atmosphere. Ionization due to radon gas in the atmosphere was investigated. Absolute ionization data in the lower atmosphere have been compared with results of other observers, and discrepancies have been discussed. Data from a polar orbiting ion chamber on the OGO-II, IV spacecraft have been analyzed. The problem of radioactivity produced on the spacecraft during passes through high fluxes of trapped protons has been investigated, and some corrections determined. Quiet time ionization averages over the polar regions have been plotted as function of altitude, and an analytical fit is made to the data that gives a value of 10.4 ± 2.3 percent for the fractional part of the ionization at the top of the atmosphere due to splash albedo particles, although this result is shown to depend on an assumed angular distribution for the albedo particles. Comparisons with other albedo measurements are made. The data are shown to be consistent with balloon and interplanetary ionization measurements. The position of the cosmic ray knee is found to exhibit an altitude dependence, a North-South effect, and a small local time variation.
Theory and the organic bioethicist.

This article argues for the importance of theoreticalreflections that originate from patients' experiences.Traditionally academic philosophers have linked their ability totheorize about the moral basis of medical practice to their roleas outside observer. The author contends that recently a new typeof reflection has come from within particular patientpopulations. Drawing upon a distinction created by AntonioGramsci, it is argued that one can distinguish the theorygenerated by traditional bioethicists, who are academicallytrained, from that of ``organic'' bioethicists, who identifythemselves with a particular patient community. Thecharacteristics of this new type of bioethicist that are exploredin this article include a close association of memoir andphilosophy, an interrelationship of theory and praxis, and anintimate connection between the individual and a particularpatient community.
Genetic and reinforcement-based rule extraction for regulator control

This paper proposes a novel system for rule extraction of regulator control problems. The system employs a hybrid genetic search and reinforcement learning. The learning strategy requires no supervision and no reference model. The extracted rules are weighted microrules with a discrete nature that constitute a rule-based/table look-up structure capturing control actions. As an example of what the proposed algorithm can learn. The authors chose the problem of the trailer truck backer-upper. The system is capable of extracting rules that back up the trailer truck from arbitrary initial positions and show improved performance compared to a neural network controller trained with backpropagation through time. >
Aldehyde dehydrogenase is a positional marker in the retina

An asymmetrically distributed protein in the embryonic mouse retina was identified as an aldehyde dehydrogenase through protein microsequencing. It was characterized as a cytosolic isoform with basic isoelectric point and preference for aliphatic substrates, features that resemble those of the isoform AHD-2 which is known to oxidize retinaldehyde to retinoic acid. Immunohistochemistry with aldehyde dehydrogenase antisera showed strong labeling of the dorsal retina from the early eye vesicle stage into adulthood. In addition, optic axons originating from the dorsal retina were transiently labeled during their outgrowth phase. Whereas in the embryo the enzyme was expressed in undifferentiated cells and in neurons, in the retina of the adult mouse the asymmetrically distributed isoform was mainly expressed in Muller glia, with the number of labeled glial cells varying with retinal position.
MicroRNA let-7c Regulates Macrophage Polarization

Macrophages demonstrate a high level of plasticity, with the ability to undergo dynamic transition between M1 and M2 polarized phenotypes. The role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in regulating macrophage polarization has been largely undefined. In this study, we found that miRNA let-7c is expressed at a higher level in M-BMM (M2 macrophages) than in GM-BMM (M1 macrophages). let-7c levels are also greater in alveolar macrophages from fibrotic lungs as compared with those from normal lungs. let-7c expression was decreased when M-BMM converted to GM-BMM, whereas it increased when GM-BMM converted to M-BMM. LPS stimulation reduced let-7c expression in M-BMM. We found that overexpression of let-7c in GM-BMM diminished M1 phenotype expression while promoting polarization to the M2 phenotype. In contrast, knockdown of let-7c in M-BMM promoted M1 polarization and diminished M2 phenotype expression. We found that let-7c targets C/EBP-δ, a transcriptional factor that plays an important role in inflammatory response. Furthermore, we found that let-7c regulates bactericidal and phagocytic activities of macrophages, two functional phenotypes implicated in macrophage polarization. Our data suggest that the miRNA let-7c plays an important role in regulating macrophage polarization.
Learning to Identify Internet Sexual Predation

This work integrates communication theories and computer science algorithms to create a program that can detect the occurrence of sexual predation in an online social setting. Although much work has discussed social media in general, this particular aspect of online social interaction remains largely unexplored. In previous work we developed phrase-matching and rule-based approaches to classify and label lines of chat logs. In the current work we expand these techniques and use machine learning algorithms to classify posts. Our machine learning system leveraged the phrase-matching and rule-based systems to identify appropriate attributes for our supervised learning algorithms. Our machine learning experiments confirmed that the rules we developed are adequate to identify the coding rules. Neither decision trees nor instance-based learning algorithms were able to significantly improve upon the 68 percent accuracy we were able to achieve using the rule-based methods employed by a software program called ChatCoder 2, as described here.
Transparent Conducting Oxide (TCO) Electrode Based High-speed Organic Electro-optic (EO) Modulator

A novel organic Mach Zehnder EO modulator using TCO as electrodes has been demonstrated. The simulation results show such structure is suitable for high frequency operation by engineering TCO material conductivity and loss.
The co-dependency concept: Does it offer a solution for the spouses of alcoholics?

Abstract The popularity of the co-dependency concept has grown rapidly in the alcoholism treatment field. At the same time, empirical findings gained through scientific research have raised questions concerning the validity of the concept. This paper discusses some of the problems that are created by the disease model of co-dependency and highlights some alternatives views that may be more appropriate. It is argued that the field's understanding of the alcoholic/spouse relationship and its ability to help the spouse are limited unless other conceptualizations are seriously considered.
Relationship Between Contaminated Ground Water Concentration Levels and Explosion Potentials in Sewer Systems

The cleanup of releases from petroleum underground storage tanks is a national concern. Ground water cleanup levels greatly influence the amount of time and the cost required to remediate a site. This paper establishes methods to estimate ground water cleanup levels based on the potential for vapors to accumulate in sewer systems from infiltrating ground water containing dissolved contaminants. The analysis assumes that no free product phase is present and that the sewer system has a circular cross section. The methods presented can be applied to any volatile chemical contaminant which may be released into the subsurface environment. Simplifying assumptions are made to establish relationships between the target ground water cleanup levels C{sub gw}, the hydrocarbon vapor concentration in the sewer C{sub v}, and the depth of the water level d, in the sewer. The paper presents sample calculations of target ground water cleanup levels for the release of fresh and weathered gasoline into the subsurface environment.
BDNF Val66Met variant and age of onset in schizophrenia

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been advanced as a candidate gene for schizophrenia by virtue of its effects on neurotransmitter systems that are dysregulated in psychiatric disorder and its involvement in the response to antipsychotic drugs. The extensively examined BDNF gene Val66Met (or rs6265) variant has been associated with schizophrenia, and studies have linked this polymorphism to brain morphology, cognitive function, and psychiatric symptoms in schizophrenia. Moreover the BDNF Val66Met variant has been reported to be associated with age of onset in schizophrenia. Genotyping of African-American subjects with schizophrenia for five BDNF coding region single nucleotide polymorphisms revealed variance only at the Val66Met allele. The results of statistical analyses indicate a relationship between the BDNF Val66Met genotype and the ages of first psychiatric hospitalization and first schizophrenia symptoms.
Stimulation of cholinephosphate cytidylyltransferase activity by estrogen in fetal rabbit lung is mediated by phospholipids.

We have investigated the mechanism by which estrogen stimulates phosphatidylcholine synthesis in fetal rabbit lung. The hormone increased the activity of cholinephosphate cytidylyltransferase in the 105 000 × g supernatant fraction but had no effect on the activities of this enzyme in the homogenate or other subcellular fractions. Although microsomal cytidylyltransferase has been reported to regulate phosphatidylcholine synthesis in other systems, and translocation of the enzyme from cytosol to microsomes has been reported in association with increased phosphatidylcholine synthesis, we found no evidence of this in the case of estrogen-stimulated phosphatidylcholine synthesis in the fetal lung. Cytosolic cytidylyltransferase activity was dependent on phospholipids. Extraction with acetone/butanol drastically reduced its activity as well as the stimulatory effect of estrogen. The activity and the effect of estrogen were restored on re-addition of lipids extracted with chloroform / methanol from additional supernatants. Fractionation of the total lipids revealed that the stimulatory effect was entirely associated with the phospholipids; neutral lipids and glycolipids did not stimulate. Treatment of the phospholipid fraction with phospholipase C abolished the stimulatory effect. The stimulatory effect of estrogen, however, could not be attributed to any individual phospholipid species but appeared to require the entire phospholipid mixture. We conclude that estrogen stimulates fetal lung phosphatidylcholine synthesis by increasing the activity of cytosolic cytidylyltransferase and this activation in turn is mediated by cytosolic phospholipids.
The Relationship Between Depression and Loneliness Among Homebound Older Persons: Does Spirituality Moderate This Relationship?

Previous investigators have confirmed that loneliness is related to depression in late life. In this study we examined the potential buffering effects that spirituality might have on loneliness and depression among 40 older persons who lived alone and were homebound. The relationship between loneliness and depression was statistically significant, but the moderating effect of spirituality on this relationship was not statistically significant. We noted patterns based on an analysis of covariance that spirituality might potentially mitigate the effect of loneliness on depression under some circumstances. The findings suggest that spiritual resources might buffer the adverse effects of depression and loneliness among the current cohort of homebound older adults and might improve these older persons' mental health and quality of life.
Communication and Miscommunication in Informed Consent to Research

Biomedical ethics require that research subjects be aware that the drugs they take orprocedures they undergo are designed to fulfill the conditions of the experiment and not to benefit a subject's health. This apparently straightforward distinction between research and treatment is a source of much controversy and misunderstanding. Ethicists have labeled this problem the "therapeutic misconception." This misconception and, more broadly, informed consent have been studied extensively. Nonetheless, the therapeutic misconception persists among research subjects. This paper argues that one factor overlooked in the persistence of the therapeutic misconception is the effect of the theoretical paradigm that guides the practice and analysis of informed consent. The paradigm poses an idealized model of communication that ignores social context. This paper examines informed consent practices associated with a cancer research trial to demonstrate an alternative approach to studying informed consent to research. Through analysis of informed consent session transcripts, it demonstrates the importance of taking account of not only what is said, but how and by whom it is said. [genetics, biomedical research, informed consent, biomedical language]
One size does not fit all: evaluating an intervention to reduce antibiotic prescribing for acute bronchitis

Overuse of antibiotics for upper respiratory tract infections (URIs) and acute bronchitis is a persistent and vexing problem. In the U.S., more than half of all patients with upper respiratory tract infections and acute bronchitis are treated with antibiotics annually, despite the fact that most cases are viral in etiology and are not responsive to antibiotics. Interventions aiming to reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescribing have had mixed results, and successes have been modest. The objective of this evaluation is to use mixed methods to understand why a multi-level intervention to reduce antibiotic prescribing for acute bronchitis among primary care providers resulted in measurable improvement in only one third of participating clinicians. Clinician perspectives on print-based and electronic intervention strategies, and antibiotic prescribing more generally, were elicited through structured telephone surveys at high and low performing sites after the first year of intervention at the Geisinger Health System in Pennsylvania (n = 29). Compared with a survey on antibiotic use conducted 10 years earlier, clinicians demonstrated greater awareness of antibiotic resistance and how it is impacted by individual prescribing decisions—including their own. However, persistent perceived barriers to reducing prescribing included patient expectations, time pressure, and diagnostic uncertainty, and these factors were reported as differentially undermining specific intervention components’ effectiveness. An exam room poster depicting a diagnostic algorithm was the most popular strategy. Future efforts to reduce antibiotic prescribing should address multi-level barriers identified by clinicians and tailor strategies to differences at individual clinician and group practice levels, focusing in particular on changing how patients and providers make decisions together about antibiotic use.
Presence of adenosine triphosphate in tobacco ( Nicotiana tobacum ) tissue grown in nutrient medium containing various concentrations of kinetin

On a fait croitre du tissue de la moelle du tabac (Nicotiana tobacum) dans l'agar nourrissant ou dans un liquide contenant des mineraux basique et des hormones vegetales. La croissance du tissu medullaire se montra directement dependante de la kinetine contenue dans le milieu. La teneur en ATP du tissu a varie. On estime que celle de la moelle depend de la croissance et de la division cellulaire affectees par la kinetine dans le milieu nutritif.
Critical Success Factors for the Construction Industry

The traditional approach to success in the construction industry, both in academia and in industry, places great emphasis on the ability to plan and execute projects. In the past, companies completing projects in a timely manner within an established budget and meeting required quality considerations have been considered successful companies. Minimizing an emphasis on management practices and organizational stability, companies with a track record of successful project completion have been considered the construction industries' top-performers. In contrast, other industries emphasize management practices at a corporate level as an essential element of success. However, the future environment of the typical construction company will be much different due to technological and economic advancements. Therefore, a shift in emphasis from project success to corporate success should be examined for construction organizations to compete in an ever-changing marketplace. This paper advocates the adoption of a critical success factor methodology to enhance construction organization success and identify elements that are essential for organizations to achieve this success.
Anisotropic properties of human tibial cortical bone as measured by nanoindentation.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of elastic anisotropy on nanoindentation measurements in human tibial cortical bone. Nanoindentation was conducted in 12 different directions in three principal planes for both osteonic and interstitial lamellae. The experimental indentation modulus was found to vary with indentation direction and showed obvious anisotropy (oneway analysis of variance test, P < 0.0001). Because experimental indentation modulus in a specific direction is determined by all of the elastic constants of cortical bone, a complex theoretical model is required to analyze the experimental results. A recently developed analysis of indentation for the properties of anisotropic materials was used to quantitatively predict indentation modulus by using the stiffness matrix of human tibial cortical bone, which was obtained from previous ultrasound studies. After allowing for the effects of specimen preparation (dehydrated specimens in nanoindentation tests vs. moist specimens in ultrasound tests) and the structural properties of bone (different microcomponents with different mechanical properties), there were no statistically significant differences between the corrected experimental indentation modulus (Mexp) values and corresponding predicted indentation modulus (Mpre) values (two-tailed unpaired t-test, P < 0.5). The variation of Mpre values was found to exhibit the same trends as the corrected Mexp data. These results show that the effects of anisotropy on nanoindentation measurements can be quantitatively evaluated. © 2002 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
The structure and decomposition of Zr and Ti b.c.c. solid solutions

Abstract The literature concerning the decomposition of Zr and Ti alloys is reviewed with particular emphasis on the b.c.c. ( β )→athermal omega ( ω ) transformation and the structure of Zr and Ti b.c.c. solid solutions. Illustrative examples are taken principally from the ZrNb and TiNb systems. High resolution dark-field electron microscopy, diffraction, and ultrasonic techniques have been used to follow the β → ω phase transformation in Zr and Ti alloys. The ω morphology was shown to consist of 10–15 A diameter particles arranged in 〈111〉 rows. As well, clusters of rows were presented in low solute content alloys and the cluster size decreased with increasing solute content. The observed morphology can explain the presence of {111} planes of diffuse intensity in reciprocal space and the change in appearance of the ω reflections with increasing solute content. The mechanism of the transformation is discussed in terms of instability or metastability of the b.c.c. structure relative to a 2 3 〈111〉 longitudinal displacement wave. This mechanism can be thought of as involving the 〈111〉 displacement of 2 neighboring close-packed rows of atoms relative to each other. Single crystal elastic constant measurements on ZrNb alloys show that C 44 decreases in the vicinity of the β → ω transformation. This is attributed to a softening of the b.c.c. structure which is a precursor to the actual transformation. Alloys that are known to be well above the M s temperature for the β → ω transformation, and hence must be single phase b.c.c. solid solutions, exhibit diffuse ω reflections. It is suggested that the diffuse intensity is due to the presence of a 〈111〉 linear fault (or disorder) in the b.c.c. phase. The atom movements associated with this fault are similar to the displacements required for the β → ω transformation.
Computer diagnosis from tests of thyroid function.

ABSTRACT A digital computer program has been written to derive the most probable diagnosis of thyroid function, based only on the numerical results of technical tests. Test results are assumed to be distributed normally or lognormally. This program supplements, but does not duplicate, methods described by other workers who have based the diagnosis on the presence or absence of clinical signs and symptoms and upon “yes/no” rather than continuously distributed test results. The computations give full weight to tests of independent types, but those of a similar nature (expected to be highly correlated) are combined and considered as one test for processing. Input may be processed or unprocessed observations; if unprocessed, a test report is printed out as well as the diagnostic report. Separate diagnostic reports are produced for groups of tests that are spaced more than 6 weeks apart, and account is taken of the effects of prior medication, thyroidectomy or 131I therapy.
Vancomycin assay performance in patients with end-stage renal disease receiving hemodialysis.

Study Objective. To compare the performance of polyclonal fluorescence polarization immunoassay (pFPIA) with that of enzyme-multiplied immunoassay technique (EMIT) in patients receiving vancomycin and hemodialysis. Setting. Outpatient hemodialysis center. Patients. Seven subjects with end-stage renal disease treated with hemodialysis 3 times/week with a cellulose triacetate hemodialyzer. Intervention. Subjects received vancomycin 1000 mg intradialytically during the first study session and 750 mg every other hemodialysis session thereafter for 4 weeks. Measurements and Main Results. Blood samples were obtained throughout the study, and vancomycin serum concentrations were determined by pFPIA and EMIT. The mean ± SD difference (estimate of bias) between assays was −1.10 ± 1.35 mg/L. The limits of agreement (mean difference ± 1.96 • SD) between them were −3.80–1.60 mg/L. Conclusion. Our data suggest that the manufacturer's changes in the vancomycin pFPIA eliminated overestimation of drug concentrations in patients undergoing high-permeability hemodialysis.
Mapping Potential Groundwater‐Dependent Ecosystems for Sustainable Management

Ecosystems which rely on either the surface expression or subsurface presence of groundwater are known as groundwater-dependent ecosystems (GDEs). A comprehensive inventory of GDE locations at an appropriate management scale is a necessary first-step for sustainable management of supporting aquifers; however, this information is unavailable for most areas of concern. To address this gap, this study created a two-step algorithm which analyzed existing geospatial and remote sensing data to identify potential GDEs at both state/province and aquifer/basin scales. At the state/province scale, a geospatial information system (GIS) database was constructed for Texas, including climate, topography, hydrology, and ecology data. From these data, a GDE index was calculated, which combined vegetative and hydrological indicators. The results indicated that central Texas, particularly the Edwards Aquifer region, had highest potential to host GDEs. Next, an aquifer/basin scale remote sensing-based algorithm was created to provide more detailed maps of GDEs in the Edwards Aquifer region. This algorithm used Landsat ETM+ and MODIS images to track the changes of NDVI for each vegetation pixel. The NDVI dynamics were used to identify the vegetation with high potential to use groundwater—such plants remain high NDVI during extended dry periods and also exhibit low seasonal and inter-annual NDVI changes between dry and wet seasons/years. The results indicated that 8% of natural vegetation was very likely using groundwater. Of the potential GDEs identified, 75% were located on shallow soil averaging 45 cm in depth. The dominant GDE species were live oak, ashe juniper, and mesquite.
SURGE WAVE DEVELOPMENT IN DEBRIS FLOWS

Surge waves often form on the free surface of debris flows. These surge waves have the form of a hump that moves down slopes at speeds that are greater than those recorded for the free surface and the front of the debris flows. Surge waves can be very destructive. In the present study, a theoretical analysis is proposed to explain the formation and the velocities developed by these surge waves. The analysis models the debris flow material as one having a frictional-viscous resistance to flowing down slopes. Using this model, it was determined that surge waves travel on the free surface of debris flows at a speed that is two times greater than that recorded for the free surface and three times greater than the mean velocity of the debris flow. The theoretical findings were substantiated by velocity measurements on a debris flow in Sakurajima, Japan.
Teaching Quantitative Methodology to the Math Averse.

Many political science students struggle in quantitative methods courses because they have never been taught how to learn math. Learning math is different from learning in other fields, so the techniques students have used successfully in other classes are inappropriate in mathematically oriented classes. However, most students have never been told this, so they blame their difficulty with math on the impenetrability of the subject rather than tactical studying errors. This brief article discusses some of the reasons that common studying techniques do not work in quantitative methodology classes, and discusses some simple techniques to help students develop learning habits that are better suited to quantitative courses.
Stop-flow programmable selectivity with a dual-column ensemble of microfabricated etched silicon columns and air as carrier gas.

A series-coupled ensemble of microfabricated GC columns made by dry reactive ion etching of silicon substrates is evaluated for use with pneumatic selectivity enhancement techniques for targeted pairs of volatile organic compounds. Each column is 3.0 m long with a 150 μm wide by 240 μm deep cross section. Dynamic coating was used to prepare a nonpolar column with a dimethyl polysiloxane stationary phase and a moderately polar column with a trifluoropropylmethyl polysiloxane stationary phase. Each column generates 5000−6000 theoretical plates. The columns are operated in series with the nonpolar column connected to a split inlet, the polar column connected to a flame ionization detector, and a valve connected between the column junction point and the inlet to the first column. When the valve is closed, the effluent from the first column passes directly into the second column. When the valve is open, both ends of the first column are at the inlet pressure, and flow stops in this column while increased flow ...
Autonomous Software-Defined Coherent Optical Receivers Performing Modulation Format Recognition in Stokes-Space

We present a hybrid modulation format recognition method combining Stokes-space analysis/higher-order-statistics, robust in lower OSNR conditions that successfully identifies OOK/BPSK/QPSK/16-QAM. The new architecture's blind demodulation performance is compared to our previous one using experimental 1056km transmission data at 16/32Gbaud.
Immunologic Effects of Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs

Recent studies of the immunoregulatory effects of prostaglandin and the immunomodulating actions of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs reveal that earlier reports of inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs cannot alone fully explain the anti-inflammatory properties of these agents. Data defining the complex inter-relationship of prostaglandin, the immune response, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are reviewed, and possible mechanisms of anti-inflammatory action of these agents are considered. The effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on cellular immune function and humoral immune response suggest that anti-inflammatory activity may be related to altered suppressor cell function, inhibition of monocyte collagenase release, or inhibition of neutrophil migration and activation. Further elucidation is awaited.
Butyrate regulates glycosylation of the glycoprotein hormone alpha subunit secreted by “glucose-starved” human liver cells☆

The alpha-subunit secreted by Chang human liver cells was labeled in vitro with [35S]Met, [3H]GlcN, or [3H]Fuc, and the biosynthetic products were studied by SDS-PAGE. Cells labeled with [35S]Met secreted a homogeneous 23K-24K alpha. In contrast, alpha secreted from cells labeled with [3H]GlcN and [3H]Fuc in the absence of glucose ("glucose-starved") was heterogeneous. This size heterogeneity was altered by glucose and by butyrate, but was little affected by dibutyryl adenosine 3', 5'-monophosphate. In the presence of 0.56 mM (10 mg/dl) or 5.6 mM (100 mg/dl) glucose, or 2 mM butyrate, primarily the larger and presumably more highly glycosylated 24K-25K alpha was secreted. Moreover, the effect of 2 mM butyrate on the alpha secreted by "glucose-starved" cells was qualitatively and quantitatively similar to the effect of 0.56 mM glucose in the absence of butyrate. Likewise, 2 mM butyrate + 0.56 mM glucose was nearly equivalent to 5.6 mM glucose alone. These results demonstrate a novel effect of butyrate on glycoprotein biosynthesis; it is the only agent, reported thus far, which has the same effects as Glc or Man on protein glycosylation in "glucose-starved" cells.
Magnetic observations during the recent declining phase of solar activity

Changes in the heliospheric magnetic field during the recent declining phase in solar activity are reviewed and compared with observations during past sunspot cycles. The study is based principally on data obtained by IMP-8 and Ulysses. The field magnitude is found to have increased during the declining phase until it reached a maximum value of 11.5nT in approximately 1991.5, approximately two years after sunspot maximum. The field of the sun's south pole became negative after a reversal in early 1990. The sector structure disappeared at Ulysses in April 1993 when the latitude of the spacecraft was -30 deg revealing a low inclination of the heliospheric current sheet. A large outburst of solar activity in March 1991 caused four Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) and numerious shocks at the location of Ulysses. Following a delay of more than a year, a series of recurrent high speed streams and Corotating Interaction Regions commenced in July 1992 which were observed by IMP-8, Ulysses and Voyager 2. In all these respects, the behavior of the magnetic field mimics that seen in the two earlier sunspot cycles. The comprehensive data set suggests a correlation between the absolute value of B and sunspot number. The major solar cycle variations in the radial component (and magnitude) of the field have been successfully reproduced by a recent model consisting of a tilted solar dipole, whose strength and tilt undergo characteristic changes over the sunspot cycle, and the heliospheric current sheet. The large outbursts of activity in mid-1972, mid-1982 and the first quarter of 1991 may represent a characteristic last 'gasp' of solar activity before the sun evolves to a different state. The recurrent high speed streams in 1973, 1984 and 1992 accompany the developemnt of large asymetrical polar coronal holes and the growth in intensity of the polar cap fields. After they endure for about one year, the polar coronal holes recede and the high speed streams are replaced by weaker streams more characteristic of solar minimum.
Antisecretory and cytoprotective doses of enprostil do not alter gastric mucosal blood flow

Prostaglandins of the E series are antisecretory and cytoprotective. Cytoprotection occurs in the deep but not superficial gastric mucosa. It has been hypothesized that the mechanism of cytoprotection involves increased gastric mucosal blood flow (GMBF). However, basal and stimulated gastric mucosal blood flow is greater in the deep than superficial corpus mucosa. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a prostaglandin E2 analog, enprostil, on GMBF in the deep mucosa, where cytoprotection is observed, in both antisecretory and cytoprotective doses. Gastric mucosal blood flow in the deep half of the mucosa was measured by the hydrogen gas clearance method before, during and after intragastric perfusion of enprostil, 0.1-100 micrograms/kg, in urethane anesthetized rats. Enprostil did not alter GMBF in any of the doses tested. Therefore, the cytoprotective action of enprostil is mediated by factors other than a primary increase in GMBF.
Note on the Principle of Detailed Balancing

The following formulation is suggested for this principle: "No system in thermal equilibrium in an environment at constant temperature spontaneously and of itself arrives in such a condition that any of the processes taking place in the system by which energy may be extracted, run in a preferred direction, without a compensating reverse process." It is shown that, granted the physical reality of the process, the principle follows from the second law of thermodynamics.
Growth and characterization of single crystal InAs nanowire arrays and their application to plasmonics

The growth of single crystal InAs nanowire arrays on crystalline and amorphous substrates is described. This method is quite simple and fast, and uses only a bare InAs substrate as a source and a gold colloid on the growth substrate. High quality InAs nanowires can be produced by this technique, with the nanowire diameter controllable by the gold colloid size and the nanowire length controlled by the growth time and growth temperature. By a proper choice of substrate, parallel, non-interacting nanowire arrays can be formed, as well as arrays exhibiting a cross-over geometry. These geometries can have a significant impact on the plasmonic properties, specifically on surface enhanced Raman (SERS). Results indicate a significantly enhanced SERS signal for nanowire arrays which contain wire crossings, which is explained in terms of electric field "hot" spots.
Ultrastructural localization of sorcin, a 22 kDa calcium binding protein, in the rat caudate‐putamen nucleus: Association with ryanodine receptors and intracellular calcium release

Sorcin is a 22 kDa calcium binding protein that is widely distributed in mammalian tissues, including brain, and is associated with the ryanodine receptor (RyR) family of intracellular calcium-release channels in the heart. To determine the cellular sites for potential central functions of sorcin, we examined the electron microscopic immunocytochemical localization of antipeptide antisera against sorcin and against cardiac and brain RyR in the rat caudate-putamen nucleus (CPN), one of the few regions expressing high levels of brain RyR. Sorcin-like immunoreactivity (S-LI) was detected in both neurons and glia by using immunoperoxidase and immunogold methods. Of 1,735 profiles containing immunogold-silver labeling for sorcin, almost 50% were dendrites and many of these dendrites were spiny. The remainder were mainly small axons, axon terminals, and, more rarely, glia. Furthermore, analysis of dually labeled tissue sections showed the presence of sorcin in many of the dendrites and some of the axonal and glial processes containing RyR. In dendrites, gold-silver deposits showing S-LI were prominently localized to saccules of smooth endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria, both of which are known to store calcium. These labeled structures were located near the plasma membrane at sites postsynaptic to excitatory-type asymmetric junctions, as well as non-synaptic portions of the plasma membrane. In axons, S-LI was also often seen at extrasynaptic sites on, or near, the plasma membrane. We conclude that in the rat CPN, sorcin may act independently or, in conjunction with RyR, to modulate cytoplasmic release of calcium, mainly from smooth endoplasmic reticulum and/or mitochondria in neurons.