cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Stakeholder Conflict in an Alternative Sentencing Program: Implications for Evaluation and Implementation.

Conventional approaches to evaluation research, what Chen and Rossi (1980, p. 109) refer to as the "official goal-fixed approach," typically focus on identifying officially stated program goals, selecting a subset of measurable outcome measures, and assessing whether or not the program achieved the narrowly defined effects implied in the outcome measures. This conventional approach, however, has been increasingly questioned. Chen and Rossi (1980), in formulating what they term the "multi-goal, theory-driven evaluation approach," fault the conventional approach and attribute the common finding of no effects to this approach. By narrowing the evaluation focus to a small set of officially defined program goals, the evaluation study often fails to look for other program effects that may be predicted by social science theory or prior research. For example, the common finding of diversion programs leading to an increase in the net of social control (Austin & Krisberg, 1981; see Palumbo & Peterson, this volume), cannot be discerned f rom formal p rogram goals, but evaluation research informed by bureaucratic or conflict theory may build such questions into the study. As an alternative to the official-goal-fixed-approach, Chen and Rossi suggest that researchers take a multigoal, theory-driven approach to evaluation. Under this model, the evaluator does not merely investigate the effects of the program on administrator or policy maker defined goals, but attempts to design a study sensitive to evaluating the effects of the program on multiple goals and based on a theoretical understanding of the problem. A similar criticism of the conventional evaluation model, and a similar alternative approach to evaluation, is suggested by evaluators distinguishing between microand macro-evaluation (Bickman, 1987; Shadish, 1987). Most evaluation research, and particularly the official goal-fixed approach, focuses narrowly on program goals and program effects. Did the program achieve what it was supposed to achieve? This ignores broader macrolevel questions of whether the program affected either the social problem in question or the implications for social policy. For example, while an evaluation of a drug enforcement program may shed light on whether the program increased arrests of drug offenders, it typically ignores the macro-level question of whether or not the program affected the level of drug use or crime in a community or society as a whole (see Palumbo & Peterson, this volume; Schlegel & McGarrell, 1991). A third school of thought that raises questions of the conventional evaluation model is the constructionist approach to evaluation (Best, 1989; Guba& Lincoln, 1989). Briefly, the constructionist theorist questions the idea of an objective and consensually agreed upon definition of social problems and program objectives and goals. Rather, definitions of problems and the goals and objectives of programs intended to address the problems vary among different stakeholders. An example that illustrates both the role of multiple stakeholders and the
Women and bleeding disorders.

Summary. While women are rarely affected by haemophilia, they are equally as likely as men to have other bleeding disorders. Menorrhagia, or heavy menstrual bleeding, is the most common symptom that they experience. Not only is menorrhagia more prevalent among women with bleeding disorders, but bleeding disorders are more prevalent among women with menorrhagia. Although menorrhagia is the most common reproductive tract manifestation of a bleeding disorder, it is not the only manifestation. Women with bleeding disorders appear to be at an increased risk of developing haemorrhagic ovarian cysts and possibly endometriosis. Women suspected of having a bleeding disorder or being a carrier of haemophilia should be offered diagnostic testing before getting pregnant to allow for appropriate preconception counselling and pregnancy management. During pregnancy, women with bleeding disorders may be at an increased risk of bleeding complications. At the time of childbirth, women with bleeding disorders appear to be more likely to experience postpartum haemorrhage, particularly delayed or secondary postpartum haemorrhage. As women with bleeding disorders grow older, they may be more likely to manifest gynaecological conditions which present with bleeding. Women with bleeding disorders are more likely to undergo a hysterectomy and are more likely to have the operation at a younger age. While women with bleeding disorders are at risk for the same obstetrical and gynaecological problems that affect all women, women with bleeding disorders are disproportionately affected by conditions that manifest with bleeding. Optimal management involves the combined expertise of haemostasis experts and obstetrician-gynaecologists.
Improving treatment and survival: a population-based study of current outcomes after a hepatic resection in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.

Abstract Background Population‐based studies historically report underutilization of a resection in patients with colorectal metastases to the liver. Recent data suggest limitations of the methods in the historical analysis. The present study examines trends in a hepatic resection and survival among Medicare recipients with hepatic metastases. Methods Medicare recipients with incident colorectal cancer diagnosed between 1991 and 2009 were identified in the SEER(Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results)‐Medicare dataset. Patients were stratified into historical (1991–2001) and current (2002–2009) cohorts. Analyses compared treatment, peri‐operative outcomes and survival. Results Of 31 574 patients with metastatic colorectal cancer to the liver, 14 859 were in the current cohort treated after 2002 and 16 715 comprised the historical control group. The overall proportion treated with a hepatic resection increased significantly during the study period ( P P P ≤ 0.047), but 30‐day mortality was similar (3.5% versus 3.9%, P = 0.660). After adjusting for predictors of survival, the use of a hepatic resection [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.40, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.38–0.42, P P Conclusions Case identification using International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision (ICD‐9) codes is imperfect; however, comparison of trends over time suggests an improvement in multimodality therapy and survival in patients with colorectal metastases to the liver.
THE ROLE OF FAITH-BASED ORGANIZING IN HEALTH CARE

This paper seeks to explore the cross-section of religion and public health. First, I explore the way in which certain religious principles correlate with some moral and philosophical reasons promoting public health. Here, I seek to answer whether or not a case can be made for social justice in global health. I specifically look at the ideas proposed by Norman Daniels and responses to those ideas by other public health theorists. In the second part of the paper, I explore the role that religious and faith-based partnerships can play in the delivery of health care (specifically in underserved rural and urban areas). Here, I argue that religious and faith-based grassroots organizations are: (1) the most prevalent, well connected, and efficient grassroots organizations in underserved areas; (2) have the infrastructure in place for the government to use for health care delivery; (3) are excellent avenues, to advocate for certain preventative health measures. I also present a case study that further illuminates the idea of health care delivery through religious and faith-based organizations. The case explores the story of a faith-based initiative in Bronx that targeted HIV/AIDS prevention. This outreach in Bronx presents two different uses of faith-based organizations: using already-present grassroots infrastructure for health care delivery, but also for preventative health education. Ultimately, this paper seeks to promote the idea of governments and health care practitioners delivering health care – and initiating conversations regarding health – through the infrastructure in place by religious and faith-based organizations.
Vitamin A Intake Affects the Contribution of Chylomicrons vs. Retinol-Binding Protein to Milk Vitamin A in Lactating Rats

To investigate the influence of vitamin A intake on the contribution of chylomicrons vs. holo retinol-binding protein to milk vitamin A, female rats were fed diets containing either 10 (n = 6) or 50 micromol vitamin A/kg body (n = 4) during pregnancy and through d 13 of lactation. [3H]Vitamin A was incorporated into each diet beginning on d 6 of lactation. Vitamin A concentrations on d 13 were significantly higher in dam liver (x 3), pup liver (x 2.6), milk (x 2.5) and mammary tissue (x 1.3) in rats consuming the higher level of vitamin A. In both groups, vitamin A specific activities in plasma and milk reached apparent plateaus by 2.33 d after addition of [3H]vitamin A to the diets. Vitamin A specific activity in milk was higher than in plasma at all times in both groups. The estimated minimum contribution of chylomicrons to milk vitamin A was 32 +/- 3% in rats fed the lower level of vitamin A vs. 52 +/- 10% at the higher level (P = 0.014). We concluded that dietary vitamin A, like triglycerides, may be directed to mammary tissue during lactation for preferential secretion into milk; thus, increasing vitamin A intakes will increase the contribution of dietary vitamin A to milk. In contrast to milk, mammary tissue vitamin A turns over very slowly.
Su1274 Longitudinal Study of Circulating miRNA Biomarkers in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Abstract Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are chronic and progressive inflammatory disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. The current serum biomarkers for IBD are limited by low specificity and poor predictive power. Serological assessments of IBD activity and early-stage diagnosis could be markedly improved through the use of a non-invasive serological biomarker signature, such as miRNA and the use of mouse model for IBD for longitudinal investigation. Here, we hypothesized that the time-course of the disease and its lesions can be correlated with specific miRNA profiles. Serum samples were collected from wild-type (WT), WT DSS-treated, IL10 and TLR5 mice and miRNA profiles were analyzed using high-throughput technology. IL10 mice were treated with anti-TNF-a antibody in order to prevent the development of intestinal inflammation and miRNA profiles were analyzed. Among the 104 miRNAs tested, mmu-miR-29b, -122, -150, -192, -194, -146a and -375 were found to increase with disease progression, while mmu-miR-335-5p, -148a, -152, -140, -331-3p, -195, -140* and -199b were observed to decrease in IL10 mice developing intestinal inflammation. Statistical analyses revealed that among the miRNAs that were differentially expressed in colitic versus non-colitic mice, 6 could be used as a profiling set that could very efficiently determine the inflammation status of the intestinal mucosa. Moreover, the miRNA profiles were not identical between IL10 colitic mice, DSS-induced colitis model, or TLR5 mice developing low grade intestinal inflammation, suggesting that miRNA signatures could be a powerful tool for discriminating among various types of intestinal inflammation (e.g., chronic versus acute and CD versus UC). The treatment of IL10 mice with anti-TNF-a antibody was sufficient to abrogate the development of intestinal inflammation as well as perturbation of miRNA profile. Finally, preliminary data using serum samples from UC patients showed a distinct miRNA signature compared to healthy control serum samples. We used a mouse model to establish a putative miRNA signature of colitis, and determined that it could be a useful tool for following the evolution of intestinal inflammation in mice. Future work is warranted to adapt this concept to human serum samples and identify IBD specific miRNA patterns in human patients.
Seasonal dynamics and age of stemwood nonstructural carbohydrates in temperate forest trees

Nonstructural carbohydrate reserves support tree metabolism and growth when current photosynthates are insufficient, offering resilience in times of stress. We monitored stemwood nonstructural carbohydrate (starch and sugars) concentrations of the dominant tree species at three sites in the northeastern United States. We estimated the mean age of the starch and sugars in a subset of trees using the radiocarbon ((14) C) bomb spike. With these data, we then tested different carbon (C) allocation schemes in a process-based model of forest C cycling. We found that the nonstructural carbohydrates are both highly dynamic and about a decade old. Seasonal dynamics in starch (two to four times higher in the growing season, lower in the dormant season) mirrored those of sugars. Radiocarbon-based estimates indicated that the mean age of the starch and sugars in red maple (Acer rubrum) was 7-14 yr. A two-pool (fast and slow cycling reserves) model structure gave reasonable estimates of the size and mean residence time of the total NSC pool, and greatly improved model predictions of interannual variability in woody biomass increment, compared with zero- or one-pool structures used in the majority of existing models. This highlights the importance of nonstructural carbohydrates in the context of forest ecosystem carbon cycling.
Deconfinement at strong coupling

Abstract Finite temperature strong-coupling SU(N) lattice gauge theory is rewritten in terms of N − 1 angles on each site. Mean-field techniques applied to these angle variables are used to study the deconfinement phase transition. The N = 2 theory is seen to have a second-order phase transition with mean-field Ising model critical exponent β while the N = 3 theory exhibits a first-order phase transition.
Understanding the 21st Century Research Landscape: Emerging Trends and Needs Within and Across Disciplines—Perspectives from a Business Library

Conference Presentation at the Charleston Conference (2011). (Part of a session with Mike Diaz (Moderator), ProQuest; Audrey Powers, University of South Florida; Corey Seeman, University of Michigan; Dennis Brunning, Arizona State University; Jason Phillips, New York University Library).
Temporal isolation of the neural correlates of spatial mnemonic processing with fMRI.

The use of cognitive subtraction to study the neural substrates of the maintenance component of spatial working memory in humans relies upon the assumptions of the pure insertion of cognitive processes and a linear transform of neural activity to neuroimaging signal. Here, functional changes attributable to the memory requiring phase (referred to as the retention delay) of a spatial working memory task were temporally discriminated from those attributable to other behavioral subcomponents within trials using an experimental design that is argued to obviate these assumptions, as well as permit a joint test of their validity. The hypothesis that the assumptions of cognitive subtraction (as applied to neuroimaging) hold in general was not supported. Functional changes attributable to the retention delay were detected in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex as well as in other cortical regions in a subset of the subjects, and in the right frontal eye field and right superior parietal lobule of all subjects (n=5). These results support models in which these regions are involved in maintaining spatial representations in humans. In addition, nearly all regions that evidenced such functional changes during the retention delay also evidenced functional changes during behaviors that did not require spatial working memory. This result tends to dispute models which posit the existence of gross neuroanatomical regions involved in solely mnemonic function.
Seizure Management in the Setting of Hepatic Disease

In the past 20 years, many antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) have been marketed that are not significantly metabolized by the liver, but some patients still require the use of older and more metabolically complex AEDs for optimal seizure control, and current economic and insurance-coverage limitations have forced many patients to switch to less expensive agents, which are often the older AEDs. For the patient with hepatic disease, it is clearly preferable to use medications with little potential to exacerbate their condition. In my practice, I try to use agents with simpler metabolism, especially for patients with multiple medical problems. Doing this can mean using AEDs in monotherapy that are FDA-approved only for adjunctive use. I also find that older agents and hepatically metabolized AEDs can be the most appropriate for particular patients. Selection of the optimal seizure medication requires consideration of multiple factors, only one of which is the impact on liver function. I routinely obtain an executive laboratory panel at least yearly for even the healthiest of patients, to reassure both the patient and myself that the metabolism of their AED regimen is not significantly affected. Occasionally, a change or abnormality in liver function is identified. Certainly hepatic disease can make epilepsy management more difficult, and communication between the neurologist and the other treating physicians is a necessity, although the neurologist and the hepatologist may have differing opinions on how to respond to worsening liver function. Concern about potential liver damage by AEDs may prompt unnecessary discontinuation, sometimes with disastrous consequences for seizure control. Overly complex AED regimens can cause underlying liver problems to worsen. Clinical observation and judgment must complement the data derived from laboratory parameters. Worsening hepatic disease can also result in encephalopathic states that worsen or mimic seizures. The EEG can often be helpful in differentiating these conditions and is crucial in determining appropriate epilepsy therapy.
Gender and developmental patterns of affect, belief, and behavior in simulated injury events

This study examined the hypothesis drawn from epidemiological data that beliefs and affective reactions of male second, fifth, and eighth graders, undergraduates, and adults in response to a series of four simulated bicycle collisions would show decreased expectation and avoidance of injury in comparison to females. This study also contrasted two additional hypotheses, one suggesting an invincibility belief in teenagers, producing a curvilinear age trend, with risky cognitions increasing from second grade, peaking at eighth grade, and then decreasing in adulthood. The other hypothesis suggested that with exposure, risky beliefs increased linearly, due to desensitization to cues of risk. As predicted, female participants did expect more fear and pain, and less exhilaration, and braked sooner after seeing the hazard than male participants. Linear rather than curvilinear age patterns emerged across films, revealing that the youngest participants anticipated more fear and less exhilaration than older participants. These results parallel developmental trends in which females and younger participants who anticipate more serious consequences are at lower risk for bicycle injury than are males, older children, and adolescents. Limitations of this analogue study and potential questions for both future research and the application of injury prevention techniques are explored.
Aligning the Basal Curriculum and Assessment in Elementary Mathematics: The Exploratory Development of Curriculum-Valid Tests

The purpose of the present investigation was to develop curriculum-valid mathematics survey tests based on an analysis of district adopted basal mathematics curriculum material. We describe a taxonomy of curriculum analysis that was beneficial, in part, in item creation and test construction. Test items were selected to accurately represent the curriculum. The survey test was piloted with a group of 240 students each in Grades 3, 4, and 5 of six schools. A second, parallel test was developed and administered to the same group approximately six months later. Test results were reported to teachers as student and item information. Implications for future assessment research and practice involving students with learning difficulties are also discussed.
Scanning interferometry of sunfish cones. I. Longitudinal variation in single-cone refractive index

Interferometric measurements of cone inner segment–cone outer segments (CIS–COS’s) isolated from the green sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus) were made with a He–Ne laser focused to a 0.3-μm spot. Multiple measurements were obtained by moving the spot across the CIS–COS’s in a raster pattern; adjacent measurements were spaced approximately 0.2 μm apart. The CIS–COS’s were oriented with their longitudinal (z) axes parallel to one of the raster directions. By assuming that the CIS–COS’s have circular cross sections in the orthogonal (x−y) planes, we calculated from the interferometric measurements average refractive indices as a function of z. In the cone inner segments these average refractive indices rise monotonically with z in the direction along which light travels through the living photoreceptor. The average refractive index was typically between 1.36 and 1.39 at the base of the photoreceptor and between 1.42 and 1.44 at its junction with the outer segment. These findings confirm previous qualitative assessments of density variations evident in electron micrographs [ Rowe et al., J. Opt. Soc. Am. A11, 55 ( 1994)].
Healthcare-associated infections in the hospitalized neonate: a review.

Healthcare-associated infections in the neonatal intensive care unit add considerably to hospital stays and costs, and contribute to numerous adverse outcomes, including death. The relatively high prevalence of healthcare-associated infections among neonates is secondary to the newborn's underdeveloped immune system, the need for frequent invasive procedures, and generally prolonged hospitalization. Central line as- sociated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) are the most common form of healthcare-associated infection, with coagulase-negative Staphylococcus species (CONS) being the most commonly cultured microorganism. In- terpretation of culture results in the setting of any suspected healthcare-associated infection can be made difficult by the possibility that a recovered organism represents a commensal contaminant, rather than an actual cause of infection. This is especially true in the case of a blood culture that grows CONS during evalu- ation for suspected CLABSI. This article provides an overview of the epidemiology, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of healthcare-associated infections in the NICU.
Grant making with an impact: the Picker/Commonwealth Patient-Centered Care Program

Health philanthropy faces the basic challenge of how best to use limited resources to have a positive effect on policy, practice, or institutions in a trillion-dollar health care system. Insightful, well-crafted grants,coupledwitheffectivecommunication of results, are the best wayfora foundationto increase its impact. Evaluation also is essential to guide ongoing and future work. The Picker-Commonwealth Patient-Centered Care Program was an important initiative of the Commonwealth Fund that produced groundbreaking researchinitsareaandserves as an illustration of how a foundation can move a new field forward. The Patient-Centered Care Program was a set of eleven interrelated projects that were intendedto enhance communicationbetween patients and their health care providers for the purpose of improving health care. The Commonwealth Fund granted hospitals, health care organizations, and physician groups funds with which to develop and implement surveys ofpatients to elicit their perceptions of the quality of care they received. The program sought to explore how patients experience care in hospitals and other sites; what constraints andopportunities providers face in practicing patient-centered care; what practices work best in given institutional settings; and how providers and organizations can implement changes to enhance patientcentered care. The Commonwealth Fundmade grants totaling $9.7 million under the program between 1987 and 1995. Of this amount, $5.8 million supported the eleven projects, and $3.9 million was for program administration, theinitialsurveyofpatient-centeredcare,and communicating the results of the program through conferences, books, andvideos. This essay uses the Patient-Centered Care Program as a case study to derive lessons and suggestwaystosharpenfoundationprograms. We identify lessons in four areas that are importanttosuccessfulgrantmaking:choosinga programarea;designingandimplementingthe program; measuring accomplishments; and communicating results. To accomplish this, we reviewed program materials and conducted seventeen interviews with Commonwealth Fund staff, project directors, and informedobserversoftheprogram. Background
Influencing Fisheries Management: Multitasking for Maximum Effectiveness

From the very first drafts of what later became the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, and the subsequent creation of regional and state counterparts, social science was supposed to play more than a perfunctory role in the nation's fishery management process. But our involvement as social scientists has not been a cakewalk and, although growing, our influence often has been limited at best. This article discusses how we can impact the process by using different styles of involvement and different research methods. Different styles of involvement include teaching, with an emphasis on recruitment of students and colleagues into the effort, along with multidisciplinary team research. This article illustrates how we must be willing to gather information on an opportunistic basis rather than be wedded to any one type of data gathering and analytic strategy as we move from one project to another. We social scientists can be most effective if we are willing to be persistent, flexible but focused, and able to employ a variety of complementary tactics. Along with this we need to find ways to participate in the management process from the inside. We must also establish our work in the fisheries management process as legitimate within our own respective professions. Finally, this article suggests that such a multifaceted strategy can be effective in other areas of policy concern.
Virulence factors of Candida albicans

Candidiasis is a common infection of the skin, oral cavity and esophagus, gastrointestinal tract, vagina and vascular system of humans. Although most infections occur in patients who are immunocompromised or debilitated in some other way, the organism most often responsible for disease, Candida albicans, expresses several virulence factors that contribute to pathogenesis. These factors include host recognition biomolecules (adhesins), morphogenesis (the reversible transition between unicellular yeast cells and filamentous, growth forms), secreted aspartyl proteases and phospholipases. Additionally, 'phenotypic switching' is accompanied by changes in antigen expression, colony morphology and tissue affinities in C. albicans and several other Candida spp. Switching might provide cells with a flexibility that results in the adaptation of the organism to the hostile conditions imposed not only by the host but also by the physician treating the infection.
Meigs' Syndrome: Dr. Richard Cabot's Hidden First American Case.

The syndrome known most widely as “Meigs' syndrome” is so named as a result of the description of it by Dr. Joe V. Meigs (a gynecologist with a strong interest in pathology) and Dr. John W. Cass (an internist with a major interest in pulmonary disease) in 1937. In his final writings on the topic 17 years later, Dr. Meigs reviewed the literature prior to his first report in more detail than he had initially and credited appropriately those who had noted the association of ovarian fibromatous tumors, ascites and pleural effusion in earlier times. He did not, however, record the description of the association by the great physician, Dr. Richard C. Cabot in 1912 even though they worked in the same hospital and the case in question was one of those that formed the basis of the report of Meigs and Cass.
Renal handling of 2,4-D by the dogfish shark (Squalus acanthias).

1. The renal clearance of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetate (2,4-D) was studied in the dogfish shark, Squalus acanthias.2. The clearance of total 2,4-D was more than 25 times greater then the glomerular filtration rate, which indicated that 2,4-D was secreted by the kidney.3. The secretion of total 2,4-D was decreased by bromocresol green, an inhibitor of organic anion secretion, which also produced a concurrent decrease in the glomerular filtration rate.4. As previously determined, 2,4-D was eliminated in the urine as the taurine conjugate (≈95% of the excretion products). The plasma of the dogfish shark, however, contained primarily unconjugated 2,4-D (≈90%) and only a minor amount of the taurine conjugate (≈5%). The limited amount of the taurine conjugate in the plasma cannot account for its urinary excretion. Apparently 2, 4-D is transported into the renal tubular cell, after which 2,4-D is conjugated with taurine before elimination into the urine.
Solution- and Soluble-Polymer Supported Asymmetric Syntheses of Six-Membered Ring Prostanoids

An asymmetric synthesis of prostanoids containing a six-membered ring core structure (11a-homoprostaglandins), both in solution and using non-cross-linked polystyrene (NCPS) as a soluble support, was developed. Target molecule 1 was generated in a convergent fashion using a three-component coupling strategy, wherein chiral enone (R)-2 was the precursor of the central ring and the cuprate 3 and triflate 4 were used to introduce the side chains. The chiral center of (R)-2 directed the facial selectivity of the conjugate addition reaction which then dictated the stereochemical outcome of the subsequent α alkylation. Attachment of a six-membered ring scaffold to NCPS facilitated purification without compromising synthetic yields, still allowed 1H-NMR analysis of the intermediates in the synthesis, and provided an avenue for the construction of six-membered ring prostanoid libraries.
The accuracy of group majority decisions in groups with added members

Analytic results indicate that many heads often can be better than one even when none of the added heads is as individually competent as the first. We define individual competence (accuracy) in a dichotomous choice situation as the probability Pi of making the 'correct' or 'better' choice.~ Condorcet (1785) shows that if each person has equal competence, and if that competence, pi, is greater than chance (.5), then the accuracy of majority choice increases monotonically towards infallibility with increasing numbers of voters. Owen, Grofman and Feld (1981) generalize the Condorcet Theorem to verify that as long as the average competence of a group is greater than chance, then the competence of the group majority increases towards one as the group becomes larger. However, the practical problem in collective decision making often is to ascertain whether adding a particular set of persons to the decision-making group will add or detract from the competence of the decisions made. Shapley and Grofman (1981) and Nitzan and Paroush (1980, 1982) show that we can obtain the maximum competence with a weighted voting rule, with the weights monotonically related to the individual competences (according to a simple function that they specify). However, the competence of particular persons often is unknown; and in any case, weighting according to competence often is impractical. Consequently, we follow Grofman (1975, 1978); Margolis (1976); Owen, Grofman and Feld (1981); and Grofman, Owen and Feld
Anorexia nervosa in a pediatric renal transplant recipient and its reversal with cyclosporine

We report a 16-yr-old female who developed AN within a month after renal transplantation and its resolution after switching from tacrolimus to cyclosporine. Her initial maintenance immunosuppressive regimen after renal transplantation consisted of tacrolimus, mycophenolate, and steroid. She had 7 kg weight loss within the first month of transplant with subsequent 10, 12, 17, and 19 kg loss after three, five, seven, and nine months of transplant, respectively. Besides weight loss and disturbances in body image, the patient developed alopecia, bradycardia, and persistent secondary amenorrhea. Upon switching to cyclosporine from tacrolimus nine months after transplant, she started regaining weight with 5 kg gain within two months and 10 kg after four months. She restarted her menstrual cycle, alopecia and bradycardia resolved, and her body image disturbance improved. Here, we describe a very unusual neuropsychiatric side effect of tacrolimus and its resolution with another calcineurin inhibitor, cyclosporine, in an adolescent renal transplant recipient.
Interaction of 3.9-Gev Nitrogen Ions with Matter

The interaction with matter of nitrogen ions in the 3.9-billion-electron-volt (Gev) beam of the Princeton Particle Accelerator has been studied. In polyethylene, the range of ions is 12.6 ± 0.2 grams per square centimeter and the mean free path for nuclear collisions is 15.4 ± 3.8 centimeters; the loss of energy by the ions passing through polyethylene agrees with that predicted by stopping-power theory. The production of secondary particles has been investigated. These data are useful for experiments and for evaluating the merits of nitrogen ions in biomedical application.
Reimbursement impact of medicaid managed care organizations replacing standard medicaid.

Abstract Study objective: To evaluate the reimbursement difference for Medicaid managed care organization (MMCO) enrollees compared with Medicaid enrollees for emergency department patients with disease conditions that appear to meet the "prudent layperson" definition of an emergency medical condition. Methods: This study used a retrospective reimbursement review of computerized billing data of reimbursement denials for 4 procedures (using Current Procedural Terminology codes for endotracheal intubation, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, central line placement, and lumbar puncture) and 1 International Classification of Diseases, ninth revision condition (chest pain) on MMCO patients from 7 MMCOs compared with standard Medicaid patients presenting to 4 EDs during a 6-month period (January through June 1998). Exclusion criteria were late bills that did not allow at least 90 days for payment and bills submitted on behalf of patients that were not covered at the time of service by Medicaid or MMCO. Data were analyzed using Fisher's exact test. Results: The total number of MMCO and Medicaid patients evaluated/total ED patients evaluated was 5,153/63,552 and 6,020/63,552, respectively. The number of nonreimbursed procedures/total number of procedures performed on MMCO and Medicaid patients was 35/93 and 14/88, respectively ( P P Conclusion: MMCOs reimburse significantly less than Medicaid does for ED patients with conditions that a prudent layperson would consider an emergency. [Irvin CB, Fox JM. Reimbursement impact of Medicaid managed care organizations replacing standard Medicaid. Ann Emerg Med. March 2000;35:287-290.]
Comparison of Water-Based Foam and Inert-Gas Mass Emergency Depopulation Methods

Abstract Current control strategies for avian influenza (AI) and other highly contagious poultry diseases include surveillance, quarantine, depopulation, disposal, and decontamination. Selection of the best method of emergency mass depopulation involves maximizing human health and safety while minimizing disease spread and animal welfare concerns. Proper selection must ensure that the method is compatible with the species, age, housing type, and disposal options. No one single method is appropriate for all situations. Gassing is one of the accepted methods for euthanatizing poultry. Whole-house, partial-house, or containerized gassing procedures are currently used. The use of water-based foam was developed for emergency mass depopulation and was conditionally approved by the United States Department of Agriculture in 2006. Research has been done comparing these different methods; parameters such as time to brain death, consistency of time to brain death, and pretreatment and posttreatment corticosterone s...
Preparation of Ultrafine Supported Clusters for Electron Microscopy Studies

In this paper, we discuss the sintering/fragmentation behavior of novel oganometallic rhenium compounds (candidates as catalyst materials) under high energy electron beam irradiation. The technique used was quantitative electron microscopy based on high angle annular dark field (HAADF) imaging in a scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM). Using this approach, we examine elastically-scattered electron intensity from graphite-supported rhenium clusters, and look for mass quantization. The emphasis in this article is not on the imaging technique, but on various sample preparation techniques, materials and synthesis issues of supports and of deposition of very small isolated clusters.
Staghorn tempestites in the Florida Keys

Thirty-one samples of transported Holocene Acropora cervicornis "sticks" sampled from carbonate sand tempestite accumulations at 19 sites along a 180-km-long stretch of the Florida reef tract were dated using the radiocarbon (14C) method. The "modern fossils" collected from just a few centimeters below the surface ranged in age from 0.5 to 6.4 ka. The majority lived between 3.5 and 5.5 ka. The time of transport and deposition is not known. There were no A. cervicornis samples centered around 4.5 ka. Acropora cervicornis is living on many Florida reefs, but the youngest tempestite sample was 500 years old. Two 500-year-long gaps in dated staghorn suggest that the documented decline in living A. cervicornis over the past 25 years may not be without precedent.
Grain boundary dynamics of SiC bicrystals under shear deformation

Abstract The dynamics of SiC grain boundaries under shear are characterized using molecular dynamics simulations. At low-temperatures, low-angle grain boundaries exhibit stick-slip behavior due to athermal climb of edge dislocations along the grain boundary. With increasing temperature stick-slip becomes less pronounced due to dislocation glide, and at high-temperatures, structural disordering of the low-angle grain boundary inhibits stick-slip. In contrast, structural disordering of the high-angle grain boundary is induced under shear even at low temperatures, resulting in a significantly dampened stick-slip behavior.
Temporal regulation of tobacco mosaic virus-induced phosphorylation of a host encoded protein.

Abstract The in vitro and in vivo phosphorylation of a plant encoded protein (p68) associated with dsRNA-dependent protein kinase activity was stimulated at specific time intervals following infection by tobacco mosaic virus or electroporation with dsRNA. The level of p68 phosphorylation in infected and mock inoculated protoplasts did not differ significantly until 6 hr. post-infection, when the basal level of phosphorylation increased 2–3 fold in infected protoplasts. Maximum phosphorylation of p68 occurred between 8–12 hr post-infection and then declined but, at least until 72 hr. post-infection, it was significantly greater than in mock inoculated protoplasts.
RGS14 at the interface of hippocampal signaling and synaptic plasticity

Learning and memory are encoded within the brain as biochemical and physical changes at synapses that alter synaptic transmission, a process known as synaptic plasticity. Although much is known about factors that positively regulate synaptic plasticity, very little is known about factors that negatively regulate this process. Recently, the signaling protein RGS14 (Regulator of G protein Signaling 14) was identified as a natural suppressor of hippocampal-based learning and memory as well as synaptic plasticity within CA2 hippocampal neurons. RGS14 is a multifunctional scaffolding protein that integrates unconventional G protein and mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase signaling pathways that are themselves key regulators of synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory. Here, we highlight the known roles for RGS14 in brain physiology and unconventional G protein signaling pathways, and propose molecular models to describe how RGS14 may integrate these diverse signaling pathways to modulate synaptic plasticity in CA2 hippocampal neurons.
The class of mifra lifetimes and its relation to other classes

Abstract : In a previous paper, the authors have introduced a class of multivariate lifetimes (MIFRA) which generalize the univariate lifetimes with increasing failure rate average (IFRA). They have also shown that this class satisfies many fundamental properties. In this paper it is shown that other concepts of multivariate IFRA do not satisfy all of these properties. Relationships between MIFRA and these other concepts are given. Finally positive dependence implications with respect to these classes are also discussed. (Author)
The Effects of Infrared Radiation on the Ehrlich Ascites Tumor

This paper deals with a study of the effects of infrared radiation (10, 000 A°) on the Ehrlich ascites tumor. Total body radiation was given continuously for a 24 day period. Mitotic indices were determined daily for treated and control groups throughout the period of radiation. Growth and survival curves were determined from data collected at three day intervals for a period of 45 days. Comparative cytological studies were made.Solid tumors frequently developed in the treated group. Infrared apparently had a stimulatory effect on the tumor employed as reflected by mitotic indices and comparative growth curve studies. Higher percentages of animals survived with infrared treatment as opposed to the controls. Infrared appeared to have a direct physical effect on the cell and its constituents and may act indirectly by interfering with various physiological processes.
Combined proteasome and histone deacetylase inhibition attenuates epithelial-mesenchymal transition through E-cadherin in esophageal cancer cells.

Objective Metastasis is thought to be governed partially by induction of epithelial–mesenchymal transition. Combination of proteasome and histone deacetylase inhibitors has shown significant promise, but no studies have investigated this in esophageal cancer. This study investigated effects of vorinostat (histone deacetylase inhibitor) and bortezomib (proteasome inhibitor) on esophageal cancer epithelial–mesenchymal transition. Methods Three-dimensional tumor spheroids mimicking tumor architecture were created with esophageal squamous and adenocarcinoma cancer cells. Cells were treated with tumor necrosis factor α (to simulate proinflammatory tumor milieu) and transforming growth factor β (cytokine critical for induction of epithelial–mesenchymal transition). Tumor models were then treated with vorinostat, bortezomib, or both. Cytotoxic assays assessed cell death. Messenger RNA and protein expressions of metastasis suppressor genes were assessed. After treatment, Boyden chamber invasion assays were performed. Results Combined therapy resulted in 3.7-fold decrease in adenocarcinoma cell invasion ( P = .002) and 2.8-fold decrease in squamous cell invasion ( P = .003). Three-dimensional invasion assays demonstrated significant decrease in epithelial–mesenchymal transition after combined therapy. Quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analyses revealed robust rescue of E-cadherin transcription and protein expression after combined therapy. Importantly, inhibition of the E-cadherin gene resulted in abolition of the salutary benefits of combined therapy, highlighting the importance of this metastasis suppressor gene in the epithelial–mesenchymal transition process. Conclusions Combined vorinostat and bortezomib therapy significantly decreased esophageal cancer epithelial–mesenchymal transition. This combined therapeutic effect on esophageal cancer epithelial–mesenchymal transition was associated with upregulation of E-cadherin protein expression.
Dynamics of ocean cables with local low-tension regions

Abstract A general set of 3-D dynamic field equations for a cable segment is derived based on the classical Euler–Kirchhoff theory of an elastica. The model includes flexural stiffness to remove the potential singularity when cable tension vanishes and can be reduced to the equations for a perfectly flexible cable. A hybrid model and a solution scheme by direct integration are then proposed to solve the oceanic cable/body system with a localized low-tension region. Numerical examples demonstrate the capability and validity of the formulation and the numerical algorithm.
A multiplexed separation of iron oxide nanocrystals using variable magnetic fields

The size-dependent magnetic properties of nanocrystals are exploited in a separation process that distinguishes particles based on their diameter. By varying the magnetic field strength, four populations of magnetic materials were isolated from a mixture. This separation is most effective for nanocrystals with diameters between 4 and 16 nm.
Discordance between IgA switching at the DNA level and IgA expression at the mRNA level in IgA-deficient patients.

Abstract IgA deficiency is a common immune disorder in Caucasians and is associated with certain MHC conserved extended haplotypes, such as [HLA-B8, SC01, DR3], which presumably carry a susceptibility gene(s). We applied a competitive digestion–circularization PCR method to quantitate the number of switch (S)μ to Sα rearrangements in peripheral B cells from IgA-deficient subjects homozygous for this haplotype and compared their number with the productive Cα mRNA level to determine Cα gene expression in IgA-switched B cells. Two types of defects, low expression of both secreted and membrane forms of productive Cα mRNA in IgA-switched B cells and impaired IgA switching, were characterized in IgA-deficient subjects homozygous for [HLA-B8, SC01, DR3]. The former defect was also found in another noncarrier subject. It may directly cause low IgA secretion and reflects a blockade in post-IgA switch differentiation of B cells. These results suggest that the heterogeneity of defects in IgA deficiency is not simply ascribable to MHC susceptibility genes.
Observations on the host specificity and biology of Lixus salsolae (Col., Curculionidae), a potential biological control agent of Russian thistle, Salsola tragus (Chenopodiaceae) in North America

: No-choice host specificity tests were performed on Lixus salsolae Becker (Col., Curculionidae) in a quarantine green house near Montpellier, France. Several varieties of seven species of economic and ornamental plants from six genera of Chenopodiaceae were tested. Adult feeding was observed on almost all test plants and larvae successfully developed on nine of the eleven species/varieties tested. Sex ratio of field-collected overwintering adults was close to 1 : 1. While no-choice tests may indicate a wider host range under field conditions, we no longer consider L. salsolae as a potential biological control agent of Salsola tragus L. (Chenopodiaceae) in North America.