cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Construction and characterization of pBR322-derived plasmids with deletions of the RNA I region

Abstract A region upstream from the origin of replication in Co1E1-type plasmids has been shown to be necessary for replication. Two RNA transcripts are produced from this area, RNA II, which yields the primer for DNA polymerase initiation at the origin and RNA I, which is complementary to the 5' end of RNA II and acts to inhibit primer formation. We have constructed plasmids which do not possess the nucleotide sequence for RNA I, or the normal 5' terminus and promoter of RNA II. The RNA II analog, in these plasmids, is believed to be synthesized by the readthrough transcription of the upstream trimethoprim-resistant dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) gene at a level comparable to that produced by the tryptophan promoter. These plasmids have a copy number of about tenfold higher than that of pBR322 during logarithmic growth and are compatible with other Co1E1-type plasmids. These plasmids are stably maintained in several strains when selective pressure is present and the plasmids are stably maintained during exponential growth in W3110 strains without selective pressure. In all strains examined, the dimeric form of the plasmid was lost from cells much more rapidly than those containing the monomeric form.
A Will Without a Way: Barriers and Facilitators to Exercise During Pregnancy of Low-Income, African American Women

The objective of the authors in this study was to identify pregnant, low-income African American women's barriers and facilitators to exercise during pregnancy. A series of six focus groups with pregnant African American women were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Focus group transcripts were qualitatively analyzed for major themes and independently coded for barriers and facilitators to exercise during pregnancy. A total of 34 pregnant, African American women participated in six focus groups from June through October of 2007. The majority of women were single (94%), had only a high school education (67%), received Medicaid (100%) and had a mean body mass index of 33 kg/m2. All participants believed that exercise was beneficial during their pregnancy. However, participants faced multiple barriers including: (1) individual, (2) information, (3) resource, and (4) socio-cultural. African American women also described two facilitators to increase exercise during pregnancy: (1) group exercise classes, ...
Sometimes It Causes Me to Tremble: Fear, Faith, and the Human Brain

This article reviews selected current neuroscientific research on fear and anxiety and sketches three of anxiety’s sources: innate/learned, loss of attachment, and symbolic/narrative construction. The article then explores the role of religious communities and practitioners of pastoral care and counseling in offering both antidotes to destructive anxiety and faithful management of normal or “useful” anxiety.
Polyimide films as negative birefringent compensators for normally white twisted nematic liquid crystal displays

Novel and reproducible uniaxial negative birefringent compensators for twisted nematic liquid crystal displays which are operated in the normally white mode have been developed for improving viewing angle characteristics and contrast ratio. The compensator design is based on the in-plane orientation of solution-cast aromatic semi-rigid polyimide films which possess a high degree of transmission and a birefringence dispersion similar to the liquid crystals over the visible spectral region. The films have been assembled into liquid crystal displays, and the isocontrast map of the displays using this compensator has shown that the viewing angle has been extended 10° or more on each side along the horizontal direction compared to that of the uncompensated displays.
Strength and corticosteroid responsiveness of mdx mice is unchanged by RAG2 gene knockout

Corticosteroids improve muscle function in boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and mdx mice possibly via effects on T-cell and B-cells. We quantified T-cell/B-cell functional effects and refined prednisolone's therapeutic mechanism in mdx mice. RAG2(-/-) mice, which produce no T-cells or B-cells, were crossed with mdx mice, which lack dystrophin protein. Strength testing (3-36 weeks) was performed on treated and control groups of male mdx RAG2(-/-)and mdx RAG2(+/-) mice. Longitudinal grip strength testing and hanging wire testing were assessed. Voluntary wheel running and creatine kinase level were measured. The absence of T-cells/B-cells (RAG2(-/-) mutation) caused no physiologic improvement. Prednisolone improved performance in mdx mice, independent of RAG2 gene expression (+ or -/-). Prednisolone treatment increased the frequency of muscle calcification, while RAG2 genotype had no effect. There was no change in fiber type proportions due to RAG2 genotype or prednisolone treatment. Thus, T-cells and/or B-cells (and immunoglobulins), while demonstrable in mdx mouse muscle, are playing a negligible role in their mdx-related functional outcome. Prednisolone's therapeutic effect is through T-cell/B-cell independent mechanisms in mdx mice.
Programmed cell death—IV. The influence of drugs on the breakdown of the intersegmental muscles of silkmoths

Abstract The normal breakdown of the intersegmental muscles of the silkmoth abdomen can be opposed or prevented by the injection of the para-sympathomimetic drugs, pilocarpine or physostigmine. Final concentrations of 1 μM/g live weight are fully effective provided that the injection is made before the initiation of histolysis—a process which normally begins about 6 hr after the moth's ecdysis. The protective effects of pilocarpine or physostigmine are annulled by the simultaneous injection of atropine, by the excision of the central nervous system, or by the denervation of the abdominal muscles. By diverse experiments it was possible to show that pilocarpine or physostigmine protect the muscle by an indirect mechanism. By their excitatory effects on the abdominal ganglia, they sustain and augment the outflow of motor-nerve impulses to the muscles in question. Under this circumstance, the muscles remain intact and contractile—a finding which further demonstrates that the normal signal for the initiation of histolysis is the cessation of motor-nerve impulses to the abdominal muscles.
A technique for evaluating bony changes in the anterior edentulous maxilla: a modification of a cephalometric analysis

A modification of a cephalometric analysis is presented for evaluating maxillary bone loss in the edentulous maxilla. The analysis involves tracing a lateral cephalometric radiograph of an edentulous maxilla, identifying the new landmarks, and measuring the appropriate vertical and horizontal distances of the maxilla. Comparison of the measurements for the patient's initial or baseline radiographic analysis with those of the patient's follow-up radiographic analysis identifies the amount of bone loss that has occurred between the two examinations.
Seasonal abundance of two important forage species in the North Pacific Ocean, Pacific herring and walleye pollock

Abstract Pacific herring ( Clupea pallasii ) and walleye pollock ( Theragra chalcogramma ) are important forage species in the North Pacific Ocean, but their seasonal abundance patterns are poorly known. During three consecutive years of monthly acoustic surveys in Lynn Canal, southeastern Alaska, large schools of herring dominated during winter and were present in a 60-km long submarine gully; this gully appears to provide critical winter habitat for herring when their prey are less available and energy expenditure must be reduced. The salient change in pollock distribution is a shift from shallow waters during summer to deeper waters during winter, such that shallow ( Eumetopias jubatus ) and humpback whales ( Megaptera novaeangliae ) preyed upon the winter aggregation of herring. Such seasonal links likely serve an important role in structuring trophic relationships in the North Pacific Ocean ecosystem.
Tropical deforestation and the global carbon budget

▪ Abstract The CO2 concentration of the atmosphere has increased by almost 30% since 1800. This increase is due largely to two factors: the combustion of fossil fuel and deforestation to create croplands and pastures. Deforestation results in a net flux of carbon to the atmosphere because forests contain 20–50 times more carbon per unit area than agricultural lands. In recent decades, the tropics have been the primary region of deforestation. The annual rate of CO2 released due to tropical deforestation during the early 1990s has been estimated at between 1.2 and 2.3 gigatons C. The range represents uncertainties about both the rates of deforestation and the amounts of carbon stored in different types of tropical forests at the time of cutting. An evaluation of the role of tropical regions in the global carbon budget must include both the carbon flux to the atmosphere due to deforestation and carbon accumulation, if any, in intact forests. In the early 1990s, the release of CO2 from tropical deforestation...
HPV and HPV Vaccines: The Knowledge Levels, Opinions, and Behavior of Parents

To measure parent knowledge levels and opinions related to the human papillomavirus (HPV) and the two vaccines used to prevent it. To measure parent behavior in terms of whether or not to have their children vaccinated. Between June 19, 2012, and August 24, 2012, questionnaires were distributed to parents while waiting for their child to see their pediatrician at a local group practice. The survey was reviewed for face validity by College of Pharmacy social science and clinical faculty members, and an earlier version of it had been used successfully in a published study of biomedical students' knowledge of and attitudes toward the HPV vaccine. 129 usable surveys were obtained. 48.1% of subjects said they learned about the HPV vaccines from the media, while 47.3% identified health care practitioner(s) as a source of knowledge. The mean score on a 20-item knowledge test regarding the infection and vaccines was 36% (range 0-80%). Opinions on the subject varied widely. For example, 22.4% of subjects agreed that schools should require that students be vaccinated before enrolling, while 3.2% agreed that vaccination causes patients to become sexually active. Subjects reported vaccination status for 253 children (mean age 13) as follows: 33% vaccinated; 28% not vaccinated but will be; 11% will never be vaccinated; and 28% not decided. These results are somewhat encouraging, because many parents are hearing about the vaccines from their providers. Although not an equally valid source, the media are also raising awareness. Based on the knowledge and opinion results of this study, there is a need for pharmacists and other providers to educate their patients about the vaccines and the virus and to converse with them regarding the moral and psychological implications of vaccination. Still, it is encouraging that these subjects had or plan to have over half (61%) of their children vaccinated.
Advocates in Odd Places: Social Justice for Behaviorally Challenged, Minority Students in a Large Urban School District.

The purpose of this study is to explore the journey of one large urban inner-city school district with a high population of Hispanics in South Texas as it worked to implement Positive Behavior Intervention and Support into primary (elementary) schools. We questioned, ‘How does a large urban inner-city school district serving a majority of Hispanics, and low income population, implement PBIS into its schools?’ First, we describe Positive Behavior Intervention and Support for the purpose of this article and provide a historical and demographic overview of the school district. Then, a thematic analysis of the processes, practices, and changes is included to describe what the school and central office administrators underwent to successfully implement Positive Behavior Intervention and Support into their school and include behaviorally challenged students and students of color in the general education program.
Student mobility and school dropout

Abstract Although several studies have linked adolescent residential and school mobility to an increased risk of dropping out of school, the reasons for this association have not been examined thoroughly. Using data from approximately 8500 respondents to the first two waves of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health), we explore the ability of several domains of adolescent life—parent–child relationships, peer networks, academic performance, school attachment, and psychological well-being—to account for the higher rate of school dropout among mobile than non-mobile adolescents. Characteristics of adolescents’ peer networks, particularly students’ centrality in those networks and the academic performance of their friends, emerge as the most important mediators of the mobility-dropout association. We also find an increased risk of dropping out among both mobile and non-mobile students attending schools with high rates of student mobility, which appears partially attributable to lower levels of school attachment and weaker academic performance in high-mobility schools.
Dynamic hemicarcerands and hemicarceplexes.

The reversible nature of the imine bond formation in CDCl3 solution has been exploited to exchange substituted for unsubstituted m-phenylenediamine (MPD) units in hemicarcerand octaimines. Moreover, acid-catalyzed imine exchange has been shown to provide a novel mechanism whereby ferrocene (Fc) can be released as an entrapped guest from the hemicarceplex C2B4⊙Fc dissolved in CDCl3 to give the hemicarcerand C2B4 when excess of both MPD and trifluoroacetic acid are present.
A Video Surveillance System for Public Transaformation Vehicles Using 2-Way Land-Mobile Radio

A system has been developed to permit on-board vehicular surveillance by means of a closed-circuit TV, camera working with an FM two-way radio. This system has been installed on an AIRTRANS vehicle at the Dallas/ Ft. Worth airport in the fall of 1979. A snapshot is derived from the closed-circuit camera, to be transmitted in 3 seconds over a standard business or public safety channel. The pictures are composed of 16,384 picture elements (pixels), arranged as 128 lines, with 128 elements per line. The desirability of video surveillance is discussed, along with recent trends in electronics and communications that have helped to make it practical. An examination is then made into the general problem of sending visual information over narrowband FM radio, followed by a closer look at the specific bandwidth/resolution/time trade-offs that were made in the AIRTRANS system design.
Hands-on, simulated, and remote laboratories: A comparative literature review

Laboratory-based courses play a critical role in scientific education. Automation is changing the nature of these laboratories, and there is a long-running debate about the value of hands-on versus simulated laboratories. In addition, the introduction of remote laboratories adds a third category to the debate. Through a review of the literature related to these labs in education, the authors draw several conclusions about the state of current research. The debate over different technologies is confounded by the use of different educational objectives as criteria for judging the laboratories: Hands-on advocates emphasize design skills, while remote lab advocates focus on conceptual understanding. We observe that the boundaries among the three labs are blurred in the sense that most laboratories are mediated by computers, and that the psychology of presence may be as important as technology. We also discuss areas for future research.
Association of Positive and Negative Parenting Behavior with Childhood ADHD: Interactions with Offspring Monoamine Oxidase A (MAO-A) Genotype

Relatively little is known about the potential interplay between genetic and environmental influences on attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), including gene-environment interaction (G×E). There is evidence that parenting behavior interacts with offspring genotype in the development of externalizing problems, but studies have largely focused on explicit maltreatment rather than differentiated measures of parenting behavior, including positive and negative parenting. We tested the interactive effects of the 30-base pair variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) polymorphism of the monoamine oxidase A gene (MAO-A) with positive and negative parenting behavior on parent- and teacher ratings of inattention and hyperactivity symptoms among 150 6–9 year-old boys with and without ADHD. Negative parenting predicted parent and teacher ratings of inattention symptoms, but only among boys with high-activity MAO-A genotype. MAO-A genotype did not moderate the association of positive parenting and parent- and teacher ratings of ADHD. We discuss the potential role of interactive exchanges between parenting behavior and child genotype in the development and persistence of ADHD and related behavior problems.
Responsiveness to change: an aspect of validity, not a separate dimension

Assessment of health-related quality of life is accelerating in naturalistic observational studies, clinical trials, and clinical practice. Some researchers have argued that the ability of a quality of life instrument to detect clinically important changes over time, “responsiveness”, is a distinct psychometric property from the measure's reliability and validity. We discuss the important implications of this argument and counter that responsiveness is actually one indication of a measure's validity.
Some co-ordination polymers prepared from bis-(β-diketones)

Abstract A series of metal ion-bis-(β-diketone) polymers containing beryllium, copper(II), nickel(II), zinc(II) or cobalt(II) have been prepared by four different methods. Three types of structures are postulated on the basis of elementary analysis of the polymers. The thermal stability of the polymers was studied by a relatively simple method, utilizing a thermogravimetric balance. It was found that, in general, the order of thermal stabilities is Be(II) > Cu(II) > Ni(II) > Zn(II) > Co(II). The polymers derived from bis-(benzoylacetones) and bis-(dibenzoylmethanes) are thermally more stable than those derived from the corresponding bis-(acetylacetones). Similarly, the polymers derived from bis-(β-diketones) containing no connecting link between the diketone groups are thermally more stable than the polymers derived from the corresponding bis-(β-diketones) which contain a connecting link. The stabilities depend upon this connecting link in the following order: . The beryllium polymers do not all conform to these generalizations.
Effects of dexamethasone on the fluorescence polarization of diphenylhexatriene in HeLa cells

Treatment of HeLa cells for 24 h with dexamethasone resulted in lower steady-state polarization values of 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene in both intact cells and dispersions of whole cell lipid extracts. Dexamethasone also reduced the polarization values in isolated membrane fractions from treated cells. These effects are similar to the effect of 25-hydroxycholesterol, a potent inhibitor of cellular sterol synthesis.
Inbreeding, body condition, and heterozygosity-fitness correlations in isolated populations of the endangered eastern massasauga rattlesnake (Sistrurus c. catenatus)

Endangered species often occur in small populations that may have a greater risk of short-term extinction due to the negative effects of inbreeding depression. The eastern massasauga (Sistrurus c. catenatus) is an endangered rattlesnake that is found in isolated populations of varying size throughout its range. Here, we investigate whether variation in an indirect measure of individual fitness (relative body condition) can be explained by genome-wide levels of genetic variation (based on 19 microsatellite loci) and other factors. To do this, we use genetic and phenotypic data from individual snakes sampled from 14 populations throughout the species’ range. We tested for levels of inbreeding by comparing observed mean multi-locus heterozygosity (MLH) for each population (an estimate of average inbreeding) with the expected distribution under random mating. We then looked for evidence of heterozygosity-fitness correlations (HFCs) using a measures of individual MLH and relative body condition. In all but one population, observed MLH values are indistinguishable from those generated under a model of random mating implying low levels of inbreeding in most populations. There was significant variation in both mean MLH and mean body condition within and among populations but evidence for inbreeding depression was equivocal: in support, there were some high (but largely non-significant) HFCs effect sizes within a number populations, including one that showed significant evidence for both inbreeding and a HFC. Overall, however, there was no significant correlation between MLH and body condition across all populations after controlling for non-genetic factors such as sex, season of capture and year of capture. Our results suggest that among-population and individual differences in fitness (measured as body condition) in these snakes are better explained by short-term ecological factors rather than genetic mechanisms, but leave open the possibility that limited undetected effects of inbreeding depression are present.
Inverse-Based reconstruction of internal solid-liquid phase boundaries and associated solid phase temperature fields

This paper describes an inverse technique for imaging multi-dimensional optically opaque phase change boundaries and associated near-melt solid phase temperature fields. The algorithm confines calculations to the solid region immediately surrounding the melt interface, uses a coarse, spatially limited finite element mesh, and is capable of determining phase boundaries in nonlinear, heterogeneous, anisotropic materials. Upwind differencing is introduced to circumvent instabilities associated with large grid Peclet numbers while first order regularization is used to enhance solution stability. Since all a priori unknown boundary heat fluxes are determined by the inverse procedure and ad hoc assumptions are eliminated, the technique is non-problem-specific and portable. Algorithm performance is examined using a simple analog welding experiment. In cases where the fusion boundary is known and fixed in the inverse code, and for initial heat flux guesses that differ by up to four orders of magnitude from the ch...
Pelvic architectural distortion is associated with pelvic organ prolapse

The aim of this study was to determine whether there is an association between architectural distortion seen on magnetic resonance (MR) scans (lateral "spill" of the vagina and posterior extension of the space of Retzius) and pelvic organ prolapse. Secondary analysis of MR imaging scans from a case-control study of women with prolapse (maximum point > or = + 1 cm; N = 144) and normal controls (maximum point < or = -1 cm; N= 126) was done. Two independent investigators, blinded to prolapse status and previously established levator-defect scores, determined the presence of architectural distortion on axial MR scans. Women were categorized into three groups based on levator defects and architectural distortion. Among the three groups, women with levator defects and architectural distortion have the highest proportion of prolapse (78%; p < 0.001). Among women with levator defects, those with prolapse had an odds ratio of 2.2 for the presence of architectural distortion (95% CI = 1.1-4.6). Pelvic organ prolapse is associated with the presence of visible architectural distortion on MR scans.
Modeling pumping tests in weathered glacial till

Three multiple well pumping tests were performed in low-permeability Wisconsin-age weathered glacial till in Iowa, USA. A radial flow model based on the Dupuit assumptions and a radial and vertical flow model were used to estimate flow parameters. A numerical solution to the Dupuit equation and an analytical solution to the Dupuit equation using Jacob's correction gave similar parameter estimates but both showed a trend of increasing hydraulic conductivity with distance from the pumped well. The trend most likely indicated a weakness in the modeling. When a radial and vertical flow model was used to estimate parameters, the trend disappeared though the parameter estimates were similar. The field site consisted of 15 fully penetrating observation wells fanning out in three rays from a central fully penetrating pumping well. Of the four parameters (Kr, Kz, Sy, and Ss) estimated using the Neuman radial and vertical flow delayed yield model, Kz varied the most between rays. The anisotropy ratio (KzKr) varied from 0.05 to 5 among the three rays. Representative parameter values for the till can be summarized: Kr and Kz are 4 × 10−4 cm s−1, Sy is 0.04, and Ss is 6 × 10−5 cm−1.
After Twenty Years: The General Theory

I. Background of the General Theory, 581. — II. The General Theory and its implications, 583. — III. Contrast with the classical position, 586. — IV. The restoration of full employment and the Pigou effect, 588. — V. The failure of the General Theory, 590. — VI. Background of the Pigou effect, 592. — VII. Neo-Keynesian resistance to the Pigou effect, 594. — VIII. Methodology, terminology, and policy, 598. — IX. Conclusion, 602.
RESERPINE AND THE CHRONIC STRESS OF REDUCED BAROMETRIC PRESSURE IN FEMALE RATS. OBSERVATIONS ON BODY WEIGHT, ADRENAL WEIGHT AND HISTOLOGY AND HEMATOCRIT VALUES1

Sprague-Dawley rats were given reserpine in two dose patterns at ground level and at several patterns of low barometric pressure exposure. The latter was at 18,000 and 27,000 feet altitude equivalent levels. Observations were made on body weight, adrenal weight, histology and hematocrit levels. Rats receiving reserpine lost weight, both at ground level and at altitude. Rats at ground level given an initial heavy close of reserpine lost much weight but regained weight subsequently even though they were injected daily with small doses. Rats on small doses throughout lost weight at altitude, but placeboinjected and reserpine-injected rats lost weight as well. Adrenal glands decreased slightly in absolute weight in placebo treated animals at altitude. Rats receiving an initial heavy dose of reserpine showed an increase in absolute adrenal weight, and an increase relative to body weight. The small dose of reserpine yielded a decrease in absolute weight but a smaller loss of weight relative to the terminal body...
Trust, Transactions, and Information Technologies in the U.S. Logistics Industry

AbstractHow does information technology (IT) alter the organizational dynamics in an industry? In this article, we examine changes in competition and interfirm relations in the U.S. logistics industry, particularly whether “trust-base” interfirm relationships are being substituted by “competition-base” relationships and the rationale for outsourcing. We also examine how new IT tools and outsourcing interact and how logistics contracts, the size of firms, and knowledge lead to integration or disintegration within the industry. The results of our research demonstrate that while the use of IT tools is widespread, traditional trust-based relationships exhibit a considerable resilience in the logistics industry. The industry is also undergoing a complex process of restructuring in response to technological change, on the one hand, and the persistence of geographic and functional specialization, on the other hand. The industry’s focus on the delivery of high-quality services, coupled with excess capacity in the...
Is agricultural activity linked to the incidence of human West Nile virus

Background West Nile virus (WNV) has spread throughout the contiguous United States. During the 2002–2003 period, there were 14,023 laboratory-confirmed human cases of WNV in 45 states and 541 associated deaths. Factors that affect case distribution are poorly understood. This study assessed the relationship of environmental factors and agricultural activity with the presence of human WNV cases. Methods County-level data were collected that included 2002 and 2003 WNV surveillance data, temperature, dairy revenue, precipitation, total irrigated acres, and total crop revenue. Logistic regression models were used to determine which risk factors were significantly associated with WNV human cases. Results Significant independent predictors for counties with human WNV cases were population (odds ratio [OR]=1.20, p p p Conclusions Higher temperature and farming activity may be strongly associated with the incidence of human WNV infection. Larger studies of more agricultural centers are warranted to determine which environmental factors increase the risk of human infection and how these infections can be prevented.
A Compact 600 GHz Electronically Tunable Vector Measurement System for Submillimeter Wave Imaging

A compact submillimeter wave transmission/reflection measurement system has been demonstrated at 560-635 GHz, with electronic tuning over the entire band. Maximum dynamic range measured at a single frequency is 90 dB (60 dB typical), and phase noise is less than +/- 2deg. By using a frequency steerable lens at the source output and mixer input, the frequency agility of the system can be used to scan the source and receive beams, resulting in near real-time imaging capability using only a single pixel
Splenic cyst--definitive treatment by laparoscopy.

of time difficult to predict. With this apparatus procedure time would be more predictable and routine colonic endoscopy would be greatly facilitated for the physician. A major portion of the physician's time could be spent in observation of the colon lumen rather than in endoscope advancement. A major problem with any screening procedure comes in acceptance of the procedure by a large segment of the population. It is hoped that SACE presents the possibility for less painful and rapid visualization of the entire large bowel. When using this device the endoscope is advanced by pulling the instrument into the colon rather than by pushing; therefore, painful stretching of the bowel wall and its mesentery should not occur with automated advancement. Secondly, the size and stiffness of endoscopes currently in use may not be required if the endoscope is pulled rather than pushed into the large bowel. An endoscope much smaller in diameter with much
An Alternate Approach to Missing Value Estimation

Occasionally, with a designed experiment, certain observations may be missing for some reason. An accepted procedure in such a situation is to estimate these missing values from the remaining data, making slight changes in the analysis to account for this action. A good description of this technique is given in Reference 1. As proposed by Yates, Reference 2, missing values are inserted by minimizing the residual sum of squares. That is, unknown quantities are inserted when values are missing, and the analysis is carried out as usual to yield a residual sum of squares. This residual will be a function of the unknown quantities. It is then differentiated with respect to each of the unknown quantities, and the resulting system of equations is solved for these unknowns. These solutions are inserted in place of the missing observations. For many standard experimental plans, missing value formulas for a single missing observation have been derived. A good listing of such formulas is given in Reference 1. In application, when more than one observation is missing, it is often simpler to use such standard formulas together with an iterative estimation procedure, rather than to proceed as in the preceding paragraph. With this iterative procedure, initial estimates are assigned all the missing observations but one, which is then estimated by the applicable formula. Using this value, and the initial estimates of all but one of the remaining quantities, the second missing value is found by the formula. This procedure is followed until all estimates show no significant change from one cycle to the next. The number of cycles necessary before convergence is attained depends heavily upon the choice of the initial estimates and, of course, on the user's definition of convergence in a given application. With this iteration technique, the problem of finding several missing observations reduces to the problem of finding one such value. Whether by use of formula, or by the direct approach, it is generally accepted that the criterion for choosing a missing value is the minimization of the residual sum of squares as proposed by Yates, Reference 2. It is not generally recognized that this is equivalent to choosing the missing value to make the model fit perfectly at this point, that is, to make the particular residual equal to zero. A proof of this equivalence is contained in the appendix. It has been the author's experience that recognition of this fact leads to two advantages: 1. When teaching missing value estimation, the derivation of missing value formulas is simpler for certain patterned experiments using this approach. 2. In some applications, this method of estimating missing values leads to a very simple solution. This is especially valuable when standard missing value formulas are not readily available.
The metabolism of 5-hydroxytryptamine by blood platelets from children with mongolism

Abstract The experiments were made to determine whether our previously reported finding of decreased 5-hydroxytryptamine binding by blood platelets from children with Down's syndrome (mongolism) involved changes in platelet monoamine oxidase Platelets from normal and mongol children were incubated with 5-hydroxytryptamine. The efflux of the 5-hydroxytryptamine metabolites 5-hydroxyindolylacetic acid and 5-hydroxytryptophol was measured during a 2-hr incubation. There were highly significant reductions in the efflux of 5-hydroxytryptamine and 5-hydroxyindolylacetic acid from mongol platelets. When 5-hydroxytryptamine loaded platelets were incubated with reserpine, 5-hydroxytryptamine release was greatly augmented in both groups, but there was no increased efflux of 5-hydroxyindolylacetic acid. We conclude that mongol platelets form abnormally low amounts of 5-hydroxyindolylacetic acid in vitro. However, the decreased 5-hydroxytryptamine binding reported before cannot be related to any defects of platelet monoamine oxidase until the enzyme has been characterized, since there is the possibility that the enzyme in mongoloid cells is not homogeneous but abnormally heterogeneous.
The Mechanics of Friction-spinning

Friction-spinning of staple-fibre yarns involves the supply of separated fibres to a torque zone within a shear field and the removal of yarn from it. The shear field is created by the movement of one or more solids of revolution. Usually, two parallel cylinders rotating in the same direction and in close proximity are used to create the desired shear field in the vicinity of the nip line. At least one of the cylinders is perforated, and air-flow into the cylinder causes force reactions to be generated between the yarn and the cylinders. The solid surfaces move in opposite directions in the vicinity of the yarn, and the drag forces acting on the yarn create a torque. The magnitude and pattern of the air-flow strongly affect the way in which fibres become assembled on the forming yarn, as well as the torque produced. The structure and performance of the yarn are very dependent on these factors. The yarn from first-generation machines is weak because of poor fibre structure, and this paper sets out some of ...
Online image classification under monotonic decision boundary constraint

Image classification is a prerequisite for copy quality enhancement in all-in-one (AIO) device that comprises a printer and scanner, and which can be used to scan, copy and print. Different processing pipelines are provided in an AIO printer. Each of the processing pipelines is designed specifically for one type of input image to achieve the optimal output image quality. A typical approach to this problem is to apply Support Vector Machine to classify the input image and feed it to its corresponding processing pipeline. The online training SVM can help users to improve the performance of classification as input images accumulate. At the same time, we want to make quick decision on the input image to speed up the classification which means sometimes the AIO device does not need to scan the entire image to make a final decision. These two constraints, online SVM and quick decision, raise questions regarding: 1) what features are suitable for classification; 2) how we should control the decision boundary in online SVM training. This paper will discuss the compatibility of online SVM and quick decision capability.
Abnormal Levels of Transcript Abundance of Developmentally Important Genes in Various Stages of Preimplantation Bovine Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer Embryos

Abstract Based on microarray data comparing gene expression of fibroblast donor cells and bovine somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) and in vivo produced (AI) blastocysts, a group of genes including several transcription factors was selected for evaluation of transcript abundance. Using SYBR green-based real-time polymerase chain reaction (Q-PCR) the levels of POU domain class 5 transcription factor (Oct4), snail homolog 2 (Snai2), annexin A1 (Anxa1), thrombospondin (Thbs), tumor-associated calcium signal transducer 1 (Tacstd1), and transcription factor AP2 gamma (Tfap2c) were evaluated in bovine fibroblasts, oocytes, embryos 30 min postfusion (SCNT), 12 h postfertilization/activation, as well as two-cell, four-cell, eight-cell, morula, and blastocyst-stage in vitro fertilized (IVF) and SCNT embryos. For every gene except Oct4, levels of transcript were indistinguishable between IVF and SCNT embryos at the blastocyst stage; however, in many cases levels of these genes during stages prior to blastocyst di...
On the Endogenous-Exogenous Partition in Attribution Theory

Kruglanski proposed replacing the internal-external partition in attribution theory with a distinction between endogen ous and exogenous attributions (analogous to the distinction between means and ends). His proposal is criticized on the following grounds: (a) the discussion of the traditional internal-external partition misrepresents much of the theory and research concern ing this partition; (b) due to a lack of specific criteria it is sometimes difficult to apply or test the endogenous-exogenous model; (c) the distinction between endogenous and exogenous attri butions is in part a restatement of Jones and Davis' correspondence model; (d) methodological problems undermine his application of the endogenous-exogenous model to studies on intrinsic motiva tion.
A developmental study of hypothesis behavior and focusing

Abstract Children from Grades 2, 4, 6, and 8 and introductory psychology students were administered eight 16-trial hypothesis testing problems. The stimuli and procedure closely followed those used by Levine (1966) . The major findings were as follows: (a) S s from all grade levels formulated and used hypotheses reliably; (b) the extent to which hypothesis behavior was manifested increased significantly with developmental level; (c) the ability to predict outcome-trial responses from the blank-trial responses was also significantly related to development; and (d) focusing or information processing ability was differentiated by age, although only for the blanktrial sequences after the second and third outcome trials. Further analyses of the age-related difference in the focusing functions revealed that the general effect due to development could be explained by age-related differences in such processes as coding, recoding, and the retention of stored outcome information.
Reactive on-board regulation of cognitive radios

Malicious users may reprogram cognitive radios to disregard how their actions may harm other users. To cope with such threats, we propose that cognitive radios must have a trusted domain, which contains an onboard regulation mechanism (ORM) that 'regulates' the radio's behavior by monitoring the radio, and taking appropriate action. We present a scheme for monitoring the link quality, in real-time to assess the proper action to take. Our method promptly prevents misbehavior by taking action in a manner proportional to the level by which the cognitive radio deviates from normal, allowed behavior. We demonstrate a method for the ORM to collect the link state information needed to regulate its cognitive radio. Lastly, we examine the resulting algorithms and study our regulation relative to traditional CSMA and Aloha MAC protocols on the ORBIT testbed using USRP/GNU Radios.
A Closer Look at the Study Session

(1982). A Closer Look at the Study Session. Teaching of Psychology: Vol. 9, No. 4, pp. 234-235.
The value of autopsy in pediatric cardiology and cardiovascular Surgery

Autopsy has been considered extremely helpful in determining the accuracy of the premorbid diagnosis. With recent advances in diagnostic imaging, the value of the autopsy has been called into question. The aim of this study was to assess the value of the pediatric autopsy in the current era of advanced diagnostic technology and sophisticated surgical intervention for congenital heart disease (CHD) and also to determine the autopsy's potential impact on clinical management. We compared the data from the postmortem examination of 29 children with CHD with the data obtained before death and evaluated for the accuracy of the diagnosis of the cardiac anatomy as well as the cause of death. The diagnosis of the anatomy was confirmed in 13 cases (45%), additional cardiovascular abnormalities with potential clinical impact were found in 11 cases (38%), and additional abnormalities without clinical impact were found in 5 cases (17%). The cause of death was confirmed in 15 cases (52%), determined by autopsy in 12 cases (41%), and uncertain in 2 cases (7%). We conclude that the pediatric autopsy continues to provide clinically relevant information with a potential impact on patient management and to reveal unexpected causes of death in a significant proportion of patients with CHD.
An assessment of Lot Quality Assurance Sampling to evaluate malaria outcome indicators: extending malaria indicator surveys

BACKGROUND Large investments and increased global prioritization of malaria prevention and treatment have resulted in greater emphasis on programme monitoring and evaluation (M&E) in many countries. Many countries currently use large multistage cluster sample surveys to monitor malaria outcome indicators on a regional and national level. However, these surveys often mask local-level variability important to programme management. Lot Quality Assurance Sampling (LQAS) has played a valuable role for local-level programme M&E. If incorporated into these larger surveys, it would provide a comprehensive M&E plan at little, if any, extra cost. METHODS The Mozambique Ministry of Health conducted a Malaria Indicator Survey (MIS) in June and July 2007. We applied LQAS classification rules to the 345 sampled enumeration areas to demonstrate identifying high- and low-performing areas with respect to two malaria program indicators-'household possession of any bednet' and 'household possession of any insecticide-treated bednet (ITN)'. RESULTS As shown by the MIS, no province in Mozambique achieved the 70% coverage target for household possession of bednets or ITNs. By applying LQAS classification rules to the data, we identify 266 of the 345 enumeration areas as having bednet coverage severely below the 70% target. An additional 73 were identified with low ITN coverage. CONCLUSIONS This article demonstrates the feasibility of integrating LQAS into multistage cluster sampling surveys and using these results to support a comprehensive national, regional and local programme M&E system. Furthermore, in the recommendations we outlined how to integrate the Large Country-LQAS design into macro-surveys while still obtaining results available through current sampling practices.
Tribolium castaneum (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) Associated With Rice Mills: Fumigation Efficacy and Population Rebound

ABSTRACT The red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), is the most important stored-product insect pest infesting rice (Oryza sativa L.) mills in the United States. Due to the phasing out of methyl bromide in accordance with the 1987 Montreal Protocol, the efficacy of alternative fumigants in controlling flour beetles in mill structures must be evaluated. Long-term trapping data sets (2–6 yr) of T. castaneum in and around seven rice mills were analyzed to assess the efficacy of sulfuryl fluoride fumigation (n = 25). Fumigation efficacy was evaluated as the percentage reduction in mean trap captures of adults and proportion of traps capturing at least one adult beetle. Beetle trap captures fluctuated seasonally, with increased captures during the warmer months, June–September, that dropped off during the cooler months, October–March. Fumigations resulted in a 66 ± 6% (mean ± SE) reduction in mean trap captures within mills and a 52 ± 6% reduction in the proportion of traps...
Long-term Outcome in Children After Henoch-Schönlein Purpura Nephritis

This study investigated predictors of renal survival in children with Henoch-Schonlein purpura glomerulonephritis. Records of patients with Henoch-Schonlein purpura glomerulonephritis evaluated at our center, from 1953-1990, were reviewed. Data were abstracted from records of patients seen within 5 years. Others were mailed a questionnaire or contacted by telephone. Primary outcome measures were renal survival and presence of urinary abnormalities or hypertension. Of the 65 eligible patients with Henoch Schonlein purpura glomerulonephritis, follow-up data was obtainable for 81.5%. The median follow-up was 20 years. At last follow-up, 66% of patients had normal renal function and urinalyses, and 21% had progressed to end-stage renal disease. The only factor associated with the development of end-stage renal disease was the use of cytotoxic agents. There are no features at initial presentation that identify children at risk of disease progression. Close follow-up of all children with Henoch Schonlein purpura glomerulonephritis is warranted.
Uniqueness conditions for steady solutions in the case of m-th order reactions ― non-isothermal pellets with variable transport coefficients

Etude theorique du cas d'une reaction exothermique entre des particules spheriques par deux methodes de calcul differentes
Entrance flows of polymeric materials - Pressure drop and flow patterns

Polymeric materials flow at tube entrance, discussing pressure drop and flow birefringent patterns at tapered and sharp entrances
Improving Monte Carlo Efficiency by Increasing Variance

This paper compares the performances of two well-known Monte Carlo procedures for estimating an unknown quantity as the size of the problem grows. One method based on the standard Monte Carlo approach generates K i.i.d. data points. The other derives its data from a single K-step sample path generated by a Markov chain. The paper gives necessary and sufficient conditions for the Markov chain approach to perform more efficiently than the standard Monte Carlo approach does. Moreover, it identifies circumstances under which this better efficiency grows with increasing problem size. This improved efficiency comes from reduced sample generating and function evaluating costs in the Markov chain approach that more than compensate for the increased variance of the estimator that the Markov chain sampling approach induces when compared to the standard Monte Carlo approach. Several examples illustrate how the benefits arise; one also demonstrates a case in which the standard Monte Carlo approach becomes increasingly preferred as the problem size grows.