cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Classification and regression tree (CART) analysis of endometrial carcinoma: Seeing the forest for the trees.

Abstract Objective The objectives of the study are to evaluate which clinicopathologic factors influenced overall survival (OS) in endometrial carcinoma and to determine if the surgical effort to assess para-aortic (PA) lymph nodes (LNs) at initial staging surgery impacts OS. Methods All patients diagnosed with endometrial cancer from 1/1993–12/2011 who had LNs excised were included. PALN assessment was defined by the identification of one or more PALNs on final pathology. A multivariate analysis was performed to assess the effect of PALNs on OS. A form of recursive partitioning called classification and regression tree (CART) analysis was implemented. Variables included: age, stage, tumor subtype, grade, myometrial invasion, total LNs removed, evaluation of PALNs, and adjuvant chemotherapy. Results The cohort included 1920 patients, with a median age of 62years. The median number of LNs removed was 16 (range, 1–99). The removal of PALNs was not associated with OS ( P =0.450). Using the CART hierarchically, stage I vs. stages II–IV and grades 1–2 vs. grade 3 emerged as predictors of OS. If the tree was allowed to grow, further branching was based on age and myometrial invasion. Total number of LNs removed and assessment of PALNs as defined in this study were not predictive of OS. Conclusion This innovative CART analysis emphasized the importance of proper stage assignment and a binary grading system in impacting OS. Notably, the total number of LNs removed and specific evaluation of PALNs as defined in this study were not important predictors of OS.
Anisotropic constraints on energy distribution in rotating and stratified turbulence

It is shown that for Boussinesq flows in which rotation and stratification are equally strong, the forward cascade of potential enstrophy constrains the spectral distribution of horizontal kinetic energy and potential energy. Horizontal kinetic energy is suppressed in the small–aspect-ratio wave modes, and potential energy in suppressed in the large–aspect-ratio wave modes. Scaling estimates based on phenomenological arguments yield scaling of kh- 3 and kz- 3, respectively, of the two spectra. High-resolution numerical simulations of the Boussinesq equations in the relevant parameter regimes show spectral scaling exponent closer to - 4, and hence even stronger suppression than is predicted by dimensional estimates.
A basic biological step

Because of shortcomings of nerve conduction theories in comparison with current views about electrode processes, a new model is suggested in terms of two or more different kinds of electrode reaction, which control the potentials across the cell membrane.
In vitro activity of cefpodoxime against bacterial isolates obtained from patients with cancer.

The in vitro activity of cefpodoxime, an oral cephalosporin ester, against 792 bacterial isolates representing 36 species was evaluated in comparison to that of ciprofloxacin and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX). Cefpodoxime inhibited the majority ofStreptococcus spp.,Haemophilus influenzae andProteus mirabilis at a concentration of ≤0.12 µg/ml. It was also active againstCitrobacter diversus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp.,Proteus vulgaris, Serratia marcescens and methicillin-susceptibleStaphylococcus aureus isolates. Overall, cefpodoxime appeared to be less active than ciprofloxacin and TMP/SMX against many pathogens common in cancer patients.
Effect of Two‐Step Heating on Gel Properties of a Paramyosin‐Myosin System

The effect of two-step Heating, including low temperature setting, on the gel properties of the paramyosin-myosin system was investigated. At relatively low paramyosin contents, little effect of the two-step heating on gel properties was observed. When the paramyosin became 25 % or more, the indices of gel properties became significantly larger than those for the gels prepared by one-step heating. Paramyosin was more susceptible to the effect of two-step heating than myosin. It was thus concluded that paramyosin was mainly responsible for the effect of setting in invertebrate muscle gels.
The Origins of Criminal Sentencing Reforms

This paper explores the explanatory utility of two broad perspectives on correctional reform, one informed by materialism and the other by a functionalist interpretation of state policy. Using state-level demographic, economic and political data, we examine some structural antecedents of criminal sentecing reform in the United States during the period 1971–1982. Using stepwise regression procedures, variables derived from the materialist perspective prove superior to variables derived from the functionalist perspective as predictors of the extensiveness of changes in criminal sentencing codes. While the findings are encouraging, they reinforce the need for a more complex model of change in law.
Electron microdiffraction study of bimetallic Ru-Au/MgO catalysts

A microdiffraction study of bimetallic RuAuMgO catalysts is carried out in order to discriminate between the random adsorption versus atomic ordering model proposed for the structure of bimetallic clusters. The microdiffraction patterns from small metal clusters could be ascribed to either Au or Ru indicating an absence of structural modification of individual metal components in bimetallic clusters. Local variations in the MgO planes exposed are seen within areas of 1 μm in diameter which are free of metal particles. Large Au particles (>10 nm) are randomly aligned on MgO whereas small Au particles are aligned such that the [110] zone axis of Au is parallel to the [111] zone axis of MgO. Small Ru particles are aligned so that in most cases the [0001] zone axis of Ru is parallel to the [111] zone axis of MgO. The random adsorption model, where one metal component is chemisorbed on top of the other, is consistent with the experimental observations by EDS and microdiffraction.
Structure and Conformational Changes in NSF and Its Membrane Receptor Complexes Visualized by Quick-Freeze/Deep-Etch Electron Microscopy

Abstract Using quick-freeze/deep-etch electron microscopy of recombinant proteins adsorbed to mica, we show that NSF, the oligomeric ATPase involved in membrane fusion, is a hollow 10 × 16 nm cylinder whose conformation depends upon nucleotide binding. Depleted of nucleotide, NSF converts to a "splayed" protease-sensitive conformation that reveals its subunit composition. NSF's synaptic membrane substrate, the ternary SNARE complex containing syntaxin, SNAP-25, and synaptobrevin, is a 4 × 14 nm rod with a "tail" at one end, corresponding to the N-terminus of syntaxin. Using epitope tags, antibodies, and maltose-binding protein markers, we find that syntaxin and synaptobrevin are aligned in parallel in the complex, with their membrane anchors located at the same end of the rod. This SNARE rod binds with α-SNAP to one end of the NSF cylinder to form an asymmetric "20S" complex. Together, these images suggest how NSF could dissociate the SNARE complex and how association and dissociation of the complex could be related to membrane fusion.
Comparison of Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales-Survey form age equivalent and standard score with the Bayley mental development index

The Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales-Survey Form standard score, Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales-Survey Form age equivalent and Bayley scales' Mental Development Index were given to 44 high-risk infants age 12 mo. and suspected of developmental delay. The VABS-Survey Form, a revision of the Vineland Social Maturity Scale is frequently used in assessment of developmental delay; however, questions have arisen as to whether the standard score or age equivalent is the better measure. A developmental quotient based on VABS-SF age equivalent and VABS-SF standard score was compared with the Bayley Mental Development Index. The mean VABS-SF standard score was significantly higher than the age equivalent quotient and the Bayley Mental Development Index. Implications for the use of VABS-SF age equivalent in evaluating such infants are discussed.
Testable algorithms for self-avoiding walks

TestableAlgorithmsforSelf-AvoidingWalksDanaRandallyAlistairSinclairzAbstractWe present a p olynomial time Monte Carlo algorithm foralmost uniformly generatingandapproximately count-ing self-avoiding walks in rectangular latticesZd.Theseareclassicalproblemsthatarise,forexample,inthestudy of long p olymer chains.While there are a numb erof Monte Carlo algorithms used to solve these problemsin practice, these are heuristic and their correctnessre-lies on unproven conjectures.In contrast, our algorithmdep endsonasingle,widely-b elievedconjecturethatisweakerthanprecedingassumptions,and,moreimp or-tantly, is one which thealgorithm itself can test.Thusour algorithm isreliable, in the sense that it either out-puts answers that are guaranteed, with high probability,to b e correct, or nds a counter-example to the conjec-ture.1Summary1.1BackgroundAself-avoidingwalkinagraphiswalk whichstartsat a xed origin and passes through each vertex at mostonce.Thispap eris concernedwith self-avoiding walksinlattices,particularthed-dimensional rectangularlatticeZdwith origin0.Self-avoiding walks inZdhae b een studied by math-ematicians and natural scientists for many years and arethe sub ject of an extensive literature; for a state-of-the-yDepartment of Computer Science, University of California atBerkeley. Supp orted in part by an ATT(ii)determinethecharacteristicsofa\typical"walkoflengthn:forexample,computethemean-squaredisplacement,whichistheex-p ectedsquareddistanceof thefree endwalk from the origin under the uniform proba-bility distribution over walks of lengthn.Despite much research in this area, and many heuris-ticargumentsandempirical studies,almost nothingisknown in rigorous termsab out theab oveproblems forthemostinterestingcasesoflow-dimensionallatticeswith2d4 .Inhigherdimensions rathermore isknown, essentially b ecause the self-avoidance constraintb ecomes less signi cant and the b ehavior resembles thatofsimple (non-self-avoiding) walks,whicharewellun-dersto o d.Thusalthoughthealgorithmicresultswepresent in this pap er will b e stated for arbitrary dimen-sionsd, they are of greatest interest in the case of low-dimensional lattices with2d4 .Onekeyfactthatholdsinalldimensionswasdis-coveredin1954byHammersleyandMorton[8];they1
Temporal changes in the bacterial communities of soil, rhizosphere, and endorhiza associated with field-grown cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)

In order to understand how bacterial communities develop in natural ecosystems, the culturable aerobic-heterotroph bacterial communities of three habitats (rhizosphere, endorhiza, and soil) associated with field-grown cucumber roots were examined for quantitative and qualitative changes in structure, over time. Soil and root samples were taken 0, 7, 14, 21, 35, and 70 days after planting (DAP) in 1994, and 0, 7, 14, 28, 42, and 70 DAP in 1995. Individual bacterial colonies of aerobic- heterotroph bacteria were sampled randomly and characterized using the Sherlock System (Microbial ID, Inc., Newark, Del), for fatty acid methyl ester analysis. More than 6,000 bacterial isolates were identified to the genus level and used in calculating richness, diversity, and similarity indices for the three habitats. Diversity was assessed using Hill's modifications of Shannon's index and Simpson's index (N1 and N2, respectively), while similarity was determined using the coefficient of biotic similarity. The same general trends were observed for the community structures of each habitat in both years. The soil was the least diverse and the rhizosphere was most diverse throughout both growing seasons. Bacillus and Arthrobacter spp. were dominant in soil, while Gram-negative bacteria tended to be more abundant in the rhizosphere and endorhiza. The initial membership of the endorhiza (7–14 DAP) appeared to be a function of the rhizosphere community, since both habitats were composed of similar genera. However, the endorhiza was less diverse than the rhizosphere because one or two genera tended to be dominant in each sample, particularly Agrobacterium and Enterobacter spp. Analysis of community similarity indicated that the soil was a distinct habitat and remained relatively unchanged throughout the study. The rhizosphere and endorhiza were dissimilar from the soil and from each other at particular sampling times. These results indicate that the soil, rhizosphere, and endorhiza communities are structurally distinct (the relative abundance of a particular bacterial genera differs among habitats) but share a common membership. Thus, when examining bacterial communities, both the qualitative (i.e., membership) and quantitative (i.e., abundance) aspects must be examined in order to study shifts in community structure.
The effect of orthotopic liver transplantation on the QTc interval in patients with end-stage liver disease

The effect of orthotopic liver transplantation on the QTc interval in patients with end-stage liver disease
Chemical adrenalectomy reduces hippocampal damage induced by kainic acid

Glucocorticoids (GCs), the adrenal steroids secreted during stress, have numerous catabolic effects which include damage to neurons of the hippocampus, a principal neural target site for the steroids. In the rat, the extent of GC exposure over the lifespan is a major determinant of the rate of hippocampal neuron death during aging. GCs also modulate the severity of hippocampal damage in the rat following insults such as seizure or hypoxia-ischemia. As evidence, exogenous GCs exacerbate, while adrenalectomy attenuates hippocampal damage after these insults. Thus, it is possible that diminution of endogenous GC secretion might protect the human hippocampus after similar neurological insults; adrenalectomy under such circumstances is obviously not a viable clinical option. We demonstrate the protective effects of transient chemical adrenalectomy with the GC synthesis inhibitor, metyrapone. Rats were microinfused with the excitotoxin kainic acid in order to induce status epilepticus seizures; this insult caused a significant GC stress-response. Attenuation of that response with metyrapone reduced the CA3 hippocampal damage produced by kainic acid. Metyrapone did not change the intensity of seizures, but rather, apparently, changed the capacity of neurons to withstand the seizure. Thus, metyrapone, which is used safely and efficaciously in other clinical contexts, might prove protective of the brain following seizure in the human.
Communication---Caveats Concerning Efficiency/Effectiveness Measures of Mass Transit Performance

In a recent article in Management Science, Savas [Savas, E. S. 1978. On equity in providing public services. Management Sci.24 8, April 800--808.] discusses performance measures in the provision of public services, states that it is difficult, but not impossible, to develop measures for efficiency and effectiveness, and discusses some of the measures that have been used in various industries. It should be noted, however, that in some fields the widely used efficiency and effectiveness indicators do not measure what they are intended to, and should be subject to further critical examination.
Mini-column procedure for concentrating organic contaminants from water

Abstract A mini-column 1.2–1.8 mm × 25 mm containing XAD-4 resin or Spherocarb effectively sorbs most organic contaminants from a 50–100-ml water sample. The sorbed organics are eluted by 50–100 μl of an organic solvent and the organic solutes separated by gas chromatography. The procedure is simple, it requires no evaporation step, and gives excellent recoveries of model organic compounds added to water. The sorptin properties of XAD-4 and Spherocarb are compared. The procedure developed is applicable for the analysis of waste water and for badly contaminated drinking water.
The Identification of Methylcyclopentenolone and Other Compounds in Maple Sirup Flavor Extract

SUMMARY A number of compounds in the flavor-containing chloroform extract of maple sirup have been isolated and identified. A major constituent not previously isolated by gas chromatography was acetol. Other constituents present in lesser concentrations which have not previously been reported were acetoin, ethyl vanillate, syringoyl methyl ketone, and methyleyclopentenolone.
A laterally selective growth technique for the integration of opto-electronic devices

Abstract Lateral selective growth has been used to integrate multiple color light emitting diodes and detectors with different cutoff wavelengths on the same substrate. This was achieved by using a specially designed growth chamber and susceptor that allows the substrate to move with respect to a stationary GaAs mask in a metalorganic chemical vapor deposition system. The variation of thickness of the deposited film near the edge of the mechanical mask has been studied.
A Synthetic Peptide Derived from a COOH-terminal Domain of the Insulin Receptor Specifically Enhances Insulin Receptor Signaling

The role of the insulin receptor COOH-terminal domain in the regulation of insulin signal transduction was explored with a variety of synthetic peptides. One of the peptides, termed peptide HC, whose structure corresponds to residues 1293-1307 of the insulin proreceptor sequence, enhanced insulin-stimulated autophosphorylation of the insulin receptor in cell-free systems and in semipermeabilized Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells that had been transfected with an expression plasmid encoding the human insulin receptor (CHO/HIRc) at concentrations where there was no detectable effect on basal autophosphorylation levels or on receptor dephosphorylation. A lipophilic analogue of peptide HC, stearyl peptide HC, added to intact CHO/HIRc cells enhanced significantly insulin-stimulated insulin receptor autophosphorylation while having no effect on ligand-stimulated receptor phosphorylation in CHO cells overexpressing either the IGF-1 receptor or epidermal growth factor receptor. Addition of stearyl peptide HC to CHO/HIRc cells resulted in a 2.4 +/- 0.3-fold increase in the amount of insulin-stimulated phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase detected in anti-IRS-1 immunoprecipitates and a 2.1 +/- 0.6-fold increase in the levels of tyrosine phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase in response to insulin. Finally, a derivative of peptide HC coupled to a biotin moiety was prepared and showed to bind with the beta-subunit of the wild-type insulin receptor and a truncated receptor that lacks 43 amino acids from its carboxyl terminus. However, there was little binding, if any, of the peptide with the IGF-1 receptors or the epidermal growth factor receptors. Taken together, our data demonstrate that a pentadecapeptide related to the carboxyl terminus of the insulin receptor binds to the insulin receptor beta-subunit and that this interaction may contribute to the increased receptor's intrinsic activity and signal transduction.
New England granites: Trace element evidence regarding their origin and differentiation

The abundances of Sc, rare earths, Zr, Hf, Ta and Th were determined in five New England granitic plutons. Similar data are reported for separated minerals from three of the units. The granites can be divided into the Massachusetts alkaline group (Cape Ann, Peabody, Quincy) and the Rhode Island subalkaline group (Narragansett Pier, Westerly).
A longitudinal assessment of CSF monoamine metabolite and plasma cortisol concentrations in young rhesus monkeys

Twenty-two rhesus macaques were studied longitudinally from infancy to early adolescence in order to assess the effects of developmental change, experimental history, gender, and individual variation on the response of the catecholaminergic, serotonergic, and adrenocortical systems to separation-induced stress. Experimental effects were assessed by comparing subjects reared for the first 6 months of life either with their mothers or in peer groups. Developmental changes in response to repeated separation stress were assessed by subjecting the monkeys to four sequential 4-day social separations when they were 6 and 18 months old. At both ages, prior to, and on the last day of the first and fourth separations, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was obtained from the cisterna magna to assess monoamine metabolite concentrations, and blood samples were collected to assess plasma cortisol concentrations. Blood samples were also obtained on the first day of each separation at each age. Age-related declines were found in both homovanillic acid (HVA) and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) concentrations for all subjects. Social separation consistently increased CSF 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenolglycol (MHPG) over baseline levels, but decreased HVA concentrations, whereas 5-HIAA levels increased following the first, but not the fourth separation. Plasma cortisol increased rapidly immediately after separation and remained higher than baseline on day 4 of both the first and fourth separation. Independent of age and experimental condition, peer-rearing increased CSF MHPG and plasma cortisol concentrations. During year 1, peer-rearing also produced diminished CSF 5-HIAA concentrations in female monkeys relative to female mother-reared monkeys, but increased male peer-reared monkeys' concentrations relative to mother-reared males. Interindividual differences were highly stable, with significant correlations both within and between years for each of the three metabolites and cortisol.
Late-onset obsessive compulsive disorder: clinical characteristics and psychiatric comorbidity

There has been little research examining clinical correlates of late-onset OCD in a large sample of individuals with a primary diagnosis of OCD. Using a sample of 293 consecutive subjects with lifetime DSM-IV OCD, we compared subjects with late-onset (after age 30 years) OCD to those with earlier onset on a variety of clinical measures. Symptom severity was examined using the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale. Thirty-three (11.3%) of the 293 subjects with OCD reported onset of OCD on or after age 30 years (mean age of OCD onset of 38.8+/-9.7 years). Subjects with late-onset had significantly shorter durations of illness prior to receiving treatment, less severe obsessinality, and a trend demonstrating a greater likelihood of responding to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Late-onset OCD subjects were also significantly less likely to report contamination, religious, or somatic obsessions. Comorbidity, insight, depressive symptoms, quality of life, and social functioning did not differ between groups. These preliminary results suggest that although onset on or after age 30 years is fairly uncommon among people with OCD, individuals developing OCD later in life have similar clinical characteristics as those with earlier onset and may respond better to CBT.
Full-wave convergence analysis of microstrip transmission parameters

Full-wave electromagnetic simulators have enabled microwave designers to simulate complex geometries which sometimes cannot be done by conventional computer-aided design (CAD) nodal simulators. However, designers should pay close attention to how the numerical implementation of the full-wave analysis can affect the results of the electromagnetic simulation. This study uses various modeling parameters to determine the convergence of a GaAs microstrip's simulated transmission line characteristics. A commercially available program, Sonnet's “EM,” was used for the analysis but the results can be generalized for any full-wave analysis. This article explores the limits of Sonnet as well as showing that a designer must use a convergence analysis to prove the validity of an electromagnetic simulation. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons. Inc.
Increased Reticulocytosis during Infancy Is Associated with Increased Hospitalizations in Sickle Cell Anemia Patients during the First Three Years of Life

Objective Among older children with sickle cell anemia, leukocyte counts, hemoglobin, and reticulocytosis have previously been suggested as disease severity markers. Here we explored whether these blood parameters may be useful to predict early childhood disease severity when tested in early infancy, defined as postnatal ages 60–180 days.
The development of fibrin-based scaffolds for spinal cord regeneration

The goal of this project is to develop and characterize fibrin-based tissue engineering scaffolds that can serve as a physical bridge for the regeneration of injured tissues, such as spinal cord lesions, and provide a vehicle for the delivery of neurotrophic factors. We have developed a fusion protein that links two domains to the N-terminus of neurotrophin-3 (NT-3). The first domain contains a transglutaminase substrate (TG) that mediates the cross-linking of the fusion protein to the fibrin matrix. The second domain is a plasmin substrate (P); theoretically, the enzymatic cleavage of this domain by plasmin will result in the release of NT-3 to cellular targets. Because plasmin is activated as cells migrate into the fibrin matrix, this fusion protein represents a mechanism for delivering NT-3 based on cellular demand. We report the OCR synthesis of the gene for the TG-P-NT3 fusion protein and the expression of the protein in E. coli. The biological activity of the refolded protein was assayed based on its ability to enhance neurite extension from explanted chick embryo dorsal root ganglia (DRGs). The cell-mediated delivery of NT-3 from fibrin gels could promote the regeneration of axons after spinal cord injury.
Do the siblings of schizophrenia patients demonstrate affect perception deficits

Affect perception deficits have been extensively documented in schizophrenia and are associated with the social dysfunction that is characteristic of this disorder. The two previous studies examined facial affect perception in genetically at-risk samples and yielded mixed results. The current study was designed to provide a rigorous test of affect perception abilities among schizophrenia patients (n=58), their biological siblings without psychosis (n=51), and nonpsychiatric controls (n=49). Participants completed three measures of affect perception, including facial, vocal, and combined modality. Schizophrenia patients performed significantly worse than controls on two of the three affect perception tests as well as a composite index based on all three tests. The performance of the sibling group fell between the patient and control groups on each of the affect perception tests. However, group differences achieved statistical significance only for the composite index with the siblings performing significantly worse than controls and significantly better than the schizophrenia group. These findings demonstrate that subtle deficits in affect perception are detectable in the unaffected siblings of schizophrenia patients when multiple measures of different types of affect perception abilities are used in combination.
Connexin43 and Connexin45 Form Heteromeric Gap Junction Channels in Which Individual Components Determine Permeability and Regulation

Two gap junction proteins, connexin43 (Cx43) and connexin45 (Cx45), are coexpressed in many cardiac and other cells. Homomeric channels formed by these proteins differ in unitary conductance, permeability, and regulation. We sought to determine the ability of Cx43 and Cx45 to oligomerize with each other to form heteromeric gap junction channels and to determine the functional and regulatory properties of these heteromeric channels. HeLa cells were transfected with Cx45 or (His)(6)-tagged Cx43 or sequentially transfected with both connexins. Immunoblots verified production of the transfected connexins, and immunofluorescence demonstrated that they were colocalized in the HeLa-Cx43(His)(6)/Cx45 cells. Connexons were solubilized from HeLa-Cx43(His)(6)/Cx45 cells by using Triton X-100 and were applied to a Ni(2+)-NTA column, which binds the His(6) sequence. Cx45 was coeluted from the column with Cx43(His)(6), demonstrating that some hemichannels contain both connexins. Single-channel recordings showed that the HeLa-Cx43(His)(6)/Cx45 cells exhibited single-channel conductances that were not observed in cells expressing either connexin alone. Dye-coupling experiments showed that HeLa-Cx43(His)(6) cells readily passed Lucifer yellow and N-(2-aminoethyl)biotinamide hydrochloride (neurobiotin); in contrast, HeLa-Cx45 and HeLa-Cx43(His)(6)/Cx45 cells showed extensive intercellular passage of neurobiotin but little coupling with Lucifer yellow. Treatment with the protein kinase C activator 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate reduced junctional conductance in cells expressing Cx43, Cx45, or both connexins, but it reduced the extent of neurobiotin transfer only in HeLa-Cx43(His)(6) and HeLa-Cx43(His)(6)/Cx45 cells but not in the HeLa-Cx45 cells. Thus, biochemical and electrophysiological evidence suggests that Cx43 and Cx45 extensively mix to form heteromeric channels; however, individual connexin components dominate aspects of the physiological behavior of these channels.
Electrochemical generation of perchlorate ions in chlorinated drinking water

Abstract A scheduled, uncontrolled chemical monitoring program conducted by the Texas Rural Water Association during the spring of 2002 discovered perchlorate contamination in an elevated drinking water storage tank. The contaminated elevated storage tank (EST) was part of the Levelland, Texas municipal water distribution system. Subsequent investigations revealed that the most likely source of the perchlorate contamination was the impressed current corrosion protection system, which generated the perchlorate electrochemically in situ from the chlorinated drinking water stored in the tank. As a part of the authors' investigation into this phenomenon, batch scale laboratory experiments were designed and used to produce perchlorate ions in chlorinated tap water using an imposed electrical (direct current [DC]) current. This in situ generation process was found to follow an autocatalytic mechanism with respect to perchlorate ion concentration. Moreover, in parallel experiments, double-distilled water spiked ...
Finding relevant cases in large databases of signals, time series, and clinical data

To make effective use of web archives such as PhysioNetpsilas multi-terabyte collections of ICU recordings, investigators need robust and flexible tools for finding data relevant to their studies. We have designed and implemented web-based visualization and search tools for this purpose. In addition to selecting recordings with desired demographic, clinical, and technical features, the search tool permits one to locate recordings containing events defined by characteristics of the recorded signals and time series, such as changes in parameters of user-specified amounts over user-specified time windows. By precomputing signal features, and by caching intermediate results, such searches can be made far more efficient than brute-force methods permit. At present, searching a collection of over 17,000 patient recordings requires about 4 seconds for an average query, thus allowing investigators to find useful subsets of very large data collections without major computing efforts.
Neighborhood Environment and Urban Schoolchildren's Risk for Being Overweight

Abstract Purpose. Child and adolescent obesity is increasingly prevalent and predisposes risk for poor physical and psychosocial health. Physical and social factors in the environment, such as neighborhood disorder, may be associated with childhood obesity. This study examines the association between living in a disordered neighborhood and being overweight among a sample of urban schoolchildren. Design. Baseline interview data, including height, weight, and hip circumference, were obtained from 313 elementary school–aged participants in a community-based epidemiologic study. Setting. The setting was Baltimore, Maryland, a large metropolitan city. Subjects. Subjects were elementary school students ages 8 to 12 years. Measures. To assess neighborhood characteristics, independent evaluators conducted objective environmental assessments using the Neighborhood Inventory for Environmental Typology instrument on the block faces (defined as one side of a city block between two intersections) where the children re...
Sulfaethylthiadiazole. II. Distribution and disappearance from the tissues following intravenous injection.

Sulfaethylthiadiazole was readily compounded as an injectable aqueous solution, and was administered intravenously without difficulty to four healthy adult human subjects in doses ranging from 0.5-2 Gm. High blood concentrations were attained. Elimination rates obtained from blood concentration and urinary excretion data were determined to be approximately first-order for a considerable portion of a dose, and the rates obtained from both blood and urine tests corresponded closely. These data were also employed to determine the apparent distribution volume of the drug. The results of the study suggest that this sulfonamide may be administered conveniently by the intravenous route, and the compound has a utility in investigations of drug absorption, distribution, excretion, kidney function, and time-dose studies.
Distributed Estimation and Detection for Sensor Networks Using Hidden Markov Random Field Models

We develop a hidden Markov random field (HMRF) framework for distributed signal processing in sensor-network environments. Under this framework, spatially distributed observations collected at the sensors form a noisy realization of an underlying random field that has a simple structure with Markovian dependence. We derive iterated conditional modes (ICM) algorithms for distributed estimation of the hidden random field from the noisy measurements. We consider both parametric and nonparametric measurement-error models. The proposed distributed estimators are computationally simple, applicable to a wide range of sensing environments, and localized, implying that the nodes communicate only with their neighbors to obtain the desired results. We also develop a calibration method for estimating Markov random field model parameters from training data and discuss initialization of the ICM algorithms. The HMRF framework and ICM algorithms are applied to event-region detection. Numerical simulations demonstrate the performance of the proposed approach
Diagnosis and treatment of chronic lower extremity ischemia

Chronic lower extremity ischemia is due to progressive atherosclerosis of the aorto-iliac and/or infrainguinal arteries. This disease process is of great importance as millions of patients are affected by lower extremity arterial occlusive disease. Most of these patients are asymptomatic but a growing number of them are symptomatic, with complaints ranging from mild claudication to gangrene. The increasing number of patients affected by lower extremity atherosclerosis is, in part, due to the 'graying' of the general population and to the medical improvements of the past three decades that have allowed patients with generalized atherosclerosis to survive longer. Fortunately, the diagnosis and management of peripheral arterial occlusive disease has also significantly progressed leading to improved graft patency, limb salvage rates, and quality of life for patients.
Arachidonic acid enhances reproduction in Daphnia magna and mitigates changes in sex ratios induced by pyriproxyfen

Arachidonic acid is 1 of only 2 unsaturated fatty acids retained in the ovaries of crustaceans and an inhibitor of HR97g, a nuclear receptor expressed in adult ovaries. The authors hypothesized that, as a key fatty acid, arachidonic acid may be associated with reproduction and potentially environmental sex determination in Daphnia. Reproduction assays with arachidonic acid indicate that it alters female:male sex ratios by increasing female production. This reproductive effect only occurred during a restricted Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata diet. Next, the authors tested whether enriching a poorer algal diet (Chlorella vulgaris) with arachidonic acid enhances overall reproduction and sex ratios. Arachidonic acid enrichment of a C. vulgaris diet also enhances fecundity at 1.0 µM and 4.0 µM by 30% to 40% in the presence and absence of pyriproxyfen. This indicates that arachidonic acid is crucial in reproduction regardless of environmental sex determination. Furthermore, the data indicate that P. subcapitata may provide a threshold concentration of arachidonic acid needed for reproduction. Diet-switch experiments from P. subcapitata to C. vulgaris mitigate some, but not all, of arachidonic acid's effects when compared with a C. vulgaris-only diet, suggesting that some arachidonic acid provided by P. subcapitata is retained. In summary, arachidonic acid supplementation increases reproduction and represses pyriproxyfen-induced environmental sex determination in D. magna in restricted diets. A diet rich in arachidonic acid may provide protection from some reproductive toxicants such as the juvenile hormone agonist pyriproxyfen. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:527-535. © 2014 SETAC.
Behavior of database production rules: termination, confluence, and observable determinism

Static analysis methods are given for determining whether arbitrary sets of database production rules are (1) guaranteed to terminate; (2) guaranteed to produce a unique final database state; (3) guaranteed to produce a unique stream of observable actions. When the analysis determines that one of these properties is not guaranteed, it isolates the rules responsible for the problem and determines criteria that, if satisfied, guarantee the property. The analysis methods are presented in the context of the Starburst Rule System; they will form the basis of an interactive development environment for Starburst rule programmers.
Embedded Flash Memory

Chapter 6 first introduces the expanding variety of applications and requirements for embedded nonvolatile memory especially in microcontroller applications, then describes how and why embedded flash memory has expanded the functions and applications supported by process, device, and circuit technology evolutions. Embedded-specific flash memory technologies focused on the floating-gate and charge-trapping devices with split-gate and 2Tr cell concepts are overviewed in Section 6.2. Descriptions on basic embedded flash design concepts and examples of actual embedded flash designs along with challenges and future targets for embedded flash memory are provided in Section 6.3.
Immigration Policy in the USA

This chapter presents a history of US immigration policy. US immigration policy has varied greatly over the country’s history, shifting from complete openness at the time of independence to a rigid ethnic quota system in the early twentieth century, and now back to a more open, albeit confusingly regulated, system at the start of the twenty-first century. The chapter provides answers to the seven questions posed in the introduction to this section for each of the distinct immigration policy regimes that prevailed in the USA over the past two centuries.
Here a Game, There a Game: classification, gamification, and retrieval learning

A multi-user classification system is used in a classroom setting. Groups of students take samples, then collaborate on conducting experiments and building classification trees. Students are motivated by a point scoring system as they build the trees: formative gamification. Once the trees are completed they are exchanged between groups. The trees are constructed with structural commonality enabling them to act as content for template-based identification games: summative gamification. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4995/HEAd15.2015.410
Generalizing Mail SurveyInducement Methods: Population Interactionswith Anonymity and Sponsorship

Population specific interactions with mail survey response inducement techniques have long been suspected as a source of variation in the reported effectiveness of mail survey inducement methods. This study investigated such interactions by use of a 2 x 2 x 110 randomized block experimental design involving 23,350 survey subjects. Highly significant, as well as substantial interactions were found between population factors and manipulations of survey sponsorship and anonymity assurance. Income level, education level, population flux, and regional sponsor loyalties were specifically linked to interactive effects with the experimental manipulations. Wesley H. Jones is Assistant Professor of Business Administration, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky. The author wishes to thank Dr. Joseph Guiltinan, University of Kentucky, and the Department of Parks, Commonwealth of Kentucky for their assistance and support. Public Opinion Quarterly ? 1979 by The Trustees of Columbia University Published by Elsevier North-Holland, Inc. 0033-362X/79/0043-0102/$1.75 This content downloaded from 157.55.39.55 on Sun, 12 Jun 2016 06:02:39 UTC All use subject to http://about.jstor.org/terms MAIL SURVEY INDUCEMENT METHODS 103 lations. University sponsorship has generally been found to be superior to government agency or private firm sponsorship. However, findings reported by Scott, by Sudman and Ferber (1974), and Houston and Nevin (1977) suggest that sponsorship may also interact with population characteristics. Concern with the population interaction issue and the related lack of generalizability of findings has led Kanuk and Berenson and Linsky to call for cross-population investigations of inducement techniques effects. This paper reports one such investigation.
Fueling the Innovative Process: Oil Prices and Induced Innovation in Automotive Energy-Efficient Technology

This paper tests the induced innovation hypothesis that higher oil prices will lead to increased innovation in energy-efficient automotive technology. We find robust empirical support for the hypothesis, while using various measures of oil and gas prices and controlling for other factors including constructed knowledge stocks and macroeconomic variables.
Similar Effects of Thrust and Nonthrust Spinal Manipulation Found in Adults With Subacute and Chronic Low Back Pain: A Controlled Trial With Adaptive Allocation.

Study design A three-arm controlled trial with adaptive allocation. Objectives The aim of this study was to compare short-term effects of a side-lying, thrust spinal manipulation (SM) procedure and a nonthrust, flexion-distraction SM procedure in adults with subacute or chronic low back pain (LBP) over 2 weeks. Summary of background data SM has been recommended in recently published clinical guidelines for LBP management. Previous studies suggest that thrust and nonthrust SM procedures, though distinctly different in joint loading characteristics, have similar effects on patients with LBP. Methods Participants were eligible if they were 21 to 54 years old, had LBP for at least 4 weeks, scored 6 or above on the Roland-Morris disability questionnaire, and met the diagnostic classification of 1, 2, or 3 according to the Quebec Task Force Classification for Spinal Disorders. Participants were allocated in a 3:3:2 ratio to four sessions of thrust or nonthrust SM procedures directed at the lower lumbar and pelvic regions, or to a 2-week wait list control. The primary outcome was LBP-related disability using Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire and the secondary outcomes were LBP intensity using visual analog scale, Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire, and the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey. The study was conducted at the Palmer Center for Chiropractic Research with care provided by experienced doctors of chiropractic. Clinicians and patients were not blinded to treatment group. Results Of 192 participants enrolled, the mean age was 40 years and 54% were male. Improvement in disability, LBP intensity, Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire-work subscale, and 36-Item Short Form Health Survey-physical health summary measure for the two SM groups were significantly greater than the control group. No difference in any outcomes was observed between the two SM groups. Conclusion Thrust and nonthrust SM procedures with distinctly different joint loading characteristics demonstrated similar effects in short-term LBP improvement and both were superior to a wait list control. Level of evidence 2.
Adhesion of Screen Printed Conductors on Laser Reduced AlN

Aluminum Nitride (AlN) has not attained the type of success alumina has had with thick film materials. This project is aimed at increasing the number of thick film inks compatible with AIN. Excimer laser reduced AIN is metallic, but not sufficiently conductive to act as an interconnection for microelectronic circuits. The reduced surface acts as a bonding layer to promote adhesion of screen printed metal films. Design of Experiments (DOE) plays a critical role in determining the success of a research project. Completely Randomized Nested Classification design strategy is used in these experiments. The Ag-Pd ink formulated for alumina is screen printed on AIN and alumina substrates in a random order and fired. Wires are soldered to the pads and a pull test is done. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) is used to compare the adhesion strength of Ag-Pd ink formulated for alumina screen printed on Al 2 O 3 and laser reduced AIN substrates.
Oxidative substitution of [Ru10C2(CO)24]2- with disubstituted alkynes: Facile formation and reduction of Ru10C2(CO)23(C2RR′)

Oxidation of the decaruthenium carbonyl cluster [Z]2[Ru10C2(CO)24] (1) (Z+ = PPN+, Et4N+) with [Cp2Fe][BF4] (2 equiv) at room temperature in the presence of disubstituted alkynes forms the neutral derivatives Ru10C2(CO)23(C2RR‘) (2, R, R‘ = Ph2; 3, R, R‘ = Tol2; 4, R, R‘ = Ph, Me). Compounds 2−4 are readily reduced with methanolic hydroxide to produce the previously known [Ru10C2(CO)22(C2Ph2)]2- (5) and its analogs.
"Entrepreneurship, Legitimacy and Online Social Communities: An Empirical Analysis"

We examine how entrepreneurial firms leverage online social networking communities to establish legitimacy. We propose that one measure of a firm’s legitimacy is the size of its online community, and capture an intermediate measure of legitimacy this is associated with credibility. We develop a theoretical model of how entrepreneurial firms grow their online social communities through the use of symbolic actions, and hypothesize about the specific ways that the use of four categories of symbolic actions can facilitate subsequent growth in a firm’s online social community. We empirically test these hypotheses and find that actions that convey product and industry knowledge, and firm achievements are significantly associated with online community growth. This may indicate a form of preferential attachment wherein people want to associate online with firms that they perceive to be knowledgeable and have noteworthy achievements. Our study’s non-significant results for the influence of actions conveying profes...
Response of the Oriental Peach Moth and Codling Moth to Colored Lights

Many species of moths are attracted to light, particularly to artificial lights in darkness. It is a well known fact that oriental peach moths, Laspeyresia molesta Busck, and codling moths, Laspeyresia pomonella L., congregate on the light side of screen cages or glass containers, consequently it may be assumed that the adults of both species under certain conditions, are positively phototropic.
A Section Lifter Designed for Attachment to an Ultramicrotome

A rack and pinion mechanism is attached directly to the ultramicrotome body. On the lower end of this mechanism a hinge is attached and a forceps holding an electron microscope grid is held on this hinge by means of a spring clamp. The hinge permits variation of the angle the grid makes with trough water surface. While observed through a binocular magnifier, the grid is lowered into the water and a ribbon of sections can be moved into proper alignment with the grid and the end section attached to a selected area. The grid can then be raised mechanically so that the rest of the ribbon will adhere to it.