cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Detection limits of organochlorine pesticides and related compounds in blood serum.

Determinations of organochlorine pesticides and similar chemical residues in blood serum have often reported detection limits of 1 ng/mL. When a study group has incurred body burdens lower than this, underestimates and misclassifications of exposure may occur because persons with pesticide residue concentration below the limit of detection are usually treated as zeros.' Thus in order to more accurately assess exposures in such populations, analysis of adipose tissue has been done. Recently, with TCDD, use of a sufficient volume of serum, as much as 0.5 L, in conjunction with appropriate analytical techniques has been shown to achieve detection limits necessary for epidemiological assessments, i.e., comparable to analysis of adipose tissue. In a population-based study involving children in which the authors were involved, it was not feasible to obtain specimens of either adipose or a large volume of serum. There was no compelling health motivation for such measures, nor did they wish to impair participation rates. Therefore, they chose to optimize the existing serum analysis, in order to achieve a detection limit low enough to assess reasonably the anticipated exposures.
Neuropsychological outcome of subjects participating in the PKU Adult Collaborative Study: A preliminary review

Adult subjects with classical phenylketonuria (PKU) who were diagnosed and treated neonatally participated in this long-term follow-up study. Twenty-four subjects received neuropsychological (NP) assessment and a subset received magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) to identify: (1) pattern of cognitive dysfunction; (2) effect of high blood phenylalanine (Phe) level at time of cognitive testing; and (3) treatment variables that may be associated with cognitive difficulties in adulthood. All subjects had average IQ except one subject in the borderline range. Diet was initiated by the 15th day of life. All subjects except one were on diet until age 6 years (mean years of treatment = 15). Blood Phe levels at cognitive testing ranged from 157 to 1713 micromol/L (mean = 1038); 11 subjects had levels 1000 micromol/L. Results suggest that adults with early-treated PKU demonstrate specific cognitive deficits, a number of which are associated with the frontal and temporal area of the brain. Deficits were noted in several domains including executive functioning, attention, verbal memory, expressive naming and verbal fluency. Self-report measures of depression and anxiety were generally in the normal/mild range. The group with a Phe level > 1000 micromol/L scored lower than the group with Phe level < 1000 micromol/L on measures of focused attention, verbal fluency, reaction time, verbal recognition memory, visual memory and naming. Tests of cognitive functioning were often correlated with measures of treatment during childhood rather than with Phe level at the time of cognitive testing. Subjects with abnormal MRI scored significantly lower on two cognitive tests (Trails A and CVLT Recognition Memory). We found no significant correlation between current brain Phe level obtained through MRS (n = 10) and neuropsychological functioning. Future longitudinal investigation with a larger sample size will assist in clarifying the aetiology of neuropsychological deficits and association with treatment history.
Continuous metric selection and multivariate approximation

Abstract Suppose that G is a finite-dimensional subspace of a normed space X and T is a compact metric space with uncountably many points. Then C ( T , G ) is proximinal in C ( T , X ) if and only if P G has a continuous selection. This result partially answers an open problem proposed by E. W. Cheney and C. Franchetti ( Boll. Un. Mat. Ital. B 18 (1981), 1003–1015).
Genetic variation for quantitative traits in soybean lines derived from tissue culture.

Tissue culture may generate useful genetic variation for quantitative traits. The objective of this study was to analyze genetic variation for ten quantitative traits of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] among lines derived from the tissue culture of three cultivars. The three cultivars used to obtain R0 plants from tissue culture were “BSR 101”, “Hodgson 78”, and “Jilin 3”. A total of 63 R0-derived lines of BSR 101, eight of Hodgson 78, and 42 of Jilin 3 was planted with the untreated controls in row plots in a randomized complete-block design with three replications at two locations for each of 2 years. The traits evaluated were days to beginning bloom (R1), beginning seed (R5), beginning maturity (R7), full maturity (R8), height, lodging, seed yield, seed weight, protein content, and oil content. Significant (P < 0.05) variation was observed among lines for each of the ten quantitative traits. There was 57.1% of the BSR 101 lines, 87.5% of the Hodgson 78 lines, and 76.2% of the Jilin 3 lines that were significantly different from the controls for at least one trait. The percentages of lines that were significantly different from the control for an individual trait ranged from 2.7% for oil content to 25.7% for R7. The magnitude of the changes was relatively small. Although this genetic variation may be useful for cultivar development, greater variability at less expense would be expected with conventional artificial hybridization.
Direct ortho-mercuration reactions of azobenzene and ortho-substituted azobenzenes

Abstract The mercuration of azobenzene occurred exclusively in the ortho -position to yield 2-chloromercuriazobenzene and a mixture which on iodination gave 2,2'and 2,6-diiodoazobenzene. Ten other ortho -substituted azobenzenes were mercurated and mercuration was found to occur predominately in an ortho -position. The regiospecificity of these reactions suggests that the mercury is directed into an ortho -position by coordination of the mercury to an azo nitrogen and then subsequent electrophilic substitution.
iBioSim: a tool for the analysis and design of genetic circuits

SUMMARY iBioSim is a tool that supports learning of genetic circuit models, efficient abstraction-based analysis of these models and the design of synthetic genetic circuits. iBioSim includes project management features and a graphical user interface that facilitate the development and maintenance of genetic circuit models as well as both experimental and simulation data records. AVAILABILITY iBioSim is available for download for Windows, Linux, and MacOS at http://www.async.ece.utah.edu/iBioSim/ CONTACT myers@ece.utah.edu.
Use of polar solvents in an electroconvective liquid

Abstract An electroconvective liquid crystal membrane was previously investigated. The gas permeation rate through a N-(4-methoxybenzylidine)-4-butylaniline (MBBA) membrane was increased by a factor of 7 when an a.c. electric field of 100 volts/mm was applied. Recently, polar solvents such as 2-ethylhexanol (2EH) and diethyl phthalate (DEP) were studied as new electroconvective liquid membrane candidates. They are much cheaper than MBBA, in air chemically more stable, and may be used to replace the liquid crystal. A de-ionization procedure was used to decrease the conductivity of the polar solvents below 10−10 ohm−1-cm−1 so they would exhibit convectivity.
Sulfur dioxide insertion IX. Sulfinato complexes of divalent mercury

Abstract Interaction of HgR2 (R = C6H5, C2H5, and CH2C6H5) with liquid sulfur dioxide at -40° to -10° affords virtually quantitative yields of the corresponding monosulfinates, RSO2HgR. At low temperatures (ca. -70°), (C2H5Hg)2SO2 usually becomes a by-product of the reaction between Hg(C2H5)2 and SO2. The new compounds have been characterized by chemical analyses, molecular weight measurements, and IR and NMR spectroscopy. The phenylsulfinate, C6H5SO2HgC6H5, has been isolated in two isomeric forms which are S- and O-bonded. The latter arises from the former on crystallization; it also appears to be the prevalent species on solution, where it is monomeric. The ethylsulfinate, C2H5SO2HgC2H5, is S-bonded in the solid but adopts a monomeric, O-bonded structure in solution; the benzylsulfinate, C6H5CH2SO2HgCH2C6H5, has been assigned a monomeric, O-bonded structure both in the solid and in solution.
Piezoresponse force microscopy and recent advances in nanoscale studies of ferroelectrics

In this paper, we review recent advances in piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM) with respect to nanoscale ferroelectric research, summarize the basic principles of PFM, illustrate what information can be obtained from PFM experiments and delineate the limitations of PFM signal interpretation relevant to quantitative imaging of a broad range of piezoelectrically active materials. Particular attention is given to orientational PFM imaging and data interpretation as well as to electromechanics and kinetics of nanoscale ferroelectric switching in PFM.
Structured data on the web

Google's Web Tables and Deep Web Crawler identify and deliver this otherwise inaccessible resource directly to end users.
An experimental study of heat transfer in aluminum castings during water quenching

The influence of quenching orientation and agitation conditions on heat transfer of aluminum alloys during water quenching was experimentally investigated with a test casting. The results indicate that heat transfer in water quenching of casting aluminum alloy consists of film boiling, nucleate boiling and convection stages. The highest heat transfer coefficients (HTC) are observed in the nucleate boiling, while the lowest is in the convective cooling stage. The heat transfer coefficients on the horizontal surfaces facing down during quenching are lower than those of other surfaces regardless whether the water is agitated or not. Agitation enhances heat transfer process especially when castings are at high temperatures and heat transfer process is in the film boiling stage.
Responding to Diversity: Marketing Graduate Business Education to Hispanics

Changes in the demographic make-up of the United States have presented marketing managers with unprecedented challenges in both the marketplace and the workplace. Recruiting minorities for education in business in general and marketing in particular is one way for business to gain a better understanding of the diverse marketplace. In the study described, the characteristics and decision processes of Hispanic undergraduates who intended to pursue an M.B.A. differed significantly from those who did not. Insight into such differences may facilitate institutional adjustment to the complexities of diversity.
California’s Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta Conflict: From Cooperation to Chicken

California's Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta is the major hub of California's water supply system and is central to the ecosystem of many native threatened and endangered species. Conflicts over the Delta have evolved over more than a century. This paper traces changes in this conflict in game-theoretic terms, with its implications for the region's physical and ecological decline and governance. The Delta is not a zero-sum problem and win-win resolutions may exist if stakeholders cooperate. Game theory provides some insights on the potential for win- win solutions. The Delta problem has had a Prisoner's Dilemma structure, in which stakeholder self-interest makes cooperation unlikely within a reasonable time frame. However, the core of the Delta conflict is changing as the unsustainable future becomes more widely under- stood. Today's Delta problem has characteristics of a Chicken game, where cooperation is in everyone's interest, but it is unlikely because parties deviating from the status quo are likely to bear more of the costs of a long-term solution. The State of California may become the victim (or chicken) of the Delta game, bearing the greatest costs, if it continues to rely on leaving parties to develop voluntary cooperative solutions without a sufficient mechanism for enforcing cooperation. DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)WR.1943-5452.0000164. © 2012 American Society of Civil Engineers. CE Database subject headings: California; Deltas; Water supply; Ecosystems. Author keywords: Game theory; Conflict resolution; Delta; CALFED; California; Chicken; Prisoner's dilemma.
Primary sclerosing cholangitis and uveitis: a case series.

PURPOSE: To report the cases of six patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis and uveitis. DESIGN: Retrospective observational case series. METHODS: Two index cases were identified from the Uveitis Clinic of the Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health and Science University and another from the Portland area. Additional cases were identified through a web-based survey of members of the American Uveitis Society. RESULTS: Three males and three females were identified. Five of six patients were diagnosed with uveitis prior to primary sclerosing cholangitis. Four had unilateral eye involvement. Five had insidious onset. All had persistent duration. Clinical course was chronic for three, recurrent for two, and chronic-recurrent in one. Vitreous inflammation was prominent in five. CONCLUSIONS: Although the number of patients who were studied is limited, there appears to be an association between primary sclerosing cholangitis and uveitis. Further studies are required to confirm such an association.
A case study in junk bioethics run amok.

Sonya Charles wants obstetricians “to be aware of (and work to change) practices they participate in that directly and indirectly contribute to violence against women” (Charles 2011, 51). Charles f...
Estimation of Unobserved Expected Monthly Inflation Using Kalman Filtering

Hamilton developed a technique for estimating financial market expectations of inflation based on the observed time-series properties of interest rates and inflation. The technique is based on a state-space representation derived from an underlying vector autoregressive process of the expected real interest rate and the expected inflation rate on lagged expectations and lagged values of the observed Treasury bill rate and the actual inflation rate. This article extends this work in two ways. First, we use monthly data, since the quarterly data used by Hamilton may obscure many interesting movements, especially for determining the role of inflationary expectations in stock price movements, and this is one of our primary interests. Second, we employ an alternative method developed by Burmeister and Wall for estimating the parameters of the model, and this method leads to a different identification proof. Both approaches share the use of the Kalman filter to estimate the unobserved variables, in this case, e...
Robotic Assembly Using A Vibratory Interference Sensor

To avoid jamming during robot assisted assembly, the forces and moments induced by centering and alignment errors must be limited. A strategy is presented which incorporates feedback information from a vibratory interference sensor into the robot position control loop. A digital search algorithm is used to reduce the centering errors and and to assemble the mating parts.
CO2 laser transoral laser microsurgery of head and neck cancer: lessons learned over ten years

Background CO2 transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) is an emerging technique for the management of laryngeal cancer and other head and neck malignancies. This technique has become more widely used by head and neck surgeons progressively replacing traditional open surgical procedures because it is better at preserving organ function with lower overall morbidity. The CO2 laser is coupled to a micromanipulator and microscope, which provides enhanced tumor visualization and the ability to perform precise tissue cuts, obtain excellent hemostasis, and avoid damaging the surrounding tissues and structures that are transected during open surgical procedures. Objectives To summarize our experience using the CO2 laser for the transoral resection of head and neck cancer, and discuss strategies and solutions for situations encountered during laser resections. Material and methods The basic principles and approach of performing TLM using CO2 laser for different otolaryngologic malignancies will be discussed. The benefits of using CO2 TLM over traditional surgery, common complications, and different settings used depending on the location of the tumor and as well as the several lessons learned over the years will also be discussed. Conclusion CO2 laser is the best-suited laser for TLM in treatment of head and neck cancer. Over the years the improved instrumentation, demonstration of oncologic effectiveness, clinical experience using TLM and decreased morbidity has led to an increased utilization of TLM by head and neck surgeons. Successful surgery requires adequate visualization, precise cutting, controlled depth of tissue penetration, and ability to obtain tissue hemostasis. The full spectrum of laser power settings, spot sizes and energy pulse delivery modes is utilized to resect mucosa, fat, muscle, connective tissue and cartilage while avoiding inadvertent damage to nerves and large vessels, and obtaining adequate hemostasis.
Examining patterns of association with defensive information processing about colorectal cancer screening.

To reduce negative psychological affect from information or behavior that is inconsistent with one’s positive self-concept, individuals use a variety of defensive strategies. It is unknown whether correlates differ across defenses. We examined correlates of four levels of defensive information processing about colorectal cancer screening. Cross-sectional surveys were completed by a convenience sample of 287 adults aged 50–75 years. Defenses measures were more consistently associated with individual differences (especially avoidant coping styles); however, situational variables involving health-care providers also were important. Future research should examine changes in defenses after risk communication and their relative impact on colorectal cancer screening.
Using density functional theory to study hydrogen diffusion in metals: A brief overview

Density functional theory (DFT) calculations have become a valuable complement to experimental methods for studying the structures and dynamics of H in metal hydrides. This article gives an overview of applications of DFT to the diffusion of H and its isotopes in metals, including pure metals, ordered alloys, and disordered alloys. Several examples are used to illustrate how DFT can be used to predict hopping rates due to activated transport and due to tunnelling using methods that can be applied to large numbers of distinct interstitial sites. The application of DFT to examples where clustering of interstitial H atoms occurs such as Sc is also described.
Review of "Purposive Explanation in Psychology by Margaret A. Boden", Harvard University Press, Cambridge Massachusetts, 1972.

Artificial Intelligence is a type of theoretical psychology studying mental symbol-processing functions in living and nonliving, real and abstract systems. Psychology's methods have been limited to experimental, survey, mathematical, interview, and participant-observation approaches. AI adds a new formal method in which theories are cast in the formalism of a programming language. Many workers in AI lack knowledge about psychological theories relevant to their interest. This is the perfect book for them.
Sexual response to self‐stimulation in women with complete spinal cord injury

In the scant reports that are available about sexual response and orgasm in women with complete spinal cord injury (SCI), some researchers state that these women cannot achieve orgasm; others label...
Programmable intrathecal pumps for the management of chronic pain: recommendations for improved efficiency

The management of chronic pain can be very challenging. Often, physicians employ intrathecal (IT) drug delivery systems as a last resort to relieve intractable pain. The system consists of an implantable pump that stores and delivers medication through a catheter to the IT space. Programmability is achieved by positioning an external devise over the implanted pump to change the mode of drug delivery. The innovations in programmable IT drug delivery systems are expanding more rapidly than ever before. Unfortunately, the rapid expansion is accompanied by a lack of prospective randomized trials examining these new options. In an effort to improve results and reduce side effects, publications by experts or expert consensus panels provide guidance for the community. The purpose of this article is to provide a summary of high interest topics in recent publications.
Integrating literacy, culture, and language to improve health care quality for diverse populations.

Objective To understand the interrelationship of literacy, culture, and language and the importance of addressing their intersection. Methods Health literacy, cultural competence, and linguistic competence strategies to quality improvement were analyzed. Results Strategies to improve health literacy for low-literate individuals are distinct from strategies for culturally diverse and individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP). The lack of integration results in health care that is unresponsive to some vulnerable groups' needs. A vision for integrated care is presented. Conclusion Clinicians, the health care team, and health care organizations have important roles to play in addressing challenges related to literacy, culture, and language.
Efficient local IV estimation of an empirical auction model

Abstract In this paper we examine semiparametric efficiency bounds and efficient estimators for the case of a linear local instrument variable (LIV) model under the assumptions studied in Abadie et al. (2002) . We apply the semiparametrically efficient estimation method to analyze the relation between bid dispersion and early bidding in an online auction dataset, which is collected from a natural experiment conducted in Nekipelov (2007) . The results confirm the theoretical findings developed in Nekipelov (2007) . The semiparametric efficient estimation procedure substantially improves the statistical significance of the effect of jump bidding on bid dispersion.
Promising cancer treatment modality: the University of California Davis/McClellan Nuclear Radiation Center neutron capture therapy program

Neutron capture therapy (NCT) is a promising new binary therapeutic modality for the treatment of localized tumors. It is accomplished by injection and localization within the tumor of a neutron capture agent (NCA) that alone, is non- toxic. Whenthe tumor is then exposed to neutrons, a relatively non-toxic form of radiation, crytotoxic products are produced that directly or indirectly cause tumor cell death, and yet preserves normal surrounding tissue not contain the NCA. The UC Davis NCT program is currently working to develop and test new compounds or NCA in vitro and in vivo. Many groups worldwide are also working to develop the next generation NCA, but less than five facilities internationally are currently capable to treating clinical brain tumor patients by NCT and only two US facilities, MIT and Brookhaven National Laboratory. In addition to compound development, the UC Davis NCT program is preparing the UC Davis McClellan Nuclear Radiation Center's 2 megawatt TRIGA reactor for NCT clinical trials which would make it the only such facility on the West Coast.
ENDOR study of Gd3+ complexes in frozen solutions

Abstract The coordination environment of Gd3+ in frozen solutions is investigated by application of electron nuclear double-resonance spectroscopy. Proton ENDOR spectra of the Gd3+ ion in frozen methanol-water cosolvent mixtures obtained with the static laboratory magnetic field (Ha) at the turning point of the electron paramagnetic resonance absorption exhibit single-crystal-type line pairs. With use of selectively deuterated materials, the ligand origin of each pair of ENDOR lines has been assigned. For GdCl3 there are two distinguishable types of protons due to the HO groups of metal-coordinated solvent molecules, and there is one set belonging to the methyl group of metal-coordinated methanol. Similarly, for Gd(CH3000)3 and Gd(CH3CH2000)3, the set of ENDOR lines belonging to the methyl group of acetate and to the methylene group of propionate ligands have been identified. By analysis of the dependence of the ENDOR spectra on Ho, we have determined the values of the principal hyperfine coupling (hfc) components of each of the metal-bound ligands. The hfc components of methyl protons of Gd3+-bound acetate and of the methylene protons of Gd3+-bound propionate exhibit axial symmetry. Under the point-dipole approximation, they yield correspondingly calculated metal-proton distances of 4.53 and 4.42 A in good agreement with the value of 4.73 A deduced from crystallographic data for inner sphere coordinated ligands. The hfc components of the HO protons of metal-bound solvent molecules do not exhibit axial symmetry. One set is assigned to inner sphere coordinated H2O while the other is assigned to outer sphere bound CH30H. The metal-proton distances, calculated on the basis of the largest anisotropic hfc components as lower limit estimates, support these structural assignments. Application of ENDOR spectroscopy is made to identify the primary lanthanide binding site in a-chymotrypsin and to demonstrate the accuracy with which this method of analyzing ENDOR can be employed for structural characterization of metal complexes in frozen solutions. Comparison of the proton ENDOR spectrum of Gd3+ bound to a-chymotrypsin in frozen D20 solution to those of Gd(CH3000)3 and Gd(CH3CH2000)3 indicates that the lanthanide binding site in the protein includes a glutamate residue rather than an asparlate residue. Identification of this protein residue by ENDOR spectroscopy resolves discussions in the literature about the primary lanthanide binding site of a-chymotrypsin.
Infections and Radiation Injuries Involving the Chest Wall

Soft tissue necrosis secondary to infection and radiation injury account for the majority of chest wall resections performed today that are unrelated to malignancy. Principles of treatment for chest wall infection and necrosis rely partially on the underlying cause and overall health of the patient but, in general, are based on wide resection of devitalized tissue and subsequent reconstruction with soft tissue coverage. Unlike resection for malignancy, fibrosis of underlying tissues often precludes skeletal reconstruction without concurrent loss of chest wall integrity or pulmonary function. Although the surgical intervention of these processes is similar, the underlying pathology differs significantly. This article addresses the risk factors, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and management of chest wall and sternoclavicular joint infections, necrotizing processes, and radiation injury.
Novel Modulation Technique For Microwave Frequencies

A novel modulation technique is presented which facilitates the transmission of high frequency, fractional bandwidth signals in fibers. This approach uses the advantages of modelocked semiconductor lasers and external modulators. Narrow band (~ 10 GHz) modulation can be readily achieved at high center frequencies. Experimental realization of this concept is demonstrated with an acoustooptic modulation of modelocked optical pulses from a GaAs laser diode at a center frequency of 2.05 GHz and a bandwidth of 68.7 MHz.
DO GOOD OR DO WELL? PUBLIC DEBT MANAGEMENT IN A TWO‐PARTY ECONOMY*

Policy rules can be welfare improving if the government faces a time inconsistency problem when it chooses its optimal policy sequentially. In this paper I show that a conservative government, while favourable in principle to the institution of binding policy rules, may rationally choose not to do so in the presence of electoral competition. The reason is that left-wing governments typically face more serious time inconsistency problems than right-wing ones, because of incentives to raise revenue through inflation or tax capital for distributional reasons. A binding rule may make the left-wing party more "credible" in the eyes of the voters, conversely in the absence of rules, voters will favour the conservative party- for example because of its stronger anti-inflationary preferences. I develop this idea in the context of a simple debt management model, in which the incumbent can decide whether to roll over a given amount of debt in nominal form or indexing debt to the price level. An election follows, and after the election the new government has to repay the debt using taxes and inflation, both assumed to be distortionary. The right-wing party attributes a higher weight to the inflation tax distortion than the left-wing party; the median voter''s preferences are in-between the two parties''. Also, both parties face a fixed cost of being out of power. In the absence of a commitment technology, nominal debt will artificially enlarge the inflation tax base, since after the election the government will take nominal interest rates as given and try to reduce the real value of its obligations through inflation. With rational expectations and full information, once the indexation parameter is chosen, voters know who will fully incorporate future inflation. As a result, inflation is too high and taxes too low. If the costs of inflation are convex, voters will be more likely to choose the right-wing party if debt is nominal. The results extend to a setting in which parties differ in their preferences for private vs public consumption. In the presence of uncertainty, a party in power will face a trade-off between the incentive to "tie the hands" of its eventual successor in case of an election loss ("do good") and the incentive to make its opponent look "bad" in the eyes of the voters in order to win the election ("do well").
PREDICTORS OF RESPONSES TO UNWANTED SEXUAL ATTENTION

Data were collected from 4,011 male and female university students, faculty, and staff regarding responses to unwanted sexual attention. Women and undergraduate students reported the highest incidence of unwanted sexual attention; most harassers were peers. Ignoring the behavior was the most common response, followed by avoiding the harasser and talking to others about the harassment. Harassment severity was the strongest predictor of responses, with more direct responses being made to more severe harassment. Bivariate correlational analyses suggested that unwanted sexual attention was rated as more distressing by women than by men, by faculty/staff than by students, by individuals with less tolerant attitudes toward harassment, and when the harasser was in a position of authority or when the harassment was of longer duration. In path analyses, only the relations between attitudes and responses were mediated by differences in perceived severity. The gender and status (i.e., student vs. faculty/staff) of t...
Moraxella Catarrhalis peritonitis.

BACKGROUND Peritonitis continues to be a major complication of peritonitis in peritoneal dialysis patients. Recent advances in connectology and better patient training have decreased the incidence of peritonitis in the last two decades. Peritonitis in PD patients is usually due to gram positive and less often due to gram negative organisms. Herein we report a case of peritonitis due to Moraxella Catarrhalis and review the literature on the diagnosis and treatment of this rare cause of peritonitis. CASE REPORT Our patient was a 56 year old man with end stage renal disease, on peritoneal dialysis, who was totally asymptomatic and on routine clinic visit was noted to have a high white blood cell count in his peritoneal fluid. Due to the nature of the organism, it took two weeks and two different microbiology laboratories to identify the organism and provide proper treatment. CONCLUSIONS Peritonitis is the major cause of peritoneal dialysis failure and prompt recognition of the causative agent is of crucial importance to the proper and timely management of this complication.
Replication activity of JC virus large T antigen phosphorylation and zinc finger domain mutants

The replication potential of the human polyomavirus JC virus (JCV) relative to that of the related monkey virus SV40 is limited, in part, by differences in the multifunctional T antigen (T Ag). Earlier genetic analyses of the SV40 T protein indicated that specific phosphorylation sites and a zinc finger motif are involved in the regulation of viral replication. The JCV and SV40 T Ags differ with respect to sequences encoding these functional domains, and in the present study mutational analysis of the JCV protein was conducted to assess the role that unconserved residues might play in the restricted lytic behavior of JCV. Amino acids Asn316 and His317 in the zinc finger domain and Thr664 and Glu666 in the carboxy-terminal phosphorylation domain were mutated to either an SV40-like residue or an alanine. Each of the mutant JCV genomes replicated with wild type efficiency suggesting that, unlike the case for SV40 T Ag, these amino acids are not critical to the regulation of viral replication. On the other ha...
Hygrothermal Effects on the Stress Field of Laminated Composites

In this paper the effects of temperature and humidity on the stress field of laminated composites are investigated. A three-dimensional finite element program based on dis placement field was developed and the stress field induced by hygrothermal and/or initial strain was evaluated. Boundary conditions of zero-stress on the free surfaces were not taken into account in this preliminary investigation.Numerical results of the three-dimensional stress field for [90/0]2s laminates were plotted as a function of position. It is observed that some of the stress components induced by hygrothermal change are significant to cause failure of the laminate.
A new number system for faster multiplication

A new ternary number system called Bit-Signed (BS) number is proposed. Some properties and applications of BS number system are introduced. The Canonic Sign Digit (CSD) number system, as a special case of the BS number system, is discussed and a simple method of conversion from a 2's complement number to its equivalent BS and also to CSD number system is developed. An algorithm is developed to multiply two numbers with minimum number of add/subtract operations.
CD44 can mediate the adhesion of platelets to hyaluronan

CD44 represents a family of glycoproteins that are present on the surfaces of some types of lymphocytes, macrophages, and epithelial cells. In the present study, we have found that CD44 is also present on murine megakaryocytes and peripheral blood platelets as judged by immunohistochemical staining. Western blotting of platelet proteins indicated that this CD44 was predominantly of the 85-kD form. This form of CD44 also had the capacity to bind hyaluronan, because detergent extracts of platelets as well as intact platelets could bind soluble [3H]hyaluronan, and this property was blocked by antibodies directed against CD44. More importantly, isolated platelets could attach to the hyaluronan-containing extracellular matrix produced by cultured rat fibrosarcoma cells. This attachment took place in the absence of divalent cations and could be blocked by pretreating the rat fibrosarcoma cells with hyaluronidase or by the addition of an antibody to CD44. These results suggested that CD44 was responsible for the attachment of platelets to hyaluronan. Histochemical staining also showed that hyaluronan was present immediately beneath the endothelial cells of many blood vessels of various tissues, such as the dermis, lamina propria of the intestinal tract, the lungs, and the pericardium. Thus, it is possible that CD44 plays an important role in the attachment of platelets to the surface of exposed connective tissue after injury to endothelial cells.
Fingers as a Marker of Prenatal Androgen Exposure

Interest in biological substrates of sex-related variations in psychological and physiological characteristics has led to a search for biomarkers of prenatal hormone exposure that can be measured postnatally. There has been particular interest in digit ratio, the relative lengths of the second and fourth fingers (2D:4D), but its validity as a measure of prenatal androgen has not been established. We report the strongest evaluation of the value of 2D:4D as a biomarker for early androgen exposure. Individuals with 46,XY karyotype but no effective prenatal androgen exposure due to complete androgen insensitivity syndrome had digit ratios that were feminized: they were higher than those of typical men and similar to those of typical women. Nevertheless, the effect was modest in size, and there was considerable within-group variability and between-group overlap, indicating that digit ratio is not a good marker of individual differences in prenatal androgen exposure.
Distributed parameter estimation in networks

In this paper, we present a model of distributed parameter estimation in networks, where agents have access to partially informative measurements over time. Each agent faces a local identification problem, in the sense that it cannot consistently estimate the parameter in isolation. We prove that, despite local identification problems, if agents update their estimates recursively as a function of their neighbors' beliefs, they can consistently estimate the true parameter provided that the communication network is strongly connected; that is, there exists an information path between any two agents in the network. We also show that the estimates of all agents are asymptotically normally distributed. Finally, we compute the asymptotic variance of the agents' estimates in terms of their observation models and the network topology, and provide conditions under which the distributed estimators are as efficient as any centralized estimator.
THE VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY CENTER IN MOLECULAR TOXICOLOGY: THE FIRST 30 YEARS

Following the 30th Anniversary Symposium of the Vanderbilt Center in Molecular Toxicology in April 1997, Jack Hinson, the Editor and an alumnus of the Center, approached me about featuring articles...
Synchronous Rotor Vibration Driven by Fluid Forces From a Geometrically Imperfect Labyrinth Seal

The radial force acting on a rotor, due to an asymmetric pressure distribution inside the seal gland, generated from a slightly non-circular single gland labyrinth seal rotating inside a circular outer casing is investigated theoretically. A fluid mechanical lumped parameter model for the flow in and out of the seal as well as the flow around the gland in the seal is developed. The model includes first and second knife imperfections as well as rotating gland depth variations. Knife non-circularity on the rotor may be due to manufacturing tolerances or defects from in service wear damage. An appropriate solution technique for the coupled one-dimensional equations is presented. Results from this model are presented that indicate these fluid induced forces are comparable in magnitude to those generated by a rotating unbalance under some conditions. Considerations for design are given for avoiding synchronous vibration problems due to non-circular labyrinth seals.Copyright © 1995 by ASME
Integration of sonar and stereo range data using a grid-based representation

The authors use occupancy grids to combine range information from sonar and one-dimensional stereo into a two-dimensional map of the vicinity of a robot. Each cell in the map contains a probabilistic estimate of whether it is empty or occupied by an object in the environment. These estimates are obtained from sensor models that describe the uncertainty in the range data. A Bayesian estimation scheme is applied to update the current map using successive range readings from each sensor. The occupancy grid representation is simple to manipulate, treats different sensors uniformly, and models uncertainty in the sensor data and in the robot position. It also provides a basis for motion planning and creation of more abstract object descriptions. >
Tenure Standards in Political Science Departments: Results from a Survey of Department Chairs

This article presents the results from a survey of political science department chairs regarding the tenure procedures and standards at their colleges or universities. The findings reveal that only a small fraction of the colleges and universities in the United States refuse to offer tenure or are attempting to limit tenure. We also find general agreement regarding the standards for evaluating teaching and service and that research expectations vary according to the highest degree offered by a department.
Simulating the Effects of Process Variations on Capacitive Crosstalk

Process variations have an enormous impact on the amount of crosstalk in the circuit. Aggravation in crosstalk may lead to erroneous behavior of the circuit resulting in reduced product yield. Products have failed to meet targeted frequencies because of crosstalk problems. Therefore, a circuit should be designed such that there is a safety margin from erroneous circuit operation. At the same time, the design should not be so conservative that chip area and performance fall behind operational objectives. Whereas the combination of process parameters that give rise to worst-case noise is context dependent, we show in this paper how to efficiently determine process corners that can be used to approximate the worst-case crosstalk pulse or delay at the crosstalk site. Our experimental results show the accuracy gain of our process corners compared to traditional techniques while maintaining efficiency.
Divergent evolution within protein superfolds inferred from profile-based phylogenetics.

Many dissimilar protein sequences fold into similar structures. A central and persistent challenge facing protein structural analysis is the discrimination between homology and convergence for structurally similar domains that lack significant sequence similarity. Classic examples are the OB-fold and SH3 domains, both small, modular β-barrel protein superfolds. The similarities among these domains have variously been attributed to common descent or to convergent evolution. Using a sequence profile-based phylogenetic technique, we analyzed all structurally characterized OB-fold, SH3, and PDZ domains with less than 40% mutual sequence identity. An all-against-all, profile-versus-profile analysis of these domains revealed many previously undetectable significant interrelationships. The matrices of scores were used to infer phylogenies based on our derivation of the relationships between sequence similarity E-values and evolutionary distances. The resulting clades of domains correlate remarkably well with biological function, as opposed to structural similarity, indicating that the functionally distinct sub-families within these superfolds are homologous. This method extends phylogenetics into the challenging “twilight zone” of sequence similarity, providing the first objective resolution of deep evolutionary relationships among distant protein families.
Induction of Symmetrical Nucleus Division and Multicellular Structures from the Isolated Microspores of Lycopersicon Esculentum Mill

of lactalbumin hydolysate (LH), casein hydrolysate (CH) and a starvation pre- treatment using mannitol in the induction of symmetrical nucleus division of uninucleate microspores and formation of multicellular structures from the isolated microspores of tomato were studied. Flower buds containing uninucleate microspores were incubated on media for the pretreatment containing either mannitol or sucrose at 10 oC for seven days. Subsequently microspores were isolated and cultured on NLN basic media in the presence of BAP, NAA, LH and CH. Microspores from the cv. Fantastic, cultured in the presence of BAP at 0.5 mg l -1 and NAA at 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 mg l -1 together with LH at 2 or 4 ml l -1 proceeded in the sporophytical pathway, microspore nuclei dividing symmetrically. For- mation of multicellular structures were induced which was also the case for other culti- vars cultured in the NLN medium containing 0.5 mg l -1 BAP and 0.5 mg l -1 NAA together with CH either at 5 or 10 g l -1 . Mannitol pretreatment induced microspore starvation and stress therefore microspores from the mannitol pretreatment were more responsive to the symmetrical division than those from the sucrose pretreatment.
Models of Capitalism and Income Distribution in Transition Economies: A Comparative Perspective

During the 1990s, all of the European transition economies (TE) experienced a major recession and suffered from the explosion of income inequality. However, distribution of income between labor and capital differed greatly from one group of post-communist countries to another. The paper discusses and analyzes linkages between models of capitalism that emerged in former communist countries in the 1990s and the outcome of capitalist transition for labor in terms of income distribution and inequality. It is based on the estimates of the Marxian rate of exploitation and other indicators of labor income performance during the reform period.
Low-cost private schools for the poor: what public policy is appropriate

Abstract Recent attention has focused on the existence of non-government schools that cater to children from low-income families. These schools can now be found in the majority of developing countries, many of which have a prescribed public policy to provide free public education. This raises the question, why would a low-income family choose to send a child to a fee-paying school if a place in a free school were available? This paper will report on case studies of low-fee schools in Jamaica, Kenya, Tanzania, Ghana, Indonesia and Pakistan and will assess the reasons for their increased demand. In the past, some have argued that development assistance agencies should limit assistance to public school sector. Others have argued that the public sector is inadequate and in many ways has failed in its ambitions to provide a minimum quality for every child. This paper will consider what public policy should be toward low-cost private schools, including the policy of development assistance agencies which seek to assist low and middle income countries as well as the appropriate public policy for national and local governments. The paper will conclude with several recommendations. One recommendation is that although children from low-income families attend non-government schools, they continue to be citizens; hence they should not be excluded from poverty assistance strategies. A second recommendation is to expand government statistical functions so that non-government schools are regularly included in the calculations of enrollment rates. Lastly, the paper does not recommend voucher or other program of publically financed school choice on the grounds that the public sector should remain the main conduit for public schooling. It does, however, raise questions as to the limits of the public sector in delivering high quality schooling and whether these limits should be more candidly acknowledged.
A fast, inexpensive method for predicting overcharge performance in lithium-ion batteries

A variety of mechanisms lead to the failure of lithium-ion batteries. One is overcharge, a condition in which a battery's voltage rises above its designed end-of-charge potential. Electrolyte additives called redox shuttles limit cell potential by preferentially oxidizing, and cycling between the cathode and anode in their radical cation and neutral forms. Currently, testing requires coin cell assembly and repeated cycling, which can be an expensive and time consuming process. It is commonly accepted that degradation of the radical cation form of a redox shuttle leads to overcharge protection failure. We thus studied the stability of the radical cation forms of a series of redox shuttle additives to determine if there is a correlation between radical cation stability and the number of cycles of overcharge protection. While the reversibility of oxidations in cyclic voltammetry did not correlate to trends in overcharge performance, results from both UV-vis and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy showed a correlation between stability and overcharge protection. Our results reveal trends within a few hours for what otherwise takes months of battery cycling to determine, providing a fast and relatively inexpensive method for predicting redox shuttle performance.