cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A system for semantic query optimization

This paper describes a scheme to utilize semantic integrity constraints in optimizing a user specified query. The scheme uses a graph theoretic approach to identify redundant join clauses and redundant restriction clauses specified in a user query. An algorithm is suggested to eliminate such redundant joins and avoid unnecessary restrictions. In addition to these eliminations, the algorithm aims to introduce as many restrictions on indexed attributes as possible, thus yielding an equivalent, but potentially more profitable, form of the original query.
Septal destruction in infant rats and the ontogeny of drinking behaviors

Male and female albino rat pups sustained septal destruction at 10 days of age and body weight and water intakes were measured daily throughout development until 200 days of age. During development the septal and control rats received a battery of drinking tests (e.g., cellular dehydration, hypovolemia, renin). Septal rats (males and females) were hyperdipsic for daily water intakes as early as 31 days of age and the daily hyperdipsia persisted through 200 days of age. On the battery of drinking tests, septal rats consumed water at control volumes on all tests except water deprivation (following which females were hyperdipsic) and food deprivation (during which both males and females were hyperdipsic). Urine output-water intake relationships were determined, and a series of food deprivation tests were conducted during development to determine the etiology of the developmental septal hyperdipsia. All results suggest that hyperdipsia associated with septal destruction during the preweaning period is a primary condition and not secondary to altered output mechanisms, abnormal feeding-drinking patterns, or displacement behavior.
Reconciling apparent variability in effects of biochar amendment on soil enzyme activities by assay optimization

We studied the effects of a biochar made from fast pyrolysis of switchgrass on four soil enzymes (β-glucosidase, β-N-acetylglucosaminidase, lipase, and leucine aminopeptidase) to determine if biochar would consistently modify soil biological activities. Thus, we conducted a series of enzyme assays on biochar-amended soils. Inconsistent results from enzyme assays of char-amended soils suggested that biochar had variable effects on soil enzyme activities, thus we conducted a second experiment to determine if biochar reacts predictably with either enzyme or substrate in in vitro reactions. Both colorimetric and fluorescent assays were used for β-glucosidase and β-N-acetylglucosaminidase. Seven days after biochar was added to microcosms of 3 different soils, fluorescence-based assays revealed some increased enzyme activities (up to 7-fold for one measure of β-glucosidase in a shrub-steppe soil) and some decreased activities (one-fifth of the unamended control for lipase measured in the same shrub-steppe soil), compared to non-amended soil. In an effort understand the varied effects, purified enzymes or substrates were briefly exposed to biochar and then assayed. In contrast to the soil assays, except for β-N-acetylglucosaminidase, the exposure of substrate to biochar reduced the apparent activity of the enzymes, suggesting that sorption reactions between substrate and biochar impeded enzyme function. Our findings indicate that fluorometric assays are more robust to, or account for, this sorption better than the colorimetric assays used herein. The activity of purified β-N-acetylglucosaminidase increased 50–75% following biochar exposure, suggesting a chemical enhancement of enzyme function. In some cases, biochar stimulates soil enzyme activities, to a much greater degree than soil assays would indicate, given that substrate reactivity can be impeded by biochar exposure. We conclude that the effects of biochar on enzyme activities in soils are highly variable; these effects are likely associated with reactions between biochar and the target substrate.
Numerical investigation of pressure loss reduction in a power plant stack

Abstract The strengthened environmental laws require the power plants to reduce the emissions. Flue gas desulphurization and deNO x involve adding chemicals to the flow stream, thereby resulting in increased mass flow. This problem could be overcome by reducing the pressure drop in the duct work and stack combination, so that a higher flow at reduced pressure drop can be handled by the existing fans. In this study, a power plant stack model of 1:40 was investigated numerically. The pressure reduction was achieved by introduction of baffles with various orientations and turning vanes at the inlet of the stack. The flows were modeled and analyzed using commercial computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software Fluent 6.2. The numerical results were validated with the experimental data. The 30° baffle without turning vanes was found to be the optimum baffle angle in terms of the pressure loss reduction. Variation of axial velocity, swirling component and turbulence kinetic energy along the axis of the stack was analyzed to understand the mechanism of the pressure loss reduction in a power plant stack. Guidelines for further pressure loss reduction were provided based on the insight gained from the simulation results.
Cortisol production by testicular tumors in a patient with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (21-hydroxylase deficiency)

Bilateral testicular tumors are known to occur in congenital adrenal hyperplasia, but their steroidogenic properties are not well studied. We have recently demonstrated steroid 11 beta-hydroxylase activity in these tumors from a 27-yr-old patient with documented salt-losing congenital hyperplasia (21-hydroxylase deficiency). Spermatic venous blood obtained at operation contained 3.6-5 ng/ml cortisol, as measured by specific RIA after Sephadex LH-20 chromatography. In contrast, the peripheral venous cortisol level was 0.64 ng/ml. The presence of 11 beta-hydroxylase activity was demonstrated by the in vitro conversion of [3H]deoxycorticosterone to [3H]corticosterone in tumor tissue. The conversion ratio of deoxycorticosterone to corticosterone was 4.3% and 7.07%/mg tissue in the tumor tissue, whereas in normal testicular tissue, it was less than 1%. The radiochemical identity of corticosterone was confirmed by rechromatography on Sephadex LH-20, coelution with added [14C]corticosterone, and a constant 3H to 14C ratio after acetylation and thin layer chromatography. The tumor cells grown in primary culture produced steroids and responded to ACTH and hCG. Electron microscopy of the tumor revealed a large number of mitochondria containing electron dense granules. Light microscopy was compatible with Leydig cell tumor. In conclusion, testicular tumors in association with congenital adrenal hyperplasia have morphological features of Leydig cells but have the capability of 11 beta-hydroxylation and cortisol production, properties which are unique to adrenocortical tissue. These findings suggest that they originate from pluripotential cells in the testicles. Regression of these tumors has been reported with optimal biochemical control of the disease.
A weighted support vector machine method for control chart pattern recognition

Manual inspection and evaluation of quality control data is a tedious task that requires the undistracted attention of specialized personnel. On the other hand, automated monitoring of a production process is necessary, not only for real time product quality assessment, but also for potential machinery malfunction diagnosis. For this reason, control chart pattern recognition (CCPR) methods have received a lot of attention over the last two decades. Current state-of-the-art control monitoring methodology includes K charts which are based on support vector machines (SVM). Although K charts have some profound benefits, their performance deteriorate when the learning examples for the normal class greatly outnumbers the ones for the abnormal class. Such problems are termed imbalanced and represent the vast majority of the real life control pattern classification problems. Original SVM demonstrate poor performance when applied directly to these problems. In this paper, we propose the use of weighted support vector machines (WSVM) for automated process monitoring and early fault diagnosis. We show the benefits of WSVM over traditional SVM, compare them under various fault scenarios. We evaluate the proposed algorithm in binary and multi-class environments for the most popular abnormal quality control patterns as well as a real application from wafer manufacturing industry.
QUANTITATIVE METHOD FOR DETERMINATION OF INDOLE, TRYPTOPHAN, AND ANTHRANILIC ACID IN THE SAME ALIQUOT.

Abstract The Ehrlich method for the determination of indole-like compounds was expanded by the appropriate control of acidity and oxidation to differentiate between anthranilic acid, indole, and tryptophan. This method afforded a convenient quantitative determination of these three compounds in the same aliquot. This determination depends upon the reactions of anthranilic acid and indole with p -dimethylaminobenzaldehyde (PDAB) in 0.5 N acid to form colored products. The formation of a colored derivative of tryptophan with PDAB requires the presence of much higher acid concentration (ca. 11 N ) and an oxidizing agent. The color formation does not appear to be affected by the presence of constituents of a synthetic Lactobacillus medium.
Evolution of a transcurrent fault system in shallow crustal metasedimentary rocks: the Norumbega fault zone, eastern Maine

Abstract Differential exhumation in Maine exposes nearly half of the crustal profile of the Norumbega fault zone (NFZ), a major transcurrent fault zone of the Northern Appalachians. A large exposure of turbidites in eastern Maine records a multi-stage deformation history that provides insight into the epizonal evolution of the NFZ. Early deformation (Stage 1) involved episodic bed-parallel faulting with fluids playing a progressively smaller role. Strain was broadly distributed at the exposure but was localized by lithic anisotropy in pelitic layers. Little Stage 1 deformation occurred in the dominant wacke beds (by diffusive mass transfer); most took place in subordinate pelitic horizons by combined diffusive mass transfer and crystal plastic mechanisms. Later (Stage 2) activity was almost entirely brittle, producing isolated NE-trending faults and two deformation zones filled with cataclasite. The latter comprise complexly anastomosing fault strands with multiple slickenline generations indicating episodic faulting. Regional-scale NFZ structures and history mirror those at outcrop scale. Late brittle faulting was superimposed on a broad region that had experienced largely ductile shearing, and the regional-scale brittle deformation was concentrated in three deformation zones characterized by anastomosing fault strands. It is the Stage 2 features that are mapped elsewhere in the Northern Appalachians as the Norumbega fault zone.
Lack of nitric oxide synthases increases lipoprotein immune complex deposition in the aorta and elevates plasma sphingolipid levels in lupus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients display impaired endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) function required for normal vasodilatation. SLE patients express increased compensatory activity of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) generating excess nitric oxide that may result in inflammation. We examined the effects of genetic deletion of NOS2 and NOS3, encoding iNOS and eNOS respectively, on accelerated vascular disease in MRL/lpr lupus mouse model. NOS2 and NOS3 knockout (KO) MRL/lpr mice had higher plasma levels of triglycerides (23% and 35%, respectively), ceramide (45% and 21%, respectively), and sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) (21%) compared to counterpart MRL/lpr controls. Plasma levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin 10 (IL-10) in NOS2 and NOS3 KO MRL/lpr mice were lower (53% and 80%, respectively) than counterpart controls. Nodule-like lesions in the adventitia were detected in aortas from both NOS2 and NOS3 KO MRL/lpr mice. Immunohistochemical evaluation of the lesions revealed activated endothelial cells and lipid-laden macrophages (foam cells), elevated sphingosine kinase 1 expression, and oxidized low-density lipoprotein immune complexes (oxLDL-IC). The findings suggest that advanced vascular disease in NOS2 and NOS3 KO MRL/lpr mice maybe mediated by increased plasma triglycerides, ceramide and S1P; decreased plasma IL-10; and accumulation of oxLDL-IC in the vessel wall. The results expose possible new targets to mitigate lupus-associated complications.
DC power ripple minimization of LCL filter based distributed generation inverter under unbalanced voltage conditions

This paper presents how to minimize a dc power ripple of the LCL filter based distributed generation (DG) inverter under unbalanced operating conditions. Due to the grid fault, the dc power ripple is generated and influenced the life cycle of renewable energy power plant such as photovoltaic systems or fuel cell stacks. In order to minimize the dc power ripple, a modified dq-axis current control with improved current reference is proposed, because the conventional current reference is acceptable only for the L filter based DG inverter but limited for LCL filter based DG inverters. With the proposed modified dq-axis current loop, the dc power ripple is reduced effectively. The proposed control strategy will reduce the impact to the renewable energy sources from the grid fault. As a result, the constant dc power generation of the DG inverter will enhance the stability and reliability of the renewable energy sources. Theoretical equations of voltage, current, and power are well derived. Simulation and hardware-in-the loop experimental results validated the proposed control method under unbalanced operating conditions.
Growth and Partitioning inPascopyrum smithii(C3) andBouteloua gracilis(C4) as Influenced by Carbon Dioxide and Temperature

Abstract This study investigated how CO2and temperature affect dry weight (d.wt) accumulation, total nonstructural carbohydrate (TNC) concentration, and partitioning of C and N among organs of two important grasses of the shortgrass steppe,Pascopyrum smithiiRydb. (C3) andBouteloua gracilis(H.B.K.) Lag. ex Steud. (C4). Treatment combinations comprised two temperatures (20 and 35°C) at two concentrations of CO2(380 and 750 μmol mol-1), and two additional temperatures of 25 and 30°C at 750 μmol mol-1CO2. Plants were maintained under favourable nutrient and soil moisture and harvested following 21, 35, and 49d of treatment. CO2-induced growth enhancements were greatest at temperatures considered favourable for growth of these grasses. Compared to growth at 380 μmol mol-1CO2, final d.wt of CO2-enrichedP. smithiiincreased 84% at 20°C, but only 4% at 35°C. Final d.wt ofB. graciliswas unaffected by CO2at 20°C, but was enhanced by 28% at 35°C. Root:shoot ratios remained relatively constant across CO2levels, but increased inP. smithiiwith reduction in temperature. These partitioning results were adequately explained by the theory of balanced root and shoot activity. Favourable growth temperatures led to CO2-induced accumulations of TNC in leaves of both species, and in stems ofP. smithii, which generally reflected responses of above-ground d.wt partitioning to CO2. However, CO2-induced decreases in plant tissue N concentrations were more evident forP. smithii. Roots of CO2-enrichedP. smithiihad greater total N content at 20°C, an allocation of N below-ground that may be an especially important adaptation for C3plants. Tissue N contents ofB. graciliswere unaffected by CO2. Results suggest CO2enrichment may lead to reduced N requirements for growth in C3plants and lower shoot N concentration, especially at favourable growth temperatures.
The synthesis of various chloroimidazo[4,5‐c]pyridines and related derivatives

A new and convenient route to the synthesis of 4-chloroimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine (IV) has been devised. The preparation of 6-chloroimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine (IX) and 4,6-dichloroimidazo[4, 5-c]pyridine (XX) has been accomplished for the first time by ring closure of the requisite Chloro-3.4-diaminopyridines with ethyl orthoformate and acetic anhydride. Ring closure of 2,4,5-triaminopyridine (XI) with ethyl orthoformate and acetic anhydride gave 6-aminoimidazo[4, 5-c]pyridine (XII). Imidazo[4, 5-c]pyridine-4-thione (XXI has been prepared from 4-chloroimidazo[4, 5-c]pyridine.
NF‐kB signaling blockade abolishes implant particle‐induced osteoclastogenesis

In this study we investigated the effect of NF-kB signaling blockade on polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) particle-induced osteoclastogenesis in vitro. We first established effective blockade of NF-kB activity as tested by electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA). Particle-induced NF-kB activation in murine osteoclast precursor cells (CSF-1-dependent bone marrow macrophages) was markedly reduced by co-treatment of the cells with the NF-kB inhibitors N-tosyl-L-phenylalanine chloromethyl ketone (TPCK) and Calpain Inhibitor I (CPI). This inhibition of NF-kB activity was associated with blockade of p50 NF-kB subunit nuclear translocation. We then established a direct NF-kB inhibition approach by utilizing a TAT-bound, mutant IkB (TAT:IkB(46-317)), and demonstrated an inhibitory effect evidenced by decreased NF-kB DNA binding activity. Having established that these strategies (TPCK, CPI, TAT: IkB(46-317)) effectively block NF-kB activation, we next investigated the effect of these agents on particle-stimulated osteoclast formation. PMMA particle stimulation of mature osteoclast formation from RANKL-primed osteoclast precursor cells was blocked by all three inhibitors. To further test the efficacy of NF-kB blockade, experiments were performed with the TAT:IkB(46-317) mutant peptide in whole bone marrow cultures that contain supporting stromal cells. Again, this inhibitor efficiently blocked particle-induced osteoclastogenesis. Thus, we have shown that pharmaceutical and molecular blockade of NF-kB activation inhibits PMMA particle-directed osteoclastogenesis in vitro.
The clinical relevance of the submucosal cricoid cleft.

Summary Purpose Although fairly uncommon and sometimes difficult to diagnose, laryngeal clefts have been well-defined in the literature. The submucosal cleft variant has been described anatomically, but not clinically. We describe a series of patients with a submucosal cricoid cleft variant and its clinical relevance. Methods This is a case series of patients presenting with submucosal cricoid. A submucosal cricoid cleft is defined as a dehiscent posterior cricoid plate with an intact mucosal bridge. Results Eight patients presented during a 4 year period from October 2002 to September 2006. Patient ages ranged from 6 days to 15 years, with a mean age of 40 months. Four patients (50%) had a submucosal cricoid cleft only while four children presented with a laryngotracheal cleft in addition to the submucosal cricoid cleft. Six patients were diagnosed with subglottic stenosis and had tracheotomies. Four patients (50%) failed laryngotracheal reconstruction (LTR) prior to submucosal cricoid cleft diagnosis. Two patients had their submucosal cricoid cleft diagnosed during initial airway reconstruction surgery. Two patients were diagnosed after feeding difficulties. The submucosal cricoid cleft was felt to be an important factor contributing to the failure of previous laryngotracheal reconstruction. Almost all of the patients (7/8) had co-morbidities. Two patients needed revision airway surgery, both successful. Four of the six patients with a tracheostomy have been decannulated. Conclusion Because of the subtle nature of its clinical presentation, submucosal cricoid cleft can be a challenging diagnostic entity, and the results of surgical reconstruction may be compromised if the cleft is undiagnosed.
Pediatric diphtheria and tetanus toxoids vaccine: Clinical and immunologic response when administered as the primary series

DIPHTHERIA AND TETANUS TOXO1DS vaccine is primarily utilized when there are contraindications to the administration of pertussis vaccine, which is an integral part of the primary immunization program for children in the United States. DTP vaccine is associated with a high rate of adverse reactions, the most significant being permanent neurologic sequelae in about one in 100,000 immunized children) The pertussis component is believed to contribute most significantly to the febrile, behavioral, and local reactions as well as the more severe central nervous system effects?, 3 The Committee on Infectious Diseases of the American Academy of Pediatrics considers inclusion of the pertussis component to be contraindicated when convulsions, encephalitis, focal neurologic reactions, or collapse are associated with the administration of previous DTP vaccine. Infants who demonstrate excessive somnolence, persistent unconsolable screaming for >---3 hours, temperature >105 ~ F (40.5 ~ C), or allergic reaction should not be given additional doses. Although criteria must be individualized for each patient, children with progressive or evolving neurologic disease should not receive DTP vaccine. 3 Recently the recommendation was broadened to defer immunization of children with a previous personal history of seizures, to eliminate the possibility of postimmunization seizures, because the risk appears to be greater in these children. 4 In contrast, the broader British contraindications include history of seizures, or cerebral irritation in the neonatal period; family (parent or sibling) history of
Medications in Mexico: The Growth and Distribution of Pharmacies in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, Mexico from 1996-2011

US pharmacies tend to be located at intersections of major cross streets throughout a city, while in the case of Mexican border cities pharmacies are clustered close to US-Mexico border crossings. Presumably this is due to the volume of US clients who frequent the pharmacies. Although the precise number of border crossings to purchase medications is unclear, it is thought to be significant. In the past, patient-based surveys were the primary source for information regarding US residents crossing the border into Mexico for prescription medications. The current study examines the distribution of pharmacies throughout Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico, recording the change in the number of pharmacies over a 15-year period and suggesting the scale of US residents who use Mexican pharmacies. Field research was conducted in 1996 and 2011. Maps showing the location of pharmacies for these two years indicate a clustering of pharmacies within one and one-half miles of the city’s two principal border-crossings between the United States and Mexico. Provider-based surveys revealed that the majority of patients who use pharmacies closest to the border were US residents.
Is the best interest standard good for pediatrics

We argue that the “best interest standard” for surrogate decision-making is problematic for a number of reasons. First, reliance on the best interest standard is subjective. Second, it leads to behavior that is intolerant and polarizing. Third, appeals to the best interest standard are often vague and indeterminate. After all, cases are usually controversial precisely because reasonable people disagree about what is or is not in a child’s best interest. We then recommend that, instead of the best interest standard, parents should be held to a standard that we call the “not unreasonable” standard. By that standard, parents’ decisions would be respected unless they were deemed unreasonable. This recommendation would allow a greater range for parental discretion than the best interest standard.
Quasi‐equilibrium states of copolymers that simultaneously crystallize and interchange structural units

A quasi-equilibrium model of a step-growth copolymer that crystallizes and interchanges structural units simultaneously is presented. Equilibrium values of counit-sequence-length distribution in the amorphous phase and degree of crystallinity are calculated in a system for which crystallite thickness is determined by nucleation. When applied to calculations, the model predicts that the counits of the amorphous phase will tend to be ordered in blocks. The crystalline content of the whole polymer and the extent of ordering counits along the chain decreases with increasing temperature. The model predicts temperature ranges for some whole copolymers in which one of two similarly stable, disparate combinations of crystallinity and sequence-length distribution may prevail.
Oxazolo analogs of the actinomycin D chromophore

Condensation of a tricyclic phenoxazin-2-amino-3-one (a model for the actinomycin D ring system) with acetaldehyde or benzaldehyde or with pyruvic acid as an acetaldehyde precursor gave tetracyclic 5H-oxazolo[4,5-b]phenoxazines. The pyruvic acid reaction proceeds efficiently in one step. The latter compounds were oxidized in a novel reaction by 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-benzoquinone exclusively at position 8 in the benzenoid ring. Uv, ir, nmr, and mass spectrometric data are reported.
Pairwise key distribution scheme for two-tier sensor networks

Securing data in wireless sensor networks is very important because of hostile environment. And securing data is quite challenging as well because of limited resources the sensor nodes have. Many security schemes have been proposed for homogeneous sensor networks where all the sensor nodes hold similar capabilities. Recently researchers have shown that heterogeneous sensor networks can perform better than homogeneous sensor network. In this paper, we present a new post-deployment pairwise key distribution scheme for two-tier sensor networks. A special tree structure is used for generating the addresses for the nodes in the network. Polynomial based key generating model is used for generating pair-wise keys to be shared with neighbor nodes. The performance evaluation of our scheme shows that it has fewer security overheads, uses little memory to store the keys, and has smaller computation overhead, and is strongly resilient against the node capture attack, in comparison with other already existing important key management approaches.
Visual search in pigeons: Effects of memory set size and display variables

A visual search procedure compared memory and perceptual effects. Pigeons pecked at a target letter in a three-key forced-choice procedure. Experiment 1 varied memory set and display size. Neither had a significant effect on accuracy, and changing memory set from 1 to 2 items did not affect reaction time. However, reaction times grew longer as display size increased from 3 to 9 items (p < .005) and memory set size increased from 1 to 4 (p < .05). Experiment 2 extended memory set size to 6 and display size to 18. Four experienced subjects showed no significant effects of memory set size on accuracy or reaction time, while reaction time increased (p < .005) with increasing display size. Experiment 3 considered effects of distractor redundancy and target-distractor similarity. Mean reaction times for three experienced birds showed persisting display size effects that depended on target-distractor similarity; search was fastest for redundant distractor sets in which the items were relatively dissimilar to the target. Except for the persistence of a display-size effect, these outcomes are consistent with human data.
The Effect of Voice Output on AAC-Supported Conversations of Persons with Alzheimer’s Disease

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the presence or absence of digitized 1--2-word voice output on a direct selection, customized Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) device would affect the impoverished conversations of persons with dementia. Thirty adults with moderate Alzheimer’s disease participated in two personally relevant conversations with an AAC device. For twelve of the participants the AAC device included voice output. The AAC device was the FlexiboardTM containing sixteen messages needed to discuss a favorite autobiographical topic chosen by the participant and his/her family caregivers. Ten-minute conversations were videotaped in participants’ residences and analyzed for four conversational measures related to the participants’ communicative behavior. Results show that AAC devices with digitized voice output depress conversational performance and distract participants with moderate Alzheimer’s disease as compared to similar devices without voice output. There were significantly more 1-word utterances and fewer total utterances when AAC devices included voice output, and the rate of topic elaborations/initiations was significantly lower when voice output was present. Discussion about the novelty of voice output for this population of elders and the need to train elders to use this technology is provided.
Design, synthesis and bioassays of antagonists of LHRH which have high antiovulatory activity and release negligible histamine.

Abstract Potent antagonists of the luteinizing hormone releasing hormone have been achieved which release negligible histamine. [N-Ac-D-2-Nal 1 , D-pClPhe 2 , D-3-Pal 3 , NicLys 5 , D-NicLys 6 , ILys 8 , D-Ala 10 ]-LHRH showed 100%AOA/1μg and 36%/0.5μg; ED 50 >300. [N-Ac-D-2-Nal 1 , D-pClPhe 2 , D-3-Pal 3 , PicLys 5 , D-PicLys 6 , ILys 8 , D-Ala 10 ]-LHRH showed 100% AOA/0.5 μg and 40%/0.25 μg; ED 50 , 93±11, and is the most potent of 52 new peptides. These antagonists feature designs with weakly basic acylated D-Lys 6 , notably D-NicLys 6 and D-PicLys 6 and alkylated Lys 8 or Orn 8 , e.g., ILys 8 and IOrn 8 , and NicLys 5 and PicLys 5 . Concepts included balanced overall basicity, superiority of ILys 8 and IOrn 8 which are sequence dependent and sensitivity of positions 5 and 6 for potency.
Restrictive metric regularity in variational analysis

Abstract Metric regularity is an important property of mappings, which is closely related to the celebrated open mapping theorem and Lyusternik–Graves theorem in nonlinear analysis. The paper is devoted to new developments involving this property and its modifications with applications to modern variational analysis. We introduce a new notion of “restrictive metric regularity”, which is the metric regularity of mappings f : X → Y with the range restricted to the image f ( X ) of X under f. Some characterizations of this property are given with their applications to the first- and second-order generalized differential calculus in arbitrary Banach spaces.
The New Frontier in Qualitative Research Methodology

The past 25 years have seen an unprecedented growth in the use of nontraditional research methods in the social sciences. Interest in new approaches to research are, in part, motivated by the desire to secure more authentic information about the people and situations studied and by the realization that conventional forms of research often constrain the data in ways that misrepresent the phenomena the researcher wishes to understand. As a result of these beliefs and interests, new forms of data representation that elude conventional forms are being employed. These new forms have their promise as well as their perils. This article discusses the context in which these new forms of research have emerged and the promise and the perils they present.
A regression analysis of researchers’ social network metrics on their citation performance in a college of engineering

Abstract Previous research shows that researchers’ social network metrics obtained from a collaborative output network (e.g., joint publications or co-authorship network) impact their performance determined by g-index. We use a richer dataset to show that a scholar's performance should be considered with respect to position in multiple networks. Previous research using only the network of researchers’ joint publications shows that a researcher's distinct connections to other researchers, a researcher's number of repeated collaborative outputs, and a researchers’ redundant connections to a group of researchers who are themselves well-connected has a positive impact on the researchers’ performance, while a researcher's tendency to connect with other researchers who are themselves well-connected (i.e., eigenvector centrality) had a negative impact on the researchers’ performance. Our findings are similar except that we find that eigenvector centrality has a positive impact on the performance of scholars. Moreover, our results demonstrate that a researcher's tendency toward dense local neighborhoods and the researchers’ demographic attributes such as gender should also be considered when investigating the impact of the social network metrics on the performance of researchers.
Pharmacological Advances in Pain and Symptom Control for Digestive and Hepatic Disorder Patients

Major advances in the pharmacotherapy of gastrointestinal and hepatic disorders have occurred in recent years. Important adverse effects on the GI tract due to symptom control medications and on other systems due to GI drugs also have been identified. Digestive and hepatic disorders cause a constellation of symptoms, pain, and suffering often associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Recent pharmacological advances and improved understanding of disease pathogenesis have led to new therapeutic agents and revolutionized drug therapy for GI and hepatic disorders. To address these important advances, the Journal is initiating a series of articles which will review current practices and ongoing developments associated with digestive and hepatic disorders. Management of gastroesophageal reflux disease, Helicobacter pylori and peptic ulcer disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and viral hepatitis will be reviewed as well as the treatment of constipation, and nausea and vomiting unrelated to chemotherap...
IMPROVING SIMULATION EFFICIENCY WITH QUASI CONTROL VARIATES

In a simulation one can often identify a random variable, Y, that is likely to be highly correlated with a random variable of interest, X. If μ Y =E(Y) is known then Y can be used as a control variate to estimate μ X =E(X) more efficiently than by a direct simulation of X. We study the asymptotic properties of a method that uses Y to potentially speed up the simulation when μ Y is not known. The method is effective when μ Y can be efficiently estimated in an auxiliary simulation that does not involve X. We call Y a quasi control variate (QCV). For a simulation of length t>0 time units, we invest pt units estimating μ Y with the auxiliary simulation, yielding Y¯ pt . The remaining qt=(1−p)t units are spent on the main simulation yielding estimates (X˜ qt ,Y˜ qt ) for (μ X ,μ Y ). The two simulations can be interleaved so they are effectively done simultaneously. For each p∈(0,1) and α∈R we have a QCV estimator for μ X , We find p and α that minimize the asymptotic variance parameter (AVP) of Xˆ t (p,α) in ...
Having the Best Intentions is Necessary but not Sufficient: What would Increase the Efficacy of Home Visiting for Preventing Second Teen Pregnancies?

Objective: Identify ways to increase the impact a well-known home-based intervention—the Nurse Family Partnership (NFP)—has on conception rates among teenage mothers. Methods: Secondary analysis of data collected on 111, 13-to-19 years old, primiparas who were visited in their homes by nurses during, and for 2 years after pregnancy. Data bearing on assistance with family and career planning were culled from the nurses’ records. These were graded on a 3-point scale. Higher scores reflected more active, therapeutic interventions. The primary outcome was repeat pregnancy. Results: The pregnancy rate at 6, 12, and 24 months was 8.3%, 18.4%, and 28.1%. Teenagers who conceived were less likely to have used contraceptives during the previous six months than those who did not. Almost everyone received the recommended number of visits. However, discussions and active interventions related to lapses in contraceptive use were only documented during 30% of visits. Those who conceived had as many visits and discussions of this type as those who did not. Nurses rarely involved boyfriends and family. Other differences between teens that did and did not conceive support the NFP theoretical framework. Conclusions: Contrary to the stated aims of the intervention, the nurses rarely documented therapeutic interventions that could make repeated childbearing fit less harmoniously into the teenagers’ lives. The best way to strengthen the impact of this program on teen pregnancy rates is to deepen the nurses’ training so that they are able to intervene actively enough to bring about behavioral change in family planning.
A VME/VMX - CAMAC Interface and Crate Controller

A VME/VMX bus interface has been designed and built to interface a VME-based data acquisition system to CAMAC. The interface communicates via a differential bus with a companion unit that functions as a CAMAC crate controller. The interface maps both VMiE and VMX address cycles into appropriate CAMAC cycles. Special diagnostic features have been incorporated in the design to allow quick fault detection and location.
G-Protein Control of the Ribosome-Associated Stress Response Protein SpoT

The bacterial response to stress is controlled by two proteins, RelA and SpoT. RelA generates the alarmone (p)ppGpp under amino acid starvation, whereas SpoT is responsible for (p)ppGpp hydrolysis and for synthesis of (p)ppGpp under a variety of cellular stress conditions. It is widely accepted that RelA is associated with translating ribosomes. The cellular location of SpoT, however, has been controversial. SpoT physically interacts with the ribosome-associated GTPase CgtA, and we show here that, under an optimized salt condition, SpoT is also associated with a pre-50S particle. Analysis of spoT and cgtA mutants and strains overexpressing CgtA suggests that the ribosome associations of SpoT and CgtA are mutually independent. The steady-state level of (p)ppGpp is increased in a cgtA mutant, but the accumulation of (p)ppGpp during amino acid starvation is not affected, providing strong evidence that CgtA regulates the (p)ppGpp level during exponential growth but not during the stringent response. We show that CgtA is not associated with pre-50S particles during amino acid starvation, indicating that under these conditions in which (p)ppGpp accumulates, CgtA is not bound either to the pre-50S particle or to SpoT. We propose that, in addition to its role as a 50S assembly factor, CgtA promotes SpoT (p)ppGpp degradation activity on the ribosome and that the loss of CgtA from the ribosome is necessary for maximal (p)ppGpp accumulation under stress conditions. Intriguingly, we found that in the absence of spoT and relA, cgtA is still an essential gene in Escherichia coli.
Progesterone and progesterone metabolite concentrations in implantation sites in the pregnant rat.

Abstract Endometrial uptake and metabolism of progesterone were studied in early pregnant rats to determine whether the presence of blastocysts alters endometrial progesterone dynamics during the periimplantation period. Animals were anesthetized and infused continously on Day 6 of pregnancy with [3H] progesterone. A control group of rats carried a surgically induced decidua in one cornu. At 90 min, rats were injected intravenously with Evans blue to stain implantation sites and decidua. At 120 min, blood was obtained from the inferior vena cava, the uterus removed, and placed on ice. Implantation and interimplantation sites, decidualized and undecidualized endometrium were identified, carefully scraped free of the myometrium and stored at −20°C until assayed. Radiolabeled progesterone and its metabolites were extracted from endometrial tissues with ethyl acetate, isolated by thin layer chromatography, counted, and calculated. Serum progesterone was measured by radioimmunoassay. The concentration of progesterone was significantly (p
Cranial vault remodeling for sagittal craniosynostosis in older children

OBJECT Sagittal craniosynostosis is the most common form of craniosynostosis and is commonly treated within the first year of life. Optimal treatment of patients older than 1 year of age is not well characterized. The authors reviewed cases of sagittal craniosynostosis involving patients who were treated surgically at their institution when they were older than 1 year in order to determine the rate of intracranial hypertension (ICH), potential to develop nonhealing cranial defects, and the need for various surgical procedures to treat the more mature phenotype. METHODS A retrospective chart review was conducted of all cases in the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh Neurosurgery Database involving patients who underwent cranial vault remodeling for scaphocephaly after 1 year of age between October 2000 and December 2010. RESULTS Ten patients were identified who met the inclusion criteria. Five patients underwent anterior two-thirds cranial vault remodeling procedures, 3 patients underwent posterior vault remodeling, and 2 patients underwent 2-staged total vault remodeling. All patients had improved head shapes, and mean cephalic indices improved from 65.4 to 69.1 (p = 0.05). Six patients exhibited signs of ICH. No patients with more than 3 months of follow-up exhibited palpable calvarial defects. CONCLUSIONS Patients with sagittal synostosis treated after 1 year of age demonstrate increased rates of ICH, warranting diligent evaluations and surveillance to detect it; rarely develop clinically significant cranial defects if appropriate bone grafting is performed at the time of surgery; and achieve acceptable improvements in head shape.
Definition and Examples of Functionally Upgraded Passive Devices

The research field of structural control has evolved from the development of passive devices since 1970s, through the intensive investigation on active systems in 1980s, to the recent studies of semi-active and hybrid control systems in 1990s. Currently semi-active control is considered most promising in civil engineering applications. However, actual implementation of semi-active devices is still limited due mainly to their system maintenance and associated long-term reliability as a result of power requirements. In this paper, the concept of functionally upgraded passive devices is introduced and clearly defined. They can mimic the function of their corresponding semi-active control devices for various applications. They have clearly-defined counterparts, conventional passive devices, but with superior performance in certain functions. They require virtually no maintenance in applications and expect to gain wide acceptance in engineering practices.
Influence of through-thickness reinforcement aspect ratio on mode I delamination fracture resistance

Interlaminar reinforcement may be achieved in a composite laminate by the insertion and bonding of stiff rods through the thickness. It is experimentally shown in the paper that increased aspect ratio (AR) of through-thickness rods significantly elevates mode I maximum delamination fracture resistance of a laminate. This effect is explained through the analysis of rod/laminate interfacial stress transfer. Lower interfacial shear stresses occur for interlaminar rods of greater AR for equivalent bridging traction against opening delamination. Thereby, a larger AR allows the rod to develop a greater closure force prior to the rod debonding from the laminate. Further, these results show that this approach for interlaminar reinforcement is best applied to laminates of thickness-to-rod diameter ratio sufficient to allow for insertion of high aspect ratio reinforcement rods.
Dura splitting decompression for Chiari I malformation in pediatric patients: clinical outcomes, healthcare costs, and resource utilization.

BACKGROUND Dural splitting decompression may be an effective and safe treatment for Chiari I malformation. OBJECTIVE To compare clinical outcomes, complications, and resource utilization for patients undergoing Chiari I decompression with or without duraplasty. METHODS Between 2000 and 2009, the senior author performed 113 Chiari I decompression operations with dural splitting or duraplasty in children less than 18 years of age; 110 were included in a retrospective cohort analysis of safety, efficacy, and treatment cost. Patients without significant syringomyelia underwent dural splitting decompression, and patients with syringomyelia underwent duraplasty. RESULTS : Sixty-three patients without significant syringomyelia (57%) underwent dural splitting decompression. They were significantly younger than patients undergoing duraplasty (8.3 ± 4.9 years vs 10.4 ± 4.4 years; P < .05). Headaches improved or resolved in most patients in both groups (90.5% vs 93.6%; P = .59). Dysphagia, long tract signs, cranial nerve, and bulbar symptoms also improved similarly in both groups. Three duraplasty patients were treated medically for aseptic meningitis; one underwent reoperation for a symptomatic pseudomeningocele. No patient undergoing dural splitting decompression experienced a cerebrospinal fluid-related complication. Extradural decompression required less operative time than duraplasty (105.5 vs 168.9 minutes, P < .001), a shorter length of stay (2.4 vs 2.8 days, P = .011), and lower total cost for the primary hospitalization ($26 837 vs $29 862, P = .015). CONCLUSION In this retrospective cohort study, dural splitting decompression was equally effective, safer, and lower cost for treatment of Chiari I malformation without syringomyelia. A multicenter trial with groups balanced for the presence of syringomyelia is necessary to determine whether these results are generalizable.
Urban American Indian Identity: Negotiating Indianness in Northeast Ohio

The number of people identifying as American Indian has increased exponentially in recent decades and the largest increases have occurred in non-reservation environments. Demographic research shows that “new” Indians, or people who did not previously identify as Indians, have contributed to this growth, but little is known about the experience of Indian identity for this segment of the population. My research draws on 39 interviews and 2 ½ years of field work in two Northeast Ohio pan-Indian communities, one comprised primarily of “new” Indians who are reclaiming Indian identities, and one comprised primarily of “old” Indians who relocated from reservation environments to the urban sphere. I explore how these distinct pathways to urban Indian identity—reclamation and relocation—manifest in different experiences for Northeast Ohio Indians. My comparative analysis reveals that both reclaimers and relocators find it difficult to assert American Indian identities in interactions with Northeast Ohio residents. Accomplishing “Indianness” in personal and public realms is particularly challenging for reclaimers, however, because they lack tangible evidence (e.g., brown skin, government issued identification cards) to support their Indian identity claims.
The idea of social development

We are witnessing today a widespread burgeoning of sociological interest in the topic of social development. Courses and seminars are being installed to treat it articles and books are being written about it local and international conferences are setting it as a major theme and many students are launching research projects under its name. We may confidently anticipate an even greater expansion of this interest in the period immediately ahead. Underlying most of this sociological effort is the presumption that "social development" represents a delimitable field of social happening with some kind of common or generic character that sets it apart from other areas of social happening. It is believed that diligent sociological study of this field will yield series of generalizations which will fuse into a body of scientific knowledge of "social development". In the present paper I propose to examine critically how sociologists are treating the topic of social development. This paper will show that sociologists are astonishingly vague and confused as to what they mean by social development. The paper will also raise legitimate doubts as to whether their current treatment of the topic could possibly refer to any generic form of social happening. The consideration at this time of these lines of critical discernment may help to give a clearer perspective and to avoid much fruitless effort. (excerpt)