cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Scintigraphic measurement of oropharyngeal transit in man.

Scintigraphic studies of the oropharyngeal transit of a liquid bolus were performed in 15 healthy controls, 12 patients with symptoms of oral-pharyngeal dysphagia, and 13 patients with neuromuscular disease, who did not have dysphagia. Gamma camera imaging of the head, neck, and upper thorax was undertaken, in the lateral projection, during the swallowing of the radiolabeled bolus of water. Inspection of summed images permitted the selection of regions of interest (ROI) to represent the mouth, pharynx, and upper esophagus. Transit times between each ROI were calculated and compared. Significant prolongation of bolus transit time between the mouth and esophagus was present in both patients with and without dysphagia (0.59 ± 0.38 sec and 0.33 ± 0.7 sec; mean ± SD, respectively) compared with controls (0.26 ± 0.04 sec P < 0.001, P < 0.01, respectively, Mann-Whitney U test). Repeat studies in 25 individuals indicated that the transit measurements were more reproducible between swallows in normal subjects than in patients with symptoms. Deglutitive scintigraphy provides a noninvasive technique for the quantitative study of swallowing and its disorders.
Can surgeons predict what makes a good TKA? Intraoperative surgeon impression of TKA quality does not correlate with Knee Society scores.

Background Surgeons generally agree on what they want to achieve when performing TKA. However, we do not know which technical quality goals are correct, important, or irrelevant to achieve adequate function or durability.
THE PERFORMANCE OF APHASICS ON THREE AUTOMATED PERCEPTUAL DISCRIMINATION PROGRAMS.

Five aphasics and five controls were compared in their response to three perceptual discrimination programs presented in automated fashion. The programs, composed of shapes based upon those necessa...
Effects of limb posture on reactive hyperemia

To examine the role of limb posture on vascular conductance during rapid changes in vascular transmural pressure, we determined brachial (n = 10) and femoral (n = 10) artery post-occlusive reactive hyperemic blood flow (RHBF, ultrasound/Doppler) and vascular conductance in healthy humans with each limb at three different positions—horizontal, up and down. Limb posture was varied by raising or lowering the arm or leg from the horizontal position by 45°. In both limbs, peak RHBF and vascular conductance were highest in the down or horizontal position and lowest in the up position (arm up 338 ± 38, supine 430 ± 52, down 415 ± 52 ml/min, P < 0.05; leg up 1,208 ± 88, supine 1,579 ± 130, down 1,767 ± 149 ml/min, P < 0.05). In contrast, the maximal dynamic fall in blood flow following peak RHBF (in ml/s/s) in both limbs was highest in the limb-down position and lowest with the limb elevated (P < 0.05). These data suggest that the magnitude and temporal pattern of limb reactive hyperemia is in part related to changes in vascular transmural pressure and independent of systemic blood pressure and sympathetic control.
Surgical management of obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: the gold standard

While medication is the first line of therapy in obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, patients who have symptoms refractory to medical treatment or asymptomatic patients with high resting gradients (>or=30 mmHg) may require septal myectomy. Surgical septal myectomy can be performed safely, with excellent survival, relief from symptoms and low morbidity. Alcohol septal ablation is an alternative to surgical treatment, but late outcomes are uncertain. Although both methods of septal reduction relieve left ventricular outflow tract gradients and improve functional status, the need for permanent pacing appears higher with alcohol ablation compared with surgical myectomy. As our understanding of obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy continues to grow, the indications for intervention will evolve. In our practice, septal myectomy remains the gold standard for treatment of obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
Pyrrolizidine alkaloids from Amsinckia

Abstract In conjunction with a chemosystematic analysis of the genus Amsinckia , the novel pyrrolizidine alkaloids tessellatine and 3′,7-diacetylintermedine were isolated and structurally elucidated by chromatographic (GC and TLC) and spectroscopic (mass, and 1 H and 13 C NMR) experiments. The 1 H and 13 C NMR spectra of viridiflorine are also discussed in detail.
Analysis of electric vehicle charge scheduling and effects on electricity demand costs

Due to the recent inflow of electric vehicles (EVs) to the automobile market, new concerns have risen with respect to the additional electrical load and the resultant effects on an overloaded electric grid. It takes approximately three to four hours to fully charge the battery of some common EVs depending on battery capacities. Either for convenience purposes or possibly necessity due to limited electric range on EVs, some EV owners may desire to charge their EV while at work in addition to charging at home. These forward-thinking daytime charging providers are typically Commercial and Industrial (C&I) electric ratepayers, or other large electric consumers which constitute the majority of businesses, shopping centers, academic campuses and manufacturing facilities. C&I consumers generally pay for electricity consumption based not only on total energy consumed, but also on peak electric demand measurements because certain portions of the working day are traditionally associated with C&I peak load periods. Electricity consumption during these periods results in higher electricity costs due to differences in the billing structures. Therefore, uncontrolled EV charging in large numbers potentially creates significant peak demand increases resulting in higher electric costs for the C&I ratepayer and exacerbating grid issues relating to electric generation and grid stability. Proper scheduling of EV charging is a necessity to avoid such increases in peak electric demand. Scheduling can be implemented in a number of ways including traditional process control strategies such as model predictive control or machine scheduling algorithms. When viewed as a parallel machine scheduling problem, charging stations can be considered as identical machines and the EV charging transactions required can be seen as jobs with varying processing times and due dates. The goal of such an algorithm is to schedule EV charging so that total electricity cost is minimized but off-peak charging activity is maximized. Due to the nature of electricity billing structures and cost calculations for C&I ratepayers, the machine scheduling algorithm must use time index based operations. This paper examines the EV charge scheduling problem and casts it as a parallel machine scheduling problem with availability constraints. Particularly, this study develops several heuristic scheduling algorithms such as Greedy Local Search and Simulated Annealing. These algorithms are evaluated using MATLAB (Mathworks MATLAB R2012b, 2012) to compare performance. In addition, the general-purpose optimization solver CPLEX (Ibm, ILOG CPLEX, 2012) is used to determine exact solutions for small size problems, which is then used to benchmark the performance of the other algorithms studied.
A Comparison of Two Nitrogen Credit Methods: Traditional vs. Difference

Cereals and other nonlegumes typically require less fertilizer N when grown following a legume. Nitrogen credits for a previous legume crop often are used to reduce fertilizer N recommendations in combination with other site-specific information. Researchers continue to use two methods of determining N credits, the traditional and difference techniques, which often produce unequal estimates. Our objective was to clarify when each method provides accurate N credit estimates. The traditional method compares yield of a nonfertilized nonlegume crop grown in rotation to the fertilizer N response curve of the continuously cropped nonlegume. This approach assumes that fertilizer N compensates for all benefits of rotation. The difference method compares the economic N rate of the nonlegume crop grown in rotation with that of the continuously cropped nonlegume. We use examples from the literature to demonstrate that when non-N rotation effects are present, N credit estimates from the two methods will differ. The difference method is more accurate and should be used unless it has been demonstrated that non-N rotation effects are not present.
Scalar dissipation and mixing in turbulent reacting flows

The mixing term that appears in probability density function‐based formulations of the statistical behavior of turbulent reacting flows was studied with the use of direct numerical simulations of an irreversible, second‐order, isothermal chemical reaction between initially segregated reactants in decaying, homogeneous turbulence. Three‐dimensional, time‐dependent pseudospectral calculations with 643 Fourier modes were made as well as were Monte Carlo simulations of the joint concentration pdf equations for coalescence–dispersion (C/D) models. It was found that the development of the scalar microscales depends largely on the initial concentration distributions (both isotropic and nonisotropic distributions were used) and is relatively independent of the reaction rate constant. Joint concentration probability density functions (pdf ’s) were compared to predictions of C/D models that make use of parameters evaluated from the nonreacting or inert system. Although the models predict proper variance decay when the microscales are specified, the shapes of the pdf ’s are not accurately predicted, in that the models predict too rapid a growth of probability near the mean value.
Predicting intentions to obtain a Pap smear among African American and Latina women: testing the theory of planned behavior.

OBJECTIVE To determine the empirical adequacy of the theory of planned behavior (TPB) to explain Pap smear use intentions in African American and Latina women. METHOD A correlational design was used, and a convenience sample of 108 African American and 96 Latina adult women were recruited from urban community-based agencies located in a large mid-Atlantic metropolitan area. The Pap Smear Questionnaire (PSQ) was designed and used. The Demographic Assessment Survey collected demographic information (age and socioeconomic status for both groups; and level of acculturation for the Latinas). RESULTS Direct relationships between attitude and perceived behavioral control and intention to obtain an annual Pap smear were found for African American and Latina women. The subjective norm did not significantly predict intention. Attitude (beta = .58; p < .001) provided the best explanation of intention among African American women to obtain an annual Pap smear, followed by perceived behavioral control (beta = .30; p < .001). Among Latinas, the findings reflected those of the African American sample. However, attitude (beta = .40; p < .001) and perceived behavioral control (beta = .35; p < .001) were weighted similarly. The external variables of age and income had indirect effects on intention for African American and Latina women, respectively. CONCLUSION The study findings did not support the empirical adequacy of the TPB for either of the ethnic groups. Future studies should test a modified version of the TPB that includes measures of both social support and subjective norms. Direct measure items of subjective norm, group-specific measures of perceptions of control, and other measures of acculturation should be added to the PSQ and further tested.
β-6 Integrin, tenascin-C, and MMP-1 expression in salivary gland neoplasms

Summary β-6 Integrin, tenascin-C, and MMP-1 (matrix metalloproteinase-1) are invasion-related proteins that are frequently overexpressed in many human malignancies. The objective of this study was to determine whether there is overexpression of these molecules in three types of salivary neoplasms showing markedly different behavior. A total of 55 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded archived specimens comprising 19 adenoid cystic carcinomas (ACC), 18 polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinomas (PLGA) and 18 pleomorphic adenomas (PA) were utilized in this study. A standard immunohistochemical technique was used to determine the expression levels of β-6 integrin, tenascin-C, and matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) proteins. Sections were assessed semiquantitatively, and tumors were divided into two groups, low-expressors (0–1+) and high-expressors (2–3+) for statistical analysis. Staining was graded as 0 ( 50% positive cells). The results showed that the malignant tumors were higher expressors of β-6 than the benign tumors. ACCs showed significantly higher expression of β-6 than PAs ( p = 0.04). No significant difference was observed between ACCs and PLGAs. β-6 expression was rarely seen in normal salivary gland epithelium and was occasionally present in mucosa overlying the tumors. PAs were high-expressors of tenascin-C with a significant difference relative to ACCs ( p = 0.03). A majority of tumors in all three tumor types showed high expression of MMP1 with expression significantly greater in the PAs compared to ACCs ( p = 0.008). We conclude that ACCs and PLGAs express β-6, tenascin-C, and MMP-1, but that their expression patterns are not significantly different. β-6 appears to be more closely associated with the malignant tumors, and MMP-1 more closely associated with the benign tumors. We believe that β-6, tenascin-C, and MMP-1 proteins are part of the molecular repertoire used by salivary tumors for malignant invasion and benign tumor expansion.
Muslim communities in Southern India and Sri Lanka: population, traders and agriculture

(1984). Muslim communities in Southern India and Sri Lanka: population, traders and agriculture. Institute of Muslim Minority Affairs. Journal: Vol. 5, No. 1, pp. 167-180.
US Government agencies confirm that low‐tax jurisdictions are not money‐laundering havens

Refers to the conclusion by the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and State Department that low‐tax jurisdictions do not attract a disproportionate share of dirty money; the Financial Action Task Force agrees, even though it is part of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), notorious for its anti‐tax haven initiative. Points out that in fact so‐called tax havens are not money laundering centres, and that most money in tax havens is institutional investment; all rating systems of money laundering find that non‐tax havens outnumber tax havens. Argues that high‐tax nations’ laws against money laundering are not very successful, as the US Treasury estimates that 99.9% of the criminal money in the USA is laundered successfully; the laws tend to focus on process rather than results. Makes suggestions for improving international cooperation against money laundering.
Current generation mechanisms in small band gap HgCdTe p-n junctions fabricated by ion implantation

A detailed study has been made of the current-voltage characteristics of Hd1-xCdxTe ion-implanted p-n junctions with x ⋍ 0.224. It is found that the dark currents, for diodes of high quality, can be represented over a broad range of voltage and temperature by three current components. A diffusion current dominates in the small bias region at temperatures > 50 K. This current component is also observed at sufficiently high forward biases at low temperatures. At temperatures of 30<T<50 K in the small bias region, a current component with a positive temperature coefficient is observed. This component, which we call Type II tunneling, has a logarithmic voltage dependence in forward bias and some of the properties of this current can be accounted for by trap-assisted tunneling models for excess current in Esaki diodes. At sufficiently high reverse bias at elevated temperatures and in the small bias region at T<30 K, the current is generated by internal field emission; this component is called Type I tunneling. The reverse bias current data are analyzed in terms of band-to-band tunneling probability expressions and good agreement is found between experiment and theory. This current has a negative temperature coefficient. Generation-recombination currents are not observed in these diodes; this conclusion is based on the observation that in the forward bias region where diffusion currents are small the observed logarithmic current has a slope which is almost temperature insensitive. In addition, the temperature dependence of the current does not obey an Arrhenius-type expression, as expected for thermally activated processes. The dominant current component limiting the zero bias resistance area (R0A) products at temperatures 30<T<500 K is Type II tunneling and the temperature dependence of this component remains unexplained. The dark currents measured on diodes of different quality in the voltage-temperature region where tunneling is dominant are highly nonuniform. This observation suggests variations in tunneling junction parameters or/and changes in the properties of the defect states contributing to carrier generation. At temperatures below 20 K we observed structures in the forward bias current. These features suggest hump currents associated with discrete defect levels and phonon-assisted tunneling processes.
Upper Atmosphere Emission Spectrum at Millimetre Wavelengths

THE far-infrared properties of the atmosphere have been studied chiefly in solar absorption measurements from high mountain sites1–3 and aircraft4. Gebbie et al.5 have surveyed the atmospheric emission spectrum from 15 to 60 cm−1 from an aircraft. We report here the first observation from aircraft altitudes of the sky emission spectrum between 5 and 20 cm−1, with an instrumental resolution of ∼0.1 cm−1.
Controllability and observability of hybrid systems

Abstract A special class of hybrid systems is considered, whose state space is a cross-product space of a euclidean space and a finite-state space. Such models may be used to represent systems subject to known abrupt parameter variations, such as commu- tated networks. They may also be used to approximate some types of time-varying systems. Controllability, observability and stability of hybrid systems are inves- tigated. In particular, a necessary and sufficient algebraic condition, a simple algebraic criterion and a computationally simple algebraic sufficient test for controllability and observability are derived. Moreover, a simple sufficient stability condition is provided.
α-Tocopheryl succinate sensitizes established tumors to vaccination with nonmatured dendritic cells

Purpose: Dendritic cells (DCs) are considered potential candidates for cancer immunotherapy due to their ability to process and present antigens to T cells and stimulate immune responses. However, DC-based vaccines have exhibited minimal effectiveness against established tumors in mice and human cancer patients. The use of appropriate adjuvants can enhance the efficacy of DC-based cancer vaccines in treating established tumors. Methods: In this study we have employed α-tocopheryl succinate (α-TOS), a nontoxic esterified analogue of vitamin E, as an adjuvant to enhance the effectiveness of DC vaccines in treating established murine Lewis lung (3LL) carcinomas. Results: We demonstrate that locally or systemically administered α-TOS in combination with nonmatured DCs injected intratumorally (i.t.) or subcutaneously (s.c.) significantly inhibits the growth of preestablished 10-day tumors (mean tumor volume of 77.5 ± 17.8 mm3 on day 30 post–tumor injection) as compared to α-TOS alone (mean tumor volume of 471 ± 68 mm3 on day 30 post–tumor injection). Additionally, the adjuvant effect of α-TOS was superior to that of cyclophosphamide (CTX). The mean tumor volume on day 28 post–tumor injection in mice treated with CTX+DCs was 611 ± 94 mm3 as compared to 105 ± 36 mm3 in mice treated with α-TOS+DCs. Analysis of purified T lymphocytes from mice treated with α-TOS+DC revealed significantly increased secretion of IFN-γ as compared to T cells from the various control groups. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the potential usefulness of α-tocopheryl succinate, an agent nontoxic to normal cell types, as an adjuvant to augment the effectiveness of DC-based vaccines in treating established tumors.
Benzo[b]thiophene derivatives. XXVI. 5‐methoxy‐6‐chloro‐3‐β‐acetamidoethylbenzo[b ]thiophene, a blocked analog of melatonin

A potential anti-ovulatory agent, 5-methoxy-6-chloro-3-β-acetamidoethylbenzo[b]thiophene, a sulfur analog of melatonin having the 6-position blocked to inhibit oxidative metabolism, has been synthesized from 3-hydroxy-4-chloroacetophenone.
Cyclic GMP can increase rod outer-segment light-sensitive current 10-fold without delay of excitation.

To test the hypothesis that cyclic GMP is the internal messenger coupling rhodopsin activation to membrane excitation in vertebrate rod photoreceptors, we used a novel technique combining measurement of membrane currents of isolated salamander rods with a suction electrode and the introduction of cyclic GMP through a whole-cell recording patch pipette. Rupture of an attached patch was followed by a rapid (∼10 s), approximately 10-fold increase in outer-segment membrane current, all of which was light-sensitive. There was little change in the rising phase of the response to a saturating flash, but the duration of the saturated phase of the response increased ∼10-fold. The effects reversed completely within 3–4 min after withdrawal of the cyclic GMP-containing patch pipette. A formal kinetic analysis shows that the first two observations are inconsistent with the postulate that cyclic GMP opens the light-sensitive conductance by simple binding to channels, unless free cyclic GMP in the outer segment is assumed to be much lower than published estimates, and most of the outer-segment cyclic GMP is bound and inexchangeable on the timescale of 200 ms. Furthermore, our results suggest that rod cyclic GMP is not involved solely in keeping the light-sensitive conductance open, but may also affect the activity of the phosphodiesterase that mediates cyclic GMP hydrolysis.
Inhomogeneous shearing of strain-stiffening rubber-like hollow circular cylinders

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of strain-stiffening for the classical problems of axial and azimuthal shearing of a hollow circular cylinder composed of an incompressible isotropic non-linearly elastic material. For some specific strain-energy densities that give rise to strain-stiffening in the stress–stretch response, the stresses and resultant axial forces are obtained in explicit closed form. While such results are well known for classical constitutive models such as the Mooney–Rivlin and neo-Hookean models, our main focus is on materials that undergo severe strain-stiffening in the stress–stretch response. In particular, we consider in detail two phenomenological constitutive models that reflect limiting chain extensibility at the molecular level and involve constraints on the deformation. The amount of shearing that tubes composed of such materials can sustain is limited by the constraint. Numerical results are also obtained for an exponential strain-energy that exhibits a less abrupt strain-stiffening effect. Potential applications of the results to the biomechanics of soft tissues are indicated.
Person and situation views of leadership: A multiple levels of analysis approach

Over five decades, leadership research has examined whether personal characteristics, situational factors, or some combination explains behaviors, attitudes, and perceptions about leadership. To integrate and clarify this vast literature, a multiple levels of analysis approach is used. In particular, person, situation, and person-situation views of leadership are conceptualized in terms of different perspectives at the person, group, and collective levels of analysis. Implications of the multiple-level approach for future leadership research and managerial practice are discussed.
Effects of host‐odour plume altitude and changing wind velocity on upwind flight manoeuvres of a specialist braconid parasitoid

. Females of the specialist parasitoid, Microplitis croceipes (Cresson) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), were released in a wind tunnel into host-odour plumes dispersed by winds of three velocities and winds whose speed was changed while the wasps were engaged in upwind flight. In steady winds of 61, 122 and 183 cms--1, wasps maintained similar ‘preferred’ ground speeds by adjusting their airspeed, while turning to a lesser degree as wind velocity increased. In winds of changing velocity (either increasing or decreasing within a 60–100 cm s-1 range), wasps lowered their rate of upwind progress, leading to more tortuous tracks. During changing wind speeds longitudinal image flow decreased. Wasps flying in host-odour plumes 10 cm and 20 cm above the flight tunnel floor in a 122 cm s-1 wind had similar ground speeds; thus their rate of ventral visual image flow varied two-fold. M.croceipes may ‘aim’ upwind by comparing how changes in the course angle vary with the direction of visual image flow. During changing wind velocities the relationship between changes in visual and flight muscle generated torque is ambiguous. Under these conditions most wasps cast, a manoeuvre characterized by wide lateral excursions across the wind without upwind progress. Once wind speed stabilizes, flight straightens out and upwind flight resumes.
Comparison of Subcutaneous Fat Thickness, Marbling and Quality Grade for Predicting Palatability of Beef

Beef from yearling steers (n = 254) which were fed either grass only or high-concentrate diets was used to study subcutaneous fat thickness as an alternative method for grading beef carcasses. Assigning carcasses to three expected-palatability groups based on fat thickness was at least equivalent to, and perhaps slightly more precise than, the use of USDA quality grades for grouping the carcasses according to expected palatability. There were progressive increases in palatability of cooked beef as fat thickness of carcasses from cattle fed 90–160 days increased from less than 2.53 mm up to 7.61 mm, but quantities greater than 7.61 mm did not further improve palatability.
Influence of light intensity during growth on photosynthesis and activity of several key photosynthetic enzymes in a C4 plant (Zea mays)

Maize (Zea mays L. Hybrid Sweet Corn, Royal Crest), a C4 plant, was grown under different light regimes, after which the rate of photosynthesis and activities of several photosynthetic enzymes (per unit leaf chlorophyll) were measured at different light intensities. Plants were grown outdoors under direct sunlight or 23% of direct sunlight, and in growth chambers at photosynthetic photon flux densities of about 20% and 8% of direct sunlight. The plants grown under direct sunlight had a higher light compensation point than plants grown under lower light. At a light intensity about 25% of direct sunlight, plants from all growth regimes had a similar rate of photosynthesis. Under saturating levels of light the plants grown under direct sunlight had a substantially higher rate of photosynthesis than plants grown under the lower light regimes. The higher photosynthetic capacity in the plants grown under direct sunlight was accompanied by an increased activity of several photosynthetic enzymes and in the amount of the soluble protein in the leaf. Among five photosynthetic enzymes examined, RuBP carboxylase (EC 4.1.1.39) and pyruvate, Pi dikinase (EC 2.7.9.1) were generally just sufficient to account for rates of photosynthesis under saturating light; thus, these may be rate limiting enzymes in C4 photosynthesis. Pyruvate, Pi dikinase and NADP-malate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.82) were the only enzymes examined which were light activated and increased in activity with increasing light intensity. In the low light grown plants the activity of pyruvate, Pi dikinase closely paralleled the photosynthetic rate measured under different light levels. With the plants grown under direct sunlight, as light intensity was increased the activation of pyruvate, Pi dikinase and NADP+-malate dehydrogenase proceeded more rapidly than photosynthesis.
Descending perineum syndrome: audit of clinical and laboratory features and outcome of pelvic floor retraining

Descending perineum syndrome: audit of clinical and laboratory features and outcome of pelvic floor retraining
A framework for contextual information in digital collections

Purpose – This paper sets out to investigate the meaning, role and implications of contextual information associated with digital collections.Design/methodology/approach – This paper is based on an extensive review and analysis of both the scholarly literature from many disciplines about the concept of context and the professional literature (including standards) related to the description of information artifacts. The paper provides an analysis of context, distinguishing three main ways in which that term has been used within the scholarly literature. It then discusses contextual information within digital collections, and presents a framework for contextual information. It goes on to discuss existing standards and guidance documents for encoding information related to the nine classes of contextual entities, concluding with a discussion of potential implications for descriptive practices through the lifecycle of digital objects.Findings – The paper presents a framework for contextual information that is...
Despite Overall Improvement In Surgical Outcomes Since 2000, Income-Related Disparities Persist

Despite improvements in health care, disparities in care still exist and are widening for some health measures. This study examined postsurgical outcomes for patients from low-income areas as compared to outcomes for those from high-income areas in the United States from 2000 to 2009. We found that postsurgical outcomes improved in general, with significant decreases in nine of twelve mortality and patient safety measures and an increase in one measure. Patients from low-income areas had worse surgical outcomes than those from high-income areas for nine of twelve measures in both 2000 and 2009. The disparities in outcomes between low- and high-income groups did not change significantly for nine of the twelve measures. For the three measures that did change significantly, in only two of the cases was the change favorable for patients from low-income areas. These findings have implications for efforts to improve surgical outcomes and health policy and indicate the need for research on the cause of continued...
Influences of zinc on fertilisation and development of bovine oocytes in vitro.

The effects of zinc (as ZnCl2) on in vitro production of bovine embryos (IVMFC) and components of the procedure, that is in vitro oocyte maturation (IVM), fertilisation (IVF) and embryo development in culture (IVC), and the effect of added zinc on sperm motility were studied. Immature cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) were aspirated from ovarian follicles (2-5 mm diameter) at slaughter, and matured, fertilised and cultured in chemically defined conditions. The presence of zinc (10, 100 or 1000 μg added per millilitre) throughout IVMFC inhibited fertilisation. After addition of 10 μg zinc per millilitre separately to media for IVM and IVF, fertilisation was inhibited only when zinc was present for IVM. When present for IVF, 80% of oocytes selected for IVM reached 2- to 4-cell stages by 46 h after insemination whereas 67% of control oocytes (inseminated without added zinc) cleaved. Higher zinc concentrations (100 and 1000 μg added per millilitre) for IVF inhibited fertilisation. Sperm motility was reduced with addition of 10 μg per millilitre of zinc for sperm preparation (i.e. capacitation interval). Addition of 1.0 μg zinc per millilitre to media used through IVMFC, or to the IVC medium alone, resulted in inhibition of development after 2- to 4-cell stages. When added to IVM or to both IVM and IVF media 1.0 μg/ml of zinc compromised development to the morula stage and beyond. Maturing bovine oocytes may be more sensitive to 1.0 μg ml of zinc in vitro than in vivo because a concentration of 3.0 μg/ml has been reported for bovine follicular fluid. Fertilisation was not adversely affected by 10 μg/ml of zinc; however, higher concentrations were inhibitory.
The Reliability of Reaction Time Determinations

The reliability of simple and two-choice reaction time (RT) as a function of number of trials and measure of central tendency was examined. It was found that, within the particular conditions of the study, 18 trials were sufficient to obtain a highl reliable determination of simple RT but 30 trials were required for a highly reliable determination of two-choice RT. The selection of measure of central tendency was not related to degree of reliability.
Beyond Duty and Virtue in Design Ethics

Introduction An important issue concerning design ethics is the nature of the moral character of the designer.1 Ethics in the disciplines of design has essentially been articulated around notions of duty and virtue,2 which correspond broadly to Kantian and Aristotelian views respectively.3 These in turn belong to two general conceptions of ethics, namely imperative and attractive moralities.4 The imperative view refers to the principles of duty and universal law achieved through reason and to which one must obey in all circumstances. This is, for instance, what Kant calls the categorical imperative. Most professional codes of ethics and practice in design disciplines belong to that tradition. Virtue ethics is the practice of one’s virtues that leads to the perfection of moral character, which implies that the character of the individual is somehow a fixed attribute or an objective feature.5 It is in opposition to these conventional conceptions of the imperative principle of duty and universal law, on the one hand, and of virtue ethics which treats a person’s character as a collection of objective facts, on the other hand, that Sartre’s view of human freedom and ethics has to be seized as a possible foundation for design ethics. Indeed, Sartre provides a radically different perspective on the nature of human character. A conception of design ethics based on a Sartrean existentialist conception of human reality may offer a particularly enlightening and useful perspective on the nature of the moral character of the designer and therefore a ground for design ethics. In a Sartrean perspective, cause and motive6 (reason and emotion) cannot provide a definitive basis for the action of the individual in the pursuit and justification of moral duty or moral virtue. Cause and motive are to be placed in relation to a much more basic reality, namely the freedom of the individual. Indeed, the designer confronting a moral choice is free to choose, and by making a free choice he/she is creating his/her existence.7 According to Sartre, the ”authenticity” with which the individual faces his/her freedom is the primary criterion for judging actions as ethically good or bad. Thus, if the designer’s moral character (i.e., authenticity) has meaning in a Sartrean perspective, it is to be found not in instrumental reason but in being reflectively conscious of his/her human condition and acknowledging and accepting his/her freedom. For
Monodisperse magnetic nanoparticles for biodetection, imaging, and drug delivery: a versatile and evolving technology

Advances in nanotechnology have pushed forward the synthesis of a variety of functional nanoparticles (NPs) such as semiconductor quantum dots (QDs), magnetic and metallic NPs. The unique electronic, magnetic, and optical properties exhibited by these nanometer-sized materials have enabled a broad spectrum of biomedical applications. In particular, iron-oxide-based magnetic NPs have proved to be highly versatile deep-tissue imaging agents, having been incorporated into clinical applications due to their biocompatibility. This Interdisciplinary Review will focus on the recent advances in strategies for the synthesis and surface modification of highly monodisperse magnetic NPs and their use in imaging, drug delivery, and innovative ultrasensitive bioassays.
Protein synthesis in vitro by Micrococcus luteus.

Abstract Bacillus subtilis and related gram-positive bacteria which have low to moderate genomic G + C contents are unable to efficiently translate mRNA derived from gram-negative bacteria, whereas Escherichia coli and other gram-negative bacteria are able to translate mRNA from both types of organisms. This phenomenon has been termed translational species specificity. Ribosomes from the low-G + C-content group (low-G + C group) of gram-positive organisms (B. subtilis and relatives) lack an equivalent to Escherichia ribosomal protein S1. The requirement for S1 for translation in E. coli (G. van Dieijen, P. H. van Knippenberg, J. van Duin, B. Koekman, and P. H. Pouwels, Mol. Gen. Genet. 153:75-80, 1977) and its specific role (A.R. Subramanian, Trends Biochem. Sci. 9:491-494, 1984) have been proposed. The group of gram-positive bacteria characterized by high genomic G + C content (formerly Actinomyces species and relatives) contain S1, in contrast to the low-G + C group (K. Mikulik, J. Smardova, A. Jiranova, and P. Branny, Eur. J. Biochem. 155:557-563, 1986). It is not known whether members of the high-G + C group are translationally specific, although there is evidence that one genus, Streptomyces, can express Escherichia genes in vivo (M. J. Bibb and S. N. Cohen, Mol. Gen. Genet. 187:265-277, 1985; J. L. Schottel, M. J. Bibb, and S. N. Cohen, J. Bacteriol. 146:360-368, 1981). In order to determine whether the organisms of this group are translationally specific, we examined the in vitro translational characteristics of a member of the high-G + C group, Micrococcus luteus, whose genomic G + C content is 73%. A semipurified coupled transcription-translation system of M. luteus translates Escherichia mRNA as well as Bacillus and Micrococcus mRNA. Therefore, M. luteus is translationally nonspecific and resembles E. coli rather than B. subtilis in its translational characteristics.
ECONOMIC EXPECTATIONS AND ELECTION OUTCOMES

At its most basic level, this forecast of the 2012 presidential election performed successfully. The model forecasted the reelection of President Obama. With 53.8% of the two-party vote; he ended up with 51.8% (as of November 28, 2012), yielding an error of 2.0 percentage points. Prior to 2012 the average out-of-sample forecasting error was 3.34 points. Here, the model does better than the average of the previous years by almost a point. Running the model with the added data point does not change matters appreciably. The economic item increases slightly and the logged time in the White House item weakens slightly. The overall fit of the model is just a bit lower.
Comprehensive Analysis of Golf Performance on the Pga Tour: 1990–2004

Researchers have investigated the relationship between different shot-making measures and performance on the PGA Tour. Prior studies have typically focused on a short period of time or used a restricted sample so long-term trends were not discernible. To remedy this situation, the present study looked at the longitudinal performance of professional golfers from 1990-2004. The findings indicated a remarkable stability in terms of the relative importance of Greens In Regulation and Putting Average in explaining the variability in Scoring Average. The findings also indicated a declining importance of driving in recent years due, in part, to a strengthening of the negative relationship between Driving Distance and Driving Accuracy.
The Effectiveness of Computerized Drug Interaction Screening Programs in Hospitals

The goal of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of two computerized drug interaction screening programs in comparison to screening that pharmacists do with­ out the use of these programs. Data were collected at three hospitals on patients who were at risk of experiencing certain drug interactions. Two of the hospitals had computer-based drug interaction screening programs and one hospital that did not served as the control. Differences in length of stay, the number of lab tests ordered, and the number of adverse effects were tested for significance using multiple regres­ sion analysis. Evidence of interventions by pharmacists when drug interactions oc­ curred was also sought. The computer screening programs investigated in this study were not found to be more effective than the screening for drug interactions done by pharmacists without the use of these programs. Patients who were prescribed interacting drugs, however, had longer lengths of stay at all three hospitals than patients who were not prescribed interacting drugs.
Synthesis and characterization of multifunctional silica core-shell nanocomposites with magnetic and fluorescent functionalities.

Multifunctional core-shell nanocomposites with a magnetic core and a silica shell doped with lanthanide chelate have been prepared by a simple method. First, citric acid-modified magnetite nanoparticles were synthesized by a chemical coprecipitation method. Then the magnetite nanoparticles were coated with silica shells doped with terbium (Tb(3+)) complex by a modified Stober method based on hydrolyzing and condensation of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) and a silane precursor. These multifunctional nanocomposites are potentially useful in a variety of biological areas such as bio-imaging, bio-labeling and bioassays because they can be simultaneously manipulated with an external magnetic field and exhibit unique phosphorescence properties.
The intersection of homeownership, race and neighbourhood context: Implications for neighbourhood satisfaction

This study contributes to the growing body of literature on the multifaceted consequences of homeownership for households and their communities, which has seldom focused on neighbourhood satisfaction, an important predictor of neighbourhood quality. Existing studies on the relationship between homeownership and neighbourhood satisfaction have not considered whether homeownership varies in its consequences depending on local context or racial background. Homeownership may render residents more responsive to neighbourhood conditions, to their benefit and to their detriment, depending on local context. Patterns may further vary across racial groups, given vast interracial inequalities in the attainment of desirable neighbourhood outcomes and homeownership. Employing a sample of 1897 respondents from the 2001 Los Angeles Family and Neighborhood Survey (LAFANS), as well as data from the 2000 Census, this study uncovers a complex set of interrelationships among homeownership, neighbourhood characteristics and race. Homeownership makes residents more sensitive to the desirability of local characteristics, proving beneficial in advantaged communities and disadvantageous in distressed communities. These conclusions are broadly applicable to blacks, Latinos and whites, though homeownership is more salient among blacks and Latinos in determining their response to neighbourhood conditions. Given differential access to desirable neighbourhoods and asset accumulation across racial groups, findings raise new and important questions regarding the meaning of homeownership for minority households and their communities.
Tools for Cellulose Analysis in Plant Cell Walls

Cellulose is intimately associated with multiple facets of human civilization: central to clothing, shelter, heat, medicine, and food, there are few moments in the average human life that are not spent in direct contact with cellulose or a by-product of its composition. It should come as no surprise
Increasing the Homework Completion Rates of Students with Mild Disabilities

Whether students with mild disabilities are educated in mainstreamed general education classes or special education settings, it is likely that they will be assigned homework by their teacher(s). assignment of homework can affect their school performance and the grades they receive in their classes. however, because of a variety of factors, many students with mild disabilities experience difficulty completing their homework. this article presents educators with guidelines for increasing the homework completion rates of students with mild disabilities, including (a) varying the amount and type of homework assignments, (b) providing motivating acts so that students complete their homework, (c) using peermediated strategies, (d) establishing and following homework routines, (e) teaching strategies to improve students' study and organizational skills, and (f) involving parents in the homework process.
Maximum a priori estimation of focus aberration in imaging systems

A maximum a priori (MAP) estimation technique for the detection of focus aberrations in electro-optical imaging systems is developed. The technique simplifies the equipment required in focus aberration detection over previous methodologies. The magnitude of the focus aberration is estimated from a single image. The MAP estimation technique uses a Poisson distribution of the photons arriving at the detector from the object. A Gaussian distribution is added to the statistical model to account for the focus aberration. Using the imaging system statistical model and real laboratory images from a charge-coupled device (CCD) camera, the focus aberration detection (FAD) algorithm produces estimates of the focus aberrations. The results demonstrate a viable approach for estimation and potential removal of focus aberrations in electro-optical systems, without the need to divert any light from the primary channel, or for additional complicated equipment and associated calibration requirements.
Against the Current: The Sperry-Burroughs Merger and the Unisys Struggle to Survive 1980-2001

Competitors of IBM at the beginning of the 1980s, Sperry and Burroughs found it increasingly difficult to match IBM's market power and depth of product line. The two companies merged to form Unisys in 1986. Burdened by heavy debt, battered by the 1991 recession, Unisys persisted and went on to develop new business strategies to meet the needs of server-based computing.
Integrating technology into adolescent care

Given the enormous changes in physiology and neurobiology prevalent during adolescence, it is hardly surprising that this is also the time when metabolic control of diabetes is at its worst. Clinical teams are constantly looking for ways to improve diabetes control in youth and exploiting the perceived fascination of adolescents for new technology offers an attractive option. The management of type 1 diabetes has always been heavily influenced by new developments and this personal review, influenced by a long experience of working with adolescents, explores how some of the emerging technologies have been used in an attempt to influence diabetes control in this challenging age group. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons.
Externalizing disorders and environmental risk: Mechanisms of gene-environment interplay and strategies for intervention

Though heritable, externalizing disorders have a number of robust associations with several environmental risk factors, including family, school, and peer contexts. To account for these associations, we integrate a behavioral genetic perspective with principles of a developmental cascade theory of antisocial behavior. The major environmental contexts associated with child externalizing problems are reviewed, as are the processes of gene-environment interplay underlying these associations. Throughout, we discuss implications for prevention and intervention. Three major approaches designed to reduce child externalizing behavior are reviewed. Prevention and intervention programs appear to be most successful when they target individuals or communities most at risk for developing externalizing disorders, rather than applied universally. We end by commenting on areas in need of additional research concerning environmental influences on persistent externalizing behaviors.