cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chapter 10 On the Relations between Learning to Spell and Learning to Read

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the relationship between reading and writing. Writing differs from natural and conventional signs in that it represents linguistic units, not meanings directly. All forms of writing permit the reader to recover the individual words of a linguistic message. Given that representation of words is the essence of writing, it is important to appreciate that words are phonological structures. To apprehend a word, whether in speech or print, is to apprehend (among other things) its phonology. The chapter discusses how spelling and reading are interleaved in a child newly introduced to the orthography of English. Most of the published information on the correlations between reading and spelling scores is based simply on right/wrong scoring. This approach has the disadvantage of throwing away much of the potential information in the incorrect responses. It fails to distinguish reading errors that are near misses from errors that are wild guesses, and it does not distinguish misspellings that capture much of a word's phonological structure from those that capture little of it. The chapter examines the ways in which analysis of children's spellings may illuminate aspects of orthographic learning that are not readily accessible in the study of reading.
World-wide access to computer models of biological systems

Models are used to study complex biological systems to represent hypotheses, test theories, make predictions, design outcomes, and analyze data. Because models coalesce a large amount of information they form valuable tools in research and education. However, their utility resides in being able to use and manipulate them interactively. Currently, there is no centralized way to access published models in order to use them. This paper describes the need and an approach for establishing such a facility, called a model library. Models will be collated, indexed, catalogued, described mathematically in formats compatible with several widely-used modeling software packages, and made available on the Internet. Users will be able to locate and view graphical and mathematical descriptions of the models and to download models to use with their own modeling software. This task will be accomplished by scientists with expertise in the fields of information science, library science, biology, modeling, computer science, and networking.
Ambient detection of CH4 and N2O by Quantum Cascade Laser

Quantum Cascade Lasers (QCL’s) have been successfully used to monitor atmospheric pollutants in the mid-infrared (mid-IR) region. However, their use for multiple gases in ambient conditions is less familiar. This paper explores the performance of a novel field deployable open path system based on a chirped single distributed-feedback QCL. In particular, we report both laboratory and open path measurements for simultaneous detection of two greenhouse gases (GHG) methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide. (N2O). We focused on CH4 and N2O because they are long-lived greenhouse gases in the atmosphere with significant global warming effects. Gas spectra were recorded by tuning the QC laser wavelength using a thermal down chirp technique over 1297–1300 cm-1 optimal spectral window with 0.008 cm-1 spectral resolution. Based on careful optimization of the spectral window for absorption features of CH4 and N2O, a dual-species, cost-effective, robust and rapid response open-path laser based monitor has been developed for ambient trace gas monitoring. Theoretical signal to noise ratio (SNR) analysis of the system based on an ideal system is briefly discussed in the paper but our main focus is on actual system performance, long term stability and systemic errors. Finally, preliminary results of the open path system are reported.
Ethno-Political Conflict in Sri Lanka

This study examines ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka. The major thesis is that politicization of ethnic distinctions by major political parties has fuelled an ethnic violence and conflict in Sri Lanka. The study employs an interactive approach to understand violence of both parties. Each party's violence against the other increases the sense of distrust between them. Political elites then use ethnic emotions in their quest for power, reinforcing ethnic tensions. This paper also discusses some fundamental historical factors that play a role in understanding Sri Lanka's ethnic violence. It finally suggests solutions to the protracted ethno-political conflict -- partition or power-sharing.
Paradox for Life Review: A Guide for Enhancing Older Adults' Self-Esteem by James J. Magee

This book focuses on several important phenomena that are often at work in the lives of older persons, i.e., life review, self-esteem, and paradox. It purports to have a number of intended audience...
Social correlates of malnutrition among Filipino street children.

A survey of street children from Manila the Philippines identified two factors that are strongly correlated with malnutrition in this population: drug use and non-attendance at school. About 30% of Manilas 50000-75000 street children are estimated to be moderately or severely malnourished. In this study a stratified purposive sample of 150 male and female children ages 6-18 years was recruited with the help of social workers from a neighborhood estimated to have 500 street children. According to international standards both male and female respondents were seriously underweight (lowest 8%) and underheight (lowest 2.5%). Children who were in school and did not use drugs showed the highest mean weight while those who were out of school and using drugs had the lowest mean weight; children with one of these risks factors occupied an intermediate position. About half the street children reported regular drug use primarily glue sniffing. It is recommended that programs currently serving Filipino street children assess the barriers to participation (e.g. policies against drug use) by high-risk children and pilot projects to train social workers and street educators in substance abuse counseling. The effectiveness of such interventions would be enhanced by a detailed study of the various gangs and syndicates of children in Manila.
Automatically searching for optimal parameter settings using a genetic algorithm

Modern vision systems are often a heterogeneous collection of image processing, machine learning, and pattern recognition techniques. One problem with these systems is finding their optimal parameter settings, since these systems often have many interacting parameters. This paper proposes the use of a Genetic Algorithm (GA) to automatically search parameter space. The technique is tested on a publicly available face recognition algorithm and dataset. In the work presented, the GA takes the role of a person configuring the algorithm by repeatedly observing performance on a tuning-subset of the final evaluation test data. In this context, the GA is shown to do a better job of configuring the algorithm than was achieved by the authors who originally constructed and released the LRPCA baseline. In addition, the data generated during the search is used to construct statistical models of the fitness landscape which provides insight into the significance from, and relations among, algorithm parameters.
Looking into the Giant Planets

Jupiter and Saturn are mostly made up of hydrogen and helium, but details of their precise composition and the evolution and structure of their interiors are hard to come by. In his Perspective, Fortney highlights recent model studies that have shed light on the likely structure and evolution of these giant planets. The models highlight the need for accurate computer simulations and laboratory data on hydrogen under high pressure. The Cassini mission, currently at Saturn, will also provide much-needed data to constrain the models.
Volume of distribution of theophylline in acute exacerbations of reversible airway disease. Effect of body weight

The literature is unclear as to whether theophylline loading doses should be based on total body weight (TBW) or ideal body weight (IBW). The objective of this study was to determine the most appropriate body weight for estimation of volume of distribution (Vd) in calculating theophylline loading dose in patients with acute bronchospasm. Fifty-four adult patients with acute bronchospasm requiring intravenous (IV) theophylline therapy were entered into the study. Patients were randomized into three theophylline loading dose groups based on (1) TBW, (2) IBW, and (3) adjusted body weight (ABW). Initial serum theophylline concentrations were used to determine an IV loading dose to reach a plasma concentration of 12 to 15 μg/ml. Percent prediction error was used to determine the appropriateness of each dosing group. Volumes of distribution were also determined for each group. There was a statistically significant difference at p
Repressed Memory Accusations: Devastated Families and Devastated Patients

SUMMARY The survey of British families reveals that the disputed ‘recovered memory’ accusations are mostly made by adult women who allege that abuse began prior to their eighth birthday. Therapy was involved in the recovery of memories in the vast majority of cases; satanic ritual abuse was remembered in a minority of cases. The accusations are devastating to the accused and other family members. But family members are not the only devastated group. Data from a recent report on patients who received compensation from a crime victims’ compensation fund after recovering extensive histories of abuse in therapy reveal that some patients’ lives are devastated after ‘memory’ recovery. Their health declines, they lose their jobs, they get divorced, and in some cases they lose custody of their minor children. Although these data do not prove that it was the therapy itself that made the patients worse, they do ring alarm bells about treatment outcomes for some recovered memory patients, and show a pressing need for information on this topic. Against a backdrop of what are undoubtedly thousands of genuine devastating cases of child sexual abuse in Great Britain, there is a twin tragedy. Hundreds of families, members of the British False Memory Society, have been devastated—by accusations of sexual abuse that they largely emphatically deny. It is this latter group of cases that Gudjonsson has elected to investigate. In doing so, he found that the accusations came mostly from females—daughters accusing a biological father, and sometimes a mother, of abuse that had allegedly been repressed for decades, and was recovered in association with therapy that the accusing daughter had received. Gudjonsson’s analysis reveals important details about the accusations—that they are mostly made by one child within a family (90%), that the accusers are mostly female (87%), that the abuse is mostly that which began early, prior to the child’s eighth birthday (70%), and that the allegations were devastating to the accused and other family members. The methodological weaknesses in this kind of survey are duly acknowledged, those primarily being that the accused person who filled out the survey might lack knowledge about some aspects of the accusations, and moreover might also be plagued by normal expected reconstructive memory problems. Nonetheless, the data provide important information about a cultural phenomenon of our times, and provide a good jumping point to make a few observations.
One-electron theory of core-level photoemission from ferromagnets

A one-electron theory is presented for photoemission from a $p$ core level of a ferromagnet. The approach permits the straightforward calculation of angle- and spin-resolved photoemission spectra for an arbitrary geometry and photon polarization. The Hamiltonian employed simultaneously includes both spin-orbit and exchange interactions, and thereby accounts for mixing between the ${p}_{3/2}$ and ${p}_{1/2}$ levels. Photoelectron diffraction effects are neglected. Using this model, good agreement is obtained with experimental spin-resolved and magnetodichroic Fe $2p$ photoemission spectra.
Adolescent literacy and identity construction among 1.5 generation students: From a transnational perspective

The emergence and significance of transnational adolescents at school and in society have recently been recognized, and yet, little is known about how their transnational lived experiences affect their literacy learning and identity construction. Thus, the study reported in this paper explored transnational literacy options and practices that two Korean transnational adolescents had experienced and addressed how their online literacy practices served them while negotiating their transnational identities. The findings show that the participants engaged in multiple literacy practices and forged transnational identities through online activities involving “creating and constructing a transnational and transcultural community” and “communicating via instant messaging.” The findings suggest that we should re-conceptualize the teaching and learning of students who share multilingual, transnational lived experiences and that we should re-examine what it means to be good, educated students and global citizens in the 21st century.
Estimation in the Truncated Poisson Distribution when Zeros and Some Ones are Missing

Abstract This paper is concerned with maximum likelihood estimation of the Poisson parameter λ when the zero class has been truncated and when errors of observation have resulted in eliminating some though not necessarily all of the one class. Estimators are derived both for λ and the proportion θ of ones eliminated as a consequence of faulty observation. A table and a graph of the estimation function involved are given. Asymptotic variances and covariances of the estimators are derived, and a table of the variance function applicable in calculating V(λ) is given. An illustrative example is included.
N-Glycosylation Regulates ADAM8 Processing and Activation

The transmembrane ADAM8 (A Disintegrin And Metalloproteinase 8) protein is abundantly expressed in human breast tumors and derived metastases compared with normal breast tissue, and plays critical roles in aggressive Triple-Negative breast cancers (TNBCs). During ADAM8 maturation, the inactive proform dimerizes or multimerizes and autocatalytically removes the prodomain leading to the formation of the active, processed form. ADAM8 is a glycoprotein; however, little was known about the structure or functional role of these sugar moieties. Here, we report that in estrogen receptor (ER)α-negative, but not -positive, breast cancer cells ADAM8 contains N-glycosylation, which is required for its correct processing and activation. Consistently ADAM8 dimers were detected on the surface of ERα-negative breast cancer cells but not on ERα-positive ones. Site-directed mutagenesis confirmed four N-glycosylazhytion sites (Asn-67, Asn-91, Asn-436, and Asn-612) in human ADAM8. The Asn-67 and Asn-91 prodomain sites contained high mannose, whereas complex type N-glycosylation was observed on Asn-436 and Asn-612 in the active and remnant forms. The Asn-91 and Asn-612 sites were essential for its correct processing and cell surface localization, in particular its exit from the Golgi and endoplasmic reticulum, respectively. The N436Q mutation led to decreased ADAM8 stability due to enhanced lysosomal degradation. In contrast, mutation of the Asn-67 site had only modest effects on enzyme stability and processing. Thus, N-glycosylation is essential for processing, localization, stability, and activity of ADAM8.
Dispersal Abilities and Genetic Population Structure of Insular and Mainland Oryzomys palustris and Peromyscus leucopus

A comparative hierarchical approach was used to examine allozymic variability within and among nine populations of Oryzomys palustris (marsh rice rat) and seven populations of Peromyscus leucopus (white-footed mouse) from the Virginia barrier islands and southern Delmarva Peninsula. O. palustris is an effective disperser over water and is present on 21 of 24 islands. In contrast, P. leucopus is a less effective disperser over water and occurs on only four of 24 islands. Of 31 loci, four were variable in O. palustris ; six were variable in P. leucopus . The nine populations of O. palustris had an average heterozygosity of 2.4% with 6.7% polymorphic loci. For seven populations of P. leucopus , the average heterozygosity was 3.6% with 12.3% polymorphic loci. Both species had lower levels of variation among mainland populations than among island populations. Populations of P. leucopus exhibited considerable genetic differentiation ( F ST = 0.180) and lower levels of gene flow ( N m = 1.14) among populations, whereas O. palustris had moderate levels of differentiation ( F ST = 0.135) and higher levels of gene flow ( N m = 1.60) among populations. Mantel tests indicated a significant relationship between genetic distance and geographic distance in Oryzomys but not in Peromyscus .
Meta-programming and auto-tuning in the search for high performance GPU code

Writing high performance GPGPU code is often difficult and time-consuming, potentially requiring laborious manual tuning of low-level details. Despite these challenges, the cost in ignoring GPUs in high performance computing is increasingly large. Auto-tuning is a potential solution to the problem of tedious manual tuning. We present a framework for auto-tuning GPU kernels which are expressed in an embedded DSL, and which expose compile-time parameters for tuning. Our framework allows for kernels to be polymorphic over what search strategy will tune them, and allows search strategies to be implemented in the same meta-language as the kernel-generation code (Haskell). Further, we show how to use functional programming abstractions to enforce regular (hyper-rectangular) search spaces. We also evaluate several common search strategies on a variety of kernels, and demonstrate that the framework can tune both EDSL and ordinary CUDA code.
Japanese Colonial control in International terms

Promoters of Meiji Japan's imperialist expansion vied with European and American competitors for control of Korea perhaps more than in any other place in Japan's early empire. Thus, although Korea was not officially colonized until 1910, Meiji officials recognized the need for Japan's new policies toward Korea to make international sense more acutely than in the country's other colonial schemes. Within Japan's expanding empire, therefore, the annexation of Korea most significantly established the perceived legitimacy of Japan as a modern imperial nation. This paper examines this issue by analyzing how the idea of the legitimacy of colonization itself came into being in Meiji Japan. It focuses particularly on the period leading up to annexation during which the development of colonial ‘science’ as an area of specialized knowledge took hold, particularly in relation to Japan's development of Hokkaido.
Dissolution of macromolecules. I. Surface phenomena associated with polymer dissolution.

A series of polymer free acids, derived from ethylene maleic anhydride resins has been used to study solvent penetration into a polymer compressed disk and polymer swelling. The influence of polymer molecular weight and solvent pH on solvent penetration and polymer swelling was determined. The rate of disappearance of the hydrated layer, formed by simultaneous swelling and solvent penetration, was found to agree closely with the rate of solvent penetration.
Correlation between serum IgG, platelet membrane IgG, and platelet function in hypergammaglobulinaemic states.

Summary. Platelet membrane IgG levels were measured by the complement lysis inhibition test, and were correlated with serum IgG levels in 29 patients with elevated immunoglobulins due to multiple myeloma, benign monoclonal gammopathy, systemic lupus erythematosis, rheumatoid arthritis, benign hypergammaglobulinaemic purpura and systemic infection. Platelet membrane IgG was increased in proportion to the elevation of serum IgG with a highly significant correlation coefficient (0.5615, P≤0.01), irrespective of the underlying disease state. Further washing of the platelets did not significantly alter the amount of membrane bound IgG. Qualitative platelet defects were present in nine of the 10 myeloma patients in whom platelet aggregation, platelet factor 3 availability, platelet adhesion to glass beads and bleeding times were studied. The most severe abnormalities occurred in those patients having the highest levels of platelet membrane IgG. Platelet function was normal despite markedly elevated platelet bound IgG in one patient with benign hypergammaglobulinaemic purpura. These findings indicate that elevation of serum IgG must be excluded before inferring the presence of platelet autoantibodies in patients with elevated platelet bound IgG. They also support the concept that the qualitative platelet abnormalities seen in multiple myeloma result from platelet coating by abnormal immunoglobulins or are secondary to myeloma effect on bone marrow.
Specular propagation over rough surfaces: numerical assessment of Uscinski and Stanek's mean Green's function technique

The purpose of this paper is to numerically evaluate the effectiveness and accuracy of Uscinski and Stanek's mean Green's function technique for computing the mean field of a wave scattered by a rough surface. We present here a direct comparison of this technique with a rigorous numerical method, the forward scattering integral equation method, and another analytical method, the first-order smoothing approximation. Furthermore, we compare the roughness generated equivalent admittance using the three methods. Numerical computations reveal that the scattered field calculated by this technique is not accurate particularly for the equivalent admittance at low grazing angles, even though the mean surface current density is recovered when the wave has traversed several correlation lengths on the surface.
Percutaneous vertebroplasty among low income Medicare beneficiaries.

STUDY DESIGN Cohort. OBJECTIVE To assess the patterns and predictors of percutaneous vertebroplasty use among low-income Medicare beneficiaries from 1 U.S. state. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Many observational studies have examined the effectiveness of vertebroplasty, but none has described its pattern of use in the community. METHODS We studied a cohort of low-income Medicare beneficiaries from Pennsylvania diagnosed with a spine fracture between 2001 and 2004. Healthcare utilization data were assessed to determine receipt of a vertebroplasty. The frequency of vertebroplasty among spine fracture patients was examined by year and by county of residence. Multivariable logistic regression models were constructed to identify correlates of receiving a vertebroplasty. RESULTS We found 6392 patients who fulfilled our criteria for a spine fracture. Of these, 459 (7.2%) underwent a vertebroplasty in the subsequent 12 months. The percent of patients sustaining a fracture who underwent vertebroplasty increased from 6.8% to 8.2%, a 20% increase, over the 4-year study period. Substantial variation in use of vertebroplasty was observed across county of patient residence, with several counties having zero patients and many with >15% undergoing vertebroplasty. Several patient factors predicted use of vertebroplasty, including age 65 to 84 years (compared with 85 years and older), and more physician visits in the 12 months before the spine fracture. The model fit statistic (C statistic) for models with only patient factors was weak (c = 0.60), but this increased substantially when county of residence was also included in the model (c = 0.72). CONCLUSION Vertebroplasty use has generally increased over the study period. Patient characteristics determined from healthcare utilization data are weak correlates of vertebroplasty use, but a patient's county of residence is a relatively strong predictor.
Merit Factor of Chu Sequences and Best Merit Factor of Polyphase Sequences

Chu sequences are a family of polyphase sequences that have perfect periodic autocorrelations and good aperiodic autocorrelations. It has previously been proved that the maximum offpeak (aperiodic) autocorrelation (in absolute value) of the Chu sequence of length n is asymptotically equal to 0.480261√n. It has also been empirically observed that the merit factor of Chu sequences appears to grow like a constant times √n. In this note, we provide an analytic proof that the merit factor of the Chu sequence of length n is bounded below by a constant multiple of √n for all n. To the author's knowledge, this is the first time a family of polyphase sequences of all lengths has been proved to have merit factor growing at least like order √n.
How often do surgeons intervene on shoulder labral lesions detected at MR examination? A retrospective review of MR examinations correlated with arthroscopy

Objective:We report the prevalence of surgical intervention on shoulder labral lesions detected at MR examinations and how surgeons describe labral tears seen at MR examinations in their arthroscopy reports.Methods:A retrospective review of 100 consecutive patients aged 50 years or younger who had shoulder labral tears on MR and went on to have surgery performed. It was determined whether surgical intervention was performed on the MR lesions.Results:Of these 100 patients, 72 had superior labral anterior to posterior (SLAP) tears, 38 had posterior labral tears and 28 had anterior labral tears on MR examination. All 100 patients went on to arthroscopy. All lesions described on MRI were described on arthroscopy. Of the 72 SLAP tears, 64 were described as fraying on arthroscopy with 51 debrided. The remaining eight SLAP tears were tacked surgically. Of the 38 posterior labral tears, 36 were described as fraying on arthroscopy with 29 debrided and 2 had surgical tacking performed. Of the 28 anterior labral tea...
Transgenic mouse models of neurodegenerative disease: opportunities for therapeutic development.

Neurodegenerative diseases present an extraordinary challenge for medicine due to the grave nature of these illnesses, their prevalence, and their impact on individuals and caregivers. The most common of these age-associated chronic illnesses are Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD); other examples include the prion disorders, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and the trinucleotide (CAG) repeat diseases. All of these diseases are characterized by well-defined clinical syndromes with progressive courses that reflect the dysfunction and eventual loss of specific neuronal populations. Current therapies provide only symptomatic relief; none significantly alter the course of disease. We describe here how transgenic mice designed to model these diseases have substantially contributed to the identification and validation of many promising new therapies, and conversely how they have quickly and cost effectively eliminated several targets with unrealized expectations.
Synthesis of (+)- and (−)-Tetrabenazine from the Resolution of α-Dihydrotetrabenazine

Abstract Tetrabenazine (1) was reduced with NaBH4 to α-dihydrotetrabenazine (2) and then resolved with di-p-toluoyl-L-tartrate and di-p-toluoyl-D-tartrate to subsequently give (+)- and (−)-α-dihydrotetrabenazine. The enantiomers were oxidized under Swern conditions to prepare samples of (+)-tetrabenazine and (−)-tetrabenazine. The samples were optically pure by chiral HPLC analysis.
Multi-target tracking using multi-modal sensing withwaveform configuration

We investigated the joint multi-modal operation of the asymmetric character of the fields of view of radar and electro optical (EO) sensors for multi-target tracking applications. We proposed a joint multi-modal sensing mode based on using dynamic agility selection to optimize the tracking performance of multiple maneuvering targets. The proposed method jointly designs waveforms for radar sensing and resolution switching modes for EO sensing, when both sensor measurements experience high false alarm rates. Rao-Blackwellized particle filtering is used to track an unknown number of targets within an adaptive framework that yields the optimized joint sensor configuration. We demonstrated the performance of the proposed adaptive tracking system using numerical simulations.
Flow to Wells in the Presence of Radial Discontinuities

An analysis is presented for the nonsteady state problem of a well, pumping a constant discharge, and located at the center of a circular aquifer surrounded by a radial discontinuity. On either side of the discontinuity, the transmissibility and the storage coefficient are constant but may have different values from those on the other side of the discontinuity. The solution is obtained by using an approximate inversion formula for Laplace transforms. This method leads to a relatively simple set of equations which commonly requires only short computer time for solution.
CHARACTERIZATION OF COPPER(I) AND COPPER(II) COMPLEXES OF A BIS-DIIMINE COORDINATED TO RUTHENIUM(II) AND THEIR INTERACTION WITH CALF THYMUS DNA

Abstract The DNA cleavage system which includes copper(II), sodium ascorbate and the complex ion Ru(bpy)2ppz(+2) (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine; ppz = 4′7′=phenanthrolino-5′,6′:5,6-pyrazine), where coordinated ppz binds copper ion in the +1 and +2 oxidation states is investigated. Visible and electron paramagnetic resonance spectra are used to characterize the species with Cu(II) bound to coordinated ppz. The binding constant for Cu(II) in a 1:1 complex is determined spectroscopically as 1.7 × 104. Spectroscopic changes associated with binding of Cu(II), and reduction to Cu(I) are reported. Evidence that the Cu(I) species binds to a hydrophobic region of calf thymus DNA is presented. The cleavage of E. coli pBR322 DNA by the individual enantiomers is reassessed with ascorbate as reducing agent.
Growth and Mineral Content of Cultured Chick Embryos

Abstract In order to assess mineral uptake by chick embryos cultured outside of the shell, growth and mineral (Ca, Mg, K, Na) composition of control and cultured embryos and total egg contents (embryo plus residual egg contents) were measured from 8 through 21 days of incubation. At day nine and thereafter, cultured embryos contained significantly less Ca and Mg than did control embryos. At day 11 and thereafter, ash weight of cultured embryos was significantly less than that of controls. At 13 days and thereafter, wet weight, dry weight, toe length, K and Na content of cultured embryos were significantly less than in controls. To assess relative mineral uptake of cultured embryos, mineral (Ca, Mg, K, Na) content per gram embryo dry weight was plotted against incubation age. Values for the ratio of Mg, K and Na per gram dry weight were similar for control and cultured embryos. Control values for Ca per dry weight were consistently higher than those for cultured embryos during the period from 9 to 21 days. The data suggest that Ca may not be present in sufficient quantity, even on a relative growth basis, to perform its normal physiological functions in cultured embryos.
Factors influencing concentrations of GABA in cerebrospinal fluid

Abstract Degradation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) constituents occurring during collection, storage and analysis may add artifactual variations to CSF data. GABA levels in untreated CSF determined by ion-exchange/fluorometric assay remained stable when stored at −70°C for 3.5 years and at −20°C for 1.5 years. GABA concentrations in untreated CSF doubled during 2 hours at room temperature but did not significantly change during 10 minutes at room temperature or 2 hours at 4°C. GABA levels in deproteinized CSF were stable at −70°C but doubled during 11 months of storage at −20°C. GABA concentrations in deproteinized CSF were stable for 49 hours at room temperature but increased 1.3 -fold and 2.0 -fold after 3 weeks at 4°C and room temperature, respectively. The GABA content of homocarnosine standards in 0.1 N HCl similarly increased during storage at room temperature and at −20°C suggesting that the GABA elevations in inadequately stored or prepared CSF may be secondary to GABA-containing peptide degradation.
An Optimal Retrospective Change Point Detection Policy

. Since the middle of the twentieth century, the problem of making inferences about the point in a surveyed series of observations at which the underlying distribution changes has been extensively addressed in the economics, biostatistics and statistics literature. Cumulative sum-type statistics have commonly been thought to play a central role in non-sequential change point detections. Alternatively, we present and examine an approach based on the Shiryayev–Roberts scheme. We show that retrospective change point detection policies based on Shiryayev–Roberts statistics are non-asymptotically optimal in the context of most powerful testing.
Intertemporal Labour Supply with Search Frictions

Starting in the 1970's, wage inequality and the number of hours worked by employed U.S. prime-age male workers have both increased. We argue that these two facts are related. We use a labour market model with on-the-job search where by working longer hours individuals acquire greater skills. Since job candidates are ranked by productivity, greater skills not only increase worker's productivity in the current job but also help the worker to obtain better jobs. When job offers become more dispersed, wage inequality increases and workers work longer hours to obtain better jobs. As a result, average hours per worker in the economy increase. This mechanism accounts for around two-thirds of the increase in hours observed in data. Part of the increase is inefficient since workers obtain better jobs at the expense of other workers competing for the same jobs. Copyright , Oxford University Press.
A Case of Lactation “Bovine” Ketoacidosis

A 35-year-old postpartum lactating woman presented with dyspnea and was found to be in non-diabetic ketoacidosis (pH 7.24, HCO3 10 mmol/L, urine ketones>80 mg/dL). Rapid clinical and laboratory resolution occurred after intravenous dextrose and enteral feeding along with discontinuation of lactation. This represents a rarely reported case of lactation "bovine" ketoacidosis in humans. We review the historical precedence for the diagnosis and detail the underlying physiology.
Geospatial modeling of pre-contact Hawaiian production systems on Molokaʻi Island, Hawaiian Islands

Abstract The geographic distribution and relative importance of traditional agricultural systems in Hawaiʻi, based on ethnohistoric and archeological data, is only partially understood. Knowledge of the size and distribution of these systems is critical in estimating island populations, production, and surplus, as well as for assessing societal dynamics and the sustainability of indigenous agricultural systems. We employ geospatial modeling using rainfall, elevation, soil type, streamflow, slope, and substrate age, to create a geographic information system (GIS) model for the distribution of four major production systems on Molokaʻi Island – intensive pondfield irrigation, intensive dryland cropping, extensive colluvial slope agriculture, and fishpond aquaculture. Model results were checked against archaeological data sets for known areas, testing for goodness of fit between model predictions and empirical field evidence. Our model predicts that Molokaʻi could have sustained 9.52 km 2 of irrigated pondfields, 7.98 km 2 of intensive dryland systems, and 18.5 km 2 of colluvial slope agriculture. Fishponds are estimated to have yielded 17.98 metric tons of fish protein per year. The total agricultural production for the island is calculated to be 41,490 metric tons per year (wet weight), with pondfield, dryland, and slope systems yielding 46, 17, and 37 percent of total production respectively. Our results indicate that colluvial slope cultivation, which has been largely ignored in previous studies, was a major contributor to Hawaiian agricultural production, especially on the geologically older islands. Pondfield irrigation and colluvial slope systems had higher caloric efficiency than intensive dryland field systems, providing greater surplus to labor ratios in areas with abundant land suitable to irrigation and slope cultivation. Surplus discrepancies likely influenced population distribution as well as sociopolitical dynamics between districts and among neighboring islands. The model has applicability to the entire Hawaiian archipelago and to other islands in Polynesia, where it may be used to estimate pre-contact agricultural production and carrying capacities, two main factors influencing pre-contact social and political dynamics in Hawaiʻi and other island groups.
Mo1437 ERCP in Octogenarians: a Population Based Study Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample

dilation, cholangioscopy, and plastic stent placement were associated with higher radiation exposure. Furthermore, ERCP procedures that are moderately difficult, very difficult, involve magnification or high resolution images also lead to higher radiation exposure. Special care should be taken in these settings to minimize radiation exposure to both the patient and endoscopists. Table 1. Risk Factors for ERCP Radiation (Fluoroscopy Time) by Multivariate Analysis www.giejournal.org Parameter Estimate t-value p-value Indication CBD Stone -29.19 40.75 0.47 CBD Stricture 137.73370 3.25 0.0014 Pancreatic Stricture 121.90852 1.59 0.1131 Cholangitis -94.06 -1.41 0.1592 SOD -44.52257 -0.67 0.5067 Ampullary Neoplasm -50.39404 -0.66 0.5127 Procedure Balloon Sweep -67.96689 -1.90 0.0587 Sphincterotomy -52.60458 -1.61 0.1097 Dilation 182.06995 4.56 !0.0001 Cholangioscopy 129.80608 2.23 0.0268 Plastic Stent 78.92278 2.30 0.0224 Characteristic Moderately difficult 146.58358 4.39 !0.0001 Very difficult 332.81081 7.13 !0.0001 Magnification used 146.05957 3.70 0.0003 Hires image taken 90.29533 2.56 0.0111 CBD, common bile duct; SOD, Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction Table 2. Risk Factors for ERCP Radiation (Fluoroscopy Air Kerma Reference Dose) by Multivariate Analysis Parameter Estimate t-value p-value
General visualization abstraction algorithm for geographic map-based human-robot interfaces

This paper presents a novel visualization technique that provides integration, abstraction, and sharing of the information generated by remotely deployed robots or sensors. The General Visualization Abstraction (GVA) algorithm is designed to display the most useful information items at any moment by determining an importance value for each information item with a focus on two classes of information: historically relevant and currently relevant information, and novel and emerging information.
A cell aggregation model for the protective effect of selenium and vitamin E on methylmercury toxicity.

Abstract Histotypic aggregation of embryonic neural retinal cells was chosen as a test model to evaluate mercury toxicity. After 24 h rotational culture with methylmercury (CH3HgCl) at 4 μM, aggregation was completely inhibited. A dose-response relationship between concentrations of methylmercury and final sizes of aggregates was found. Selenium (Na2SeO3) at concentrations of 1,3 and 5 μM provided a protective effect for methylmercury (1 μM) toxicity. Vitamine E (DL-α-Tocopherol acetate) at concentrations 5, 7 and 10 μM also provided protection against the same concentration of methylmercury; however, it was less effective than selenium. Histotypic embryonal retinal cell aggregation may be a useful assay system for in vitro neurotoxic studies in morphogenesis.
Dialogues with Death: Māra, Yama, and Coming to Terms with Mortality in Classical Hindu and Indian Buddhist Traditions

This article compares Hindu and Buddhist narratives involving debate or contest with the gods representing death in each respective tradition. In Hinduism, this is Yama, judge and god of the underworld, while in Buddhism, death, as well as the concept of rebirth and, more broadly, sa?s?ra itself, is represented by the malign figure M?ra. Through a comparison of Buddhist P?li Canon texts to the Hindu Ka?ha Upani?ad, the S?vitr? episode in the Mah?bh?rata, and brief excerpts of Pur??as, I argue that both traditions employed a common trope of debate and contest with a god of death, but used that shared device to emphasize doctrinal beliefs and perspectives unique to their respective traditions. This strongly suggests a shared literary heritage between the two traditions of these mythic figures.
Biomarkers in Alzheimer's disease drug development

Developing new therapies for Alzheimer's disease (AD) is critically important to avoid the impending public health disaster imposed by this common disorder. Means must be found to prevent, delay the onset, or slow the progression of AD. These goals will be achieved by identifying disease-modifying therapies and testing them in clinical trials. Biomarkers play an increasingly important role in AD drug development. In preclinical testing, they assist in decisions to develop an agent. Biomarkers in phase I provide insights into toxic responses and drug metabolism and in Phase II proof-of-concept trials they facilitate go/no-go decisions and dose finding. Biomarkers can play a role in identifying presymptomatic patients or specific patient subgroups. They can provide evidence of target engagement before clinical changes can be expected. Brain imaging can serve as a primary outcome in Phase II trials and as a key secondary outcome in Phase III trials. Magnetic resonance imaging is currently best positioned for use in large multicenter clinical trials. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) measures of amyloid beta protein (Aβ), tau protein, and hyperphosphorylated tau (p-tau) protein are sensitive and specific to the diagnosis of AD and may serve as inclusion criteria and possibly as outcomes in clinical trials targeting relevant pathways. Plasma measures of Aβ are of limited diagnostic value but may provide important information as a measure of treatment response. A wide variety of measures of detectable products of cellular processes are being developed as possible biomarkers accessible in the cerebrospinal fluid and plasma or serum. Surrogate markers that can function as outcomes in pivotal trials and reliably predict clinical outcomes are needed to facilitate primary prevention trials of asymptomatic persons where clinical measures may be of limited value. Fit-for-purpose biomarkers are increasingly available to guide AD drug development decisions.
Alternative procedures for the recycling of sheet molding compounds

To establish the parameters for converting sheet molding compounds (SMCs) to useful products, various technical approaches, viz., solvent extraction, hydrolysis, and pyrolysis, have been explored. Thermogravimetric analysis of an SMC sample indicated that it contains about 25% by weight organics and 75% inorganics, mainly glass fibers and CaCO3 as filler. Solvent extraction of ground SMC with acetone, methylene chloride, chloroform, or chloroform : benzene (1 : 1 vol) yielded low quantities of a gummy, viscous extract. Hydrolysis of the extracted SMC sample under strong alkaline conditions was also studied. A unit structure was postulated for the hydrolysate based upon elemental and molecular weight analysis. Pyrolysis of both extracted and unextracted SMCs in nitrogen at 500°C and in air at 400°C yielded organic oils. These oils were characterized for their calorific values. The products of pyrolysis consisted of mainly aromatics along with some oligomers. The extract and the oil from pyrolysis appear to be compatible with epoxy systems. Their use as an extender for epoxy systems, while that of the inorganic residue (glass fibers and CaCO3) as a filler for epoxy system, have been explored. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Comparison of a Detector-Based Near-IR Radiance Scale to an ITS-90 Calibrated Radiation Thermometer

Integrating-sphere-input InGaAs radiometers (ISIR) have been developed at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to extend the detector-based calibration of radiation thermometers from the Si range to the near-infrared (NIR). These near-infrared radiometers are used to determine the reference spectral irradiance responsivity scale based on the primary-standard cryogenic radiometer. The irradiance responsivity scale is then propagated to spectral radiance at the exit port of an integrating sphere. The near-infrared radiation thermometer (NIRT) is calibrated using this detector-based radiance scale. The first phase of this research work is reported here where the relative spectral radiance responsivity of the NIRT has been determined using a monochromator-based system. Thereafter, the relative spectral responsivity of the NIRT is converted into an absolute responsivity using the radiances from the Zn fixed point blackbody. Then, the NIRT is used to extend these calibrations for temperature measurements between 157 °C and 1000 °C. The NIRT has also been calibrated in this temperature range using the five, fixed point blackbodies of the ITS-90. The two different calibration approaches for temperature measurements are compared.
Tracking publication outcomes of National Institutes of Health grants.

Abstract Purpose The peer-review literature is the primary medium through which the findings of funded research are evaluated by and disseminated to the broader scientific community. This study examines when and how grants funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) lead to publications. Methods Data on all investigator-initiated R01 grants funded during 1996 (n = 18211) were extracted from the NIH's Computer Retrieval of Information on Scientific Projects Web site. These data were linked with all MEDLINE articles published during and up through 4 years after completion of each grant using NIH grant numbers reported in the manuscript. Analyses examined the number, timing, and correlates of all linked publications and publications in core journals (179 journals, comprising the top 100 Institute for Scientific Information or 120 Abridged Index Medicus journals). Results On average, each grant produced 7.6 MEDLINE manuscripts (95% confidence interval [CI]: 7.47 to 7.69) and 1.61 publications in a core journal (95% CI: 1.56 to 1.65). In multivariable analyses among universities, more manuscripts and publications in core journals were seen for competing renewals versus new grants, for projects reviewed by basic science study sections, for full professors, and for universities with graduate programs ranked in the top 10 by US News and World Report . However, all grant, investigator, and institutional strata produced substantial numbers of publications per grant. Conclusions The findings support the feasibility and potential utility of efforts to study the link between grant funding and research findings, an early step in the process by which funded science leads to improved clinical and public health.
Stray load loss tests on induction machines-II

A new test method is described for the determination of stray load loss in induction machines. By application to given machines, this method is shown to have an exceptionally high degree of accuracy. Values of stray load loss for the same machines are obtained by other recognized methods and results compared. Results support the validity of a previously described1 "belted load-back method."