cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Quality of Life in Urban Areas and Suicide

Summary.-26 counties in the USA in 1980 with the highest suicide rates had a higher quahty of life than 22 counties with the lowest suicide rates. Henry and Short (1954) suggested that, when people have a clear external source to blame for their misery, depression will be less likely and anger more likely. On the other hand, when people have no one to blame but themselves for their misery, depression will be more likely and anger less likely. Based on this, Lester (1986) argued that in regions in which the quality of life is better, suicide rates wd be higher. Blomquist, Berger, and Hoehn (1988) calculated a quality of life index (expressed in dollars) for 253 urban counties of the USA in 1980 using climatic, environmental, and urban conditions. Values are presented by counties. Suicide rates have been published for the counties with the hlghest suicide rates in 1980 and the counties with the lowest suicide rates (Breault, 1986). The present analysis compared these two sets of counties for their indexes on quality of life as rated by Blomquist, et al. (1988). The 24 counties with the highest suicide rares had a higher mean estimate of quahty of life than the 24 counties with the lowest suicide rates (Ms = $645.98 and - $49.56, SDs = $570.69 and $532.50, ns = 26 and 22; t,, = 4.43, one-tailed p< .001). Thus, the urban counties with the highest suicide rates in the USA in 1980 had higher mean indexes of quality of life than counties with the lowest suicide rates, confirming the prediction.
Clomipramine in obsessive-compulsive disorder: a review

Abstract Obsessive-compulsive disorder is notoriously difficult to treat. This article reviews uncontrolled and controlled studies pertaining to clomipramine, a tricyclic antidepressant, which generally indicate that it is effective in treating obsessive symptoms in patients who are not primarily depressed. The author has also found the drug useful for obsessive symptoms occurring in patients with other psychiatric disorders.
Effective media communication of disasters: Pressing problems and recommendations

Public health officials and journalists play a crucial role in disseminating information regarding natural disasters, terrorism and other human-initiated disasters. However, research suggests that journalists are unprepared to cover terrorism and many types of natural disasters, in part because of lack sufficient expertise in science and medicine and training. The objective of this research was to identify solutions to problems facing journalists and public health public information officer (PIOs) of communicating with the public during natural and human-initiated disasters. To assist in identifying the most pressing problems regarding media response to health-related risks such as terrorism and large-scale natural disasters, 26 expert advisors were convened, including leaders representing journalists and public information officers, state health officials, experts in terrorism and emergency preparedness, and experts in health, risk, and science communication. The advisory group participated in pre-arranged interviews and were asked to identify and review bioterrorism educational resources provided to journalist. All advisory group members were then invited to attend a day long meeting January 29, 2004 to review the findings and reach consensus. The most pressing problems were found to be a lack of coordination between PIO's and journalists, lack of resources for appropriately evaluating information and disseminating it efficiently, and a difference in perception of PIO's and journalist towards each others role during emergency situations. The advisory board developed a list of 15 recommendations that may enhance communication plans betweens PIO's, journalist and the public. The solutions were meant to be feasible in terms of costs and practical in terms of the professional and organizational realities in which journalists and PIO's work. It is clear that PIO's and journalists play crucial roles in shaping public response to terrorism and other disasters. The findings from this formative research suggest that perspectives and organizational processes often limit effective communication between these groups; though practical solutions such as participation of journalists in drills, scenario exercises, sharing of informational resources, and raising awareness at professional trade meetings may enhance the timely dissemination of accurate and appropriate information.
Molecular MRI of the Cardiovascular System in the Post-NSF Era

Two new molecular MR imaging agents have been approved for clinical use within the last 3 years, and a third agent has completed phase 2 clinical trials. A wealth of preclinical data is also emerging on the general safety of many molecular MR imaging agents. In addition, since the guidelines to avoid nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) were adopted, at most institutions no new cases of NSF have been reported. Nevertheless, in the post-NSF environment, both those developing and those using molecular MR imaging agents need to be increasingly aware of safety issues. This awareness should begin with the design of the agent and, even in early preclinical studies, the demonstration of both safety and efficacy should be given high priority. In this review we discuss some of the issues relevant to the design of safe molecular MR imaging agents, and highlight the excellent safety profile of those agents that have been used clinically to date.
Getting the most from your laboratory information system in the hematology laboratory

As laboratories continue to downsize, commercialize and become more businesslike in today’s managed care environment, their present and future success will greatly depend on the efficiency and flexibility of their laboratory information system (LIS). Today, LIS is a primary tool for managing business and communication. Laboratories that hope to remain competitive in today’s dynamic health care must continue to implement new and innovative approaches with their LISs.
Quantitative aspects of mercurial--agarose gel electrophoresis.

Abstract Single-stranded nucleic acids are capable of extensive intramolecular base pairing as well as intermolecular aggregation. Consequently, electrophoretic studies of single-stranded nucleic acids are most effective when conducted under denaturing conditions. A number of techniques are available for nucleic acid denaturing gel electrophoresis (1–3). In this paper we describe certain quantitative features of one of these techniques, mercurial-agarose gel electrophoresis (4–7). Specifically, we address the questions of resolution and base composition dependence and we introduce a new mercurial for agarose gel electrophoresis, p -chloromercuriphenyl-sulfonic acid. In a previous publication we demonstrated that methylmercury was an effective denaturant in an agarose gel (4). The mechanism of denaturation is presumably the disruption of hydrogen bonding by the reversible binding of methylmercury to uridine and guanosine imino nitrogens. At saturating mercurial concentrations accurate molecular weights can be determined, free of conformation effects. The presence of methylmercury has no observable effect on the mechanical properties of the gel. Hence the denaturing power of the gel can be readily varied. The strength and rigidity of agarose gels make them considerably easier to handle than acrylamide gels, and the large pore size ensures a system compatible with high molecular weight RNA.
Mobility of oxygen on the (110) plane of tungsten

Abstract The correlation function of field emission current fluctuations from the (110) plane of tungsten field emitters covered with oxygen has been measured in the range 0.15 ⩽ O/W ⩽ 0.56 for 300 ⩽ T ⩽ 800 K. At intermediate temperatures the experimental correlation functions agree with a theoretical model based on single particle diffusion, and yield diffusion coefficients and activation energies of diffusion of O atoms on this plane. Edif = 14 kcal for O/W ⩽ 0.20 and then increases to 22 kcal for O/W = 0.56. The preexponential D0 = 10−7 cm2 sec−1 at low coverage and increases to 10−4 cm2 sec−1 at high coverage. At high temperatures (600–700 K, depending on θ) the decay of the correlation function is slower than predicted by theory. It is suggested that this results from dynamical correlations, or multi-particle density fluctuations, which can occur when several adsorbate particles are simultaneously in motion. At low temperatures (300–500 K, depending on θ) exponential decay of the correlation function is observed, and explained as a prediffusive flip-flop of O atoms between binding locations. The temperature dependence of the mean square fluctuations in the diffusive regime indicates mean repulsive interactions of 5–8 kcal between O atoms.
Isolation and characterization of phospholipase A from sea snake, Laticauda semifasciata venom

Abstract Phospholipase A has been purified from venom of the sea snake Laticauda semifasciata by chromatography on CM-cellulose followed by chromatography on DEAE-cellulose. The preparation, which was shown to be homogeneous by zonal electrophoresis, ultracentrifugation, isoelectric focusing, and gel filtration, had a specific activity seven times that of crude venom. By using ovolecithin of known composition in the 1 and 2 positions, the enzyme was shown to be specific for the 2 position, liberating mainly unsaturated fatty acids. The molecular weight of the enzyme, determined by both Sephadex gel filtration and by a combination of s and D from ultracentrifugation is 11,000. Of several phospholipids tested, only phosphatidyl choline was hydrolyzed. The enzyme was activated by Ca2+ and to a lesser degree by Mg2+. The cations Zn2+ and Cd2+ both completely inhibited the enzyme, even in the presence of Ca2+. The preparation was most active at pH 8.0, and at temperatures between 35 and 40 °. The enzyme exhibited hemolytic activity which was greatly intensified by the addition of lecithin. The purified phospholipase A was nontoxic, nonhemorrhagic, and exhibited only slight myolytic activity.
Evaluation of Adult White Sturgeon Swimming Capabilities and Applications to Fishway Design

Concern over passage of sturgeon barriers, has focused attention on fishway design that accommodates its swimming performance. In order to evaluate swimming performance, regarding fish ladder type partial barriers, wild adult sturgeons, Acipenser transmontanus; 121–76m fork length, were captured in the San Francisco Bay Estuary and Yolo Bypass toe drain. Hydrodynamic forces and kinematic parameters for swimming performance data were collected in a laboratory flume under three flow conditions through barriers and ramp. The experiments were conducted in a 24.4 m long, 2.1 m wide, and 1.62 m deep aluminum channel. Two geometric configurations of the laboratory model were designed based on channel characteristics that have been identified in natural river systems. At a given swimming speed and fish size, the highest guidance efficiencies of successful white sturgeon passage as a function of flow depth, flow velocity, turbulence intensity, Reynolds number, Froude number and shear velocity observed in the steady flow condition, tested with the horizontal ramp structure, occurred at an approach velocity of 0.33 ms-1. The guidance efficiency of successful sturgeon passage increased both with increasing flow velocity and Froude number, and decreased both with the flow depth and the turbulence intensity. This study also provides evidence that tail beat frequency increases significantly with swimming speed, but tail beat frequency decreases with fish total length. Stride length increases both with swimming speed and fish total length. The importance of unsteady forces is expressed by the reduced frequency both with swimming speed and fish total length. Regression analysis indicates that swimming kinematic variables are explained by the swimming speed, the reduced frequency and the fish total length. The results emphasize the importance of fish ladder type patchiness when a fishway is designed for the passage of sturgeon.
Primary paratesticular neuroblastoma: Report of 2 cases and review of the literature

Abstract Primary paratesticular neuroblastoma is a rare malignancy in children and has only been described in 6 reported cases in the literature. We report 2 additional cases and perform a review of the literature with a focus on the management of primary paratesticular neuroblastoma.
Effect of erodent hardness on erosion of brittle materials

Abstract Data in the literature suggest that the relative hardness values of the erodent particles and the target sample may play a significant role in the erosion behavior of ceramics. This effect was investigated systematically. When the ratio of the target hardness to the hardness of the erodent particle approaches unity, there is a sharp transition in erosion rates. Relatively soft erodents lead to less erosion. Based on scanning electron microscopy observations, it is suggested that softer erodents can fragment and crush on impact. In steady state, it appears that the lateral-crack-based erosion mechanisms still operate, but for softer erodents damage accumulation is necessary to build up the requisite stresses to produce lateral cracks. Changes in the erosion velocity exponent can also occur. They have been attributed to particle blunting effects and/or R-curve behavior.
Holographic or fourier logic

Abstract A tentative model of a system whose objects are patterns on transparencies and whose primitive operations are those of holography is presented. A formalism is developed in which a variety of operations is expressed in terms of two primitives: recording the hologram and filtering. Some elements of a holographic algebra of sets are given. Some distinctive concepts of a holographic logic are examined, such as holographic identity, equality, contaminent and “association”. It is argued that a logic in which objects are defined by their “associations” is more akin to visual apprehension than description in terms of sequential strings of symbols.
Internal controls: Strategies for smaller companies

Internal controls are not just the concern of auditors. Over the past two decades, a series of financial frauds elevated the importance and scope of internal controls—especially for management. Managers struggling to improve internal controls, however, should see them as more than just an intricate maze or a headache. Internal controls can benefit management in several ways. But there are obstacles to making substantial improvements to internal controls—even if management is convinced that is needed. And the obstacles are bigger for smaller companies, or when resources are limited due to the economy, lean budgets, and so forth. So what can management do? The author offers some answers. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Two-Echelon Repairable Inventory System with Stocking-Center-Dependent Depot Replenishment Lead Times

Consider a two-echelon repairable inventory system consisting of a central depot and multiple stocking centers. The centers provide parts replacement service to customers and replenish their inventory from the depot, following a one-for-one policy. The depot fills center replenishment orders on a first-come-first-serve basis. Defectives received at the centers are passed to the depot for repair and depot inventory replenishment. For this system, existing models (e.g., the METRIC model) usually assume that the depot replenishment lead times (DRLTs) are i.i.d., which however, does not fit well into the service parts logistics system that motivated this research. Because the DRLTs consist of the sum of repair times, defective return times, and transportation times, they are different across stocking centers, which are located globally.We study the impact of such center-dependent DRLTs on system performance. We derive probability distributions of the random delays at the depot experienced by center replenishment orders. We prove that a center with shorter DRLTs experiences shorter delays, and therefore, delivers better customer service. We show that for such systems, using the i.i.d. DRLT assumption introduces errors in estimating system performance. These errors become significant when both the demand rates and the depot planned inventory level are low.
Organization and structure of the mouse γ-glutamyl hydrolase gene and the functional identification of its promoter ☆

Abstract The organization and structure of the murine GH gene encoding γ-glutamyl hydrolase were determined. The murine GH gene spans 24 kb and was found to be distributed in nine exons. The intron/exon coding junctions delineated conformed to the GT–AG rule. The 5′ UTR and 3′ UTR along with some coding sequences were incorporated in exons 1 and 9, respectively, whereas exons 2–8 incorporated only coding sequence. A relatively GC-rich region of the genome 5′ of exon 1 was distinctly promoter-like and encoded a number of putative cis-acting elements, including six Sp1 sites known to be involved in the regulation of transcription but no TATA sequence motif. Primer extension analysis of this region with mouse liver and S180 cell mRNA revealed several tsps within the region encompassing the Sp1 sites. Functional analysis of this 5′ upstream region of sequence was carried out by inserting it into the pGL3 reporter gene vector for transfection into NIH3T3 cells. The transcription of the luciferase gene that resulted in these cells established the identity of this region as an active promoter for the mouse GH gene.
Socioeconomic status over the life-course and adult bone mineral density: the Midlife in the U.S. Study.

article i nfo Purpose: Adult bone mass depends on acquisition in childhood and decline in adulthood, and may be influenced by socioeconomic conditions over the entire life course. Methods:We examined associations of bone mineral density (BMD) in adulthood with life course socioeco- nomic status in 729 participants in the Midlife in the United States Biomarker Project, adjusting for age, menopausal transition stage, race, gender, body weight, smoking, physical activity in several life stages, and research site. Primary predictors were a) childhood socioeconomic advantage score (including paren- tal education, self-rated financial status relative to others, not being on welfare), b) adult education level (no college vs. some college vs. college graduate), and c) adult current financial advantage score (including family-adjusted poverty to income ratio, self-assessed current financial situation, having enough money to meet needs, ease in paying bills). Results: Mean age was 56.9 (range 34-85) years. After adjustment for covariates, childhood socioeconomic advantage and adult education level were positively associated with lumbar spine BMD: 0.27 standard deviations (SD) higher at 90th compared to 10th percentile of childhood advantage score (P=0.009), and 0.24 SD higher in college graduates compared to participants without college education (P=0.01). Adult current financial advantage was not associated with lumbar spine BMD. None of the three socioeco- nomic indicators was significantly associated with femoral neck BMD. Conclusions: Childhood socioeconomic advantage and adult education level were associated with higher adult lumbar spine BMD. Current financial advantage was not associated with BMD. Childhood socioeco-
Economic Voting in Postcommunist Eastern Europe

This study tests the hypothesis that the replacement of incumbent promarket, prodemocracy governments with ex-communist parties in postcommunist East European elections was a function of the economic calculus of frustrated citizens at the ballot box. Using data from the Central and Eastern Euro-Barometer studies, this investigation adopts an individual-level approach to examine the degree to which economic assessments and unemployment influenced both proreform incumbent and ex-communist party voting intentions in Lithuania (1992), Hungary (1994), and Bulgaria (1994). The dominant impression that emerges from the logistic regression estimations predicting voting intentions is that despite strong expectations to the contrary, economic factors had at best a modest effect on party choice in these nations. These findings corroborate country-specific studies of electoral behavior in Eastern Europe that observe that the return to parliamentary power of ex-communist parties in these societies was not simply a fun...
A Simulated "Acquired" Imperforate Hymen Following the Genital Trauma of Sexual Abuse:

Imperforate hymen, a condition in which the hymen has no aperture, usually occurs congenitally, secondary to failure of development of a lumen. A case of a documented simulated "acquired" imperforate hymen is presented in this article. The patient, a 5-year-old girl, was the victim of sexual abuse. Initial examination showed tears, scars, and distortion of the hymen, laceration of the perineal body, and loss of normal anal tone. Follow-up evaluations over the next year showed progressive healing. By 7 months after the injury, the hymen was replaced by a thick, opaque scar with no orifice. Patients with an apparent imperforate hymen require a sensitive interview and careful visual inspection of the genital and anal areas to delineate signs of injury. The finding of an apparent imperforate hymen on physical examination does not eliminate the possibility of antecedent vaginal penetration and sexual abuse.
Mathematical models of cochlear nucleus onset neurons: I. Point neuron with many weak synaptic inputs.

The cochlear nucleus (CN) presents a unique opportunity for quantitatively studying input-output transformations by neurons because it gives rise to a variety of different response types from a relatively homogeneous input source, the auditory nerve (AN). Particularly interesting among CN neurons are Onset (On) neurons, which have a prominent response to the onset of sustained sounds followed by little or no response in the steady-state. On neurons contrast sharply with their AN inputs, which respond vigorously throughout stimuli. On neurons can entrain to stimuli (firing once per cycle of a periodic stimulus) at up to 1000 Hz, unlike their AN inputs. To understand the mechanisms underlying these response patterns, we tested whether an integrate-to-threshold point-neuron model with a fixed refractory period can account for On discharge patterns for tones, systematically examining the effect of membrane time constant and the number and strength of the exclusively excitatory AN synaptic inputs. To produce both onset responses to high-frequency tone bursts and entrainment to a broad range of low-frequency tones, the model must have a short time constant (≈0.125 ms) and a large number (>100) of weak synaptic inputs, properties that are consistent with the electrical properties and anatomy of On-responding cells. With these parameters, the model acts like a coincidence detector with a threshold-like relationship between the instantaneous discharge rates of the output and the inputs. Onset responses to high-frequency tone bursts result because the threshold effect enhances the initial response of the AN inputs and suppresses their relatively lower sustained response. However, when the model entrains across a broad range of frequencies, it also produces short interspike intervals at the onset of high-frequency tone bursts, a response pattern not found in all types of On neurons. These results show a tradeoff, that may be a general property of many neurons, between following rapid stimulus fluctuations and responding without short interspike intervals at the onset of sustained stimuli.
Early expert systems: where are they now?

Expert systems (ES) were among the earliest branches of artificial intelligence (AI) to be commercialized. But how successful have they actually been? Many well-publicized applications have proven to be pure hype, numerous AI vendors have failed or been completely reorganized, major companies have reduced or eliminated their commitment to expert systems, and even Wall Street has become disillusioned -- a predicted $4 billion market proving to be smaller by an order of magnitude. Yet, in spite of these setbacks, there are many companies who remain enthusiastic proponents of the technology, and continue to develop important ES applications.The paper describes an investigation exploring how the first wave of commercial expert systems, built during the early and mid-1980s, fared over time. An important subset of these systems, identified in a catalog of commercial applications compiled in 1987, was located through a telephone survey, and detailed information on each systems was gathered. The data collected show that most of these systems fell into disuse or were abandoned during a five-year period from 1987 to 1992, while about a third continued to thrive. Quantitative and qualitative analysis of the data further suggested that the short-lived nature of many systems was not attributable to failure to meet technical performance or economic objectives. Instead, managerial issues such as lack of system acceptance by users, inability to retain developers, problems in transitioning from development to maintenance, and shifts in organizational priorities, appeared to be the most significant factors resulting in long term systems disuse.
Atomic-resolution crystal structures of B-DNA reveal specific influences of divalent metal ions on conformation and packing.

Abstract Crystal structures of B-form DNA have provided insights into the global and local conformational properties of the double helix, the solvent environment, drug binding and DNA packing. For example, structures of the duplex with sequence CGCGAATTCGCG, the Dickerson-Drew dodecamer (DDD), established a unique geometry of the central A-tract and a hydration spine in the minor groove. However, our knowledge of the various interaction modes between metal ions and DNA is very limited and almost no information exists concerning the origins of the different effects on DNA conformation and packing exerted by individual metal ions. Crystallization of the DDD duplex in the presence of Mg2+ and Ca2+ yields different crystal forms. The structures of the new Ca2+-form and isomorphous structures of oligonucleotides with sequences GGCGAATTCGCG and GCGAATTCGCG were determined at a maximum resolution of 1.3 A. These and the 1.1 A structure of the DDD Mg2+-form have revealed the most detailed picture yet of the ionic environment of B-DNA. In the Mg2+ and Ca2+-forms, duplexes in the crystal lattice are surrounded by 13 magnesium and 11 calcium ions, respectively. Mg2+ and Ca2+ generate different DNA crystal lattices and stabilize different end-to-end overlaps and lateral contacts between duplexes, thus using different strategies for reducing the effective repeat length of the helix to ten base-pairs. Mg2+ crystals allow the two outermost base-pairs at either end to interact laterally via minor groove H-bonds, turning the 12-mer into an effective 10-mer. Ca2+ crystals, in contrast, unpair the outermost base-pair at each end, converting the helix into a 10-mer that can stack along its axis. This reduction of a 12-mer into a functional 10-mer is followed no matter what the detailed nature of the 5′-end of the chain: C-G-C-G-A-…, G-G-C-G-A-…, or a truncated G-C-G-A-… Rather than merely mediating close contacts between phosphate groups, ions are at the origin of many well-known features of the DDD duplex structure. A Mg2+ coordinates in the major groove, contributing to kinking of the duplex at one end. While Ca2+ resides in the minor groove, coordinating to bases via its hydration shell, two magnesium ions are located at the periphery of the minor groove, bridging phosphate groups from opposite strands and contracting the groove at one border of the A-tract.
Inheritance and allelic relationships of fertility restoration genes for seven new sources of male‐sterile cytoplasm in sunflower

The inheritance of fertility restoration of six mitomycin C and streptomycin-induced cytoplasmic male-sterile (cms) mutants and one cms line derived from Native American cultivar PI 432513 in sunflower was evaluated. These seven new cms sources were also compared with the commercially used cms PET1 (Helianthus petiolaris Nutt.) cytoplasm, using USDA inbred lines with restoration genes (Rf 1 ) specific for cms PET1 and new restoration lines identified for cms PI 432513. Restoration genes for cms PI 432513 were found in 'Armavir', VNIIMK, P21 and male-fertile (MF) plants of PI 432513. F 2 and F 3 segregation ratios of crosses between cms PI 432513 and these restoration sources indicated a single dominant gene controlled fertility restoration. Progenies of cms PI 432513 testcrossed with F 1 's of half-diallel crosses among the respective four homozygous restoration lines and RHA 274 suggested that the restoration genes of RHA 274, VNIIMK, P21 and PI 432513 were at the same locus. Restoration genes from VNIIMK, P21 and PI 432513 satisfactorily restored pollen stainability in the heterozygous condition. A very weak expression of the Rf gene in 'Armavir' was observed in the heterozygous condition. Fertility restoration capability of these genes for the six mutant cms HA 89 and cms HA 89 (in PET1 cytoplasm) was observed. The mutant cms HA 89 lines were also restored completely by RHA 266, RHA 274, RHA 280 and RHA 296, and F 2 's segregation ratios indicated single dominant gene control, implying a common cytoplasmic male sterility in all lines. F 1 's of half-diallel crosses among RHA 266, RHA 273, RHA 274, RHA 280 and RHA 296 were testcrossed onto the cms lines, and their all MF progenies among lines, except RHA 280, confirmed that fertility restoration was controlled by a single Rf 1 gene locus. The restoration gene in confection line RHA 280, namely Rf 3 , was at a different locus than Rf 1 and was equally capable of restoring all the cms lines. Cms HA 89 mutants and cms PI 432513 are in H. annuus cytoplasm, and are agronomically equal in hybrid performance to the cms PET1 used in commercial sunflower hybrids. These new cms lines will provide immediate alternative cms sources for reducing the genetic vulnerability resulting from the exclusive use of the single cms source PET1 in sunflower hybrid production.
ISOTOPE EFFECT OF CARBON DIFFUSION IN AN Fe--Si ALLOY.

Abstract The isotope effect of carbon diffusion in dilute iron silicon alloys containing 28 Si and 30 Si has been measured below room temperature using the disaccommodation technique. The time dependence of the reluctivity has been analysed in terms of two relaxation processes which are due to the reorientation of carbon interstitials in Fe-Fe and Fe-Si sites respectively. The ratio of the relaxation times of the two carbon isotopes 13 C and 12 C τ 13 /τ 12 is 1.037 for the former and 1.007 for the latter process in the Fe+ 28 Si alloy. The ratios of the relaxation times of the same carbon isotope 12 C contained in a dilute Fe+ 30 Si and in a dilute Fe+ 28 Si alloy respectively τ 30 /τ 28 are 0.995 and 1.020 for the two processes mentioned. These results demonstrate clearly the many body aspects of the diffusional process.
Effect of Jamming on Seam Pucker in Plain Woven Fabrics

Geometrical relationships between fabric and sewing thread are developed for lock- stitch seams in plain woven fabrics. The tendency to pucker is associated with structural jamming within the fabric. Jamming increases with stitch count and decreases with thread size as reported in earlier studies.
Family functioning in the context of pediatric chronic conditions.

Objective The aims were to describe and compare generic family functioning in children with five different chronic conditions and healthy comparisons, and to examine the relations between family functioning and sociodemographic variables. Methods A secondary data analysis from six independent studies including 301 children (cystic fibrosis: n = 59; obesity: n = 28; sickle cell disease: n = 44; inflammatory bowel disease: n = 43; epilepsy: n = 70; healthy comparison group: n = 57) was conducted. In each study, parents completed the Family Assessment Device. Results Across all five chronic conditions, between 13% and 36% of families endorsed levels of functioning in the "unhealthy" range, with the greatest proportions in the following domains: communication, roles, and affective involvement. No significant group (i.e., between all six groups, namely five chronic conditions as well as healthy comparisons) differences were observed on Family Assessment Device scales (model F [35, 1335] = 0.81, p = .79). Older child age, fewer children living in the home, and lower household income were significantly related to poorer family functioning in the areas of communication, roles, affective involvement, and general functioning. Conclusions Families of children with and without chronic conditions do not differ significantly from each other on generic family functioning. However, risk factors for poor family functioning include older child age, less children in the home, and lower household income. These risk factors combined with data suggesting that a subset of families exhibit "unhealthy functioning" warrants the need for close monitoring of how families function in the context of a pediatric condition.
End-to-end pairwise key establishment using node disjoint secure paths in wireless sensor networks

Resource aware random key predistribution schemes have been proposed to overcome the limitations of energy constrained Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs). In most of these schemes, each sensor node is loaded with a key ring. Neighbouring nodes are considered to be connected through a secure link if they share a common key. Nodes which are not directly connected establish a secure path which is then used to negotiate a symmetric key. However, since different symmetric keys are used for different links along the secure path, each intermediate node must first decrypt the message received from the upstream node. Notice that during this process, the negotiated key is revealed to each node along the secure path. The objective of this paper is to address this shortcoming. To this end, we propose an end-to-end pairwise key establishment scheme which uses a properly selected set of node disjoint paths to securely negotiate symmetric keys between sensor nodes. We show through analysis and simulation that our scheme is highly secure against node captures in WSNs.
Impact of logistics on readiness and life cycle cost: a design of experiments approach

In this paper we develop two models that can be used to identify critical logistics factors that impact military readiness and the life cycle cost. The first one, a discrete-event simulation model, estimates the operational availability of a weapon system given input parameters under a certain scenario. The second one, a spreadsheet model, computes the life cycle cost using the same input parameters for the simulation model. Our approach is intended to serve as a basis for discussion between program offices concerned with cost and operational commands concerned with operational availability.
Accelerometer cut-points derived during over-ground walking in persons with mild, moderate, and severe multiple sclerosis

Abstract Background There has been increased interest in objectively quantifying time spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) using accelerometry as an outcome among persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). This requires development of a cut-point for interpreting the rate of accelerometer output based on its association with energy expenditure during physical activity. Objective The current study measured activity counts from a waist-worn accelerometer and energy expenditure based on indirect calorimetry during three speeds of over-ground walking for deriving cut-points for interpreting accelerometer output in persons with mild, moderate, and severe MS disability. Methods 54 participants with MS initially completed a neurological examination for generation of an EDSS score. Participants were then fitted with an ActiGraph model GT3X + accelerometer and a Cosmed portable metabolic system, and completed three, 6-minute walk (6 MW) tests that were interspersed with 10–15 min of rest. The first 6 MW was undertaken at a comfortable walking speed (CWS), and the two remaining 6 MW tests were undertaken above (faster walking speed) or below (slower walking speed) the participant's CWS in a counterbalanced order. Results The linear association between activity counts per minute and energy expenditure did not differ between persons with mild and moderate MS disability, but it was significantly different among persons with severe disability. This resulted in disability-specific cut-points for MVPA of 1980 and 1185 counts per minute for groups with mild/moderate disability and severe disability, respectively. Conclusions We believe that this research will facilitate a better understanding of time spent in MVPA across a broad range of MS disability.
Evidence for alpha-1-antitrypsin (A1AT) polymerization in preeclampsia: A novel mechanism for endothelial cell injury

PREECLAMPSIA: A NOVEL MECHANISM FOR ENDOTHELIAL CELL INJURY IRINA BUHIMSCHI, GUOMAO ZHAO, GEORGE SAADE, CATALIN S. BUHIMSCHI, Yale University, Obstetrics/Gynecology, New Haven, Connecticut, Yale University, Ob./Gyn.R p=0.009], despite a significant increase its urinary excretion (O500 fold in sPE, p!0.001). In addition, urine and serum from women with sPE contained multiple immunoreactive forms of A1AT, with molecular masses both below (fragments) and above the 52 kDa mass of the monomeric A1AT (polymers). In the placenta, monomeric A1AT localized largely intravascular and to villous macrophages and syncytiotrophoblasts. The staining was significantly more evident in sPE compared with CTR. In all sPE cases, but in none of the CRLs, an intense ZA1AT staining was localized exclusively to the vascular endothelium. CONCLUSION: A1AT protein expression is increased in preeclamptic placentas. This is the first demonstration that polymerized A1AT is present in serum and urine of patients with preeclampsia, and that this material is bound to placental vascular endothelium. This suggests that the polymerized A1AT may play a role in the pathogenesis of endothelial damage in preeclampsia.
The Statistics and Horizontal Structure of Anomalous Weather Regimes in the Community Climate Model

Abstract The statistics, horizontal structure, and linear barotropic dynamics of anomalous weather regimes are evaluated in a 15-winter integration of the NCAR Community Climate Model (CCM2). Statistical and ensemble analyses of simulated regimes are contrasted with parallel analyses derived from NCEP–NCAR reanalyses. The CCM2 replicates much of the structure of observed frequency distributions for anomalous weather regimes over the North Pacific and North Atlantic regions. The main differences are a northward shift and longitudinal broadening of the North Pacific frequency maximum and a weakening and southward shift of the North Atlantic maximum. Ensemble analyses reveal that simulated North Pacific regimes attain a more isotropic horizontal anomaly structure than observed cases, which are zonally elongated. The E-vector diagnoses indicate that North Pacific cases in the CCM2 are also associated with much weaker local barotropic energy conversions from the climatological-mean flow. This is partly due to ...
Instructional Course Lectures, The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons - Osteoporosis: Diagnosis and Treatment*†

Osteoporosis is characterized by decreased bone mass and increased susceptibility to fracture. Primary osteoporosis is defined as osteoporosis that occurs in an individual who has no endocrinopathy or other disease state that would account for the changes in bone mass. Osteoporosis affects 20 million individuals in the United States1. These individuals sustain more than 1.2 million fractures (including more than 280,000 fractures of the hip) annually; the estimated cost of treatment of such fractures was $10 billion in 19921,112. The absolute number and percentage of persons who have osteoporosis are expected to increase because of the prolonged longevity of the American population. The risk of a fracture of the proximal part of the femur increases with age, especially in women who are more than fifty years old92. Fractures of the proximal part of the femur are associated with a high rate of mortality, and most persons who have sustained such a fracture never regain their previous level of function72. Emotional morbidity in the form of depression, reclusiveness, and fear of additional fracture may accompany osteoporosis. Advances in our understanding of the etiology and pathophysiology of osteoporosis, as well as progress in the prevention and treatment of this disease, have given the physician the ability to intervene successfully. Riggs and Melton classified primary osteoporosis on the basis of the patterns of bone loss and fracture111. Postmenopausal (type-I), or osteoclast-mediated, osteoporosis is characterized by rapid bone loss and is seen most often in recently postmenopausal women (it affects women six times more frequently than men). This pattern is consistent with high-turnover osteoporosis. There is a rapid phase of bone loss predominantly involving trabecular bone and an association with vertebral and distal radial fractures. Senile (type-II), or osteoblast-mediated, osteoporosis affects women …
Gamma-Ray Buildup Factor Coefficients for Concrete and other Materials

Coefficients for the Berger formula gamma-ray buildup factor are given for ordinary, magnetite, and barytes concrete, air, sand, wood, and lithium hydride. The original data can be reproduced using...
Optimizing time and convenience in group scheduling

We consider the situation in which a group of agents are trying to find an agreeable time for a meeting. Each agent's availability is governed by a known prior probability distribution, but the realization of it is private information. The goal (of the convener) is to find an agreeable time slot while optimizing in two dimensions: Expected time to reach agreement and expected inconvenience caused during the process.We take the most common web-based tool in use today -- Doodle -- as the starting point. We generalize Doodle to a class of B-Doodle mechanisms ("Batched Doodle") and study the trade-off between the Time-Inconvenience dimensions. In a B-Doodle mechanism, the convener iteratively asks agents about their availability for one or more time slots, until an agreement can be reached. Among (exponentially) many B-Doodle mechanisms, the main objective is to find a B-Doodle mechanism that minimizes the aggregate cost of Time and Inconvenience (such as a linear combination of the two). We provide an efficient algorithm that achieves this for a broad class of cost functions, and show in simulations that the result substantially outperforms Doodle in many realistic settings.
Methoprene for control of horn flies: a suppression program on the Island of Molokai, Hawaii.

In an island-wide program, we evaluated methoprene in the drinking water of cattle to suppress a population of Haemalobia irritans (L.) preparatory to the release of sterile males. The treatment resulted in an avg 83% suppression of horn flies and a range of 80–99.8% suppression in various treatment areas. A maximum 92% suppression (avg of 24 flies/animal) was observed when insecticide treatments were applied at locations where methoprene treatments were difficult to maintain. The results indicate that methoprene can be used effectively in a large-scale suppression program; however, the water treatment technique is most efficient and effective for large herds where there is strict control of water sources. In situations with only one or 2 animals or alternate sources of water, use of conventional insecticides appears more effective. Additionally, the study indicates the importance of treating on an area-wide basis; untreated herds in an area undoubtedly reduce the benefits of control measures.
Thickness Dependence of the Electrical Properties of Sol-Gel Derived Lead Zirconate Titanate Thin Films with (111) and (100) Texture

Crack-free (111) and (100)-textured Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.48)O3 films with thicknesses ranging from 0.25 to 2.5 μm were prepared using a methoxyethanol-based precursor solution, multiple spin-coating and multiple crystallization steps. The thickness dependence of the dielectric, ferroelectric and piezoelectric properties were investigated on both (111) and (100) oriented PZT films. In both cases, the degree of preferred orientation did not change with thickness. It is found that the dielectric constant, remanent polarization and piezoelectric coefficients (d33 and d31) increase with increasing film thickness. The (100)-textured film showed higher dielectric constant but lower remanent polarization relative to (111) textured film. 1 μm was identified to be a critical thickness that marks the change of dielectric, ferroelectric and piezoelectric behaviors as a function of thickness.
Design, Formation and Properties of Tetrahedral M4L4 and M4L6 Supramolecular Clusters1

The rigid tris- and bis(catecholamide) ligands H6A, H4B and H4C form tetrahedral clusters of the type M4L4 and M4L6 through self-assembly reactions with tri- and tetravalent metal ions such as GaIII, FeIII, TiIV and SnIV. General design principles for the synthesis of such clusters are presented with an emphasis on geometric requirements and kinetic and thermodynamic considerations. The solution and solid-state characterization of these complexes is presented, and their dynamic solution behavior is described. The tris-catecholamide H6A forms M4L4 tetrahedra with GaIII, TiIV, and SnIV; (Et3N)8[Ti4A4] crystallizes in R3c (No. 167), with a = 22.6143(5) A, c = 106.038(2) A. The cluster is a racemic mixture of homoconfigurational tetrahedra (all Δ or all Λ at the metal centers within a given cluster). Though the synthetic procedure for synthesis of the cluster is markedly metal-dependent, extensive electrospray mass spectrometry investigations show that the M4A4 (M = GaIII, TiIV, and SnIV) clusters are remark...
Social Media coverage of “Maspero”: Solidarity between Muslims and Christians post The Egyptian Uprising

The current study examines the print and social media coverage of the “Maspero” massacre in Egypt, in which military forces attacked Coptic Christians in a predominantly Muslim country. By employing a qualitative content analysis, the authors examine the role of media in inducing a state of social cohesion. Data were collected from a state-owned newspaper, Al-Ahram, and an independent newspaper, Al-Masry Al-Youm. Data were also collected from a blog that compiles testimonies of witnesses to the “Maspero” massacre as well as three of Egypt’s best-known online activists: Alaa Abd El Fattah (@alaa), Salma Said (@salmasaid), and Rasha Azab (@RashaPress). The results reveal the themes of print and social media coverage of the events, with the suggestion that social media was much more effective in inducing social cohesion than the print media.
Scientific Papers and Management Strategies of District Center for Diseases Control and Prevention

Objective To analyze published papers from one district center for disease control and prevention(CDC) in Beijing,so as to provide evidence and thread for scientific research management and to provide basis for achieving research objectives of performance appraisal.Methods By utilizing SPSS 16.0 along with its constituent ratio and Trend chi-square test function,published papers within 2006-2010 and personnel characteristics were described and analyzed.Results The number of published papers increased year by year,while constituent ratio of Core Journals publication and personnel who published papers is also on the track of increase(χ2MH=7.673,P=0.006;χ2MH=10.169,P=0.001).Staff with higher degree or title tend to publish better quality papers(χ2=169.687,P=0.000;χ2=72.02,P=0.000).Conclusions Optimizing incentives and human resources will increase the quantity and quality of published papers.The scientific administration as well as research capability and writing skill of staff members should be improved in district CDC,in order to explore the possibility of publication goal.
The Weighted Hermite Polynomials Form a Basis for L2(ℝ)

We present a student-friendly proof that the weighted Hermite polynomials form a complete orthonormal system (a basis) for the collection L2(ℝ) of real-valued functions.