cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Relationship between loss of heterozygosity, mutation of MTA1 gene and lymph node metastasis in non-small cell lung cancer

2481 MTA1 (Metastasis-associated 1) gene has previously been found to be associated with progression to the metastatic state in various cancers. We investigated the loss of heterozygosity (LOH) and mutation of MTA1 gene in NSCLC (non-small cell lung cancer) related lymph node metastasis. Using three narrow spaced microsatellite markers(D14S62,D14S51,D14S1007), 40 primary NSCLC specimens and matched normal tissues were analyzed for LOH at MTA1 locus. The mutation of MTA1 gene was examined by PCR-SSCP and DNA sequencing. About 72.5 percent of NSCLC samples showed LOH in all of the informative markers tested. The rates of the three microsatellite markers were 30%,22.5% and 20%. More LOH events at markers D14S62 (P
Parametric stability in a silicon model of the leech swim oscillator

Parametric sensitivities of the leech swim network are characterized in a cell-by-cell model implemented in analog VLSI hardware. Each hemiganglion of the swim network contains 11 tonically active cells arranged in 34 distinct oscillator subnetworks. Initial circuit tests showed reciprocally inhibitory networks to be sensitive to synaptic fatigue and refractory period, yet immune to cell threshold, while cyclically inhibitory networks were found to be sensitive to cell threshold, yet immune to refractory period. In subsequent tests, a model of the entire hemiganglion was found to to be significantly less sensitive to all parameters than either suboscillator type alone.
The magnitudes of financial statement effects and accounting choice: The case of the adoption of SFAS 87☆

Abstract We examine the accounting choice decision in the context of the timing of adoption of SFAS 87. Unlike most prior studies, we consider interactions between firm characteristics and the magnitudes of the financial statement effects of an accounting decision. We expect that including interactions will both enhance the ability to explain accounting choice, and facilitate distinction between omitted variables (Ball and Foster, 1982) and hypothesized relations. Results are consistent with these expectations.
Iowa career and technical education: A case study of secondary and postsecondary collaboration on programs of study and technical skill attainment assessment

The purpose of this case study was to describe how one regional team addressed, implemented, and managed POS/TSA. Utilizing McGregor’s theories of management, Kelman’s social influence theory, and Weick’s small wins as the guiding framework for this study, three themes emerged which described participants’ views about POS/TSA: absence of regional team in POS Model development and implementation, building a culture of collaboration, and cultivating collaborative relationships. Implications for secondary districts, community colleges, and state education departments include asking questions before joining collaborative ventures, consideration of institutional cultural differences when choosing collaborative partners, and supporting mandates with formalized technical assistance. In addition, recommendations for future research are discussed.
Design considerations of a damped sinewave generator

Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) testing often requires that a damped sinewave voltage or current be applied to a system. These damped sinewaves may have many different requirements, such as the fundamental frequency, peak amplitude, quality factor or ‘Q’, along with timing requirements. This paper helps develop an understanding of the waveform requirements and then explores design techniques that will result in a design that produces a compliant waveform. A 10 MHz generator design is specifically discussed and achieved.
Correlating Wine Quality Indicators to Chemical and Sensory Measurements

Twenty-seven commercial Californian Cabernet Sauvignon wines of different quality categories were analyzed with sensory and chemical methods. Correlations between five quality proxies-points awarded during a wine competition, wine expert scores, retail price, vintage, and wine region-were correlated to sensory attributes, volatile compounds, and elemental composition. Wine quality is a multi-faceted construct, incorporating many different layers. Depending on the quality proxy studied, significant correlations between quality and attributes, volatiles and elements were found, some of them previously reported in the literature.
An extremum property characterizing the n-dimensional regular cross-polytope

In the spirit of the Genetics of the Regular Figures, by L. Fejes T\'oth, we prove the following theorem: If $2n$ points are selected in the $n$-dimensional Euclidean ball $B^n$ so that the smallest distance between any two of them is as large as possible, then the points are the vertices of an inscribed regular cross-polytope. This generalizes a result of R. A. Rankin for $2n$ points on the surface of the ball. We also generalize, in the same manner, a theorem of Davenport and Haj\'os on a set of $n+2$ points. As a corollary, we obtain a solution to the problem of packing $k$ unit $n$-dimensional balls $(n+2\le k\le 2n)$ into a spherical container of minimum radius.
Gas-Chromatographic Analysis for Cocaine in Human Plasma, with Use of a Nitrogen Detector

We describe a procedure for measuring the concentration of cocaine in plasma by gas chromatography, with use of a nitrogen detector. The procedure was tested on patients receiving intranasal cocaine for topical anesthesia. The propyl ester of benzoylecgonine is used as an internal standard. The lower limit of sensitivity of the procedure is 5-10 µg of cocaine per liter of plasma. The coefficients of variation are 5.3% and 3.0% for concentrations of 50 and 100 µg/liter, respectively.
Nursing and human freedom

Debates over how to conceptualize the nursing role were prominent in the nursing literature during the latter part of the twentieth century. There were, broadly, two schools of thought. Writers like Henderson and Orem used the idea of a self-care deficit to understand the nurse as doing for the patient what he or she could not do alone. Later writers found this paternalistic and emphasized the importance of the patient's free will. This essay uses the ideas of positive and negative freedom to explore the differing conceptions of autonomy which are implicit in this debate. The notion of positive freedom has often been criticized as paternalistic, and the criticisms of self-care in the nursing literature echo criticisms from political philosophy. Recent work on relational autonomy and on the relationship between autonomy and identity are used to address these objections. This essay argues for a more nuanced conception of the obligation to support autonomy that includes both positive (freedom to) and negative (freedom from) dimensions. This conception of autonomy provides a moral foundation for conceptualizing nursing in something like Henderson's terms: as involving the duty to expand the patient's capacities. The essay concludes by generalizing the lesson. Respect for autonomy on the part of any health care provider requires both respect for the patient's choices and a commitment to expand the patient's ability to actualize their choices.
Orcutt's hypothesis revisited: evidence from commodity prices

In 1950, Orcutt conjectured that trade flows respond to changes in the exchange rate faster than to changes in relative prices. Previous research that tested Orcutt's hypothesis used aggregate trade flows of one country with the rest of the world and did not find much support for the hypothesis. Due to lack of commodity prices, no study has attempted to test Orcutt's conjecture at commodity level. Now that we have come across such price data for 36 industries that trade between the USA and Egypt, we test the Orcutt's hypothesis using industry level data and provide support for the hypothesis in 50% of the cases.
Determination of secondary electron emission characteristics of lunar soil samples

A procedure is described for the determination of the 'apparent crossover voltage', i.e. the value of the primary (bombarding) electron energy at which an insulating sample surface changes the average sign of its charge. This apparent crossover point is characteristic of the secondary emission properties of insulating powders such as the lunar soil samples. Lunar core samples from well-defined, distinct soil layers are found to differ significantly in their secondary emission properties. This observation supports the suggestion that soil layers were deposited by an electrostatic transport process.
Cost and incidence of social comorbidities in low-risk patients with community-acquired pneumonia admitted to a public hospital.

Context There are up to 1 million patients treated in acute-care hospitals for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), with an estimated annual cost > 8 billion dollars. A newly validated CAP outcomes prediction rule developed by Fine and colleagues has been advocated as a guide to hospitalization decisions. Objective To evaluate the clinical characteristics, costs of care, and resource utilization of patients with low-risk CAP at an urban public hospital serving an indigent population. Design, setting, and participants Prospective cohort study from June 1, 1994 to May 31, 1996. Main outcome measures Clinical characteristics and costs of care of patients with low-risk CAP and features associated with low-risk CAP in this population. Results A total of 522 patients were identified at the time of hospital admission as having CAP; 97 patients (19%) were HIV positive on hospital admission and excluded. Of the remaining 425 patients, 253 patients (60%) were classified as pneumonia severity index (PSI) class I-III (low risk). Of the patients with low-risk CAP, only four patients (1.6%; 95% confidence interval, 0.4 to 4.0%) died during hospitalization. Low-risk CAP was both costly and accounted for significant resource use (35.4% of total CAP costs, and 45% of all CAP bed days). Of the patients with low-risk CAP, there were 138 patients (55%) who could potentially have been treated as outpatients (absence of altered mental status, hypotension, hypoxia on hospital admission, or direct ICU admission). However, 49% of these patients had a history of alcoholism, 20% had a blood alcohol level > 50 mg/dL, and 44% were homeless. Conclusions A significant proportion of the patients admitted with CAP to a public hospital had low-risk CAP and accounted for a significant proportion of the CAP bed days and costs. The use of the PSI accurately predicted which patients would be at low risk for death; however, the utility of using the PSI to reduce low-risk CAP hospital admissions would have been of limited benefit. High rates of homelessness, substance abuse, and medical needs not captured in the PSI would preclude many of these patients from unsupervised outpatient treatment.
COENOBIAL CELL NUMBER IN SCENEDESMUS QUADRICAUDA (CHLOROPHYCEAE) AS A FUNCTION OF GROWTH RATE IN NITRATE‐LIMITED CHEMOSTATS1

The relative numbers of cells growing as coenobia of different cell number are functions of growth rate when Scenedesmus quadricauda (Turp.) Breb. is grown axenically in nitrate-limited, steady-state chemostats in continuous light. Unicells decreased from a maximum fraction of 0.04–0.05 of the total number of cells at 0.1 day−1 to 0.01 or less as growth rate increased. The fraction of cells that grew as two-celled coenobia decreased from about 0.2 to 0.01–0.02. The fraction that grew as 4-celled coenobia increased from about 0.7–0.8 at 0.1 day−1 to near unity at 0.5–0.6 day−1, and then decreased sharply. The fraction of 8-celled coenobial cells increased from very small values below 0.6 day−1, to ca. 0.9 at 1.0 day−1.
Learning Disabilities Referrals, Eligibility Outcomes, and Services in Community Colleges: A Four-Year Summary

This study examined access to LD services in California's 103 community colleges. The data describe the pattern of referrals for LD, eligibility decisions, and students served according to age, eth...
The Development and Validation of a Preliminary Measure for Student Evaluation of Group Counseling Experiences

For a sample of 99 university students who participated in group counseling sessions at a campus counseling center, an effort was made to determine the factorial validity of a preliminary scale for student evaluation of group counseling. A factor analysis of the intercorrelations associated with the 11 subscales of the instrument entitled Scale for the Evaluation of Group Counseling Experiences (SEGCE) yielded three dimensions, two of which were easily interpreted. In this self-report instrument, the three factor dimensions reflecting student perceptions of the group experience were identified as (a) Satisfying Experience, (b) Interpersonal Learning, and (c) Increasing Self-Confidence. The results of this factor analysis and those of a detailed item analysis were used to develop a new form of the SEGCE which reduced the number of items from 118 to 79. This new form will soon be undergoing psychometric analysis, the results of which will be subsequently reported. EDUCATIONAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL MEASUREMENT 1981, 41 IN an article affording a comprehensive review of professional literature involving about 150 contributions to the measurement and evaluation process in counseling, guidance, and psychotherapy (as well as an identification of approximately 200 scales or measures), Zytowski and Betz (1973) provided 17 categories of potentially measurable variables that could be portrayed by the enumerated scales. They then
FAK mediates the inhibition of glioma cell migration by truncated 24 kDa FGF-2.

Abstract A truncated form of 24 kDa FGF-2 consisting of 86 NH 2 -terminal amino acids (ATE+31) inhibits cell migration in vitro and tumor development and angiogenesis in vivo. Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is phosphorylated on tyrosine and serine sites after cell stimulation by growth factors. This study examined the effect of ATE+31 on FAK phosphorylation in human glioma cells. FAK and Pyk phosphorylation were evaluated at serines known to be involved with cell migration. We demonstrated that ATE+31 at 3 × 10 −11 M decreases phosphorylation levels of Tyr 407 -FAK and Ser 732 -FAK in the presence of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), that ATE+31 in the presence of PDGF alters the distribution of FAK and other phosphotyrosine proteins in the adhesion contacts, and that ATE+31 in the presence of PDGF has no effect on the activation of Pyk2. These data suggest that the inhibition of cell migration by ATE+31 occurs via Tyr 407 -FAK and Ser 732 -FAK.
Iodine ages of pore waters at Hydrate Ridge (ODP Leg 204), Cascadia Margin: Implications for sources of methane in gas hydrates

Hydrate Ridge off the coast of Oregon, USA, is a prime example for gas hydrate occurrences in active margin settings. It is part of the Cascadia Margin and was the focus of Ocean Drilling Program (ODP) Leg 204, which successfully recovered fluids from nine sites from the southern part of the ridge. Iodide concentrations in pore fluids associated with gas hydrates are strongly enhanced, by factors up to 5000 compared to seawater, which allows the use of this biophilic element as tracer for organic source regions. We applied the cosmogenic isotope 129 I ( T 1/2 = 15.7 Ma) system to determine the age of the organic source formation responsible for the iodide enrichment. In all sites at ODP Leg 204, 129 I/I ratios were found to decrease with depth to values around 250 × 10 − 15 , corresponding to minimum ages of 40 Ma, but in several sites, maxima in the 129 I/I ratios point to the local addition of young iodide. The results indicate that a large amount of iodide was derived from deep accreted sediments of Eocene age, and that additional source regions provide iodide of Late Miocene age. The presence of old iodide in the pore waters suggests that fluid pathways are open to allow transport over large distances into the gas hydrate fields. The strong correlation between iodide and methane in hydrate fields coupled with the similarity in transport parameters in aqueous solutions suggests that a large fraction of methane in gas hydrates also has old sources and is transported into the present locations from source regions of Eocene age.
Application of optimum linear filter theory to the detection of cortical signals preceding facial movement in cat.

Linear filter analysis was used to detect the occurrence of neuroelectric signals in associated noisy background electrical activity by matching a signal template against incoming neuroelectric data. Bach signal to be detected in the neuroelectric data consisted of a gross potential change recorded at the coronal — precruciate cortex of a cat, evoked by an auditory conditional stimulus, and related to the production of a conditioned facial movement. Detection of the occurrence of the signal corresponded closely to detection of the ensuing movement.
Policies and IT technologies: a puzzle of two pieces

Starting with this issue, a new public policy technology track appears in each installment of IEEE Internet Computing in 2006. This track explores the relationships between IT technology deployment and policies along with the policy-related factors that affect the deployment of specific technologies. In this installment, the authors describe their vision of what to expect in future issues, and issue a call to arms to build a like-minded community.
In-situ propellant advantages for fast transfer to Mars

The advantages of in situ propellant for a fast transfer to Mars were studied as compared to all earth-based propellants and other options for reduction of total masss in low earth orbit. For a 10-year, 10-mission model and a baseline vehicle taken from the literature, the total reduction in number of earth launches was calculated. The scenario in which the return propellants are transferred to Mars on a slow cargo vehicle provides a 29-percent reduction in ALS launches over the baseline scenario in which all propellants are brought directly from earth. The scenarios in which in situ propellants are used for a successively greater portion of the total mission continue to reduce the number of launches required. With Mars propellant used for the Mars ascent vehicle and the return leg of the mission, a 59-percent reduction in launches is obtained. Finally, if the oxygen, or oxygen and fuel, for the outbound leg of the mission is also obtained by in situ production, from the moon for example, then the total reduction in number of earth launches is more than 80 percent.
Gastrinomas demonstrate amplification of the HER-2/neu proto-oncogene

OBJECTIVE: This study determined whether genomic amplification of HER-2/neu or mutations of the p53 and ras genes were present in gastrinomas. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Amplification of HER-2/neu, a proto-oncogene related to the epidermal growth factor receptor, and mutation of the ras proto-oncogene and p53 tumor suppressor gene appear to play a role in the pathogenesis of some human cancers. Little is known about possible molecular alterations in gastrinomas, tumors that may be particularly virulent because of gastrin overproduction, resulting in the severe ulcer diathesis, the Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. METHODS: The differential polymerase chain reaction (PCR) procedure was used to detect amplification of the HER-2/neu gene in DNA samples from the novel human gastrinoma cell line (PT) and from paraffin-embedded samples of gastrinomas. Sequencing techniques were used to determine whether mutations of the p53 or ras (Ha-ras, N-ras, Ki-ras) genes were present. RESULTS: Amplification (> twofold) occurred in all gastrinoma tumor samples. Compared with normal pancreas or ileum, a 4- to 12-fold amplification of HER-2/neu was found in 3 gastrinomas, 3 to 3.3-fold in four samples and 2.1- to 2.4-fold in the remaining five tumors. A heterozygous point mutation in the p53 gene (codon 273) was found in a single sample; none of the gastrinomas contained a mutation of the ras genes. CONCLUSIONS: Amplification of the HER-2/neu gene, but not alterations of either p53 or ras, may be involved in the pathogenesis of gastrinomas. The unique PT cell line will be a useful model to further elucidate the molecular mechanisms that contribute to gastrinoma formation and growth.
The pattern and clinical significance of karyotypic abnormalities in patients with idiopathic and postpolycythemic myelofibrosis

Six of eight (75%) patients with postpolycythemic myelofibrosis (PPMF) and 11 of 20 (55%) patients with idiopathic myelofibrosis (MF), seen at the University of Chicago, had abnormal karyotypes in cells of bone marrow origin. The specific chromosomal findings and their clinical significance in these patients were analyzed. A review of the literature added the findings from abnormal karyotype studies in 10 patients with PPMF and 36 patients with MF to this series. The demonstration of an increased frequency of cytogenetic abnormalities after cytotoxic therapy in polycythemia vera (PV) implies that such therapy may have a role in the development of chromosomal changes seen in treated PV and PPMF. The cytogenetic abnormalities in MF appear to be unrelated to therapy except possibly for an association with partial or complete losses of chromosome 5 or 7. Trisomy 8 is the only finding that is more common in MF than in PPMF. Other abnormalities were more common in PPMF, particularly 20q-, loss of 7 or 7q-, and trisomy 9, and to a lesser extent trisomy 1q and 5q-. Cytogenetic abnormalities do not show a pattern that can be used to distinguish between PPMF and MF, nor are they useful in the prognosis of MF or in initial studies in PPMF. PPMF does appear to have a higher tendency toward leukemic transformation than does MF, and an evolution in karyotype appears to have serious prognostic implications in PPMF in regard to this transition.
Phenomena including recurrent ulcer following resection of benign lesions

Abstract Recurring ulceration, after partial gastric resection for peptic ulcer, is infrequant. However, when it occurs, it often is a serious lesion. When such a condition develops, the early symptoms are characteristically of the type of ulcer, but soon these features may be lost on account of the penetrating and inflammatory nature of the lesions. The distress is severe; often frequent feedings at night and even opiates are required for relief. The pain may be referred to parts far distant from the site of the ulcer. The symptoms often are extremely refractory to medical treatment and in some cases there has been more than one recurrence.
Effects of carbamazepine on cerebrospinal fluid somatostatin

This paper reports the reduction of the concentration of the neuropeptide somatostatin in the CSF of patients with affective illness during treatment with the anticovulsant carbamazepine. None of the other psychotropic agents used in this study similarly affected CSF somatostatin, although zimelidine appeared to increase CSF somatostatin in a small number of patients. The potential mechanism and significance of the effects of carbamazepine on CSF somatostatin are discussed in relation to the psychotropic, anticonvulsant, and analgesic properties of carbamazepine.
Perinatal counseling (PC) vs. incidence of breastfeeding (BF) at 6 weeks in an inner-city population ♦ 1928

PC increases the incidence and duration of BF. We hypothesized that the incidence of BF and the cost-effectiveness of a lactation program (LP) might be related to the model used for PC. We conducted a retrospective analysis of BF at 6 weeks postpartum among all mothers whose neonates were admitted to JMC from 1/1/194 until 10/31/97 and did not need intensive care. Mothers were classified by choice of prenatal care (PNC) & BF education: group I, PNC at JMC with BF education sessions (BFES); group II, PNC at JMC without BFES; and group III, PNC elsewhere or no PNC. We compared three successive models of PC: model 1, PC provided by a full-time lactation coordinator (LC); model 2, PC provided by the LC and by obstetric personnel (ObP) trained by the LC; and model 3, PC provided by ObP and by the LC who then worked half-time at the LP, thereby halving its cost. The adjusted odds ratio (OR) of BF in group I vs group II was 5.4 (95% confidence interval 4.3-6.8) and that in group II vs group III was 2.0 (1.4-2.9). The incidence of BF increased from 19% in model 1 to 27% in model 2 (OR vs model 1, 1.7 [1.3-2.2]) and 23% in model 3 (OR vs model 1, 1.9 [1.4-2.5]; OR vs model 2, NS). In group I the incidence of BF was highest in model 2 (OR vs other models 1.2 [1.1-1.3]). In group II the incidence of BF was higher in models 2 and 3 than in model 1 (OR, 1.5[1.3-1.7] and 1.7 [1.4-2.0], respectively). In group III the incidence of BF remained low throughout the study (6-8%). Thus, BF was associated with PNC at JMC and with BFES. The LP appeared to be most cost-efficient when PC was given by trained ObP and by a half-time LC.
Study of Macrodefects in MBE-Grown HgCdTe Epitaxial Layers Using Focused Ion Beam Milling

This paper presents a study on the initiation and evolution of macrodefects in molecular beam epitaxy-grown two-color HgCdTe epitaxial layers on CdZnTe substrates. A combination of focused ion beam milling and high-resolution scanning electron microscopy was used to look at the defect cross-sections, and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy was used to study the cross-sectional composition. This study shows that the classic microvoids tend to initiate at interfaces, such as the substrate/epitaxial layer interface and n–p junctions, because of nonoptimum growth conditions. Another class of microvoids was traced to Te precipitates existing in CdZnTe substrates. Large circular defects, occasionally seen on HgCdTe epitaxial layers, were traced to a tiny volatile particle on the substrate, which is believed to be organic in nature. Another large, irregularly shaped Te-rich defect is seen initiating abruptly during growth and is attributed to occasional outburst of Te clusters from effusion cells.
Incidence of kanamycin resistance among Escherichia coli isolates from neonates

The antimicrobial susceptibilities of 368 E. coli strains isolated from well neonates, well pediatric outpatients, and ill neonates were determined, and the incidence of antibiotic-resistant strains was correlated with epidemiologic data. Ninety-five per cent of these isolates were susceptible to kanamycin and 98 per cent to gentamicin. Most of the difference in susceptibility of these E. coli strains to kanamycin and gentamicin appeared to be on the basis of weight for weight activity. Kanamycin-susceptible strain were isolated from 96 per cent of well neonates and well outpatients. and 94 per cent of ill neonates, age three days or less. An increase in the indicence of resistance to kanamycin, streptomycin, and ampicillin among strains isolated from neonates was related to prolonged hospitalization andlor prior antibotic therapy. This study demonstrates the need for analyzing antimicrobial susceptibility data from newborn nurseries in an epidemiologic context.
The pion spectrum in radiative hyperon decay

The calculations of Barshayet al. on relative hyperon decay are extended to include the pion momentum spectra. The results show that radiative hyperon decay will appear as an important source of background in the study of hyperon leptonic decay.
Discounting: an eye on the future.

How economists' controversial practice of discounting really affects the evaluation of environmental policies.
Equilibrium theory for solvent vapor recovery by pressure swing adsorption: analytical solution for process performance

Abstract A simple, analytic, equilibrium theory model based on wave interactions that occur in adsorption columns, has been formulated to predict directly the periodic state and to analyze the application of pressure swing adsorption (PSA) for solvent vapor recovery (SVR). The analysis of this cyclic process has been carried out using a fully convex, Langmuirian isotherm, with and without breakthrough of the solvent vapor into the light (inert) product. The analytic structure of this model shows the infeasibility of a periodic state with complete containment of solvent vapor, when the purge-to-feed ratio is less than unity. Analytic expressions have also been derived in terms of the key process performance indices: heavy component enrichment and recovery, and light product impurity. Results obtained from these expressions, when studying the effects of the purge-to-feed ratio, pressure level, pressure ratio, feed flow rate, feed mole fraction, cycle time, and bed length-to-diameter ratio, compare qualitatively with results obtained from a more rigorous numerical model. The comparison with a more rigorous model also exposes subtleties about the effect of model approximations on the predicted process performance, in that the cancellation of the effects of certain simplifying assumptions results in near quantitative agreement with the more rigorous model, in some cases.
Long-term impact of a preclinical endovascular skills course on medical student career choices

Objective Surging interest in the 0 + 5 integrated vascular surgery (VS) residency and successful recruitment of the top students in medical school requires early exposure to the field. We sought to determine the impact of a high-fidelity simulation-based preclinical endovascular skills course on medical student performance and ultimate career specialty choices. Methods Fifty-two preclinical medical students enrolled in an 8-week VS elective course from 2007 to 2009. Students completed a baseline and postcourse survey and performed a renal angioplasty/stent procedure on an endovascular simulator (pretest). A curriculum consisting of didactic teaching covering peripheral vascular disease and weekly mentored simulator sessions concluded with a final graded procedure (posttest). Long-term follow-up surveys 1 to 3 years after course completion were administered to determine ultimate career paths of participants as well as motivating factors for career choice. Results Objective and subjective performance measured on the simulator and through structured global assessment scales improved in all students from pre- to posttest, particularly with regard to technical skill and overall procedural competency ( P P = .03). Overall interest postcourse in VS and procedural-based surgical specialties was nearly 90%. In long-term follow-up, 25% were still strongly considering integrated VS residencies, with other top career choices including surgical subspecialties (64%), radiology (10%), and cardiology (6%). Most respondents indicated major reasons for continued interest in VS were the ability to practice endovascular procedures on the simulator (92%) and mentorship from VS faculty (70%). Conclusions Basic endovascular skills can be efficiently introduced through a simulation-based curriculum and lead to improved novice performance. Early exposure of preclinical medical students provides an effective teaching and recruitment tool for procedural-based fields, particularly surgical subspecialties. Mentored exposure to endovascular procedures on the simulator positively impacts long-term medical student attitudes toward vascular surgery and ultimate career choices.
Ischemic colitis in rats.

Left-sided ischemic colitis was induced in 44 inbred Male Fischer rats of the same age by a standardized devascularization procedure. Fifteen animals had nothing else done (Group I). Twentynine animals had feces evacuated from the left colon and received an enema just before the procedure; 14 had a sterile-water enema (Group II), and 15 had a 1 per cent hydrocortisone enema (Group III). At sacrifice, 72 hours after the surgical procedure, the mucosal surface grossly involved in ischemic changes was measured. The mean area of ischemic changes in Group I was significantly greater than that of either Group II or Group III (P<.05). The incidence of circumferential changes was highest in Group I and lowest in Group III; the difference between Group I and Group III was marginally significant (P=.06).
Full and Errant Coaching Effects on Assigned Role Leaderless Group Discussion Performance.

The effect of coaching on Leaderless Group Discussion Performance was examined. Thirty-six female undergraduate subjects participated in six-person assigned role leaderless group discussions. Trained observers evaluated performances in each discussion, which included two 5s from each of three coaching conditions. Ss in full coaching condition received extensive coaching on proper group discussion performance. 5s in the errant coaching condition received improper, but believable, coaching. 5s in the naive, or control, condition received no coaching. Results showed that 5s in the full coaching conditions were rated significantly higher than 5s in the errant or naive conditions. The results were discussed in the light of previous research.
Method to allow safe catheterization of extremely obese patients.

A method is described which permits the performance of cardiac catheterization of markedly obese patients without risking breakage of the catheterization laboratory patient table.
Leakage Mapping: A Systematic Methodology for Assessing the Side-Channel Information Leakage of Cryptographic Implementations

We propose a generalized framework to evaluate the side-channel information leakage of symmetric block ciphers. The leakage mapping methodology enables the systematic and efficient identification and mitigation of problematic information leakages by exhaustively considering relevant leakage models. The evaluation procedure bounds the anticipated resistance of an implementation to the general class of univariate differential side-channel analysis techniques. Typical applications are demonstrated using the well-known Hamming weight and Hamming distance leakage models, with recommendations for the incorporation of more accurate models. The evaluation results are empirically validated against correlation-based differential side-channel analysis attacks on two typical unprotected implementations of the Advanced Encryption Standard.
A theory of precipitation and agglutination reactions in immunological systems

Abstract Aggregation phenomena in immunological systems have been profitably treated in the past by applying theories developed to describe polymerization reactions. An interesting result of these theories is the prediction that critical ratios exist for the reactants. These are ratios at which the composition of the system changes abruptly from one characterized primarily by small aggregates to one characterized primarily by large aggregates. In this paper, these ratios are studied as a function of physical and molecular parameters. In particular, the valence of the antibody is allowed to be greater than two and certain types of intramolecular reactions are considered. The effect of antigen and antibody heterogeneity on the results is discussed by developing the theory for a particular heterogeneous system.
Development and testing of an actively controlled large-aperture Cassegrain Telescope for spacecraft deployment

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is planning future deep space missions requiring space-based imaging reconnaissance of planets and recovery of imagery from these missions via optical communications. Both applications have similar requirements that can be met by a common aperture. The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in collaboration with commercial and academic partners is developing a new approach to deploying and controlling large aperture (meter-class) optical telescopes on spacecraft that can be rapidly launched and deployed. The deployment mechanism uses flexible longeron struts to deploy the secondary. The active control system uses a fiber-coupled laser array near the focal plane that reflects four collimated laser beams off of the periphery of the secondary to four equally-disposed quad cell sensors at the periphery of the primary to correct secondary-to-primary misalignments and enable motion compensation. We describe a compensation technique that uses tip/tilt and piston actuators for quasi-static bias correction and dynamic motion compensation. We also describe preliminary optical tests using a commercial Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope in lieu of an ultra-lightweight composite Cassegrain, which is under development by Composite Mirror Applications, Inc. Finite element and ray trace modeling results for a 40 cm composite telescope design will also be described.
Implications of sample aging on the formation of internally etched silica coated gold nanoparticles

Aging time and storage conditions of silica stabilized gold nanoparticles impact the mechanism of nanoparticle-rattle structure formation. These differences are evaluated using electron microscopy and localized surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy coupled with modelling of gold nanosphere sensitivity to their local dielectric environment. Sample aging is revealed to impact the overall silica density and subsequent void formation in these structures. In all samples, voids formed near the metal cores and increased in size, which could be quantified using modelling. All in all, these results suggest that optimal silica membrane formation likely depends on initial silica density, which is directly related to sample age and storage conditions. As a result, these considerations as well as dielectric modelling could be exploited for future synthesis and use of these materials in surface enhanced spectroscopy and catalytic applications.
Local Modes in Anharmonic Solids and the Kondo Problem

The quantum theory of local modes in molecules is extended to few-dimensional solids such as polyacetylene. Local modes are found to be present below the phonon band no matter how weak the anharmonicity. The problem of the local mode interacting with a phonon background is reduced to a Bose variety of the Kondo problem. Based on this analogy, a theory is constructed of thermal dissociation of local modes and the generation of high local-mode quantum numbers through intense radiation.
Some aspects of the freely propagating premixed flame in a spatially periodic flow field

The premixed flame situated in a spatially periodic flow field is examined using the passive propagation model with the local flame speed affected by stretch and nonequidiffusion. Numerical solution shows that the average flame speed increases with either increasing fluctuation amplitude or increasing wavelength of the imposed flow field, and that the flame surface can locally extinguish for sufficiently large fluctuation amplitude of the imposed flow. Perturbation solutions in the weakly wrinkled flame and the thin flame limits are presented. The formation of corners on the flame surface in the thin flame limit is illustrated, and the structure of the corner is further found to resemble that of the Bunsen flame. The premixed flame situated in a two-dimensional periodic flow field is also analyzed in the Huygens limit, leading to the observation that flame surface discontinuities exist in the form of cones.
Aptitude test score validity : No moderating effect due to job ability requirement differences

This study empirically tested the specificity-generality hypothesis regarding moderation of aptitude test validity by job ability requirement differences using a large sample (24,482) of Air Force enlistees in 37 different technical jobs. This was accomplished both across and within job families. In addition, the correlation of the proportion of psychometric g, measured by a test, and average test validity was estimated both within and across job families. The results failed to find moderating effects due to job differences. Furthermore, an analysis of the predictiveness of psychometric g showed that job ability differences did not moderate the relationship between the amount of g measured by a test and its score validity.
Transition state stabilization by deaminases: Rates of nonenzymatic hydrolysis of adenosine and cytidine

Abstract Nonenzymatic rates of hydrolytic deamination of adenosine and cytidine by acids and bases analogous to side chains of naturally occurring amino acids are compared with the rates of uncatalyzed deamination in water and with the rates of the hydroxide- and hydrogen ion-catalyzed reactions. For adenosine, hydroxide ion is an effective catalyst, with a second-order rate constant of 7.5 × 10−6 m −1 s−1 at 85°C and an energy of activation of 19.9 kcal/mol. Acid-catalyzed deamination of adenine proceeds with a second-order rate constant of 1.5 × 10−6 m −1 s−1 at 85°C. At concentrations of 1 m and at pH values corresponding to their respective pKa values, dimethylamine, acetate, selenide, imidazole, phosphate, and zinc(II) do not enhance the rate of deamination of adenosine beyond that observed in water, and 2-mercaptoethanol produces only a modest rate enhancement. The uncatalyzed rate of adenosine deamination in water is 8.6 × 10−9 s−1 at 85°C: extrapolation to 37°C and comparison with kcat for rat hepatoma adenosine deaminase yield a rate enhancement by the enzyme of approximately 2 × 1012-fold. 1,6-Dimethyladenosine, the conjugate acid of which has a pKa value much higher than that of adenosine, is not readily deaminated, suggesting that the uncatalyzed deamination of adenosine does not proceed by hydroxide ion attack on the rare protonated form of adenosine, but rather by attack on the neutral species. Deamination of cytidine is catalyzed most effectively by hydroxide ion, with a second-order rate constant of 4.5 × 10−4 m −1 s−1 at 85°C and an energy of activation of 28.5 kcal/mol. The uncatalyzed rate of deamination of cytidine in water, which also exhibits an energy of activation of 28.5 kcal/mol, is 8.8 × 10−8 s−1 at 85°C. Comparison of the rate extrapolated to 25°C with kcat for bacterial cytidine deaminase gives a rate enhancement for the enzyme of 4 × 1011-fold. The C-5 proton of the pyrimidine ring of cytidine does not exchange with solvent during alkaline hydrolysis, suggesting that deamination under these conditions does not involve prior addition of water across the 5,6 double bond.
In Defence of Aristotelian Honour

to right action and a sign of lack of moral autonomy. Moreover, Aristotle's often explicit claim that the virtuous person deserves such external honour and should actually seek it out if it is deserved strikes many today as arrogance. Such self-assertive pride runs against both the Christian concept of the individual who, no matter what he does, stands sinful before God and the democratic tradition of equality. Such a 'braggart' fails to understand the importance of even the lowliest stations in society and the equality of all these voices in the state. Cordner's point about assertiveness for earned honour is accurate though we may be going through a major cultural change in how people respond to accomplishments. We are becoming increasingly accepting of people who are actually very good at what they do and who assert themselves to receive the honour they deserve. This is especially true in athletics, business and entertainment. Increasingly, our problem today is not detecting false from genuine humility, a traditional moral dilemma embodied in Christianity, but discerning false from genuine pride-a problem much closer to the one Aristotle confronted in his time. Public
Size of Protein Particles in Ultrahigh-Temperature Sterilized Milk as Related to Concentration

Summary Ultracentrifugation studies of milk sterilized by ultrahigh temperatures have shown that sedimentation constants increased. Sedimentation studies of reconstituted concentrated milks showed that milks reconstituted immediately after concentration had sedimentation constants approximately the same as the milks after preheating. Constants of the same milks reconstituted after sterilization were much higher. This study was undertaken to determine the relationship between concentration and size of particle after sterilization at a given temperature. To minimize the interference of fat in the determination of sedimentation constants, fat was removed by centrifugal separation of the raw milk at 100° F. Preheating (180° F., 4.16sec.) and sterilization (293° F. no hold) temperatures used had been found to cause minimum clustering of protein particles. Portions of the preheated milk were concentrated 3:1, 2:1, and diluted one-third with deionized water. Logs of the sedimentation constants of the reconstituted sterile concentrated milks and sterile normal and diluted milks, when plotted against concentration, formed a straight line which intersected the zero concentration axis at the log of the sedimentation constant of the smallest micelle in raw skimmilk, reported by Ford and Ramsdell (1). The relationship of the particle size to sedimentation constant can be expressed by the equation d 2 S = 18 η ρ − ρ o
A study of reviews and ratings on the internet

Many online sites use rating and review systems to attract new users by providing diverse opinions from their users. However, there is not much research on how to design these types of systems better. In this research, we explore how people perceive reviews and ratings on the Internet in order to inform the design of rating and review systems. In this ongoing project, we have conducted preliminary user studies to uncover the ways people use and perceive reviews and ratings on the Internet. Our initial findings show some interesting insights about different personal interpretation and utilization of ratings and reviews in different contexts. We conclude by listing recommendations for designers of online rating and review systems.
Some effects of fatty acids and oils on western spruce budworm larvae and pupae

Abstract Larvae and pupae of the western spruce budworm (Choristoneura occidentalis) differed in their response to applied oleic or linoleic acid or sweet almond oil. These agents abolished the production, from topically applied glucose, of glucose-6-phosphate or N-acetylglucosamine in pupae, but had only small effects on their production in larvae. Mineral oil had small effects on glucose metabolism, which was similar in pupae and larvae. The two oils had, for any one developmental form, the same toxicity. This was also true for the two acids. The acids were more toxic than the oils by factors of 15 for larvae and 3 for pupae.
Jet angular distribution from quantum chromodynamics

The quantum chromodynamic correction to jet (defined a la Sterman and Weinberg) angular distribution in energetic e/sup +/e/sup -/ annihilation is calculated to order ..cap alpha../sub s/ keeping exact dependence on epsilon and delta. Deviations from the zeroth order distribution, 1 + cos/sup 2/theta, for are found relatively large values of epsilon and delta. This effect could be tested at the existing e/sup +/e/sup -/ colliding beam facilities.
Processes of Sexual Orientation Questioning among Heterosexual Men

Male heterosexual identity development has received little empirical attention. The current study examines sexual orientation questioning processes of heterosexual-identified men and offers a compa...
Elastic displacements for various edge-cracked plate specimens.

Elastic displacements for edge cracked plate specimens used as crack extension indicator in plane strain fracture toughness measurements
A model of primitive heterotrophic proliferation

Abstract 1. 1. Proteinoid microspheres have been shown to develop bud-like appendages which, when separated and transferred to fresh proteinoid solution, can grow in size and mass to new particles on which bud-like appendages appear. 2. 2. The relation of these experiments to a model of heterotrophic proliferation of a population of proteinaceous particles is discussed.