cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Between markets and politics: Organizational responses to reform in China

In China's economic transition, firms diversify assets through investments in the rapidly expanding service sector in response to organizational uncertainty. Using data from a random sample of firms in Shanghai, the author shows that there are two situations that cause this uncertainty: economic instability, where weak firms struggle to survive in the rapidly changing market system, and administrative instability, where large firms that were the most protected are now being forced to handle the responsibilities that were previously handled by the state. The result is that both types of firm seek stability by spreading out risk through investment in low‐risk, fast‐return markets, revealing much about the economic reforms. The overall strategy of a firm reflects, at any given point in time, important organizational facts…. Any decision to fundamentally alter the deployment of internal resources represents a major structural change. These kinds of changes do not occur often; when they do, they provide us wit...
Nanosecond, multi-frame TEA N/sub 2/ laser diagnostic

Summary form only given, as follows. A four channel transverse-excited-atmospheric (TEA) nitrogen laser system has been assembled to diagnose the UCI Staged Z-Pinch. The laser system consists of four oscillators electrically configured on a strip-transmission line and operating in a super-radiant mode to obtain a time-sequenced, multi-pulse output. The oscillators are DC charged and generate sub-nanosecond pulses with a divergence of 20-25 mrad in and several-nanosecond, pulse-train duration. The individual TEA pulses are amplified by a common low pressure laser (50-150 Torr) operating in the spontaneous emission mode. The amplifier is pulsed charged to 40-45 kV. Laser system diagnostics monitor the sequence of the electric discharge wave in the transmission line and the UV outputs. We present results on the laser output-pulse duration and divergence vs. the electric, geometric, and gas-operating parameters, as well as measurements taken on the UCI Staged Pinch.
Food Selection by Grass Carp Fingerlings in a Vegetated Pond

Abstract Five thousand grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) fry were stocked into a 0.81-hectare pond in Marion County, Florida. The fry grew from 48.2 mm to 186 mm total length in 6 months with a survival rate of less than 7%. Food consumption decreased to near maintenance ration when water temperature fell below 14 C and growth was reduced. The 76 grass carp which contained food (63-220 mm) were strict herbivores, and ate animal material only in trace quantities (<0.1%). Mean electivity indices indicated positive selection for Sagittaria graminea, slight selection for Eleocharis sp., and discrimination against Najas flexilis, Ceratophyllum demersum, and Potamogeton illinoensis.
Measuring client perceptions of motivational interviewing: factor analysis of the Client Evaluation of Motivational Interviewing scale

Motivational interviewing (MI) is an intervention approach that has solid evidence of efficacy with substance use disorders. Research and training have benefitted from the development of observational measures to assess MI fidelity and competence. However, one untapped area of assessment is the client perception of the clinician use of MI. Client perceptions of MI have been found through qualitative interviews to relate to motivation to change, view of the therapist and safety of therapy. The Client Evaluation of MI (CEMI) scale was developed to assess client perception of clinician MI use. This study further evaluated the CEMI through exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis with a sample of 500 individuals with dual diagnosis pre-discharge from an inpatient unit. Participants completed an MI based session prior to completing CEMIs. A two factor (relational and technical) model explained 51.1% of the cumulative variance and was supported through confirmatory factor analysis. Suggestions for revisions are provided as well as potential uses of the CEMI and future directions for research.
DNA as helical ruler: exciton-coupled circular dichroism in DNA conjugates.

The structure and properties of oligonucleotide conjugates possessing stilbenedicarboxamide chromophores at both ends of a poly(dA):poly(dT) base-pair domain of variable length have been investigated using a combination of spectroscopic and computational methods. These conjugates form capped hairpin structures in which one stilbene serves as a hairpin linker and the other as a hydrophobic end-cap. The capping stilbene stabilizes the hairpin structures by ca. 2 kcal/mol, making possible the formation of a stable folded structure containing a single A:T base pair. Exciton coupling between the stilbene chromophores has little effect on the absorption bands of capped hairpins. However, exciton-coupled circular dichroism (EC-CD) can be observed for capped hairpins possessing as many as 11 base pairs. Both the sign and intensity of the EC-CD spectrum are sensitive to the number of base pairs separating the stilbene chromophores, as a consequence of the distance and angular dependence of exciton coupling. Calcul...
Effect of volume-overload hypertrophy on the coronary circulation in awake dogs

Inadequate coronary reserve is present in left ventricular hypertrophy secondary to hypertension. Since this abnormality might be due in part to vascular hypertrophy of coronary resistance vessels in response to chronic hypertension, we studied a model of ventricular hypertrophy without hypertension. Volume-overload hypertrophy was produced by creating complete heart block in mongrel dogs; 6 to 7 weeks later the dogs were studied in the awake state. The thirteen dogs with chronic heart block had a 49% increase (P<0.05) in left ventricular mass compared with eight control dogs. The major findings in this study were: 1) at rest, coronary blood flow (microsphere technique) per unit weight of left ventricle was not increased in dogs with hypertrophy; and 2) the minimal coronary vascular resistance per unit weight of left ventricle calculated during iv adenosine infusion at a rate that produced maximal vasodilatation was not significantly higher in dogs with left ventricular hypertrophy than in controls (16.4±1.0 vs 14.7±1.5 kPa·litre−1·min·100 g, respectively). Minimal coronary vascular resistance of the entire left ventricle was significantly less in dogs with hypertrophy than controls (13.0±0.8 vs 17.3±1.7 kPa·litre−1·min, respectively). This data suggests that vascular hypertrophy of coronary resistance vessels related to chronic hypertension may be the cause of the increased minimal coronary vascular resistance seen in dogs with pressure-overload left ventricular hypertrophy.
Expression of Cadherin/Catenin Cell—Cell Adhesion Molecules in a Onychomatricoma

Onychomatricoma is a rare nail tumor with a distinctive architecture. Proximally, there are serum-filled invaginations of nail matrix epithelium into the stroma, and distally, dermal protrusions perforate the nail plate. Because other matrical tumors of follicular and odontogenic origin express nuclear beta-catenin, we examined the expression of cadherin/catenin proteins in this onychomatricoma case. The patient presented with a toenail yellow streak, and the biopsy revealed an onychomatricoma. E-cadherin and beta-catenin were at the cell membrane in the epithelial invaginations. P-cadherin was restricted to basal cells. In contrast to other matrical tumors, nuclear beta-catenin was not present. These results suggest that onychomatricoma may lack the transcriptional activating role of beta-catenin that characterizes follicular and odontogenic matrical tumors. This is the first report on the expression of cadherin/ catenin cell-cell adhesion proteins in this rare nail tumor.
The stability of continuous baroclinic models with planetary vorticity gradient

The linearized continuous baroclinic model of Eady with planetary vorticity gradient is studied by considering a normal mode disturbance. The problem is reduced to a confluent hypergeometric equation with proper boundary conditions. The stability of this problem is expressed in terms of the behavior of an analytical function. A proof is given to show the existence of neutral waves. Fjortoft's advective model with planetary vorticity gradient is obtained by letting the static stability vanish in Eady's model with planetary vorticity gradient. A comparison of the two models shows that they are very similar. Static stability leads to a lower level of non-divergence than in the pure advective case. An expansion technique is used to study the deviation near the advective model. Although this method is useful only for medium-scale unstable waves, it gives a simple formula for the phase speed and growth rate. DOI: 10.1111/j.2153-3490.1971.tb00574.x
Hencky strain shifting of convergent flow measured effective elongational viscosity

The effective elongational viscosity data on a series of polyolefins as a function of the Hencky strain are shifted to a reference Hencky strain using an approach similar to that used for temperature shifting, shearing viscosity data. The basis of this shifting is the order that develops (i.e., the decrease in entropy that occurs) during forced flow through semihyperbolically convergent dies. The entropy decrease is proportional to the orientational contribution to the effective elongational viscosity. The Hencky strain shift factors are obtained from the convergent flow effective elongational rheology and the complex and capillary shear rheology. The commercial grades of polyolefins studied include polypropylene, high density polyethylene, and metallocene and conventionally catalyzed low density polyethylene. The combination of the temperature shift factors given in our companion article and the Hencky strain shift factors in this article enable the creation of master curves for the effective elongational rheology. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 87: 1397–1404, 2003
New imaging technique combining diffusive photon-density waves and focused ultrasound

AcoustoNphotonic imaging (API) , combines the technique of diffusiveNphotonNdensityN wave (DPDW) imaging with ultrasound modulation of light in a new mode of medical imaging which promises improved resolution, accuracy, and penetration. Analytical results reported previously showed that a focussed ultrasound beam at one frequency, mixing with a diffusive wave at another, produces signals at the sum and difference frequencies, and that these signals originate near the ultrasound focus. In heterogeneous tissue, reconstruction from DPDW images is difficult because the problem is underNdetermined and illNposed, because practical considerations constrain probe locations, and because probe placement and orientation are susceptible to motion. API provides additional data in several ways: First scanning the ultrasound focus throughout the sample volume and measuring the mixing signals images three-dimensional structures with contrasting optical or ultrasound properties. Secondly, the ultrasound focus acts as a "virtual" DPDW source which can be located deep inside the tissue without invasive probe placement . Surface detectors and deep virtual sources provide the equivalent of transillumination imaging. Diffusive imaging using transillumination and reflection together offers significant improvements in resolution and accuracy over that using either alone. Finally, sampling a few locations with the ultrasound focus, perhaps aided by ultrasound imagery, may to correct for probe motion. In summary, API combines DPDW and ultrasound imaging, retaining the best features of both.
HOW DRIVERS PREVENTED FROM DRIVING WOULD REACH WORK: IMPLICATIONS FOR PENALTIES

The validity of the assumption that loss of a driving license would result in economic hardship for most drivers was examined. Persons who drive to work were asked how they would reach work if a broken leg prevented them from driving. Only 21 per cent said they would not be able to make other travel arrangements. Of those who thought they could find other transportation, two-thirds said the alternative would cost no more than driving themselves. Less than one-fifth said the time required would be more than an additional half hour per day. The results indicate that policies and practices related to license suspension and revocation should not be based on an assumption that job loss or economic hardship would be experienced by most drivers if they were to lose their driving privileges.
Efficacy assessment of Aphidius colemani (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) for suppression of Aphis gossypii (Homoptera: Aphididae) in greenhouse-grown chrysanthemum

To assess biological control as a management tool for the cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover (Homoptera: Aphididae), the efÞcacy of Aphidius colemani Viereck (Hymenoptera: Bra- conidae) for suppression of A. gossypii in greenhouse-grown chrysanthemums, Dendranthema gran- diflora (Tzvelev), was compared with a pesticide standard, imidacloprid (Marathon 1% G) and an untreated check. No signiÞcant differences were found between aphid populations in the two treatments. A.colemani and imidacloprid kept aphid numbers very low, with the correspondent aphid populations exhibiting very low intrinsic rates of increase (rm 0.0369 and rm 0.0151, respec- tively), in contrast to the exponential growth of aphid populations (rm 0.1085) observed on the untreated plants. Parasitism levels in A. colemani plots ranged from 48.93 to 83.38%. Esthetic damage parameters, including exuviae, honeydew, and sooty mold on leaves, were signiÞcantly different between treatments and untreated control, and damage levels were minimal with the insecticide treatment and natural enemy releases. The cost of A. colemani releases was 4.7 times greater than the cost of the imidacloprid treatment.
Culturally Contingent Situated Cognition Influencing Other People Fosters Analytic Perception in the United States but Not in Japan

Interpersonal influence and interpersonal adjustment play crucial roles in structuring social interactions. However, not much is known about whether their consequences are culturally contingent. We hypothesized that in order to effectively influence others, people need to employ a perceptual style that serves their cultural imperative. Specifically, we predicted that in the United States, interpersonal influence fosters an analytic, context-independent perceptual style that helps people focus on their goal; however, in Japan, where the cultural imperative is to attend to other people and fit into social contexts, this pattern may be absent or reversed. In two studies, we tested this hypothesis by measuring interpersonal interactions (Study 1) and then by manipulating interpersonal interactions (Study 2). Overall, the findings support a culturally contingent situated-cognition approach, which highlights not only interpersonal underpinnings of perceptual styles but also the role that culture plays in ascribing meaning to interpersonal interactions.
H-NS is a Negative Regulator of the Two Hemolysin/Cytotoxin Gene Clusters in Vibrio anguillarum

Hemolysins produced by Vibrio anguillarum have been implicated in the development of hemorrhagic septicemia during vibriosis, a fatal fish disease. Previously, two hemolysin gene clusters responsible for the hemolysis and cytotoxicity of V. anguillarum were identified: the vah1-plp gene cluster and the rtxACHBDE gene cluster. In this study, we identified the hns gene, which encodes the H-NS protein and acts as a negative regulator of both gene clusters. The V. anguillarum H-NS protein shares strong homology with other bacterial H-NS proteins. An hns mutant exhibited increased hemolytic activity and cytotoxicity compared to the wild-type strain. Complementation of the hns mutation restored hemolytic activity and cytotoxicity levels to nearly wild-type levels. Furthermore, expression of rtxA, rtxH, rtxB, vah1, and plp increased in the hns mutant and decreased in the hns-complemented mutant strain compared to expression in the wild-type strain. Additionally, experiments using DNase I showed that purified recombinant H-NS protected multiple sites in the promoter regions of both gene clusters. The hns mutant also exhibited significantly attenuated virulence against rainbow trout. Complementation of the hns mutation restored virulence to wild-type levels, suggesting that H-NS regulates many genes that affect fitness and virulence. Previously, we showed that HlyU is a positive regulator of expression for both gene clusters. In this study, we demonstrate that upregulation by hlyU is hns dependent, suggesting that H-NS acts to repress or silence both gene clusters and HlyU acts to relieve that repression or silencing.
Effect of Partial Deprivation of Parotid Saliva on Physiological responses of steers Fed Three Levels of Dietary Sodium

Abstract Five parotid and rumen fistulated dairy steers, when the animals were partially deprived of saliva by unilateral exteriorization of a parotid gland, were used to determine the effects of 0.22, 0.65, and 1.10% Na levels in the diet on the daily rate of parotid saliva flow, chemical properties of saliva, and concentrations and molar percentages of volatile fatty acids in their rumen fluid. In comparison with the 0.65 or 1.10% Na diet, the 0.22% Na level decreased feed intake, saliva flow rate, concentration of Na in saliva, and buffering capacity of saliva and increased the concentration of HPO 4 = in saliva. Also, the pH of rumen fluid from steers fed the 0.22 and 0.65% Na levels was lower than that from steers fed the 1.10% Na diet. However, the level of dietary Na fed the 1.10% Na diet. However, the level of dietary Na fed did not affect the concentration or molar percentages of acetic, propionic, or butyric acids in rumen fluid. Steers fed the 0.22% Na diet typically displayed anorexia and were dull, listless, and dehydrated in appearance.
Memory in the small: an application to provide task-based organizational memory for a scientific community

Many forms of organizational memory must exist embedded within the organizational processes and tasks. This paper argues that "memory-in-the small", memory utilized in the performance of an organizational task, can serve as an effective performance support mechanism. By basing organizational memory upon organizational tasks (and basing task support upon organizational memory), organizational memory systems can provide additional and necessary support services for organizations and communities. As an example of memory-in-the-small, this paper describes a software application called the ASSIST, that combines organizational memory with task performance for a scientific community. The ASSIST utilizes and stores the collective memory of astrophysicists about data analysis and is used world-wide by astrophysicists. The paper also considers the theoretical and architectural issues involved when combining organizational memory with task performance. >
Prevention of Amphotericin B—Induced Renal Impairment: A Review on the Use of Sodium Supplementation

• Amphotericin B is the treatment of choice for most deepseated mycoses; however, doses may have to be limited because of concern over adverse effects such as nephrotoxicity. Evolving evidence suggests that the extent of amphotericin B—induced renal impairment may be modified via alteration of a normal physiologic feedback response that further contributes to changes due to direct nephrotoxicity. As such, renal impairment has a substantial theoretically preventable and reversible element. In animals exposed to amphotericin B, sodium loading interferes with this response. Mounting clinical evidence also supports the usefulness of sodium supplementation to prevent as well as to reverse amphotericin B—induced nephrotoxicity. At this time, the use of sodium supplementation (eg, intravenous saline and/or ticarcillin disodium, which contains 5.2 mEq of sodium per gram of drug) along with avoiding dehydration appears to be a safe and effective means of reducing the risk of nephrotoxicity associated with amphotericin B administration; however, it is not known whether renal changes can be entirely prevented. These preliminary observations merit confirmation in a prospective, randomized clinical trial. (Arch Intern Med1988;148:2389-2394) The incidence of mycotic disease is increasing. A recent survey indicates that fungal organisms are isolated in from 1% to 12% of hospitalized patients, currently accounting for approximately 5% of all cases of primary septicemia.1The reason for this escalation in mycotic disease is the increased number of patients occupying hospital beds with risk factors for fungal infections. The major risk factor is impaired host defense mechanisms due to underlying disease (eg, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) or therapeutic maneuvers (eg, cancer chemotherapy, radiotherapy, iatrogenic immunosuppression for organ transplantation). Despite the availability of newer antifungal agents, amphotericin B (Fungizone) remains the broad-spectrum antifungal antibiotic of choice for the treatment of deepseated mycotic infections. Unfortunately, this drug causes a variety of adverse effects, including fever, chills, nausea,
Adolescent-friendly services.

The time has come to discuss adolescent-friendly services and what these should entail. The attitudes and skills of the staff are the keys to successful healthcare for the adolescent. Communication skills include providing time without parental presence. Confidentiality in the patient–provider context is important but rules and practices vary from country to country and have to be learned. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Children is a generic framework that makes a good starting-point. Ambiguous cases should be referred to groups of professionals and lay people trained in medical ethics. (authors)
A Novel ITSM-Based Implementation Method to Maintain Software Assets in Order to Sustain Organizational Activities

One major problem is to record software assets and update them in the organizations. Information Technology Service Management (ITSM) usually refers to ISO/IEC 20000 standard that the Configuration Management (CM) process known as hart of it. Configuration Management Data Base (CMDB) is part of the CM that records and updates changes and retrieve the services. This paper focus on propose a novel ITSM-based implementation method to maintain software assets in order to sustain organizations activities.
An Automated Jet Polishing Technique for Preparation of Transmission Electron Microscope Specimens for In-Situ Straining

The increasing availability of intermediate and high voltage transmission electron microscopes, together with recent improvements in video recording equipment, have led to renewed interest in in situ dynamic experiments. To alleviate the problems encountered in preparing TEM specimens with the awkward geometries required for straining stages, a jet polishing technique has been developed which allows the use of a conventional twin-jet electropolishing unit, with all its attendant advantages. A pair of Teflon sheet inserts, with rectangular openings cut to a specific shape and size, are used in the conventional specimen holder. Specimens with elliptical holes close to the center of the gauge section, and with large electron transparent areas at both ends of the long axis, are produced routinely and rapidly. Samples of many annealed metals, such as brass, molybdenum, and aluminum, prepared by this method are stronger, and can be handled more easily, than those prepared by conventional methods.
Motion at isoluminance: motion dead zones in three-dimensional color space

Under some conditions, moving isoluminant stimuli perceptually slow down or even appear to stop. The purpose of the experiment was to explore the shape of the motion dead zone, the region of color space over which the perception of stopped motion occurs. Subjects viewed a small patch of moving grating (2.3 deg x 2.3 deg, 1.3 cycles/degree, 2.9 deg/s), that was spatially modulated in chromaticity, luminance, or both, presented either foveally or at 2-deg eccentricity. The bars of the grating moved from both edges inward toward the center of the patch. Subjects set perceptual motion boundaries by adjusting the contrast of the luminance-modulation component of the grating. Over most or all of the available gamut of chromatic contrasts, the upper and lower boundaries of the motion dead zone formed two parallel planes near the V lambda-isoluminant plane in three-dimensional color space. The data thus suggest that under the conditions of the experiment, perceptual-motion boundaries are determined largely or entirely by the luminance contrast of the stimulus. The data also provide the most extensive evidence available to date for the additivity of motion photometry.
Conflict Actions and Outcomes: Long-Term Impacts

The impact of selected forms of conflict actions and solution characteristics on long-term relations among parties to international conflicts is examined. The analysis is conducted by means of focused comparison. Eight questions drawn from the literature of crisis management and resolution are asked about a series of five conflict episodes from the era preceding World War I. The study indicates that statesmen may contribute to long-term deterioration in relations among nations both by focusing too narrowly on resolving the conflict episode rather than the conflict of interest, and by ignoring diplomatic conventions so that they become increasingly viewed as brigands by their counterparts in other nations. Also, statesmen sometimes fail to take advantage of opportunities to build integrative solutions which might foster better relations among all parties to the conflict. Opportunities for building integrative solutions are sometimes lost even when they could be easily implemented.
Privacy preserving route planning

The number of location-aware mobile devices has been rising for several years. As this trend continues, these devices may be able to use their location information to provide interesting applications for their owners. Possible applications for such devices include: i) planning a route that brings the owner near a coffee shop or ii) a route that would allow the owner to intersect one of their friends' own route. The difficulty with such computations is that the owners of the devices will not want their devices to be sending their location (or future locations) to some random server to compute the functions. In this paper, we look at computing distance functions of routes in a private manner; we propose using Secure Multi-party Computation (SMC) techniques to solve these computational geometry problems. In this paper we propose protocols for three such problems: i) the distance between a point and a line segment, ii) the distance between two moving points each defined by a parametric equation (with constant velocity), and iii) the distance between two line segments.
The Lived Experience of Homeless Youth: A Narrative Approach

Homeless youth are an understudied and stigmatized group. In their daily lives, these youth confront negative social perceptions and harrowing circumstances related to survival, which may present challenges to the construction of a meaningful, coherent identity. Using the theoretical notion of narrative engagement (Hammack & Cohler, 2009), this study explores how youth experiencing homelessness make meaning of their lived experiences and engage with dominant discourses about homelessness that stigmatize and devalue them. A narrative analysis of 4 case studies, drawn from in-depth life story interviews with 11 unhoused youth in the United States, suggests that despite experience of struggle and loss, participants demonstrated the ability to (a) resist contamination through the construction of redemptive narratives, grounded in agency and resilience; and (b) resist dominant narratives about homelessness by attributing their circumstances to external causes and by critiquing institutions and figures perceived as holding power. In doing so, participants refused to adopt a “criminal” or “client” master narrative of homeless identity, instead affirming the value and worth of their knowledge, experiences, and identities. This study reveals the active agency of homeless youth to construct counternarratives in which they may restory their identities to find resilience in the margins.
Reproductive ecophysiology of Rubus occidentalis in southeastern Michigan II. Variation in fruit characteristics relates to light and soil conditions

Abstract Variation in fruit characteristics is frequently studied through the lens of frugivore preferences, but it may also be driven by the abiotic environment. Research on the reproductive ecophysiology of Rubus occidentalis (blackcap or black raspberry) is timely because of increasing interest in its antioxidant-rich fruits. Forty-nine R. occidentalis stands in southeastern Michigan were surveyed to 1) quantify variation in fruit characteristics in wild populations and 2) test for correlations between fruit characteristics and light and soil conditions. All fruit characteristics showed variation that strongly correlated with abiotic factors. Yield increased with increasing light, soil pH, and soil ammonium, and fruit fresh mass was positively related to light, soil fine particle fraction, and soil nitrate. Adjusting these factors may improve commercial yield and fruit quality for this species. Fruit water mass and water fraction were also higher in finer, more nitrate-rich soils. On the other hand, fr...
Good reasons for ignoring good evaluation: The case of the drug abuse resistance education (D.A.R.E.) program

Abstract D.A.R.E. is the most popular school-based drug abuse prevention program in the U.S., but evaluations have found that positive effects on students' knowledge, attitudes, and behavior (often observed right after the program) fade away over time. By late adolescence students exposed and not exposed to the program are indistinguishable. Some school districts ignore the evidence and continue to offer D.A.R.E. In our study of 16 school districts, we found two persuasive reasons: (1) Evaluations generally measure drug use as the main outcome, but school officials are skeptical that any low-input short-term program like D.A.R.E. can change adolescents' drug-taking behavior. (2) Evaluations often do not often report relationships between cops and kids. Improvement in these relationships is a main reason for many districts' continued implementation of D.A.R.E. Districts also mention other understandable although more problematic rationales for keeping D.A.R.E.
Lipoprotein particles, insulin, adiponectin, C-reactive protein and risk of coronary heart disease among men with metabolic syndrome

We tested the hypotheses whether nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) determined lipoprotein particles, insulin and adiponectin, and C-reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cell (WBC) count as markers of inflammation predicted risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) death among 428 men age 35-57 years with metabolic syndrome (MetSyn) in a matched case control study within the multiple risk factor intervention trial. Blood samples collected at entry into the study and stored at -60 degrees C were obtained from central storage for blood analyte analysis. Two hundred and fourteen men with MetSyn who died of CHD were matched with 214 men with MetSyn who did not die of CHD during 18 years of follow-up. Cases were matched to controls on age, study group, number of factors present in the MetSyn, and presence or absence of a nonfatal CVD event during the trial. Mortality follow-up was determined using the National Death Index. Higher levels of high density lipoprotein particles (HDL-P), especially medium-sized HDL-P [hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) 0.45 (0.25-0.83, P<0.01), quartile 1 as compared to quartile 4], were associated with lower risk of CHD death. Low density lipoprotein (LDL) particles were not associated with increased risk of CHD. Elevated LDL cholesterol (LDL-C), smoking and WBC count were, but levels of adiponectin, insulin and CRP were not significantly related to CHD death. In multivariate models adjusting for smoking and LDL-C, medium HDL-P and WBC count remained independent predictors of CHD death. Number of HDL particles, especially medium-sized HDL particles and WBC count were independent predictors of CHD death among men with MetSyn.
Design and implementation of parallel programs with LGDF2

The authors present a method of parallel program design using large-grain data-flow constructs that approaches these problems head-on. The resultant modules can be implemented in virtually any language, and efficient, automatic scheduling of these modules is possible for both shared- and distributed-memory processors. The methods also show promise for sequential design. >
Comparison of the effects of open and endovascular aortic aneurysm repair on long-term renal function using chronic kidney disease staging based on glomerular filtration rate

Objective It has been suggested that endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) in concert with serial contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) surveillance adversely impacts renal function. Our primary objectives were to assess serial renal function in patients undergoing EVAR and open repair (OR) and to evaluate the relative effects of method of repair on renal function. Methods A thorough retrospective chart review was performed on 223 consecutive patients (103 EVAR, 120 OR) who underwent abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair. Demographics, pertinent risk factors, CT scan number, morbidity, and mortality were recorded in a database. Baseline, 30- and 90-day, and most recent glomerular filtration rate (GFR) were calculated. Mean GFR changes and renal function decline (using Chronic Kidney Disease [CKD] staging and Kaplan-Meier plot) were determined. EVAR and OR patients were compared. CKD prevalence (≥stage 3, National Kidney Foundation) was determined before repair and in longitudinal follow-up. Observed-expected (OE) ratios for CKD were calculated for EVAR and OR patients by comparing observed CKD prevalence with the expected, age-adjusted prevalence. Results The only baseline difference between EVAR and OR cohorts was female gender (4% vs 12%, P = .029). Thirty-day GFR was significantly reduced in OR patients ( P = .047), but it recovered and there were no differences in mean GFR at a mean follow-up of 23.2 months. However, 18% to 39% of patients in the EVAR and OR groups developed significant renal function decline over time depending on its definition. OE ratios for CKD prevalence were greater in AAA patients at baseline (OE 1.28-3.23, depending upon age group). During follow-up, the prevalence and severity of CKD increased regardless of method of repair (OE 1.8-9.0). Deterioration of renal function was independently associated with age >70 years in all patients (RR 2.92) and performance of EVAR compared with OR (RR 3.5) during long-term follow-up. Conclusions Compared with EVAR, OR was associated with a significant but transient fall in GFR at 30 days. Renal function decline after AAA repair was common, regardless of method, especially in patients >70 years of age. However, the renal function decline was significantly greater by Kaplan-Meier analysis in EVAR than OR patients during long-term follow-up. More aggressive strategies to monitor and preserve renal function after AAA repair are warranted.
Adaptive imaging using a Rotating Modulation Collimator (RMC)

The Rotating Modulation Collimator (RMC) is a simple radiation imaging system that can be operated with as little as a single non-position sensitive radiation detector. While simple, its detection efficiency suffers due to necessary collimation of the incoming radiation. This paper explores adaptive techniques aimed at improving the detection efficiency and image quality for a given RMC system. Specifically, the collimating mask design, the sampling technique, and the RMC pivot angle are explored.
The Use of the Reverse Shoulder Prosthesis for the Treatment of Failed Hemiarthroplasty for Proximal Humeral Fracture

Background: Humeral hemiarthroplasty is an established treatment for patients with selected fractures of the proximal part of the humerus. However, a subset of patients have development of glenoid arthritis and rotator cuff deficiency due to tuberosity failure. To date, there has been no reliable salvage procedure for this problem. Methods: Over a period of five years, twenty-nine patients (twenty-five women and four men) with a mean age of sixty-nine years (range, forty-two to eighty years) were managed with removal of a hemiarthroplasty prosthesis and revision with a Reverse Shoulder Prosthesis alone or in combination with a proximal humeral allograft. Patients were followed clinically and radiographically for an average of thirty-five months. All patients were evaluated with use of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score; the Simple Shoulder Test; range-of-motion measurements, including abduction, forward flexion, and external rotation; and a rating scale for overall satisfaction with the outcome of the surgery. Patients were assessed preoperatively and at all follow-up points beginning at three months postoperatively. Results: The average total American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score improved from 22.3 preoperatively to 52.1 at the time of the last follow-up (p < 0.001). The average American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons pain score improved from 12.2 to 34.4 (p < 0.001), and the average American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons function score improved from 10.1 to 17.7 (p = 0.058). The average Simple Shoulder Test score improved from 0.9 to 2.6 (p = 0.004). Forward flexion improved from 38.1° to 72.7° (p < 0.001), and abduction improved from 34.1° to 70.4° (p < 0.001). The overall complication rate was 28% (eight of twenty-nine). At the time of the latest follow-up, sixteen patients rated the outcome as good or excellent, seven rated it as satisfactory, and six were dissatisfied. Four of the six patients who were dissatisfied had been managed with a Reverse Shoulder Prosthesis alone. Conclusions: The Reverse Shoulder Prosthesis offers a salvage-type solution to the problem of failed hemiarthroplasty due to glenoid arthritis and rotator cuff deficiency following tuberosity failure. The early results reported here are promising. In cases of severe proximal humeral bone deficiency, augmentation of the Reverse Shoulder Prosthesis with a proximal humeral allograft may improve patient satisfaction. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions to Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Recruitment of volunteers for a home-delivered meals programme serving homebound older adults: a theoretically derived programme among faith communities.

Objective Home-delivered nutrition programmes that are federally subsidized by the US Administration on Aging seek to ensure that socially isolated older adults who are unable to purchase and prepare their own food have nutritious meals delivered to them regularly by both employed and volunteer staff. Unfortunately, there are long waiting lists in some neighbourhoods that are often due to a shortage of volunteers. The present paper describes a theoretically driven community-based project designed to increase volunteer participation in serving Meals on Wheels (MOW) clients. Design A Support Team model was applied in the project wherein existing social capital among religious faith communities, and social networks within those organizations, was joined with a local MOW programme to create a sustainable meal delivery route to vulnerable homebound older adults. Setting The programme participants were in one underserved neighbourhood in Birmingham, Alabama, an urban city in the south-eastern USA. Subjects The subjects under consideration are both MOW clients and volunteers. MOW clients are those individuals aged 60 years and above who qualify for the service; the volunteers are from community churches. Results One volunteer route, comprising six congregations that delivered meals to sixteen homebound older adults, was created. The route served more than 2000 meals in 2006 (the year the programme began) and continues to serve clients today. Conclusions The programme's successful implementation provides evidence that reliance on theory is critical in planning and developing effective community-based programme interventions.
Metabolic bone disease in the long-term parenteral nutrition patient*

Bone acts as a major reservoir that is available for the maintenance of serum calcium levels. An adult loses about 200 mg of calcium per day through the faeces (100 mg), urine (100 mg), and a very small amount through the skin. In children, about 400 mg per day of calcium are deposited in bone and they will cease 1:o grow normally if not maintained in sufficiently positive calcium balance. After the cessation of linear growth, bone undergoes remodelling at a rate of about 10% per year. The overall exchange of calcium in this process of remodelling is 500 rag/day (18.4 kg/year !). In a normal individual, these calcium needs are supplied by gut absorption, and therefore with intestinal disease, maintenance of calcium homeostasis becomes a major problem.
Source Identification in Water Distribution Systems using the Adjoint Method with Non-Ideal Sensors and Non-Detect Measurements

It is important to identify the source of contamination in a drinking water distribution system to discontinue the event and determine ways to prevent future contamination from entering the system. Previous work has demonstrated the effectiveness of an adjoint method using contaminant concentration measurements from system sensors to probabilistically determine the source of contamination in a drinking water system. The method can be applied in systems with either steady-state or transient hydraulics. The method uses publicly available software (EPANET) coupled with a particle backtracking model (BTX) and a conditioning method to probabilistically identify the contamination source and release time. Prior work assumed perfect sensors capable of measuring the exact concentration of contamination. In this work the method is enhanced to account for measurements from more realistic, non-ideal sensors that identify the range of contamination at the sensor (e.g., high, medium, low), rather than the precise concentration. In addition, the method is augmented to use nondetect measurements, i.e., sensor measurements for which the measured contamination is below the limit of detection.
SepM, a Streptococcal Protease Involved in Quorum Sensing, Displays Strict Substrate Specificity

Streptococcus mutans, a causative agent of dental caries, relies on multiple quorum-sensing (QS) pathways that coordinate the expression of factors needed for colonization in the oral cavity. S. mutans uses small peptides as QS signaling molecules that typically are secreted into the outside milieu. Competence-stimulating peptide (CSP) is one such QS signaling molecule that functions through the ComDE two-component signal transduction pathway. CSP is secreted through NlmTE, a dedicated ABC transporter that cleaves off the N-terminal leader peptide to generate a mature peptide that is 21 residues long (CSP-21). We recently identified a surface-localized protease, SepM, which further cleaves the CSP-21 peptide at the C-terminal end and removes the last 3 residues to generate CSP-18. CSP-18 is the active QS molecule that interacts with the ComD sensor kinase to activate the QS pathway. In this study, we show that SepM specifically cleaves CSP-21 between the Ala18 and Leu19 residues. We also show that SepM recognizes only Ala at position 18 and Leu at position 19, although some CSP-18 variants with a substitution at position 18 can function equally as well as the QS peptide. Furthermore, we demonstrate that SepM homologs from other streptococci are capable of processing CSP-21 to generate functional CSP-18. IMPORTANCE SepM is a membrane-associated streptococcal protease that processes competence-stimulating peptide (CSP) to generate an active quorum-sensing molecule in S. mutans. SepM belongs to the S16 family of serine proteases, and in this study, we found that SepM behaves as an endopeptidase. SepM displays strict substrate specificity and cleaves the peptide bond between the Ala and Leu residues. This is the first report of an endopeptidase that specifically cleaves these two residues.
On e ∞ to e ∞ performance of slowly varying systems

In this paper we present a result on the te to Po performance of slowly time varying systems. In particular we show that the performance of such systems cannot be much worse than that (:,f the frozen-time systems which are time invariant. We also demonstrate via an example that optimal frozen-time design may in general result to far from optimal £m to /? performance eventhough the time variations of the system can be arbitrarily slow.
Stinging insect allergy: changing concepts.

Immunologic advances promise changes in the approach to diagnosis and treatment of Hymenoptera stings. Results of skin tests with venom show good correlation with those of in vitro tests (histamine release and radio-allergosorbent test [RAST]). Similar comparisons of whole-body extract (WBE) skin tests with in vitro tests show poor correlation. Treatment emphasis must currently be placed on sting prevention and on medical treatment. The only material now available commercially for immunotherapy is WBE. Circumstantial evidence suggests some benefit from immunotherapy with WBE, but immunologic data do not support this observation. Language: en
Kurbelwellenlager für Motoren mit Start-Stopp-System

Mit steigender Effizienz moderner Verbrennungsmotoren wachsen auch die Anforderungen an die Motorlager. Start-Stopp-Systeme beispielsweise erhohen je nach Fahrsituation die Zahl der Zyklen, bei denen Kurbelwelle und Lagerschalen eine Phase der Mischreibung durchlaufen. Eine neue Gleitschicht von Federal-Mogul auf Basis von mikroarmiertem Polyamidimid verhindert den Verschleis, den metallische Laufflachen unter solchen Bedingungen typischerweise zeigen.
Closed loop visual tracking using observer-based dynamic active contours

This paper describes and demonstrates an algorithm to visually track ying vehicles in a leader-follower scenario. The algorithm consists of two nested control loops. One that assures a proper position estimation for the object(s) to be followed (the visual observer) and one that exploits this position estimation to control the maneuvers of the follower such that it pursues the leader. The visual observer is based on some novel geometric principles tailored to controlled active vision. In particular, we describe the use of dynamic active contours as motion priors for such geometrically motivated observers.
A New Technique for the Rapid Screening and Selection of Large Pieces of Tissue for Ultrastructural Evaluation

A simple and rapid technique is described for the screening of Epon embedded organ slices for the location, isolation, and removal of small specific sites for ultrastructural study with the transmission electron microscope. This procedure consists of perfusion fixation followed by making 1 to 2½ mm thick slices of relatively large pieces of the organs, control of the degree and evenness of the osmium staining by addition of 3% sodium iodate, and infiltration with a fluorescent dye prior to embedment in Epon. Tissue slices are embedded in wafer-shaped blocks, generally with several slices in one “wafer”, and are examined in a controlled manner using a rapid form of serial surface polishing. Each level of the polished wafer is examined using an epi-illuminated fluorescence microscope, and selected sites are chosen at each level for ultrastructural study. Methods are also described for marking each selected site using a conventional slide marker, and for the removal of the selected site in the form of a smal...