cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reliable and highly sensitive biosensor from suspended MoS2 atomic layer on nano-gap electrodes

The uneven morphology and the trapped charges at the surface of the traditionally used supporting substrate-based 2D biosensors produces a scattering effect, which leads to a irregular signals from individually fabricated devices. Though suspended 2D channel material has the potential to overcome scattering effects from the substrates but achieving reliability and selectivity, have been limiting the using of this biosensor technology. Here, we have demonstrated nanogap electrodes fabrication by using the self-assembly technique, which provides suspension to the 2D-MoS2. These nano-spacing electrodes not only give suspension but also provide robustness strength to the atomic layer, which remains freestanding after coating of the Hafnium oxide (HfO2) as well as linkers and antibodies. For evaluating the electrical characteristics of suspended MoS2 FET, gating potential was applied through an electrolyte on the suspended MoS2 transistor. This helped in achieved a lower subthreshold swing 70 mV/dec and ON/OFF ratio 107. Later, pH detection was conducted at room temperature, which showed an impressive sensitivity of ~880 by changing 1 unit of pH. We have also successfully shown Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria sensing from the suspended MoS2 transistor by functionalizing dielectric layer with E. coli antibodies. The reported biosensor has shown the ~9% of conductance changes with a lower concentration of E. coli (10 CFU/mL; colony-forming unit per mL) as well as maintain the constant sensitivity in three fabricated devices. The obtained enhancement in the sensitivity of devices and its effect on biomolecules detection can be extened to other biomolecules and this type of architecture has the potential to detect COVID-19 viruses based biomolecules.
Preliminary assessments of shoot cold tolerance for American elm bred for enhanced tolerance to Dutch elm disease

Although Dutch elm disease (DED) is the primary threat to American elm (Ulmus americana L.), we hypothesized that shoot freezing injury may also limit tree productivity and survival in the north. W...
Generating bursts of femtosecond laser pulses with a tunable delay and envelope in a folded Michelson interferometer.

Bursts of 16 femtosecond laser pulses are generated in a fourfold Michelson interferometer with a tunable delay and envelope. Solutions are given to solve the “forward problem” (bursts from a given parameter set) and “inverse problem” (obtain parameter set from a given burst). Three types of bursts are generated experimentally with envelopes suitable for applications in laser materials processing and the generation of terahertz radiation.
Identity Development and Well-Being Among Nonreligious and Christian Emerging Adults in the Central United States:

Emerging adulthood is an important period for managing the pressing developmental tasks of identity exploration and formation. Affiliation with a religion can inform how emerging adults understand ...
Ipilimumab Combination Dosing: Less is More

Ipilimumab with and without anti–Programmed Death 1 (PD-1) improved overall survival (OS) in melanoma. Despite this, the optimal dose and therapeutic mechanism of ipilimumab in patients remains unclear. KEYNOTE-029 and other studies suggest that low-dose ipilimumab with anti-PD1 maintains efficacy while decreasing toxicity, emphasizing T-cell trafficking and reinvigoration as likely mechanisms. See related article by Long et al., p. 5280
Size at maturity for yellow tang (Zebrasoma flavescens) from the Oahu, HI, aquarium fishery

While prior research has examined age, growth, and reproduction of yellow tang (Zebrasoma flavescens), size at maturity was only preliminarily assessed and is a very important biological metric to fully understand yellow tang biology and population status. We had a unique opportunity to sample from the Oahu, Hawaiʻi, aquarium fishery and across a size range from 55- to 110-mm total length (TL). We found a smaller than expected size at maturity for females (L50 = 63.4-mm TL (CI: 62.7 – 65.5-mm TL)) and males (L50 = 67.4-mm TL (CI: 66.4 – 70.3-mm TL)). Females as small as 65-mm TL had ovaries that contained hydrated oocytes, suggesting that spawning can occur at a size that was previously considered within the juvenile size range. However, very low gonad weights (< 0.26 g) limit any significant egg production from these small, young individuals. These results provide additional insight into the biology of Z. flavescens, but further research is needed to determine if size at maturity varies spatially and under different levels of fishing pressure.
Thick and thin serial sectioning for the three-dimensional reconstruction of biological ultrastructure.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the thick and thin serial sectioning for the three-dimensional reconstruction of biological ultrastructure. Under many circumstances the two-dimensional information obtained from observing numerous nonserial thin sections may be quite adequate. Three-dimensional information concerning the structure and interaction of cells or cell constituents may currently be obtained by one or more methods. It is suggested that to gain specific three-dimensional information concerning the structure and interaction of cells within a tissue or an organ, such cells or cell components must either be totally included in a single section of a practical thickness, or be reconstructed from conventionally stained serial thick or thin sections. Three-dimensional reconstruction from serial sections requires that the image obtained from each section be projected onto a two-dimensional surface. The three-dimensional information obtained by stereo viewing is, therefore, lost, and constituents that overlap within a thick section will appear superimposed when imaged onto a two-dimensional surface. A variety of methods have been introduced in which an uncoated slot grid is used for collecting and mounting the sections. In these procedures a clean slot grid, which has no support film, is positioned so that the slot is over the ribbon in the trough.
Ultrafast Solvent-Induced Charge Localization in Tris-(2,2′ -Bipyridine) Ruthenium(II)

Two distinct excited state processes are resolved intris-[2,2'-bipyridine] ruthenium(II). Time resolved anisotropy measurements reveal a solvent dependent depolarization indicative of charge localization. Transient absorption measurements resolve wavepacket motion on the excited state surface(s) independent of solvent.
Education Effects On Rate Of Cognitive Decline Compared In Autopsy Confirmed Alzheimer’s, Lewy Body And Vascular Dementia (P5.239)

OBJECTIVE To compare the relative effects of educational attainment on rate of cognitive decline in different neuropathologies. BACKGROUND Low educational attainment is a well-known risk factor for delay in onset of dementia. The cognitive reserve hypothesis predicts the effect of education on the rate of cognitive decline in dementia. Relatively little is known about the effect of education on rate of cognitive and functional decline after the onset of dementia when compared across different neuropathologies. We examined patient data from the National Alzheimer coordinating center data base who had autopsy confirmed Alzheimer’s, Lewy body, and Vascular dementia to answer this. DESIGN Retrospective analysis using multivariate linear regression in an autopsy confirmed longitudinal cohort RESULTS: 35 Alzheimer’s disease (AD), 20 Lewy Body disease, 58 Lewy Body variant of AD and 12 Vascular disease dementia subjects with primary diagnosis meeting specified neuropathological diagnosis criteria were included in the study. Additional inclusion criteria were, minimum of 3 longitudinal visits per subject, initial CDR-global (Clinical Dementia Rating scale)of 0.5 or 1 and MMSE (Mini Mental status exam) >15. After controlling for APOE 4 status and sex, education and age at diagnosis were found to relate to rate of decline on MMSE and CDR -SB (Clinical Dementia Rating Scale-Sum of Boxes) among individuals with AD but not in other neuropathologies examined. CONCLUSIONS: Education as a proxy for cognitive reserve appears to have the largest effect for Alzheimer’s disease among the neuropathologies evaluated. Disclosure: Dr. Mourany has nothing to disclose. Dr. Pillai has nothing to disclose.
FEA emission characterisation and beam transport for linear microwave power amplifiers

The potential of using FEAs for microwave power amplifiers are discussed taking into account such advantages as instant activation, higher transconductance and greater current densities than are possible with thermionic cathodes. This paper theoretically investigates FEA parameters required for successful operation in linear beam microwave amplifiers and the experimental demonstration of those parameters. Modeling of an FEA linear beam transport analyser is presented. Maximum acceptable current density and space charge issues involved with FEAs in this linear beam analyser model are identified and discussed. Experiments based on these simulations will be presented.
Classical and Quantum Physical Geometry

The task of creating a quantum theory of gravity is compared with Einstein’s creation of a relativistic theory of gravity. The philosophical and physical foundations of this theory are briefly reviewed. The Ehlers-Pirani-Schild scheme of operationally determining the geometry of space-time, using freely falling classical particle trajectories, is done using operations in an infinitesimal neighborhood around each point. The study of the free fall of a quantum wave suggests a quantum principle of equivalence. The principle of general covariance is clarified. The sign change of a Fermion field when rotated by 2π radians is used to argue for a quantum mechanical modification of space-time, which leads naturally to supersymmetry. A novel effect in quantum gravity due to the author is used to extend Einstein’s hole argument to quantum gravity. This suggests a quantum principle of general covariance, according to which the fundamental laws of physics should be covariant under “quantum diffeomorphisms”. This heuristic principle implies that space-time points have no invariant meaning in quantum gravity.
Antioxidant regulation of genes encoding enzymes that detoxify xenobiotics and carcinogens.

Publisher Summary Antioxidants are substances that delay or prevent the oxidation of cellular oxidizable substrates. The various antioxidants exert their effect by scavenging superoxide or by activating a battery of detoxifying/ defensive proteins. This chapter focuses on the mechanisms by which antioxidants induce gene expression. Many xenobiotics (e.g., β-naphthoflavone) activate genes similar to those activated by antioxidants. The promoters of these genes contain a common cis-element, termed as “the antioxidant response element” (ARE), which contains two TRE (TPA response element) or TRE-like elements followed by GC box. The mechanism of signal transduction from antioxidants and xenobiotics includes several steps: (1) antioxidants and xenobiotics undergo metabolism to generate superoxide and related reactive species, leading to the generation of a signal to activate expression of detoxifying/defensive genes; (2) the generation of superoxide and related reactive species is followed by the activation of yet to be identified cytosolic factors by unknown mechanism(s); (3) activated cytosolic factors catalyze modification of Nrf and/or Jun proteins, which bind to the ARE in the promoters of various detoxifying/defensive genes; and (4) the transcription of genes encoding detoxifying/defensive proteins is increased.
Is "Internal Consistency" Foolish?: Reflections on an Emerging Commerce Clause Restraint on State Taxation

Before 1983, the Supreme Court had never uttered the phrase "internal consistency" in a state tax opinion.1 Since 1983, however, the Court has invoked the principle of "internal consistency" on four separate occasions in adjudicating the validity of state taxes under the commerce clause.2 Indeed, by 1987, the Court could refer almost casually to the "internal consistency" criterion as "the test ... we have applied in other contexts."3 The Court's talk of "internal consistency" cannot be dismissed as mere rhetoric. Three of the four taxes that
Es factible el progreso social cuando diez menos uno es igual a cero

Resumen es: Este articulo analiza las opiniones de dieciseis academicos caribenos sobre el progreso social y concluye que tal cosa es en realidad inalcanzable en el ...
Multi-stream speech recognition : Ready for prime time?

Multi-stream and multi-band methods can improve the accuracy of speech recognition systems without overly increasing the complexity. However, they cannot be applied blindly. In this paper, we review our experience applying multi-stream and multiband methods to the Broadcast News corpus. We found that multi-stream systems using different acoustic front-ends provide a significant improvement over single stream systems. However, despite the fact that they have been successful on smaller tasks, we have not yet been able to show any improvement using multiband methods. We report various insights gained from the experience in applying these methods in a large-vocabulary task.
Clinical assessment and multispecialty management of Apert syndrome.

Apert syndrome represents an important example of the value of multi-disciplinary care in the management of disabled children. In caring for the child with Apert syndrome, the pediatrician can provide families with an overview of the child’s condition, including consideration of genetic and developmental issues, initial newborn management, and a long-term assessment and follow-up of airway integrity, vision, hearing, and nutrition. This integrated approach in the context of other specialists’ care may positively impact on the health and well-being of individuals with this condition.
Tobacco dependence: psychology, biology, and treatment strategies.

Abstract Various techniques have been tried to help the smoker stop smoking, and treatment is superior to no treatment; but results continue to be disappointing. Behavioral specialists have many different techniques at their disposal, but more research is needed in order to increase success rates and demonstrate which techniques are most cost-effective. Nicotine chewing gum may prove to be an important adjunct to treatment programs, by separating the process of quitting into cessation of the smoking habit itself and withdrawal from nicotine at a later date. Physicians should not overlook the favorable opportunities available to them to counsel their patients to cease smoking.
Black Interpretation, Black American Literature, and Grey Audiences.

This paper defines and illustrates some of the language techniques used by black authors writing to and for blacks in the sixties and seventies. Further, the paper suggests how language and theme barriers of such literature might be overcome in a contemporary, integrated oral interpretation classroom.
Robust statistical method for background extraction in image segmentation

A method that adaptively extracts the gray-tone distribution of the background of the image without a priori knowledge is described, and the method's performance is shown to be superior when log-transformed image data is used. The image is decomposed into rectangular regions to adaptively extract the background's gray-tone distribution throughout the image. The background distribution of each region is modeled with a left-half and right-half Gaussian to compensate for its asymmetrical nature. Statistical criteria are used to classify each rectangular region as background-homogeneous, object-homogeneous, or uncertain. Measured statistical parameters of background homogeneous regions are propagated throughout the image to estimate the statistics of object-homogeneous regions and uncertain regions. The local background of each region is extracted by using the measured or estimated statistical parameters to compute the left and right shoulder thresholds of the background distribution. A logarithmic transformation implementation for gray-tone image data and a procedure to map log-transformed data into integer-valued histograms are proposed. The background extraction method is shown to yield superior results when log-transformed image data is used. The proposed algorithm is robust by virtue of the logarithmic transformation implementation; it can perform over a wide range of applications without parameter adjustments or human interaction. The algorithm performs successfully whether the image contains objects darker and/or brighter than the background, or no object at all. The method is demonstrated on background-only scenes imaged under different lighting conditions, industrial scenes, and outdoor scenes of moderate complexity that exhibit different smooth backgrounds within the same image.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Is the Newborn Individualized Developmental Care and Assessment Program (NIDCAP) effective for preterm infants with intrauterine growth restriction

Is the Newborn Individualized Developmental Care and Assessment Program (NIDCAP) effective for preterm infants with intrauterine growth restriction?
The Medial Prefrontal Cortex and the Deceptiveness of Memory

Imagine you have read an interesting article that strongly reminded you of one of your former colleagues' research. You notice that is written by a different research group, but you do not pay too much attention to this and read the article with much pleasure. A few months later you meet your former
Nanometer spatial resolution achieved in hard x-ray imaging and Laue diffraction experiments

Tapered glass capillaries have successfully condensed hard x-ray beams to ultrasmall dimensions providing unprecedented spatial resolution for the characterization of materials. A spatial resolution of 50 nanometers was obtained while imaging a lithographically prepared gold pattern with x-rays in the energy range of 5 to 8 kiloelectron volts. This is the highest resolution scanning x-ray image made to date with hard x-rays. With a beam 360 nanometers in diameter, Laue diffraction was observed from the smallest sample volume ever probed by x-ray diffraction, 5 x 10(-3) cubic micrometers.
Responding to the Psychosocial Needs of Children and Families in Disasters

Pediatric health care professionals play a critical role in disaster response by assisting parents, teachers, and health care organizations to meet the unique needs of children, adolescents, and families during all phases of disaster. Addressing the psychosocial needs of this vulnerable population by providing age-appropriate care and facilitating adaptive coping strategies has the potential to decrease the long-term behavioral health consequences and help children positively adjust to a stressful life experience.
A few disconnected notes related to Levinthal paradox.

Abstract We estimate that the longest protein chain capable of exhaustive sampling of all its conformations within a millisecond is shorter than 15 residues. This reinforces the understanding of Levinthal paradox which emerged in the last decade, namely, that cooperative (all-or-none) character of folding and unfolding transition is indicative of the sequences selected, such that reliable folding does not require exhaustive conformation sampling. The opinion is formulated that the discussions of Levinthal paradox should now fly to the new spheres.
Diastereoselective oxidative addition of dihydrogen to IrI(CO)((R)-BINAP) and [Ir(CO)2((R)-BINAP)][SbF6].

Two chiral iridium(I) (R)-BINAP complexes, IrI(CO)((R)-BINAP) (1) and [Ir(CO)2((R)-BINAP)][SbF6] (2), have been synthesized and characterized, and their reactivity with dihydrogen has been studied. Complex 1 is formed on the addition of (R)-BINAP to [Bu4N][IrI2(CO)2] in toluene, and 2 is generated by the addition of AgSbF6 to a solution of 1 in dichloromethane under CO. A structure determination of complex 2 confirms a square planar coordination geometry, while that of 1 reveals a significant tetrahedral distortion from the expected planar coordination. Additionally, the structure of 1 shows a disorder between iodide and CO ligands. The reaction of 1 with H2 proceeds under kinetic control and shows a high degree of kinetic and thermodynamic selectivity; the kinetic product is formed by H2 addition across the P−Ir−CO axis of IrI(CO)((R)-BINAP) and yields two diastereomers which then convert over time to two more stable diastereomers which correspond to oxidative addition across the P−Ir−I axis. The kinetic...
The use of computerized birthday greeting reminders in the management of diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Although mailed reminders have been used for prevention among general populations, few studies have evaluated their effectiveness among chronically ill populations. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the effectiveness of mailed reminders for improving diabetes management. The reminder included a letter from the individual’s primary care physician (PCP), a self-care handbook, a preventive care checklist, and specific recommendations regarding receipt of routine monitoring and screening. METHODS: Of 195 PCPs practicing with a large group practice, 111 agreed to have their adult patients with diabetes randomized to receive the reminder (n=1,641) or usual care (n=1,668). Using data from automated databases, we fit generalized estimating equations to evaluate the effect of reminder receipt on fasting lipid profile and glycated hemoglobin testing, dilated retinal exam receipt, and visit frequency during the 6 and 12 months following randomization, and glycated hemoglobin and cholesterol levels in the year following randomization. RESULTS: Reminder and usual care recipients did not differ in sociodemographic, clinical, or prior testing characteristics. In the 6 months following randomization, reminder recipients were more likely to receive a retinal exam (odds ratio [OR], 1.29; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.12 to 1.49) and diabetes visit (OR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.12 to 1.47). In the 12 months following randomization, reminder recipients were more likely to receive a glycated hemoglobin test (OR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.03 to 1.43), retinal exam (OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.07 to 1.41), and diabetes visit (OR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.09 to 1.29). In the follow-up year, reminder recipients also tended to have a glycated hemoglobin test that did not reflect poor control (<9.5%). CONCLUSIONS: We found small but significant improvements in the management of patients with diabetes receiving a computerized mailed reminder.
Effect of water restriction on equine behaviour and physiology

Six pregnant mares were used to determine what level of water restriction causes physiological and/or behavioural changes indicative of stress. Nonlegume hay was fed ad libitum. During the first week of restriction, 5 l water/100 kg bwt was available, during the second week 4 l/100 kg bwt and, during the third week, 3 l/100 kg bwt. Ad libitum water intake was 6.9 l/100 kg bwt; at 3 l/100 kg bwt water intake was 42% of this. Daily hay intake fell significantly with increasing water restriction from 12.9 +/- 0.75 kg to 8.3 +/- 0.54 kg; bodyweight fell significantly for a total loss of 48.5 +/- 8.3 kg in 3 weeks. Daily blood samples were analysed; osmolality rose significantly with increasing water restriction from 282 +/- 0.7 mosmols/kg to 293.3 +/- 0.8 mosmols/kg bwt, but plasma protein and PCV did not change significantly. Cortisol concentrations fell from 8.1 ng/ml to 6.4 ng/ml over the 3 week period. Aldosterone fell from 211.3 +/- 74.2 pg/ml to 92.5 +/- 27.5 pg/ml at the end of the first week. The behaviour of 4 of the 6 mares was recorded 24 h/day for the duration of the study. The only significant difference was in time spent eating, which decreased with increasing water restriction from 46 +/- 3% to 30 +/- 3%. It is concluded that water restriction to 4 l/100 kg bwt dehydrates pregnant mares and may diminish their welfare, but is not life- or pregnancy-threatening.
Comments on “Design and characterization of thin multiple aperture infrared cameras”

Recent analysis of a spatially multiplexed flat camera concept [Appl. Opt.48, 2115 (2009)] contains factual errors. Specifically, a performance metric and related signal-to-noise ratio analysis from an earlier work [Appl. Opt.45, 2901 (2006)] are inappropriately altered and incorrectly applied, and then associated with analytical and experimental results that cannot be properly interpreted. This comment corrects the misrepresentations.
Regular Article: A Spectral-Element Method for Particulate Stokes Flow

A numerical procedure is presented for solving the equations of Stokes flow past a fixed bed of rigid particles and the equations describing the motion of a suspension of rigid particles upon which a specified force and torque is exerted, for general flow configurations and arbitrary particle shapes. The problem is formulated in terms of an integral equation of the first kind for the distribution of the boundary traction incorporating a Green function that observes the periodicity of the flow and the geometry of the boundaries of the flow, accompanied by appropriate boundary conditions and integral constraints. The integral equation is solved for two-dimensional flow by a spectral-element orthogonal-collocation method. Two important components of the numerical method are (a) preconditioning of the linear system that arises from the discretization of integral equation followed by reduction to remove the eigenfunctions corresponding to the null eigenvalue over each particle surface and (b) a physically motivated iterative solution of the master linear system based on particle clustering. It is found that, for the purpose of computing the force and torque exerted on fixed particles and the velocity of translation and angular velocity of rotation of freely suspended particles, the orthogonal collocation method has significant advantages over the trapezoidal discretization. The iterative solution of the integral equation converges even for closely spaced particles where each particle is treated as a cluster.
How to Thrive in Merger Mania

ABSTRACT Mergers, consolidations, and amalgamations are common in today's health care environment. Such changes and transitions affect everyone and threaten organizational cultures and beliefs. To help you thrive, this article differentiates change from transition, reviews the phases of planned change, and explains the emotional components of the transition stages. Equally important, this article offers strategies, tips, and interventions for both staff member nurses and managers to facilitate the transition process and help themselves emerge victorious. AORN J 67 (Feb 1998) 412–419.
Hindlimb proportions, allometry, and biomechanics in Old World monkeys (primates, Cercopithecidae).

The traditional focus on morphological rather than mechanical units has obscured some significant functional differences in the hindlimbs of primates. This paper examines the allometric and biomechanical basis for some distinctive proportional differences among pairs of morphological units in the hindlimb, and especially the foot, of cercopithecid primates. Five major conclusions are reached. First, many hindlimb dimensions scale allometrically with body mass to maintain mechanical similarity within taxonomic and locomotor groups. Therefore, the majority of traditional indices which describe the shape of the foot within cercopithecids reveal differences which are primarily a function of size. Second, the hindlimb segments in colobines, and especially in Presbytis, are relatively long, probably to enhance leaping. Third, the major distinction of terrestrial cercopithecines among the features analysed is reduction in the length of the phalanges, due to the reduced importance of grasping during locomotion and the assumption of digitigrady. Fourth, Theropithecus and male Erythrocebus have high crural indices, relative to their body masses, which can facilitate cursoriality. Female E. patas already has a high crural index as a function of its body mass. Fifth, macaques form a distinctive group among cercopithecines, characterized by relatively short hindlimbs. Relatively very short hindlimbs in Macaca fuscata and M. thibetana suggest that climatic conditions can have an added effect on the lengths of the hindlimb segments. In summary, this analysis of the lengths of the hindlimb segments relative to body size reveals taxonomic differences which are due in part to phylogeny, to differences in locomotor behavior, and to substrate use.
A recurrent neural network for real-time matrix inversion

Abstract A recurrent neural network for computing inverse matrices in real-time is proposed. The proposed recurrent neural network consists of n independent subnetworks where n is the order of the matrix. The proposed recurrent neural network is proven to be asymptotically stable and capable of computing large-scale nonsingular inverse matrices in real-time. An op-amp based analog neural network is discussed. The operating characteristics of the op-amp based analog neural network is also demonstrated via an illustrative example.
Resolution of a metaplastic duodenal polyp after cure of Helicobacter pylori infection.

Although there have been several reports of hyperplastic gastric polyps associated with persistent Helicobacter pylori gastritis, the association of H. pylori infection with metaplastic polyps in the duodenum has not hitherto been described. After a 52-year-old man had a single episode of hematemesis, endoscopy showed a smooth polyp 1 cm in greatest dimension formed by a proliferation of gastric epithelial cells of fundic and antral type found in the duodenal bulb. The outer surface was entirely covered with a single layer of hyperplastic columnar epithelium with many H. pylori organisms. After administration of metronidazole 500 mg, omeprazole 20 mg for 4 weeks, and clarithromycin 250 mg twice a day for 2 weeks, endoscopy showed a decrease in size of the duodenal polyp. At 12 weeks there was complete regression of the polyp. This report documents a new and unusual finding : resolution of a gastric metaplastic polyp in the duodenum associated with cure of H. pylori.
Interactions and Flexibility in the Orientation System of Migratory Birds

This paper, and the following 5 papers, were presented at the RIN93 Conference on “Orientation and Navigation - Birds, Humans and other Animals.” This took place in Oxford in April, and included some 40 papers. Copies of the complete Proceedings, priced £25 for RIN members and £35 for non-members, are available from the Director.
Linear Transformations and the k-Means Clustering Algorithm: Applications to Clustering Curves

Functional data can be clustered by plugging estimated regression coefficients from individual curves into the k-means algorithm. Clustering results can differ depending on how the curves are fit to the data. Estimating curves using different sets of basis functions corresponds to different linear transformations of the data. k-means clustering is not invariant to linear transformations of the data. The optimal linear transformation for clustering will stretch the distribution so that the primary direction of variability aligns with actual differences in the clusters. It is shown that clustering the raw data will often give results similar to clustering regression coefficients obtained using an orthogonal design matrix. Clustering functional data using an L2 metric on function space can be achieved by clustering a suitable linear transformation of the regression coefficients. An example where depressed individuals are treated with an antidepressant is used for illustration.
Remarks on the construction of a second-order closure description of turbulent reacting flows

In this paper an attempt is made to illustrate how second-order closure techniques might be used to make detailed calculations of turbulent diffusion flames. Two of the problems of closure that are peculiar to turbulent chemically reacting flows are discussed in some detail. These are the problem of computing in a consistent way all the correlations of fluctuations in scalar quantities needed for closure and the problem of the generation of turbulence by chemical reactions. Tentative closure models are put forward for both of these problems. Although the closure model for fluctuations in scalar quantities can, to a certain extent, be checked against idealized numerical examples for which exact solutions are known, the validity of both the closure models proposed here must, in the end, be determined by detailed comparison of computed results with experimental data.
Practice and Knowledge of Primary Caregivers Regarding Infant Feeding

Abstract Mothers and other care givers may not have complete knowledge or understanding of infant nutrition requirements. A survey was completed with caregivers of infants 3-36 months of age to determine current knowledge about feeding infants and actual practices. The validated survey was randomly mailed to 500 caregivers across the state of Nebraska. Respondents n=270 (54%) tended to be well educated, white (non-Hispanic), middle income, with only 17% participating in supplemental food programs. Caregivers lacked knowledge regarding appropriate serving sizes, common nutrient deficiencies, infant growth patterns, and the appropriateness of adding additional foods to the infant's bottle. Reported caregiver practices indicated approximately one-fourth allowed the infant to fall asleep with a bottle, added cereal with formula in a bottle, offered more food to the child than he/she would be expected to consume, and gave more than 4 ounces of juice daily to a young infant. Correlation analysis indicated relationships between knowledge and practices for portion sizes (r=−.18; p
Human dehydroepiandrosterone sulfotransferase pharmacogenetics: Quantitative Western analysis and gene sequence polymorphisms

Abstract Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfotransferase (DHEA ST) catalyzes the sulfation of DHEA and other hydroxysteroids. DHEA ST enzymatic activity in individual human liver biopsy samples has been shown to vary over a five-fold range, and frequency distribution histograms are bimodal, with approximately 25% of subjects included in a high activity subgroup. We set out to characterize the molecular basis for variation in human liver DHEA ST activity. The first step involved performing quantitative Western analysis of cytosol preparations from 92 human liver samples that had been phenotyped with regard to level of DHEA ST enzymatic activity. There was a highly significant correlation (r s = 0.635, P STD ) were amplified for each of these samples with the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). When compared with “wild type” STD sequence, some of the samples contained a T → C transition at DHEA ST cDNA nucleotide 170, located within exon 2, resulting in a Met 57 → Thr change in amino acid. Other samples contained an A → T transversion at nucleotide 557 within STD exon 4 that resulted in a Glu 186 → Val change. STD exons 2 and 4 were then sequenced for DNA isolated from an additional 87 liver samples that had been phenotyped with regard to level of DHEA ST enzymatic activity. The allele frequency for the exon 2 polymorphism in these samples was 0.027, whereas that for the exon 4 polymorphism was 0.038, but neither polymorphism was systematically related to the level of enzyme activity in these samples. Transient expression in COS-1 cells of cDNA that contained the nucleotide 170 and 557 polymorphisms, either separately or together, resulted in decreased expression of both DHEA ST enzymatic activity and level of immunoreactive protein, but only when the nucleotide 557 variant was present. Identification of common genetic polymorphisms within STD will now make it possible to test the hypothesis that those polymorphisms might alter in vivo expression and/or function of this important human steroid-metabolizing enzyme.
The Dynamic Character of Political Party Evaluations

Over the past 50 years, the American public has consistently been asked to compare the two major parties' ability to handle a variety of issues. The meaning of their answers is an under-studied phenomenon. In this article, I explore changes in comparative party evaluations over time and the source of those changes in attitudes towards the parties. Previous research is based on the assumption that the parties have enduring associations with particular issues and credibility in dealing with those issues. I argue instead that this phenomenon is dynamic and that the association of parties with issues varies in important ways over time. I test a model of dynamic change that emphasizes communication campaigns and institutional platforms. I use an ARIMA model and data on comparative party evaluations for seven issues from the 1950s to the present.
Impact of bevacizumab administered dose on overall survival of patients with progressive glioblastoma

Bevacizumab (BEV, Avastin®) produces durable objective radiological responses of 20–26 %, median response durations of 16–18 weeks, and median overall survival (mOS) of 31–40 weeks. While the use of BEV is well-established, the lack of dose–response studies in glioblastoma (GBM) patients raises the question whether current dosing practice is optimal. As a result of differing approaches to BEV dosing that ranged from the FDA approved package insert dose of 10 mg/kg every 2 weeks to 7.5 mg/kg every 3–4 weeks, among physicians within Northern California Kaiser Permanente hospitals over 4+ years, we did an IRB-approved retrospective analysis of patients seen in Northern California Kaiser Permanente facilities and treated with BEV. Between September 1, 2008 and August 31, 2013, 181 patients received BEV for tumor progression/recurrence starting 2.6 weeks after completion of chemoradiation. The integrated BEV administered dose-week (AUCBEV) for all patients had a median AUCBEV of 3.6 mg·wk/kg). Maximum likelihood analysis found patients over 65 years did worse than younger patients (p = 0.004), women lived longer (p = 0.002), and patients treated below the AUCBEV did better than those treated above the median AUCBEV (p = 0.003). mOS for BEV starting 1 month after chemoradiation was 45 versus 68 weeks (p = 0.012) and BEV starting 3 months after chemoradiation was 40 versus 74 weeks (p = 0.0085). Dosing BEV at half the standard dose for progressive/recurrent GBM was at least equivalent to or, maybe better than standard dosing. Unexplained was the observation that females had longer OS with BEV than males.
An age-structured model for pertussis transmission

The vaccination program for pertussis (whooping cough) in the United States consists of giving multiple doses of pertussis vaccine to young children. A demographic model with a steady-state age distribution is used as a basis for building an epidemiologic model for the transmission of pertussis. This age-structured model includes vaccination of infants and children for pertussis with waning of both infection-acquired and vaccine-induced immunity. Computer simulations of the mathematical model between 1940 and 2040 show the changes that took place during the implementation phase of the U.S. program and predict only minor future changes in the age distribution and incidence of pertussis if the vaccination program is maintained at the 1995 level. The sensitivities of these results to changes in demographic and epidemiologic parameters, vaccine efficacy, duration of protection, and levels of vaccination coverage are investigated.
Technical Note---A Price Vector Model of Demand for Consumer Durables: Preliminary Developments

Although considerable research has been conducted on optimal pricing policies for manufacturers, relatively little work has been done on how price enters the consumer choice process. In this paper, a model is developed for durables purchasing which integrates both economic and behavioral research by specifying a vector of five price concepts which affect purchasing behavior. Of particular interest are variables relating to future price expectations. Due to data limitations, a revised model is estimated and the results provide preliminary support for the general model.
Treatment of chronic hepatitis B: who to treat, what to use, and for how long?

Chronic hepatitis B infection continues to be a major public health concern worldwide. The natural history of the disease can be divided into 4 different phases: immune tolerance, immune clearance, inactive carrier, and reactivation. The goals of treatment are sustained viral suppression, normalization of ALT, and improvement in liver histology. Antiviral agents in current use include standard interferon-α, lamivudine, and adefovir. With an improved understanding of the natural history of the disease and a growing repertoire of antiviral drugs, the important questions are: who should receive treatment, what is the best agent to use, and what is the optimal duration of therapy? Treatment is indicated for patients in the immune clearance and reactivation phases. Patients with high pretreatment ALT level, detectable HBV DNA in the serum, and active inflammation on liver biopsy are predicted to have the highest chance of response to treatment. The choice of a particular agent must balance long-term benefits such as the likelihood of a sustained response against long-term risks such as drug resistance. Interferon treatment leads to a more durable response but is associated with unpleasant side effects. Lamivudine is effective and well tolerated but requires long-term therapy and is associated with drug resistance. Adefovir has proven efficacy and a very low rate of drug resistance but is associated with a small risk of reversible nephrotoxicity. For HBeAG-positive chronic hepatitis B and HBeAG-negative chronic hepatitis B, the duration of interferon therapy is 4–6 months and 12 months, respectively. Duration of treatment is at least 1 year with lamivudine and adefovir; longer duration of treatment is needed in most patients, but the optimal duration of treatment and the criteria for stopping treatment have not been established.
The 1997 Clinical Research Award. Health outcome for burn survivors.

Little is known concerning health outcome for patients who survive burn injuries, and how their health outcome compares with that of other medical populations. Such information is important given that the current direction of health care policy decision making is toward outcomes-driven decision models. We compared the health status of 91 patients 1 month after severe burn injury with the published reports of the health status of 39 medical comparison samples, and two reports of health status for the general population. Additionally, we collected longitudinal data on a subsample of our surviving patients with burn injuries at 1 year. Our findings suggest that people who survive a severe burn experience a stable and relatively good health status after their injury compared with other medical samples. However, their health status remains worse than that of the general population over time. Further, people who survive a major burn indicate that the areas of vocational and psychosocial functioning are often the most troublesome for therm.
Detection and Isolation of Low Levels of E. coli O157:H7 in Cilantro by Real-Time PCR, Immunomagnetic Separation, and Cultural Methods with and without an Acid Treatment

UNLABELLED Leafy greens such as cilantro, contaminated with Escherichia coli O157:H7, have been implicated in cases of human illnesses. High levels of microflora in fresh cilantro make recovery of low numbers of E. coli O157:H7 difficult. To improve upon current methods, immunomagnetic separation (IMS) techniques in combination with real-time PCR (RTiPCR) and selective enrichment protocols were examined. Rinsates were prepared from cilantro samples inoculated with low (~0.02 CFU/g) and slightly higher (~0.05 CFU/g) levels of E. coli O157:H7. Rinsate portions were enriched in modified buffered peptone water with pyruvate (mBPWp) for 5 h at 37 °C. After 5 h, selective agents were added to samples and further incubated at 42 °C overnight. Detection and recovery were attempted at 5 and 24 h with and without IMS. IMS beads were screened by RTiPCR for simultaneous detection of stx1, stx2, and uidA SNP. Additionally, broth cultures and IMS beads were streaked onto selective agar plates (Rainbow(®) agar, R&F(®) E. coli O157 Chromogenic medium, TC-SMAC and CHROMagar™ 0157) for isolation of E. coli O157:H7. Both broth cultures and IMS beads were also acid treated in Trypticase Soy Broth pH 2 prior to plating to selective media to improve upon cultural recovery. Although E. coli O157 strains were detected in most samples by PCR after 5 h enrichment, cultural recovery was poor. However, after 24 h enrichment, both PCR and cultural recovery were improved. Acidification of the broths and the IMS beads prior to plating greatly improved recovery from 24 h enrichment broths by suppressing the growth of competing microorganisms. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Detection and recovery of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in fresh produce matrices (e.g., cilantro) can be complicated by high background microflora present in these foods. Rapid detection by molecular methods combined with effective enrichment and isolation procedures such as using immunomagnetic separation (IMS) techniques can quickly identify potential hazards to public health. Additional techniques such as acidification of enrichment broths can exploit acid resistance characteristics of pathogens such as E. coli O157:H7, facilitating their isolation in complex food matrices.
Impact of a temporary stoma on the quality of life of rectal cancer patients undergoing treatment.

Background Data from randomized controlled trials support use of a diverting stoma in rectal cancer patients with low anastomoses, but there is little data on how this impacts patient quality of life (QOL). This study prospectively evaluates QOL in stage I–III rectal cancer patients undergoing sphincter-preserving surgery (SPS) with a temporary diverting stoma.
Properties of hexokinase bound to glass.

De l'hexokinase soluble a ete liee et rendue insoluble par reaction avec une amine aryle derivee du verre poreux. L'enzyme garde sa fonction, mais avec une activite moindre et une constante de Michaelis differente. L'usage prolonge d'une colonne ou l'enzyme est enrobe dans du verre montre que l'enzyme se separe lentement du verre poreux.
A Facile Synthesis of Phenylacetic Acids from Aryl Ketones

Abstract Recently, we sought a generally applicable route to cyclic phenyl-acetic acids of type 1 employing the corresponding readily accessible aryl ketones 2.
EBCOT coprocessing architecture for JPEG2000

JPEG2000 is the latest still image coding standard. It was designed to overcome the limitations of the original JPEG standard and provide high quality images at low bit rates. The JPEG2000 algorithm is fundamentally based on the Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT) and Embedded Block Coding with Optimal Truncation (EBCOT). Both of the algorithms are computationally intenstive and require significant memory bandwidth. In this paper we propose a JPEG2000 hardware/software co-processing architecture that complements existing JPEG2000 software packages with efficient dedicated hardware units for EBCOT tier-1 coding, enabling significant speedup.
RELIGION IN EAST ASIA

Unfortunately, Carter chooses not to deal with a question that is absolutely basic to any adequate interpretation of Theravada Dhamma-namely, the relationship between the Dhamma as described in the kind of passages he chooses, and the so-called "theory of dhammas" which the Theravadins use to interpret the basic patterns and processes of reality. However, Carter's success in demonstrating certain undeniably salvific dimensions of the conception of Dhamma, and his success in highlighting the normative significance of the "nine-fold Dhamma that transcends the world," are worthy accomplishments. They should exert a positive influence on future studies on various aspects of Theravada religion.