cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Threshold cointegration and purchasing power parity in the pacific nations

The paper uses a threshold cointegration methodology to explore the properties of long-run purchasing power parity (PPP) in the Pacific nations. Using Japan and the USA as base countries, it is shown that long-run PPP holds for most Asian countries but that the adjustment mechanism is asymmetric. In contrast to symmetric error-correction models, it is found that asymmetric adjustments of nominal exchange rates play an important role in eliminating deviations from long-run PPP.
Matrix Effects in the Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis of CaO-Al2O3-MgO Inclusions in Steel

Energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis of micron-sized inclusions in steel is of considerable industrial importance. Measured spectra and Monte Carlo simulations show a significant effect of the steel matrix on analysis of CaO-Al2O3-MgO inclusions: the steel matrix filters the softer (Al and Mg) characteristic X-rays, increasing the relative height of the Ca peak. Bulk matrix correction methods would not result in correct inclusion compositions, but operating at a lower acceleration voltage shifts the effect to smaller inclusion sizes.
Ethical Decision Making in Organizations: A Person-Situation Interactionist Model

An interactionist model of ethical decision making in organizations is proposed. The model combines individual variables (moral development, etc.) with situational variables to explain and predict the ethical decision-making behavior of individuals in organizations. A major component of the model is based on Kohlberg's cognitive moral development model which provides the construct definition, measurement tools, and theory base to guide future business ethics research. Research propositions are offered and practical implications are discussed.
Intermolecular hydrogen-bonding in the solid-state structure of CpFe(CN)2(PTAH): Structural and spectral comparisons with its [K][CpFe(CN)2PTA] salt

Abstract The salt K[CpFe(CN)2PTA] (1) has been synthesized from the photolysis of K[CpFe(CN)2CO] and 1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphaadamantane (PTA) in methanol. Protonation of the salt by hydrogen ion exchange employing DOWEX 50 WX8-100 ion exchange resin yielded the complex CpFe(CN)2PTAH (2). The solid-state structures of both compounds have been determined by X-ray crystallography. Protonation was shown via ν(CN) and 31P-NMR to occur at one of the PTA nitrogens. Furthermore, it was found in the solid-state of the protonated structure that intermolecular hydrogen-bonding occurs between the cyanide nitrogen of one molecule and the PTA nitrogen of another molecule. The average FeCCN distance for 1 is 1.877(11) A. FeCCN distances for complex 2 differ significantly at 1.839(12) and 1.940(12) A, with the shorter bond length associated with the hydrogen-bonded CN group. Spectral (ν(CN) and 31P-NMR) characterization of the complexes and their potential use as precursors to double metal cyanide derivatives are reported.
Vascular manifestations of Behçet’s disease

Abstract Objectives. – To describe the features, prognosis, and treatment of vascular involvement in Behcet’s disease (BD). Patients. – Among 140 patients with BD seen at the Hotel-Dieu Hospital in Beirut between 1980 and 2000, 18 (13%) had vascular involvement and were included in this retrospective study. All these patients fulfilled International Study Group criteria for BD. Results. – Men with BD were more likely to have vascular involvement (13/77, 17%) than women (5/63, 8%) ( P = 0.12) and were younger at diagnosis of vascular disease (32 ± 7 vs. 36 ± 7.5 years; P P P > 0.05). Caval thrombosis and arterial occlusions were the most serious complications. Combined treatment with glucocorticoids, anticoagulants, and immunosuppressants was effective in superior vena cava syndrome and extracranial arterial occlusion. Conclusion. – Vascular manifestations of BD are common in Lebanon, particularly venous lesions. Aneurysms are seen less often than arterial occlusions. Medical treatment may be sufficient in superior vena cava syndrome and arterial occlusion.
Analysis of open resonators

A multiple reflection approach is employed to examine the properties of the lowQ open resonators commonly used in high power gyrotrons. The resonant frequency, diffractionQ, and RF field profile are derived in closed forms in the lowQ limit. Formation of the eigenmode in the resonator is shown as the result of constructive wave interference. The lower limit ofQ in the context of a conventional definition ofQ is derived.
A model for dispersion from area sources in convective turbulence

Four independent estimates of the vertical distribution of the eddy coefficient for dispersion of a passive contaminant from an extensive area source in a convective layer have been presented. The estimates were based on the following methods: (1) a second-order closure prediction, (2) field data of pollutant concentrations over Los Angeles, (3) lab measurements of particle dispersion, and (4) assumption of equality between momentum and mass transfer coefficients in the free convective limit. It is suggested that K-values estimated both from second-order closure theory and from Los Angeles measurements are systematically underestimated.
An exploratory factor analysis of Harter's Self-Perception Profile for Adolescents with academically talented students

This study examined the factor structure of Susan Harter's Self-Perception Profile for Adolescents in a group of 248 academically talented adolescents. Exploratory factor analytic strategies indica...
Model Validations and Comparisons of the Next Generation Attenuation of Ground Motions (NGA-West) Project

Abstract The earthquake ground-motion prediction equations developed for the Next Generation Attenuation of Ground Motions (NGA–West) project in 2008 have established a new baseline for the estimation of ground-motion parameters, such as peak ground acceleration, peak ground velocity, and spectral acceleration, for shallow crustal earthquakes in active tectonic regions. We perform statistical goodness-of-fit analyses to quantitatively compare the predictive capabilities of the NGA models and their predecessors, using several testing subsets of the master database used in model development. In addition, we perform a blind comparison test using 1060 ground-motion records from seven recent earthquakes recorded in California: the 2003 M 6.5 San Simeon event, 2004 M 6.0 Parkfield event, 2005 M 5.2 Anza event, 2007 M 5.4 Alum Rock event, 2008 M 5.4 Chino Hills event, 2010 M 7.2 Baja event, and 2010 M 5.7 Ocotillo event. We assess how modeling decisions regarding the regression dataset, functional forms, input parameters, and model complexity influence the models’ predictive capabilities. By comparing the performance of each model, we discuss various ground-motion modeling strategies and offer recommendations for model development. We find that increased model complexity does not necessarily lead to increased prediction accuracy, that the inclusion of aftershocks in regression datasets may result in decreased predictive capabilities for mainshocks, and that the use of measured site characteristics leads to greatly improved ground-motion predictions. A model validation framework is introduced to assess the prediction accuracy of ground-motion prediction equations and to aid in their future development.
Dual Mechanism of a Natural CaMKII Inhibitor

Ca(2+)/calmodulin (CaM)-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) is a major mediator of cellular Ca(2+) signaling. Several inhibitors are commonly used to study CaMKII function, but these inhibitors all lack specificity. CaM-KIIN is a natural, specific CaMKII inhibitor protein. CN21 (derived from CaM-KIIN amino acids 43-63) showed full specificity and potency of CaMKII inhibition. CNs completely blocked Ca(2+)-stimulated and autonomous substrate phosphorylation by CaMKII and autophosphorylation at T305. However, T286 autophosphorylation (the autophosphorylation generating autonomous activity) was only mildly affected. Two mechanisms can explain this unusual differential inhibitor effect. First, CNs inhibited activity by interacting with the CaMKII T-site (and thereby also interfered with NMDA-type glutamate receptor binding to the T-site). Because of this, the CaMKII region surrounding T286 competed with CNs for T-site interaction, whereas other substrates did not. Second, the intersubunit T286 autophosphorylation requires CaM binding both to the "kinase" and the "substrate" subunit. CNs dramatically decreased CaM dissociation, thus facilitating the ability of CaM to make T286 accessible for phosphorylation. Tat-fusion made CN21 cell penetrating, as demonstrated by a strong inhibition of filopodia motility in neurons and insulin secrection from isolated Langerhans' islets. These results reveal the inhibitory mechanism of CaM-KIIN and establish a powerful new tool for dissecting CaMKII function.
Super resolution pitch determination of speech signals

Based on a new similarity model for the voice excitation process, a novel pitch determination procedure is derived. The unique features of the proposed algorithm are infinite (super) resolution, better accuracy than the difference limen for F/sub 0/, robustness to noise, reliability, and modest computational complexity. The algorithm is instrumental to speech processing applications which require pitch synchronous spectral analysis. The computational complexity of the proposed algorithm is well within the capacity of modern digital signal processing (DSP) technology and therefore can be implemented in real time. >
The Development of a Renewable-Energy-Driven Reverse Osmosis System for Water Desalination and Aquaculture Production

Abstract Water and energy are closely linked natural resources – the transportation, treatment, and distribution of water depends on low-cost energy; while power generation requires large volumes of water. Seawater desalination is a mature technology for increasing freshwater supply, but it is essentially a trade of energy for freshwater and is not a viable solution for regions where both water and energy are in short supply. This paper discusses the development and application of a renewable-energy-driven reverse osmosis (RO) system for water desalination and the treatment and reuse of aquaculture wastewater. The system consists of (1) a wind-driven pumping subsystem, (2) a pressure-driven RO membrane desalination subsystem, and (3) a solar-driven feedback control module. The results of the pilot experiments indicated that the system, operated under wind speeds of 3 m s−1 or higher, can be used for brackish water desalination by reducing the salinity of feedwater with total dissolved solids (TDS) of over 3 000 mg L−1 to product water or permeate with a TDS of 200 mg L−1 or less. Results of the pilot experiments also indicated that the system can remove up to 97% of the nitrogenous wastes from the fish pond effluent and can recover and reuse up to 56% of the freshwater supply for fish pond operation.
Localization of the neural control of luteinization in the feminine male rat (FALE)

Castration of the male rat during the first three days of life allows retention of the cyclic pattern of gonadotrophin release with which the male is born. Since the neonatally castrated male shares several endocrine characteristics with the female, the terms feminine male or FALE have been employed to identify these animals. Twenty-seven of 28 FALES developed corpora lutea (CL) in ovarian transplants provided no other treatment was initiated. In contrast, exposure to constant illumination, suprachiasmatic lesions, or transection of anterior hypothalamic pathways prevented CL formation in 18 of 20 FALES. These findings support the concept that the preoptic-anterior hypothalamic region is an essential component of the neural mechanism which regulates the cyclic luteinization of ovarian grafts in the FALE. Since the FALE is a male rat in which differentiation has not been permitted to occur, it is suggested that sexual differentiation of the normal male hypothalamus consists of an alteration in function of this preoptic system.
Synthesis of N-Methylated Polyamides and Copolyamides

Abstract N-Methylated polyamides and copolyamides derived from sebacic acid, N,N′-dimethylethylenediamine, and ethylenediamine were synthesized. Both interfacial polycondensation and melt poly-condensation were examined, with the interfacial generally giving the higher molecular weights. The choice of organic solvent was important in the copolyamide synthesis with hexane giving random copolyamides and the more polar chloroform yielding copolyamides with a more blocklike structure, comparable to that obtained from the melt. The softening point of the N-methylated poly-amide was between 65-75°C.
Systemic vaccination induces clonally diverse SIV-specific CD8+ T-cell populations in systemic and mucosal compartments

An HIV-1 vaccine must elicit a clonally diverse virus-specific CD8+ T-cell response to contain mutant virus forms, and these responses must be present in mucosal tissues, which are the site of early HIV-1 replication. We show that systemic delivery of prototype vaccine vectors in rhesus monkeys induced SIV (simian immunodeficiency virus)-specific CD8+ T-cell responses in systemic and mucosal compartments with comparable clonal compositions. Although clonal sharing was maintained between the peripheral blood and lungs, the clonal constituents of the vaccine-induced CD8+ T-cell populations in the gastrointestinal mucosal tissues evolved away from the peripheral blood population. A phenotypic characterization indicated that the divergence was a consequence of differential trafficking and retention of the vaccine-induced cells in mucosal compartments. These findings highlight the circulation of vaccine-induced CD8+ T-cell populations between systemic and mucosal compartments and the importance of the expression of specific homing molecules for localization in mucosal tissues.
Gender-based violence: concepts, methods, and findings

The United Nations has identified gender-based violence against women as a global health and development issue, and a host of policies, public education, and action programs aimed at reducing gender-based violence have been undertaken around the world. This article highlights new conceptualizations, methodological issues, and selected research findings that can inform such activities. In addition to describing recent research findings that document relationships between gender, power, sexuality, and intimate violence cross-nationally, it identifies cultural factors, including linkages between sex and violence through media images that may increase women's risk for violence, and profiles a host of negative physical, mental, and behavioral health outcomes associated with victimization including unwanted pregnancy and abortion. More research is needed to identify the causes, dynamics, and outcomes of gender-based violence, including media effects, and to articulate how different forms of such violence vary in outcomes depending on cultural context.
Searching for unrelated donor hematopoietic stem cells: Availability and speed of umbilical cord blood versus bone marrow

Abstract Unrelated donor (URD) umbilical cord blood (UCB) has several potential advantages over URD BM for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. To examine the efficiency of donor identification for each of these URD stem cell sources, we reviewed the search processes for all pediatric and adult URD transplantation referrals to the University of Minnesota during a period of 1 year. Of 171 consecutive referrals for URD transplantation, 108 patients proceeded to a formal URD search with selection of at least 1 donor. Significantly more formal UCB searches(54%) than BM searches (21%) were performed for patients who required urgent transplantation (P Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 2002;8(5):257-60.
Blocking the GABA transporter GAT-1 ameliorates spinal GABAergic disinhibition and neuropathic pain induced by paclitaxel

Paclitaxel is a chemotherapeutic agent widely used for treating carcinomas. Patients receiving paclitaxel often develop neuropathic pain and have a reduced quality of life which hinders the use of this life-saving drug. In this study, we determined the role of GABA transporters in the genesis of paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain using behavioral tests, electrophysiology, and biochemical techniques. We found that tonic GABA receptor activities in the spinal dorsal horn were reduced in rats with neuropathic pain induced by paclitaxel. In normal controls, tonic GABA receptor activities were mainly controlled by the GABA transporter GAT-1 but not GAT-3. In the spinal dorsal horn, GAT-1 was expressed at presynaptic terminals and astrocytes while GAT-3 was only expressed in astrocytes. In rats with paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain, the protein expression of GAT-1 was increased while GAT-3 was decreased. This was concurrently associated with an increase in global GABA uptake. The paclitaxel-induced attenuation of GABAergic tonic inhibition was ameliorated by blocking GAT-1 but not GAT-3 transporters. Paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain was significantly attenuated by the intrathecal injection of a GAT-1 inhibitor. These findings suggest that targeting GAT-1 transporters for reversing disinhibition in the spinal dorsal horn may be a useful approach for treating paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain. Patients receiving paclitaxel for cancer therapy often develop neuropathic pain and have a reduced quality of life. In this study, we demonstrated that animals treated with paclitaxel develop neuropathic pain, have enhancements of GABA transporter-1 protein expression and global GABA uptake, as well as suppression of GABAergic tonic inhibition in the spinal dorsal horn. Pharmacological inhibition of GABA transporter-1 ameliorates the paclitaxel-induced suppression of GABAergic tonic inhibition and neuropathic pain. Thus, targeting GAT-1 transporters for reversing GABAergic disinhibition in the spinal dorsal horn could be a useful approach for treating paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain.
A case study of Missouri's deferred retirement incentive for state employees.

Delayed retirement incentives can promote employee retention. Survey data results (N = 261) were used to explore factors associated with retirement and participation in Missouri’s Deferred Retirement Option Provision (BackDROP), using a social stratification framework. Logistic regression analyses found that older age for full-retirement benefit eligibility increased the odds of delayed retirement, as did working more years for the state of Missouri. Longer length of work for Missouri increased the likelihood of being aware of one’s eligibility for BackDROP and of taking the BackDROP option, while working for pay in a non-state position decreased the odds of awareness and selection. Those who retired to do other things (rather than for health reasons or disliking the work) were also more likely to be knowledgeable of their BackDROP eligibility status. Race, sex, education, and marital status were not significant predictors. These findings inform design and implementation of delayed retirement policies in ...
Calorie restriction and aging: review of the literature and implications for studies in humans

Calorie restriction (CR) extends life span and retards age-related chronic diseases in a variety of species, including rats, mice, fish, flies, worms, and yeast. The mechanism or mechanisms through which this occurs are unclear. CR reduces metabolic rate and oxidative stress, improves insulin sensitivity, and alters neuroendocrine and sympathetic nervous system function in animals. Whether prolonged CR increases life span (or improves biomarkers of aging) in humans is unknown. In experiments of nature, humans have been subjected to periods of nonvolitional partial starvation. However, the diets in almost all of these cases have been of poor quality. The absence of adequate information on the effects of good-quality, calorie-restricted diets in nonobese humans reflects the difficulties involved in conducting long-term studies in an environment so conducive to overfeeding. Such studies in free-living persons also raise ethical and methodologic issues. Future studies in nonobese humans should focus on the effects of prolonged CR on metabolic rate, on neuroendocrine adaptations, on diverse biomarkers of aging, and on predictors of chronic age-related diseases.
TARGETED DELIVERY OF ANTISENSE OLIGODEOXYNUCLEOTIDES BY LPDII

AbstractSuccessful application of oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) to disease treatment requires the development of a suitable vector. Current vectors suffer from one or more of the following problems: low incorporation efficiency, poor cellular uptake, inefficient cytoplasmic release and lack of cell type specificity. We describe here a novel formulation, LPDII, which might avoid above problems. ODNs are first complexed with polylysine (PLK) and then coated with negatively charged liposomes composed of dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE)/cholesteryl hemisuccinate (CHEMS)/folate-poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG)-DOPE to form LPDII particles carrying a targeting ligand, folate. The LPDII could be specifically recognized by KB cells which overexpress folate binding protein. Delivery of an antisense ODN against epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) resulted in down-regulation of EGFR and growth inhibition of KB cells. The delivery of ODNs by LPDII was more efficient than folate-targeted liposomes containing pho...
Trimester of Maternal Gestational Weight Gain and Offspring Body Weight at Birth and Age Five

To investigate associations of trimester-specific GWG with fetal birth size and BMI at age 5 years. We examined 3,015 singleton births to women without pregnancy complications from the Child Health and Development Studies prospective cohort with measured weights during pregnancy. We used multivariable regression to examine the associations between total and trimester gestational weight gain (GWG) and birth weight for gestational age and child BMI outcomes, adjusting for maternal age, race/ethnicity, education, marital status, parity, pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), and smoking; paternal overweight, gestational age, and infant sex. We explored differences in associations by maternal BMI and infant sex. GWG in all trimesters was significantly and independently associated with birth weight with associations stronger, though not significantly, in the second trimester. First trimester GWG was associated with child BMI outcomes (OR for child overweight = 1.05; 95% CI = 1.02, 1.09). Each kg of first trimester GWG was significantly associated with increased child BMI z-score in women of low (β = 0.099; 95% CI = 0.034, 0.163) and normal (β = 0.028; 95% CI = 0.012, 0.044), but not high pre-pregnancy BMI. GWG in all trimesters was associated with birth weight; only first trimester GWG was associated with child BMI. If replicated, this information could help specify recommendations for maternal GWG and elucidate mechanisms connecting GWG to child BMI.
Type of suspended clay influences zooplankton response to phosphorus loading

The effects on zooplankton community structure of P loading and two different kinds of suspended sediments were tested in a small lake. Limnocorrals were used in a complete, triplicated, sixtreatment-block design. Treatments were loading with P, kaolinitic clay (IQ, K+P, montmorillonitic clay (M), and M+P plus a control without additions. P fertilization caused blooms of blue-green bacteria and resulted in reductions of the dominant copepod (Diaptomus mississippiensis) and cladocerans (Diaphanosoma brachyurum, Bosmina longirostris, and Ceriodaphnia reticulata), while causing a 5-fold increase in rotifers (mostly Keratella cochlearis). Zooplankton in the K and K+P treatments were similar to the control, but cladoceran species other than Diaphanosoma were reduced. M was more detrimental to zooplankton than K, causing a lo-fold decrease for all crustaceans. We attribute this in part to lower algal densities in the A4 treatment. Simultaneous P loading mitigated the effects of M on Diaphanosoma, rotifers, and copepods and may involve a transfer loop in which dissolved organic C adsorbed on clay becomes available to filter-feeding zooplankton. The effects of mineral turbidity apparently cascaded up the food chain, with both kinds of clays reducing densities of Chaoborus larvae.
Preparation of asymmetrical polyynes by a solid-supported Glaser–Hay reaction

Polyynes exhibit both unique photophysical properties and biological activities, necessitating efficient syntheses towards these core structures. A novel methodology for the construction of highly conjugated asymmetrical polyynes has been developed in a chemoselective fashion utilizing a solid-support. The synthesis has been applied to prepare a small library of polyynes in good to moderate yield. Moreover, their interesting fluorescence properties have been investigated, demonstrating the ability to tune fluorescence through selection of appropriate synthetic building blocks.
Brain Tumors in Children

Tumors of the central nervous system (CNS) (including the brain and spinal cord) are rare in the pediatric population. However, as a group they make up 25% of all childhood neoplasms and represent the most common solid tumor of childhood. Significant advances in surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy have led to better treatment outcomes over the past decades. Although cure rates have been steadily improving for some types of brain tumors, many challenges remain. In this issue of Current Problems in Pediatric and Adolescent Health Care, we review the epidemiology, clinical presentation, subtypes, treatment options, and recommended follow-up for children with brain tumors. We hope that this serves as a useful reference for pediatricians, general practitioners, nursing, and oncology trainees for this small but important group of pediatric patients. In this article, the term “brain tumor” is often used interchangeably with “central nervous system tumor,” which includes tumors of the spinal cord as well. We limit our discussion to that of primary tumors that arise within the CNS; the number of brain lesions in children representing metastatic disease from extracranial sites is extremely low. This is in contrast to adult patients, where metastatic disease represents a very common type of tumor in the CNS. Statistics and Epidemiology
A wide-tuning-range and reduced-fractional-spurs synthesizer combining Σ-Δ fractional-N and integer Flying-Adder techniques

A frequency synthesizer architecture with a wide tuning range and reduced fractional spurs is presented. The proposed topology includes a Σ-Δ fractional-N synthesizer and an integer Flying-Adder architecture. Compared to the conventional Σ-Δ fractional-N frequency synthesizer, this approach has much wider tuning range. Compared to the fractional Flying-Adder frequency synthesizer, the proposed approach can achieve the same frequency resolution with reduced fractional spurs and alleviates the constraints on the adder design in the Flying-Adder architecture.
Childhood-onset porphyria cutanea tarda: Successful therapy with low-dose hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil)

Abstract We describe a 4-year-old girl with a spontaneous blistering disorder that was consistent with porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT). There was no familial history of the disease or any obvious causative factors present. Oral hydroxychloroquine (3 mg/kg) was given twice weekly along with vitamin E (200 U/d) as an antioxidant. Within 6 weeks, marked decreased blistering occurred and by 12 weeks no blistering was evident. Despite clinical improvement and tolerance of hydroxychloroquine, urinary uroporphyrin, asparate aminotransferase, and ferritin levels continued to rise reaching peak levels at 16 weeks of therapy. Near total biochemical remission was observed at 40 weeks and all therapy was discontinued at 60 weeks. (J Am Acad Dermatol 1998;38:810-4.)
IN-HOME CONSERVATION AND WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT

A mathematical model has been developed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of household water conservation practices as a component in municipal wastewater treatment to meet federal secondary treatment requirements. The analysis uses a net present equivalent method and considers factors such as: time-value of money, inflation, population growth rate, public acceptance of household water conservation practices, residential contribution to the treatment plant influent, and both construction and operations and maintenance costs for municipal wastewater treatment plants. A sensitivity analysis is also included. Results show that while household water conservation practices do provide a cost-effective component of municipal wastewater treatment under a wide range of reasonable conditions, the municipal construction grants program may provide a disincentive.
A METHOD OF SPINAL FUSION

1. A relatively simple method of spinal fusion with internal splinting by screw fixation has been described. Complications have been few. 2. Emphasis is placed upon thorough removal of soft tissue, correct placement of screws of good length, the exposure of bleeding bone wherever possible in the fusion area, and the use of well packed cancellous bone. 3. There is enough spongy bone in one posterior superior iliac spine for an ordinary spinal fusion, and, if more is needed, the other is readily available through the same skin incision. Not only is cancellous bone more desirable than a massive cortical graft, but the leg is spared, allowing early walking and freedom from complications in the limb. 4. The lateral articulations are left intact. 5. Screw fixation has eliminated the use of external support except in spondylolisthesis, or when so much bone has been removed during laminectomy that good fixation cannot be obtained. 6. Early, sometimes immediate, relief of symptoms is usual after operation, and early walking with moderate activity is desirable. 7. When the operation was done for degenerative changes with no apparent defect in the laminae there was no radiological evidence of failure of fusion after operations at one level, but two failures were found after attempted fusions at multiple levels. 8. Root irritation from screw contact in two patients was due to faulty technique. A method of screw placement to avoid this complication is described and illustrated by radiographs and photographs of a cadaver specimen. 9. There has been no known instance of an adverse psychological effect from the use of screws. Rather, there has commonly been a lively and healthy interest shown in the factor which has allowed early activity.
Online Learning and the Doctorate

As the popularity of online doctoral programs grows, it's vital for learners to have an accurate picture of the professional opportunities that await them within industry and academia.
Non-Price Determinants of Health Providers Use in Senegal

Individuals seeking health care in Senegal, face different options in terms of which type of health service to use (public, private or traditional). This article identifies the socioeconomic and demographic characteristics that influence the use of health care providers in Senegal using a conditional Logit model on 8,395 individuals from the second Senegalese Living Standards Survey (ESAM 2). Distance to the provider, type of illness, and length of illness are the main determinants of health providers’ use, but individual and household characteristics like location, education, and gender are also significant factors. Contrary to existing literature, I find that household size and household income are not influencing use of a given health care provider versus no care. Additionally, an individual’s odds of seeking care from traditional healers increase with the severity and length of the disease which is a surprising result.
Laughter and Attention in the 2008 Presidential Primaries: The Impact of Debate Performance on Print Media Coverage

Abstract: Humor has long been an important tool for Presidential candidates on the campaign trail with such Presidents as John F. Kennedy, Ronald Reagan, and Bill Clinton being lauded for their humor. In the absence of simple decision cues such as incumbency, political party and well-delineated policy positions, candidate character plays an important role in low-information elections by providing simple decision cues. As such, humor provides an indicator of candidate character. Candidates can endear themselves to potential supporters through self-deprecatory humor that reduces the chasm between candidate and voter while establishing the candidates’ personal qualities. At the same time, humor can be disparaging, attacking opponents both within and outside the candidate’s political party. In either case, the candidate who uses humor effectively signals the possession of a nimble mind while eliciting audience support through laughter. This in turn can be expected to influence the level of support candidates receive in terms of media coverage. Specifically, we expect that candidates who make memorable humorous comments during political debates will be more likely to obtain precious increased media coverage.
How a 'Rules-Based Approach' Could Improve the South China Sea Situation

Much has been said about the importance of a "rules-based approach" to resolving the disputes in the waters of East Asia among the nations bordering the South China Sea and to reducing the risks that arise from those disputes. Truth be told, there is not a single rule of international law or international norm that will solve all of these problems or mitigate all of these risks. Instead there is a patchwork of rules and norms that could help to address different aspects of the matter. This chapter highlights some of the specific ways a "rules-based approach" could improve the South China Sea situation.
Using Visualizations to Explore Network Dynamics

Network analysis has become a popular tool to examine data from online social networks to politics to ecological systems. As more computing power has become available, new technology-driven methods and tools are being developed that can support larger and richer network data, including dynamic network analysis. This timely merger of abundant data and cutting edge techniques affords researchers the ability to better understand networks over time, accurately show how they evolve, find patterns of growth, or study models such as the diffusion of innovation. We combine traditional methods in social network analysis with new innovative visualizations and methods in dynamic network studies to explore an online tobacco-control community called GLOBALink, using almost twenty years of longitudinal data. We describe the methods used for the study, and perform an exploratory network study that links empirical results to real-world events.
Humidity Behavior of the Drywood Termite Cryptotermes brevis

Studies on the effect of humidity on longevity of Cryptotermes brevis (Walker) revealed that groups lived longer than isolated individuals. Average longevity (50-day test) was 23.9 days for groups of 10 and 15.7 for isolated pseudogates when held over salt solutions in individual desiccators (5–96% RH, 25±1°C) to stabilize humidities. Average maximum longevity (122-day test) was 44.0 days for groups of 10 and 23.3 days for isolated pseudogates when held over sulfuric acid solutions (9–98% RH, 25± 1°C). Pseudogates generally lived longer at high humidities (87–98% RH) but sometimes showed temporary symptoms of water poisoning. Altruistic behavior of proctodeal and stomodeal feeding was prevalent in pseudogates at low humidities (5–7% RH). Humidity gradient preference investigations revealed a clumping behavior that was intensified in darkness. The minimum number of pseudogates required to demonstrate clumping was between five and 10. Preconditioning three hours in stabilized desiccating environment (9–11% RH) elicited pseudogate movement toward increased humidity (87–98% RH).
Evaluation and recommendation of sensitivity analysis methods for application to Stochastic Human Exposure and Dose Simulation models

Sensitivity analyses of exposure or risk models can help identify the most significant factors to aid in risk management or to prioritize additional research to reduce uncertainty in the estimates. However, sensitivity analysis is challenged by non-linearity, interactions between inputs, and multiple days or time scales. Selected sensitivity analysis methods are evaluated with respect to their applicability to human exposure models with such features using a testbed. The testbed is a simplified version of a US Environmental Protection Agency's Stochastic Human Exposure and Dose Simulation (SHEDS) model. The methods evaluated include the Pearson and Spearman correlation, sample and rank regression, analysis of variance, Fourier amplitude sensitivity test (FAST), and Sobol's method. The first five methods are known as "sampling-based" techniques, wheras the latter two methods are known as "variance-based" techniques. The main objective of the test cases was to identify the main and total contributions of individual inputs to the output variance. Sobol's method and FAST directly quantified these measures of sensitivity. Results show that sensitivity of an input typically changed when evaluated under different time scales (e.g., daily versus monthly). All methods provided similar insights regarding less important inputs; however, Sobol's method and FAST provided more robust insights with respect to sensitivity of important inputs compared to the sampling-based techniques. Thus, the sampling-based methods can be used in a screening step to identify unimportant inputs, followed by application of more computationally intensive refined methods to a smaller set of inputs. The implications of time variation in sensitivity results for risk management are briefly discussed.
In Vivo Toxicity of Local Anesthetics and Corticosteroids on Chondrocyte and Synoviocyte Viability and Metabolism

Objective:Intra-articular injection of local anesthetic and/or corticosteroid is an adjunct treatment for arthritic and inflammatory orthopedic conditions. Despite potential benefits, there is grow...
Challenges in pediatric video-EEG monitoring.

ABSTRACT.Video-EEG (VEEG) monitoring is now commonly used in children. When designing a pediatric video-EEG monitoring unit, there are many issues that need to be considered to take full advantage of this technology. Topics such as the physical layout of the VEEG unit, VEEG equipment, networking, staffing, and lines of communication regarding referrals and VEEG interpretation must be considered. Only after careful consideration of these issues, can video-EEG monitoring be successful and provide safe, state of the art clinical care in an efficient manner.
The Value-Added Impact of Fast-Track Adoption Policy on Adoption Rates

In the United States, state adoption policies, as they pertain to the termination of parental rights, differ significantly. State adoption rates also differ significantly. In this paper, we examine whether policies that guide the termination of parental rights correspond to state adoption rate differences. The adoption rate is defined as the unit time probability of adoption. Policy effects are assessed using a three-level mixed-effects model that controls for differences in children, counties, state fixed effects, and state policy differences. Results suggest that policies targeting the termination of parental rights do not account for differences in state adoption rates.
Within-subject covariation between depression- and anxiety-related affect

ABSTRACTStudies find a strong positive relationship between the affective components of anxiety and depression. However, most research thus far has examined the between-person correlations among these constructs, while ignoring how changes in these two types of affect covary over time within a person. Within-person correlations could differ meaningfully from how anxiety- and depression-related affect relate across individuals. Further, individuals may differ in terms of how highly these constructs covary over time. The current study aimed to (1) compare between- and within-person correlations between anxious and depressive affect, (2) examine lagged effects between anxious and depressive affect over time, (3) test whether individuals differ in their within-person correlations between these two types of affect, and (4) examine whether the mean level of affective intensity moderated these individual differences. These questions were explored using college undergraduates (N = 50) who rated their depression- ...
Deep-Level Characterization: Electrical and Optical Methods

The most direct method for measuring the influence of defects on HEMTs is to examine how the I ds changes under a given bias condition due to thermally or optically stimulated transitions of electrons and holes into or out of deep levels. The primary effect of changing the occupancy of a deep-level defect on HEMT operation is the formation of a local space-charge that acts like a floating gate. Filling a defect with excess electrons creates a local negative potential that acts to partially pinch-off the channel and reduce I ds. Conversely, electron emission from a defect state makes the local potential more positive and increases I ds. Thus, defect states act to self-bias the HEMT and lead to instability in device operation as the occupancy of deep levels changes under dynamic operating conditions, such as switching or self-heating.
Introduction to Histology

A familiarity with the basic terminology, techniques, and instruments used in any branch of science is essential for a true understanding of the subject. Therefore, this chapter aims to provide an introduction to a number of basic methods and concepts specifically related to the microscopic study of tissues, otherwise known as “histology.” Topics introduced, include the routine specimen types received in a general histology laboratory and the methods involved in their preparation, prior to histological examination under the microscope by a histopathologist. Important histological techniques to be aware of that are performed in routine laboratories, such as the intraoperative frozen section, and common research tools used today, such as tissue microarrays, are discussed. Microscope types, automated imaging techniques, and digital software tools are also presented. Finally, the normal human cell and its internal components are summarized, together with the basic histology of normal tissues. Having studied this chapter, we anticipate that the reader will have the basic knowledge necessary for understanding the terminology mentioned in the upcoming chapters.
DNA-Catalyzed DNA Cleavage by a Radical Pathway with Well-Defined Products

We describe an unprecedented DNA-catalyzed DNA cleavage process in which a radical-based reaction pathway cleanly results in excision of most atoms of a specific guanosine nucleoside. Two new deoxyribozymes (DNA enzymes) were identified by in vitro selection from N40 or N100 random pools initially seeking amide bond hydrolysis, although they both cleave simple single-stranded DNA oligonucleotides. Each deoxyribozyme generates both superoxide (O2–• or HOO•) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and leads to the same set of products (3′-phosphoglycolate, 5′-phosphate, and base propenal) as formed by the natural product bleomycin, with product assignments by mass spectrometry and colorimetric assay. We infer the same mechanistic pathway, involving formation of the C4′ radical of the guanosine nucleoside that is subsequently excised. Consistent with a radical pathway, glutathione fully suppresses catalysis. Conversely, adding either superoxide or H2O2 from the outset strongly enhances catalysis. The mechanism of gener...
Origin and properties of microseisms from the standpoint of oscillator theory

Abstract The generally large source area for seawave generated microseisms does not readily allow consideration of these events as unidirectional. Rather, these wave patterns must be due to a complicated interference system, whose properties can be described only by statistics. In this study it is postulated that the generation of microseisms results as the superpositon of the outputs of a large number N of seismic oscillators. These oscillators are randomly distributed both in space and time. This random distribution necessarily implies that the phase angles of incoming waves are randomly distributed too. The statistical properties of the resultant ground motion, outside of the generation area, is investigated theoretically. Special attention is given to the probability distributions of the vertical amplitudes and the horizontal vector amplitudes. Good agreement is found between these theoretical results and the measurements obtained from particle motion diagrams. Additionally, the theoretical results lead to two methods for determination of the microseismic directions of approach. Both of these techniques were applied to the microseismic storm of January 28, 1963. This storm was generated by a well-developed cyclonic system off the east coast of the United States and Canada. Basic data for the study were obtained from the long-period seismograms of 5 stations (Rolla and Florissant, Mo., Bloomington, Ind., Dubuque, Iowa, and Ann Arbor, Mich.). The resulting analysis gave generation areas off the southern coast of Newfoundland and eastern coast of the United States. Further use was made of the theory developed to investigate the character of the microseismic waves. This application showed the microseisms to be composed not only of clear, fundamental mode Rayleigh waves, but that Love wave motion was also present. Surprisingly the proportion of Love wave motion was found to be different at different stations. At Rolla, Florissant and Bloomington, it was predominant, while at Dubuque and Ann Arbor the Rayleigh wave motion was dominant.
Risk factors of poor complementary feeding practices in Pakistani children aged 6–23 months: A multilevel analysis of the Demographic and Health Survey 2012–2013

Appropriate feeding practices are crucial for survival, growth, and development in childhood. This paper analyzes Pakistan's Demographic and Health Survey 2012–2013 to fill the knowledge gap in risk factors of poor complementary feeding practices in Pakistani children. Multilevel models were applied to fit the multistage cluster sample of 2,827 children aged 6–23 months from 489 communities. Introduction of solid, semi-solid, or soft foods (intro) was achieved in 67% infants aged 6–8 months. Among children aged 6–23 months, the proportion of children meeting minimum meal frequency, dietary diversity (MDD), and acceptable diet criteria were 63%, 22% and 15%, respectively. Consumption of legumes and nuts, flesh foods, and vitamin A-rich fruits and vegetables was low in all children (6–19%), even among children who met the MDD criteria (15–55%). Younger child age, especially between 6 and 11 months and delayed maternal postnatal checkup were significant individual-level risk factors that consistently increased the odds of not meeting all four criteria examined. Fewer antenatal care visits predicted the odds of achieving intro and minimum meal frequency while younger maternal age and household poverty predicted the odds of achieving MDD and minimum acceptable diet. Community-level factors included geographic region and general access to maternal and child health care services. The overall poor quality of children's complementary diets in Pakistani calls for stronger policy and program action to promote the consumption of key nutrient-dense foods while prioritizing interventions for the most vulnerable children and populations.
Nahbereichs-photogrammetrie im CAI-verbund

The increasing use of CAx techniques in the production processes and the continuously increasing pressure for quality assurance through regulated processes require a more extensive integration of measuring techniques in the manufacturing and data flow than in the past. For this reason, around 1985 the first considerations were developed in the quality assurance of the Volkswagen Organisation for a general data concept for use of coordinate measurement techniques (contact and noncontact) in CAI. The basis of all strategies was and still is a programming system for the generation of measuring programs, that are independent, i.e. excluding component specific, of the method of measurement (system AUDIMESS), as integral parts of the general system VWGEO.