cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Theoretical and Experimental Investigation of Alginate Microtube Extrusion for Cell Culture Applications.

Abstract A novel cell culture technology, consisting of hollow alginate tubes, OD ~ 550 μ m , ID ~ 450 μ m containing a cell suspension, provides stress-free conditions. Cells reach confluency in approximately ten days with cell densities of 0.5 − 1 billion cells per mL . Tubes are manufactured in a tri-axial needle extruder with three concentric flows. The cell suspension flows in the inner needle (N1), the alginate solution flows in the annulus between N1 and the second needle (N2) and a Ca Cl 2 solution is the sheath fluid between the second and third needle (N3). Beyond the tip of N2, the sheath solution is in contact with the alginate and Ca 2 + diffuses into the alginate solution and crosslinks it to form an alginate microtube around the core fluid. The cross-linked layer moves radially inwards like a front, starting at the sheath/annulus interface and ends at the annulus/core interface. A mathematical model is used to find the minimum length z C of direct contact between the Ca Cl 2 solution and the alginate solution to complete the cross-linking. Experimental results support the theoretical findings that stable tubes can only be manufactured if the contact length exceeds z C . Experiments also show that the extruder configuration N3 > N2 is best for alginate tube manufacture.
Neuro-Checks and the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale in Acute Stroke (P2.3-038)

Objective: To evaluate the degree of correlation between nursing neuro-checks and National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) in acute stroke. Background: Neuro-checks used in stroke units to detect deterioration are summarized neurological exams. Despite widespread use, their effectiveness has not been validated. We assessed the degree of correlation with the well-validated and more complete NIHSS. Design/Methods: This retrospective chart review of alteplase-treated strokes at a large Comprehensive Stroke Center during 2017 recorded demographics, baseline and 24-hour NIHSS score, vascular syndrome and neuro-check findings during the first 72 hours. Neuro-checks assess Glasgow Coma Scale, and arm and leg strength and sensation. Rates of correlation between overlapping components of neuro-checks and NIHSS (orientation, motor, sensory) were analyzed. Results: A total of 107 patients were analyzed (52% male, age 69.7±15.6 [mean+/−SD] years). Mean NIHSS score was 12±7.3 on arrival and 7.8±7.6 at 24 hours. An average of 63.3±13.9 neuro-checks were performed per patient. There was a lack of correlation between initial NIHSS and neuro-checks in 32% of the cases, most pronounced for those with right vs. left MCA syndrome (50 vs. 30%, p=0.04). Lack of correlation was observed more frequently when taking into account only the motor component in those with right vs. left MCA syndrome (36 vs. 15%, p=0.05). Other components were similar between the two groups. Lack of correlation at 24 hours was noted in 25%, also more common in right vs. left MCA syndrome (29.7% vs. 18.9%, p=0.70). Again, the motor component had a lower correlation in those with right MCA syndrome (29 vs. 18%, p =0.47). Conclusions: Poor correlation was noted between NIHSS and Neuro-checks, particularly in non-dominant hemispheric strokes. A more detailed examination may be required in these patients. Disclosure: Dr. De Leon Benedetti has nothing to disclose. Dr. Campo-Bustillo has nothing to disclose. Dr. Romano has received personal compensation for consulting, serving on a scientific advisory board, speaking, or other activities with Genentech, Vycor/NovaVision. Dr. Romano has received research support from NIH/NIMH; NIH/NINDS; StrokeNet; Genentech . Dr. Koch has received personal compensation for consulting, serving on a scientific advisory board, speaking, or other activities with Cerepeutics and MiamiMedTech.
Abstract 3320: There Is No Difference in Outcomes of Wake-Up Stroke vs. Stoke While Awake. An Analysis from The International Stroke Trial: A Large Prospective Randomized Trial

Background: Most acute stroke treatments have restricted therapeutic windows. Approximately a quarter of stroke patients awaken from sleep with symptoms and are precluded from intervention due to extensive times from last known well state. A single center retrospective study showed worse stroke severity and early functional outcomes after wake-up stroke (WUS) compared with stroke while awake (SWA). A population based study has shown demographic and clinical differences between WUS and SWA. Objective: The primary aim of our study was to confirm or refute the findings from the previous studies that WUS has worse outcomes. We also compared the demographic and clinical characteristics and inpatient complications between the two groups. Methods: Data from the International Stroke Trial were analyzed. Comparisons were made between WUS and SWA using χ 2 , student t-test, and Mann-Whitney-Wilcoxon rank sum analyses. Logistic regression analyses were performed to calculate independent effect of WUS in predicting various clinical outcomes. Results: After excluding cases with final diagnosis other than ischemic stroke, 5,152 (29.6%) patients with WUS and 12,246 (70.4%) patients with SWA were included in the analysis. There were no significant differences in age, gender or stroke severity scale between the two groups (Table 1). Atrial fibrillation was significantly less common (15.7% vs. 17.8%) and rate of lacunar stroke was higher (27.5% vs. 22.9%) in the WUS group. WUS patients had a lower unadjusted mortality at six months (20.4% vs. 22.2%, p=0.01). We found no differences in adjusted odds of inpatient mortality (OR 0.97; 95%CI:0.81-1.16), complete recovery (OR: 0.93; 95%CI:0.84-1.03), functional independence (OR:1.02; 95%CI:0.93-1.12) and mortality at six months (OR: 0.95; 95%CI:0.84-1.07) between WUS and SWA. The discharge disposition and the rates of recurrent ischemic stroke, intracranial hemorrhage, hemorrhagic transformation of ischemic stroke and major non-cerebral bleeding were also similar ( p >0.05). Conclusions: Clinical severity and rates of inpatient complications are similar between WUS and SWA. Even though mortality at six months is lower with WUS, the effect is non-significant when controlled for confounding factors. Outcomes at six months are similar between the two groups.
Web browser software with single switch interface for PDAs or computers

This project will allow for physically handicapped persons to access the Internet using a single switch interface from a personal data assistant (PDA) or personal computer. Using specially created software, a person with limited movement capabilities will be able to browse the Internet and send emails using a single or multiple switches. The product consists of several elements: the switch interface, the mechanical arm to hold the PDA, the PDA itself, and the Web-browsing software.
American Academy of Emergency Medicine Position Statement: Safety of Droperidol Use in the Emergency Department

Abstract Background Droperidol (Inapsine®, Glaxosmithkline, Brent, UK) is a butyrophenone used in emergency medicine practice for a variety of uses. QT prolongation is a well-known adverse effect of this class of medications. Of importance to note, QT prolongation is noted with multiple medication classes, and droperidol increases QT interval in a dose-dependent fashion among susceptible individuals. The primary goal of this literature search was to determine the reported safety issues of droperidol in emergency department management of patients. Methods A MEDLINE literature search was conducted from January 1995 to January 2014 and limited to human studies written in English for articles with keywords of droperidol/Inapsine. Guideline statements and nonsystematic reviews were excluded. Studies identified then underwent a structured review from which results could be evaluated. Results There were 542 papers on droperidol screened, and 35 appropriate articles were rigorously reviewed in detail and recommendations given. Conclusion Droperidol is an effective and safe medication in the treatment of nausea, headache, and agitation. The literature search did not support mandating an electrocardiogram or telemetry monitoring for doses
Spring-network and finite-element models for elasticity and fracture

This paper discusses computational models for elastic deformation and fracture of brittle, disordered materials. In particular, we compare models based on networks of springs and finite-element discretizations. When the length scale of elements in the numerical model corresponds to discrete material elements, spring-network approaches are valid. Their validity as models for a continuous medium is examined by comparing to a finite-volume discretization and by studying (a) the ability to capture uniform strain, and (b) the ability to model crack propagation in an isotropic, homogeneous, brittle material. As models of continuous media, spring-networks exhibit several numerical artifacts. For such problems, we conclude that finite-element methods can be used to the same degree of accuracy or better than spring-network models.
Cooperative Robot Assistant for Retinal Microsurgery

This paper describes the development and results of initial testing of a cooperative robot assistant for retinal microsurgery. In the cooperative control paradigm, the surgeon and the robot share control of a tool attached to the robot through a force sensor. The system senses forces exerted by the operator on the tool and uses this information in various control modes to provide smooth, tremor-free, precise positional control and force scaling. The robot manipulator is specifically designed with retinal microsurgery in mind, having high efficacy, flexibility and ergonomics while meeting the accuracy and safety requirements of microsurgery. We have tested this robot on a biological model and we report the results for reliably cannulating ~80 μm diameter veins (equivalent in size to human retinal veins). We also describe improvements to the robot and the experimental setup facilitating more advanced set of experiments.
Welfare Reform and Disability in Slovakia: exploring neoliberalism, social justice and employment policy

There is growing concern from disability activists that welfare–to-work (workfare) policies present substantial barriers to participation in the open labor market for people with disabilities. Perceived success of the U.S. workfare policy in reducing government expenditures, however, sparked the Slovak Republic to adopt similar policy. The article explores how the recently implemented workfare system created because of the Slovak National Action Plan on Social Inclusion (NAPS) affects the open labor market participation of people with disabilities. It draws on Nancy Fraser’s theory of social justice to frame injustices in the policies and practices surrounding the Slovak workfare system for people with disabilities. It examines five key areas outlined in the NAPS that directly impact the participation of people with disabilities in the labor market in Slovakia: stigma, accessibility, training, legislation, and supported employment. Keywords: Disability, Slovakia, Workfare, Nancy Fraser, Human Rights
Scientific foundation, patents, and new product introductions of biotechnology and pharmaceutical firms

Absorptive capacity (ACAP) has long been used in the research of technology firms as an indication of knowledge acquisition. This paper links knowledge input using new product introductions (NPI), to commercial output, addressing one of the key criticisms of research and development expenditures as a measure of an organization's effort. We propose that firms with a strong basic science foundation such as biology and chemistry seek to advance their scientific knowledge in addition to developing and selling innovative products. In contrast, corporations with a more applied focus forego fundamental scientific advancement and concentrate their actions on the development of innovative products. Results from a sample of 487 firms over a 10-year period indicated that firms with an applied science foundation had greater numbers of NPIs, both breakthrough and innovative, suggesting that a solutions-based approach had greater value in terms of innovative output. The pursuit of science may build knowledge, but a clear link between increased ACAP and innovative output was not found. Our results also suggest that basic science firms have a positive relationship with both breakthrough and incremental NPIs using merger and acquisition activities. Applied science firms found university alliances useful in generating NPIs.
Metabolic clues to salubrious longevity in the brain of the longest‐lived rodent: the naked mole‐rat

Naked mole-rats (NMRs) are the oldest-living rodent species. Living underground in a thermally stable ecological niche, NMRs have evolved certain exceptional traits, resulting in sustained health spans, negligible cognitive decline, and a pronounced resistance to age-related disease. Uncovering insights into mechanisms underlying these extraordinary traits involved in successful aging may conceivably provide crucial clues to extend the human life span and health span. One of the most fundamental processes inside the cell is the production of ATP, which is an essential fuel in driving all other energy-requiring cellular activities. Not surprisingly, a prominent hallmark in age-related diseases, such as neurodegeneration and cancer, is the impairment and dysregulation of metabolic pathways. Using a two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis proteomics approach, alterations in expression and phosphorylation levels of metabolic proteins in the brains of NMRs, aged 2-24 years, were evaluated in an age-dependent manner. We identified 13 proteins with altered levels and/or phosphorylation states that play key roles in various metabolic pathways including glycolysis, β-oxidation, the malate-aspartate shuttle, the Tricarboxylic Acid Cycle (TCA) cycle, the electron transport chain, NADPH production, as well as the production of glutamate. New insights into potential pathways involved in metabolic aspects of successful aging have been obtained by the identification of key proteins through which the NMR brain responds and adapts to the aging process and how the NMR brain adapted to resist age-related degeneration. This study examines the changes in the proteome and phosphoproteome in the brain of the naked mole-rat aged 2-24 years. We identified 13 proteins (labeled in red) with altered expression and/or phosphorylation levels that are conceivably associated with sustained metabolic functions in the oldest NMRs that may promote a sustained health span and life span.
NASA Global Hawk: Project Overview and Future Plans

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Global Hawk Project became operational in 2009 and began support of Earth science in 2010. Thus far, the NASA Global Hawk has completed three Earth science campaigns and preparations are under way for two extensive multi-year campaigns. One of the most desired performance capabilities of the Global Hawk aircraft is very long endurance: the Global Hawk aircraft can remain airborne longer than almost all other jet-powered aircraft currently flying, and longer than all other aircraft available for airborne science use. This paper describes the NASA Global Hawk system, payload accommodations, concept of operations, and the scientific data-gathering campaigns.
How to Spend $50 Billion to Make the World a Better Place: Toward a New Consensus for Addressing the Global Challenge of the Lack of Education

This paper is part of the Copenhagen Consensus process, which aims to assess and evaluate the opportunities available to address the ten largest challenges facing the world. One of these ten challenges is the "lack of education." This paper will define "lack of education," in terms of enrollments, attainments and learning achievement. It provides an analytical framework to evaluate the various options that can be used to address this issue. Education can be described as equipping people with the range of competencies necessary to lead productive, fulfilling lives fully integrated into their societies and communities. Many of the international goals are framed exclusively around enrollment, which is merely a means towards creating competencies and learning achievement. This paper discusses the scope and options for improving people's competencies, and describes the conditions for effective policy action.
Solubility of Chemicals in Water

Correlations are presented for the solubility of chemicals in water. A wide variety of compounds are covered—alcohols, ketones, ethers, aldehydes, acids, acetates, amines, monochloroalkanes, and monobromoalkanes. The new correlation provides reliable solubility values down to very low concentrations (parts per million range). The correlation is based on the boiling point of the compound. The correlation and experimental data are in favorable agreement. The results are useful in process engineering for wastewater minimization. Keywords: solubility hydrocarbons
Introduction to a special issue on Skin disease, immune response and cytokines.

Skin is the largest and fastest growing organ of the body. In recent years, attention has been directed towards the numerous ways in which immune cells of the skin interact with keratinocytes (KCs) to drive a multitude of skin diseases. Both resident immune cells and skin infiltrating cells can work synergistically with KCs to propagate disease pathogenesis. Activated KCs produce chemokines that recruit immune cells into the skin, which then initiate cascades of cellular and molecular events that are clearly responsible for the chronic nature of many inflammatory skin diseases. The concept that many skin diseases have a critical immune system component, or are auto-immune in nature, is now well accepted. The outdated debate regarding whether skin disease is KC-driven vs. immune cell-driven has evolved to include a more integrated conceptualization that encompasses pathways linking KC dysfunction with immune cell pathologies that synergize to create and sustain chronic cutaneous inflammation.
Multiple Correlation Versus Multiple Regression

It is well known that multiple correlation analysis (MCA) calculations and multiple regression analysis (MRA) calculations overlap a bit. What has not been routinely recognized is that the two analysis procedures involve different research questions and study designs, different inferential approaches, different analysis strategies, and different reported information. These differences are described.
An application to support a course in numerical analysis

An original numerical method is presented which is suitable for use in a course in numerical analysis. It combines numerical differentiation with numerical integration to extend the solution of a particular kind of partial differential equation throughout a rectangular grid. An implementation of the method together with a friendly user interface is available from the author for instructional use.
Vibrational Analysis and Isotope Shifts of BEDT-TTF Donor for Organic Superconductors

Bis(ethylenedithio)tetrathiafulvalene (BEDT-TTF) is the best donor for 1-D and 2-D organic superconductors. Since coupling of vibrations with electronic states is critical to the nature of the superconductivity, it is essential to have a good understanding of the vibrational states. Many of the vibrational modes of BEDT-TTF were reported and assigned by Kozlov et al. and more were assigned by Eldridge et al., who made very complete isotope experiments. However, there remain several disagreements between these assignments. We report here the isotopic shifts for neutral BEDT-TTF based on ab initio calculations [Hartree−Fock (HF) using the 6-31G** basis set] for all fundamental vibrational frequencies. On the basis of these results, we propose new assignments for the fundamental vibrational frequencies of BEDT-TTF that satisfy the isotopic substitutions: (i) D for all H, (ii) ^(13)C for the central carbons, (iii) ^(13)C for all the double bond carbons, and (iv) ^(34)S for all sulfurs. The boat deformation of the neutral BEDT-TTF reduces the point group symmetry from previously accepted D_(2h) (or D_2) to C_2. This deformation explains the existing coincidence infrared (IR) and Raman spectrum.
Cardiovascular implications of antihyperglycemic therapies for type 2 diabetes.

Abstract Background Several risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD), including insulin resistance/hyperinsulinemia, hyperglycemia, overweight/obesity, dyslipidemia, and hypertension, are often present in varying combinations in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). Patients with a clustering of these risk factors, termed the metabolic syndrome , are at greater risk for CVD than are patients with only a single risk factor. Although glycemic control is the central feature of type 2 DM management, patients require an individualized approach to therapy that takes their other CVD risk factors into account. Objective This review examined the effects of antidiabetes therapy on glycemic control, as well as its potential to affect body weight, serum lipids, and blood pressure (BP), and thus CVD risk. Methods Information was obtained by searching the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases from 1995 through March 2010. The search terms included type 2 DM, metabolic syndrome, CV complications of type 2 DM, and therapy for type 2 DM . Articles that described relevant details of the metabolic syndrome, CV complications of type 2 DM, and effects of antidiabetes therapy on glycosylated hemoglobin, body weight, serum lipids, and BP were selected for in-depth review. Only English language publications were reviewed. Clinical trials, meta-analyses, and review articles on the key words were preferentially selected for review and analysis. Non–English language publications, case reports, letters to the editor, and similar types of publications were excluded. Results Although all approved antidiabetes agents lowered glucose, their effect on other CV risk factors, such as BP, lipids, and weight, differed significantly. Therapy with insulin, the sulfonylureas, and the thiazolidinediones was associated with weight gain. Metformin and the dipeptidyl-peptidase-4 inhibitors were generally considered weight neutral, whereas the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and amylin agonists were associated with weight loss. Metformin, sulfonylureas, thiazolidinedioness, and dipeptidyl-peptidase-4 inhibitors had modest effects on serum lipid levels and BP. The glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists generally had beneficial effects on serum lipid levels and systolic and diastolic BP. Conclusion A wide variety of agents were available to aid glycemic control in patients with type 2 DM. These agents had variable effects on known CV risk factors that might be present in this patient population, including excess body weight, elevated BP, and increased serum lipids. Some of the newer agents improved glycemic control while also having potentially favorable effects on these CV risk factors. The impact of various agents on known CV risk factors should be considered when selecting a therapeutic regimen.
A model for care across the cancer continuum.

With contemporary therapy, the majority of children and adolescents who are diagnosed with cancer will be cured. However, curative therapy predisposes to adverse health outcomes that affect the long-term survivor's quality of life and increase the risk of early mortality. Recognition of the adverse effects of cancer treatment on growth and development, vital organ function, fertility and reproduction, and secondary carcinogenesis has been the stimulus for the development of risk-adapted treatment approaches for pediatric malignancies. Because the consequences of these therapeutic modifications may not manifest for many years, long-term follow-up is required to accurately define new or changing patterns of adverse health outcomes, appropriate screening approaches, and ultimately, risk-reducing interventions. Identification of vulnerable survivors is essential to provide timely interventions to detect, ameliorate, reduce, or prevent cancer-related sequelae. This process is challenging, because risk factors constantly are evolving as cancer therapies are modified and as survivors age. Aging also disrupts the continuity of after-cancer care, as adolescent and young adult survivors graduate from pediatric oncology practices to community medical providers who are largely unfamiliar with cancer-related health risks. Health outcomes research objectives that target cancer survivors must adapt as cancer therapies evolve and as new risk factors for cancer-related morbidity emerge. Prospectively using a multidimensional, comprehensive approach that considers host-related, cancer-related, genetic, and lifestyle factors in combination with results from focused medical and behavioral evaluations obtained from cancer survivors who participate in long-term follow-up programs provides an optimal method of defining high-risk profiles for adverse health outcomes across the age spectrum. Cancer 2005. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
Role of Circadian Neuroendocrine Rhythms in the Control of Behavior and Physiology

Hormones play a major role in regulating behavior and physiology, and their efficacy is often dependent on the temporal pattern in which they are secreted. Significant insights into the mechanisms underlying rhythmic hormone secretion have been gained from transgenic rodent models, suggesting that many of the body's rhythmic functions are regulated by a coordinated network of central and peripheral circadian pacemakers. Some neuroendocrine rhythms are driven by transcriptional-posttranslational feedback circuits comprising 'core clock genes', while others represent a cyclic cascade of neuroendocrine events. This review focuses on recent data from the rhesus macaque, a non-human primate model with high clinical translation potential. With primary emphasis on adrenal and gonadal steroids, it illustrates the rhythmic nature of hormone secretion, and discusses the impact that fluctuating hormone levels have on the accuracy of clinical diagnoses and on the design of effective hormone replacement therapies in the elderly. In addition, this minireview raises awareness of the rhythmic expression patterns shown by many genes, and discusses how this could impact interpretation of data obtained from gene profiling studies, especially from nocturnal rodents.
Causes of early mortality after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding.

Background Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) is 1 of the most used surgical procedures to treat obesity, with > 120,000 bands positioned around the world. LAGB is considered a safe and technically simple procedure, but it has many longterm complications, such as erosion, bleeding that requires reoperations, and sometimes even death of the patient. Study Design This article reviews the deaths after LAGB reported in the literature. Eight hundred eighty articles were reviewed from 1994 to May 2006, using the PubMed Web site and French, English, and Australian health Web sites. Results Data from 9,682 patients were collected from 24 articles and 48 (0.51%) deaths were reported. Twenty-eight patients died within 30 days of the operation, including 3 intraoperative deaths; 16 patients died 30 or more days after operation; and in 4 patients, the timing of death was not stated in the articles. Pulmonary embolism was the most frequent cause of death, in 11 (22.9%) patients, followed by myocardial infarction in 6 (12.5%) patients. Nine (18.7%) deaths were directly related to band positioning. Longterm mortality rates from LAGB, or reoperations from inadequate weight loss, could not be assessed. Conclusions Although technically simple, LAGB has both short- and longterm complications that can be fatal for patients. We recommend surgeons consider perioperative pulmonary embolism prophylaxis and preoperative coronary evaluations on all patients.
Pricing and marketing communications: The noneconomic factors

Which noneconomic factors should be considered in pricing products and services? When and how can the pricing manager desensitize the consumer to price? These issues are examined and related to the economic factors in pricing decisions. Ten product, consumer, and psychological pricing questions are asked for the manager to answer.
Peripheral nerve stimulator performance: The influence of output polarity and electrode placement

The median as well as the ulnar nerve may be used effectively in the evaluation of neuromuscular blockade with the peripheral nerve stimulator. Both ulnar and median nerve stimulation produce flexion of the fingers. For maximum neural stimulation either during the routine use of the peripheral nerve stimulator or when it is used as an aid to peripheral nerve block, the negative pole should be attached to the exploring needle or over the nerve to be stimulated.
The age and relationships of the major animal phyla

Given the uncertainties in the fossil record and the paucity of informative morphological characters, there is still considerable uncertainty as to the phylogenetic affinities and times of origins of essentially all of the phyla of animals. A multilocus analysis of amino-acid sequence data for mitochondrial genes suggests that the major triploblast phyla began diverging approximately 630 million years ago. These results support the hypothesis that the so-called Cambrian radiation of animals actually initiated about 100 million years prior to the Cambrian, as the fossil evidence suggests. In addition, phylogenetic analysis supports the monophyly of animals, an early (~900 million years ago) branching off of the cnidarian lineage, the monophyly of deuterostomes and protostomes, and the inclusion of nematodes in the protostome lineage. The results of this study suggest that, with appropriate levels of taxon sampling and a focus on conserved regions of protein-coding sequence, complete mitochondrial genome analysis may be sufficiently powerful to elucidate the genealogical relationships of many of the animal phyla.
Effects of case management on retention in prenatal substance abuse treatment

Participation in substance abuse treatment during pregnancy is associated with improved pregnancy outcomes. Case management has been proposed as one way to reduce barriers to receiving and continuing treatment. An evaluation was conducted on a case management program to retain pregnant women in drug treatment. Two hundred twenty-five pregnant women received case management services consisting of home visits, telephone counseling, transportation, and referral. All women contacted a substance abuse treatment center and most (56%) obtained treatment during pregnancy. Sociodemographic factors, personal and family history of substance use and drug treatment, protective services involvement, history of physical and sexual abuse, and need for tangible resources were assessed. Charts were reviewed at the substance abuse treatment center for number of visits and urine toxicology reports, and at the hospital for pregnancy outcome. Data were analyzed by LISREL path analysis. Five factors had significant path correlations to prenatal attendance at the substance abuse treatment center: history of protective services involvement, number of drugs ever used, currently receiving methadone, intensity of case management, and receiving transportation to drug treatment appointments. We conclude that case management, including providing transportation, contributes significantly to retention in substance abuse treatment during pregnancy.
Time‐of‐day transit pricing: comparative US and international experiences

Experiences with time‐of‐day transit pricing in the U.S. are reviewed in this article and compared to those in other countries. Emphasis is placed on examining ridership, financial and efficiency impacts associated with time‐of‐day pricing, along with highlighting innovative approaches to implementing fare differentials. American time‐of‐day fare structures have been about evenly split between off‐peak discounts, peak‐period surcharges, and programmes involving differential rates of fare increases between peak and off‐peak hours. Although most American operators introduced time‐of‐day differentials to encourage ridership shifts to the off‐peak period, available evidence suggests that they have been only marginally successful in doing so. Off‐peak users were generally found to be far more fare‐sensitive to discounts than peak passengers were to surcharges. Only in a handful of American cities were significant efficiency and financial benefits from time‐of‐day pricing recorded, though in those few places, t...
Modification of the anticodon wobble position of tRNAAla in vitro does not require 5′ or 3′ processing

Abstract Maturation of eukaryotic tRNA molecules requires nuclear processing as well as nuclear and cytoplasmic modification of specific nucleotides. Nucleotide modifications within the anticodon are found in the majority of all tRNAs and are among the last maturation events to occur in vivo. We show that 5′ and 3′ processing of SP6 polymerase-generated transcripts are not necessary for the in vitro modification of A → I in the anticodon of tRNAAla.
Planar lightwave integrated circuits integrated with thin film active optoelectronic devices

The integration of active optoelectronic devices, passive optical devices, and electronics into planar lightwave integrated circuits (PLICs) at the chip level, and planar lightwave integrated systems (PLIS) at the substrate or package level, have applications in optical interconnection, optical signal distribution and processing, and in integrated optical sensing. Heterogeneous integration of thin film devices is an effective method of creating PLICs and PLIS. Thin film InP-based edge emitters and thin film photodetectors have been integrated with polymer waveguides to create planar lightwave systems.
The cultural context of forest degradation in adjacent Purepechan communities, Michoacan, Mexico

Recent changes in the cultural and forest landscapes of the Meseta Purepecha in Michoacan, Mexico as a result of forest degradation underscore the complexity of forest change processes in the tropical highlands of Latin America. Differences in community perception and forest structure and composition between the furniture-making and lumber-producing towns of Pichataro and Sevina, Purepechan indigenous communities located amidst pine forests on Michoacan's volcanic plateau illustrate the dynamics of this process. We base our comparisons on interviews and field measures of forest structure. Our results show dramatic changes in the forests and cultural landscapes of both communities during the past decade. Following high regional timber exports during the early 1990s, Sevina shifted from a self-sufficient to a timber importation community. By comparison, communal forests and individual parcels in Pichataro continue to provide wood for approximately 300 wood shops. Field data and forest stand maps confirm the perception of forest degradation in both communities. While Pichataro has maintained a larger and more diverse forest base to date, stand structure data indicate selective harvesting has led to a shift in dominance toward the less economically desirable pine species and oak. Deforestation and degradation of Sevina and Pichataro's community forests are symptomatic of both the Meseta Purepecha and Mexico in general. Current forest conditions in both communities justify local, regional, and national concerns regarding declining biodiversity and sustainable economies.
Scanline rendering of parametric surfaces

A scanline algorithm is described which renders bicubic patches directly from the parametric description without producing a polygonal approximation. The algorithm is partially based on earlier work by Whitted. A primitive object, called a “curved-edge polygon”, is defined, and an algorithm for breaking down a bicubic patch into the primitive objects is described. A general surface intersection method is employed to provide a robust silhouette edge detector. Shades are computed by calculating a cubic approximation to the normal surface and performing either a cubic or a linear interpolation of the bounding edge normals across the scanline. Subdivision of parametric surfaces is used to reduce the complexity of the surfaces being rendered, providing dramatic improvement in the results of both the silhouette detector and the shading methods.
The Genetic and Biochemical Basis for Nodulation of Legumes by Rhizobia

Soil bacteria of the genera Azorhizobium, Bradyrhizobium, and Rhizobium are collectively termed rhizobia. They share the ability to penetrate legume roots and elicit morphological responses that le...
Laminar velocity profiles in developing flows using a laser doppler technique

A laser doppler flowmeter is used to obtain velocity profiles in circular glass tubes downstream from a plug composed of brass screens. The apparatus for measuring point velocities of particles suspended in a fluid is described. Measurements were made very close to the plug at Reynolds numbers of 16.5, 47, and 274, and the flow development followed down the tube. The results show that the entrance flow development is dependent on the inlet profile shape and the Reynolds number for Reynolds numbers below 300. The flow development at Reynolds numbers less than 300 was considerably slower than that predicted by the boundary-layer solution of the equations of motion starting with a flat profile.
Functional genomics: Gene identification via T-DNA mediated gene trap tagging in plants

The fully sequenced genomes of Arabidopsis, rice, tomato, potato, maize, wheat, and soybean offer large amounts of information about cellular and developmental biology. It is a central challenge of genomics to use this information in discovering the function of proteins and identifying developmentally important genes. Although classical genetic approaches to gene identification which rely on disruption of a gene leading to a recognizable phenotype continues to be an extremely successful one, T-DNA mediated gene trap tagging which has been developed that utilize random integration of reporter gene constructs has also proven to be an extremely powerful tool in plant cellular developmental biology. In this review, how gene trap tagging, promoter trap tagging, and enhancer trap tagging detection systems have been applied to plant biology is described and these gene identification techniques could be useful to the plant molecular biology and plant biotechnology community.
Carbohydrate Arrays for the Evaluation of Protein Binding and Enzymatic Modification

This paper reports a chemical strategy for preparing carbohydrate arrays and utilizes these arrays for the characterization of carbohydrate-protein interactions. Carbohydrate chips were prepared by the Diels-Alder-mediated immobilization of carbohydrate-cyclopentadiene conjugates to self-assembled monolayers that present benzoquinone and penta(ethylene glycol) groups. Surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy showed that lectins bound specifically to immobilized carbohydrates and that the glycol groups prevented nonspecific protein adsorption. Carbohydrate arrays presenting ten monosaccharides were then evaluated by profiling the binding specificities of several lectins. These arrays were also used to determine the inhibitory concentrations of soluble carbohydrates for lectins and to characterize the substrate specificity of β-1,4-galactosyltransferase. Finally, a strategy for preparing arrays with carbohydrates generated on solid phase is shown. This surface engineering strategy will permit the preparation and evaluation of carbohydrate arrays that present diverse and complex structures.
Approximation Algorithm for Base Station Placement in Wireless Sensor Networks

Base station location has significant impact on network lifetime performance for a sensor network. For a multi- hop sensor network, this problem is particular challenging as we need to jointly consider base station placement and data routing strategy to maximize network lifetime performance. This paper presents an approximation algorithm that can guarantee (1 - epsiv) optimal network lifetime performance for base station placement problem with any desired error bound epsiv > 0. The proposed (1 - epsiv) optimal approximation algorithm is based on several novel techniques that enable to reduce an infinite search space to a finite-element search space for base station location. The first technique used in this reduction is to discretize cost parameters (with performance guarantee) associated with energy consumption. Subsequently, the continuous search space can be broken up into a finite number of subareas. The second technique is to exploit the cost property of each subarea and represent it by a novel notion called "fictitious cost point," each with guaranteed cost bounds. This approximation algorithm offers a simpler and in most cases practically faster algorithm than a state-of-the-art algorithm and represents the best known result to this important problem.
A prognostic factor study of disease-free interval and survival following enucleation for uveal melanoma.

• Prognostic indicators of uveal melanoma disease-free interval and survival following enucleation were evaluated for 267 patients. The median follow-up time was 17 years. Analysis involved Kaplan-Meier survival curves based on time to tumor-related deaths and multivariate proportional hazards analysis, which provides an estimate of the "force of mortality." Prognostic indicators considered included demographic, clinical, and histopathological factors. Cell type was classified according to the number of epithelioid cells present per high-power field (HPF) on light microscopy. Various classifications of size of the tumor were compared for prognostic value. The five leading predictors of survival in order of importance were as follows: (1) number of epithelioid cells per HPF, (2) largest dimension of the tumor, (3) location of the anterior margin of the tumor, (4) invasion to the line of transection, and (5) degree of pigmentation. Risk categories for survival were constructed based on the three leading prognostic factors.
A hybrid scheme for the numerical simulation of shock/discontinuity problems

To address accuracy issues for direct numerical simulation, a hybrid scheme based on the weighted compact scheme (WCS) and weighted essentially non-oscillatory (WENO) scheme is developed. The new hybrid method incorporates the advantages of both schemes. Time integration is performed using the fourth-order total variation diminishing Runge–Kutta method with a characteristic filter. The accuracy of the scheme is assessed using several benchmark problems. Results show that the proposed scheme produces a more accurate solution for problems involving shocks and discontinuities in comparison with the traditional shock-capturing methods.
Carcinoid syndrome in the absence of liver metastasis: a case report and review of literature.

A patient with carcinoid tumor of the head of pancreas and carcinoid syndrome presented without liver metastasis. The patient had retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy. He had symptoms of flushing, diarrhea and abdominal pain. 5-Hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) was elevated. Absence of liver metastasis was documented not only by the negative computed tomography (CT) scan and liver/spleen scan, but also by autopsy. Except for carcinoid arising from ovary, testis, or bronchi, the other carcinoid tumors rarely cause carcinoid syndrome without liver metastasis. The literature was reviewed, and the findings are presented. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
COMPARISON OF TRADITIONAL AND ITEM RESPONSE THEORY METHODS FOR EQUATING TESTS

Achievement test batteries are typically published in several parallel forms with different levels for different grades. The forms and levels of each different test of the battery must be equated, that is, every score on a given form or level must be translatable into a score value on any other form or level of that test. Equipercentile and linear methods have been used traditionally to equate tests (Angoff, 1971), but item response (latent trait) theory methods have been recently advocated as a potential improvement over traditional methods (Lord, 1977; Wright, 1977). Lord (1977) argued from theoretical considerations that traditional equating methods are not appropriate for equating tests of differing difficulty, whereas item response theory methods have the capacity to provide an appropriate equating in this case. Lord's (1977) definition of equating implies that exact equating is possible only when the tests to be equated measure the same unidimensional ability. Achievement tests covering abilities encountered over a range of grades are probably not unidimensional. The usefulness of a score scale is severely limited, however, unless it spans all of the levels for which the battery is intended. It appears necessary, therefore, to attempt equating across levels even when unidimensionality does not hold. The present study was designed to compare the end results of two traditional equating schemes and seven item response theory equating schemes. The data used came from the 1978 equating project of the Iowa Tests of Educational Development (ITED). The study entailed both the equating of forms of similar difficulty and the equating of levels of differing difficulty. A cross-validation group was used to establish a criterion for comparing the results of different equating methods. A cross-validation summary statistic was calculated which measured the closeness of converted score distributions for stratified randomly equivalent groups. The goal of the study was to identify the method or methods which were "best" according to this criterion and to examine idiosyncracies of the equating schemes for the equating of a two-level high school achievement test battery.
The Use of Halide‐Substituted Anilines for the Formation of Magnesium Imides

The equimolar reactions of the halide-substituted anilines 2,4,6-trichloroaniline (ArClNH2) and 2,3,4,5,6-pentafluoroaniline (ArFNH2) with Bu2Mg in the appropriate solvent system results in the formation of the magnesium imide compounds [(ArClNMg·thf)4·tol] (4), [(ArClNMg·diox)4·3diox] (5), [(ArFNMg·thf)6·3C6H6] (6) and [(ArFNMg·diox)6] (7). Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses show that 4 and 5 adopt tetrameric cubane arrangements in the solid state, whereas 6 and 7 form prismatic hexameric aggregates. In comparison, reaction of 2 mol-equiv. of ArFNH2 with Bu2Mg produces the trimeric primary amide species [{(ArFNH)6Mg3·(thf)6}·2tol·thf] (9). In addition, the serendipitous synthesis of the decametallic imide [(ArFN)9(F)2Mg10(thf)6·1.25tol] (8a) and the structural isomer [(ArFN)9(F)2Mg10(thf)6·4.5tol] (8b) were discovered during the attempted synthesis of 6. It is presumed that the formation of these unusually large cage compounds results from the partial decomposition of the imide ligand by C–F bond cleavage. The compounds 8a and 8b have similar core-cage structures, but the orientation of their aryl groups and coordinated solvent molecules vary. The 20-vertex Mg10N9F aggregates utilize one fluoride ion as a vertex, with a second fluoride ion encapsulated within the cage. (© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
On the Origin of the Highest Energy Cosmic Rays

We present a new estimate of the photodisintegration of ultrahigh energy cosmic-ray (UHCR) nuclei in intergalactic space. Critical interactions for energy loss and photodisintegration of UHCR nuclei occur with the infrared background radiation (IBR). We have made use of a new determination of the IBR based on IR data and on TeV $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray observations. Our results indicate that a 200 EeV nucleus which started out as Fe can have propagated $\ensuremath{\sim}100\mathrm{Mpc}$ though the IBR. It is thus possible that the highest energy cosmic rays observed may be nuclei.