cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Identification by Disaggregation

Standard economic theory predicts that the actions of individual participants in competitive markets have negligible effects on market-determined aggregates. Applied researchers,' and even some econometric textbook~,~ incorrectly infer from this that market prices can be modeled as econometrically exogenous with respect to the quantity demanded of an individual con~umer.~ This faulty inference has even led some researchers (for example, Robert Engle, 1978; Nicholas Kiefer, 1984; Roger Waud, 1974) to employ an estimation strategy we call identification by disaggregation (IBD). This procedure attempts to circumvent the simultaneity problem in a macro regression by disaggregating the dependent variable and estimating the relationship for individual agents or sectors. This note provides a simple proof that estimates using disaggregated dependent variables suffer, on average, from the same degree of simultaneity bias as the estimates using aggregate data. Let Y be a T X 1 vector of T observations on a macro variable and X be a T X k matrix of T observations on k macro vari-, *Departments of Economics, wary Uxiiversity, Atlanta, GA 30322, and Georgia' State Uqivek$ity, Atlanta, GA 30303, respectively. Tbis note has benefited from helpful comments from Mark Meador jQld "an anonymous referee.
Outcomes after celiac artery coverage during thoracic endovascular aortic aneurysm repair.

Objective Coverage of celiac artery (CA) during thoracic endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (TEVAR) has been performed to extend the distal seal zone for which preliminary results and short-term follow-up have been reported. We aim to show the outcomes up to 81 months after CA coverage during TEVAR. Methods Patients undergoing TEVAR with coverage of the CA origin from 2005 to 2013 were retrospectively analyzed. Points of analysis include indications for covering the CA, demonstration of collateral circulation between the CA and superior mesenteric artery (SMA), anatomic features of the distal landing zone, rate of reintervention, technical success, presence of clinical ischemic symptoms after the procedure, and mortality. Results During the 9-year period, 366 patients underwent TEVAR, 18 (5%) of whom had CA coverage. Eleven (61%) had TEVAR with CA coverage due to a thoracic aneurysm, three (17%) had thoracic aortic dissection related to aneurysm, and four (22%) had previous TEVAR with a type Ib endoleak (EL) requiring distal coverage. Mesenteric angiography in preparation for TEVAR with CA coverage diagnosed a critical SMA stenosis in one patient that was treated with stenting before the index procedure. At the conclusion of the indicated procedure, two patients (11%) had a type Ia EL and two patients (11%) had a type Ib EL. Three of the type I ELs required reintervention. Two patients (11%) had a type II EL, both of which were managed with observation and resolved. Reintervention was required in 27% of patients. Postoperative complications included visceral ischemia in 2 (11%), weight loss in 1 (5%), spinal cord ischemia in 2 (11%), a cerebrovascular event in 1 (6%), and death in 1 (6%). The mean follow-up period was 38 months (range, 0.5-81 months). Conclusions This analysis of outcomes up to 81 months supports the suitability of covering the CA in selected patients for extending the distal landing zone to the visceral aortic level above the SMA or when alternative branch vessel treatment is unavailable. Preoperative angiographic evaluation of the mesenteric collaterals and early postoperative surveillance may limit postoperative complications. Once the CA is covered, new symptoms do not develop unless the SMA is compromised.
Activated sludge treatment of food‐processing wastewater with bioaugmentation

Evaluates the effect of bioaugmentation on the activated sludge treatment of food wastewaters including those containing potato, starch, sugar and milk. Parameters of study include live liquid microorganisms, dosage, aeration time and wastewater strength. Concludes that bioaugmentation with addition of live liquid micro‐organisms improves total organic carbon (TOC) removal efficiency and reduces sludge production. Aerobic bioaugmentation is effective in TOC removal from potato, sugar and milk wastewater but not effective in the case of starch wastewater.
Carotid Endarterectomy and Cranial Nerve Injuries

A 75-year-old-male was admitted to our department because of a high-grade left internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis. The patient had a history of a reversible ischaemic neurological defect (RIND) with right upper- and lower-extremity paralysis and dysarthria a month before admission. Colour duplex ultrasonography revealed a carotid bifurcation stenosis with a 90 per cent reduction in the diameter of the left ICA. The right ICA was also stenosed with an 80 per cent diameter reduction. Medical history revealed no symptoms that could be attributed to the right ICA stenosis.
Chromosomal Location of Genes Regulating Resistance to Bacteriophage in Bacillus subtilis

Many of the viruses which infect Bacillus subtilis require glucosylated polyglycerol teichoic acid for adsorption. These mutants can be divided into three classes on the basis of enzymatic defects and growth on galactose-minimal medium. Transduction with phage PBS1 reveals that two of these, gtaA and gtaB, are linked to hisA1, whereas the gtaC locus is linked to argC. Analysis by deoxyribonucleic acid-mediated transformation indicates that these loci exist in a cluster between the hisA1 and argC4 loci. Anomalies in mapping in the group II region of the chromosome exist. The basis of these anomalies is discussed.
Interpreting tracer breakthrough tailing from different forced-gradient tracer experiment configurations in fractured bedrock

[1] Conceptual and mathematical models are presented that explain tracer breakthrough tailing in the absence of significant matrix diffusion. Model predictions are compared to field results from radially convergent, weak-dipole, and push-pull tracer experiments conducted in a saturated crystalline bedrock. The models are based upon the assumption that flow is highly channelized, that the mass of tracer in a channel is proportional to the cube of the mean channel aperture, and the mean transport time in the channel is related to the square of the mean channel aperture. These models predict the consistent −2 straight line power law slope observed in breakthrough from radially convergent and weak-dipole tracer experiments and the variable straight line power law slope observed in push-pull tracer experiments with varying injection volumes. The power law breakthrough slope is predicted in the absence of matrix diffusion. A comparison of tracer experiments in which the flow field was reversed to those in which it was not indicates that the apparent dispersion in the breakthrough curve is partially reversible. We hypothesize that the observed breakthrough tailing is due to a combination of local hydrodynamic dispersion, which always increases in the direction of fluid velocity, and heterogeneous advection, which is partially reversed when the flow field is reversed. In spite of our attempt to account for heterogeneous advection using a multipath approach, a much smaller estimate of hydrodynamic dispersivity was obtained from push-pull experiments than from radially convergent or weak dipole experiments. These results suggest that although we can explain breakthrough tailing as an advective phenomenon, we cannot ignore the relationship between hydrodynamic dispersion and flow field geometry at this site. The design of the tracer experiment can severely impact the estimation of hydrodynamic dispersion and matrix diffusion in highly heterogeneous geologic media.
Beyond SHM and CSR: AID and Related Cytidine Deaminases in the Host Response to Viral Infection

As the primary effector of immunoglobulin somatic hypermutation (SHM) and class switch recombination (CSR), activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) serves an important function in the adaptive immune response. Recent advances have demonstrated that AID and a group of closely related cytidine deaminases, the APOBEC3 proteins, also act in the innate host response to viral infection. Antiviral activity was first attributed to APOBEC3G as a potent inhibitor of HIV. It is now apparent that the targets of the APOBEC3 proteins extend beyond HIV, with family members acting against a wide variety of viruses as well as host-encoded retrotransposable genetic elements. Although it appears to function through a different mechanism, AID also possesses antiviral properties. Independent of its antibody diversification functions, AID protects against transformation by Abelson murine leukemia virus (Ab-MLV), an oncogenic retrovirus. Additionally, AID has been implicated in the host response to other pathogenic viruses. These emerging roles for the AID/APOBEC cytidine deaminases in viral infection suggest an intriguing evolutionary connection of innate and adaptive immune mechanisms.
Real time monitoring of cytotoxicity in selection of agents for treatment of refractory malignancy

B47 Real time monitoring of the cytotoxic effects of cancer chemotherapeutic agents offers an attractive alternative to conventional end-point analyses in the selection of agent combinations for treatment of refractory malignancies. Personalized oncology treatment can be critical, since the genetic instability and continuous evolution of progressive malignant neoplasms, including many common cancers and AIDS-associated lymphomas, presents a major chemotherapeutic challenge. While the cellular mechanisms of therapeutic resistance are manifold, evolution of molecular changes that impair terminal differentiation or subvert apoptosis pathways frequently are implicated. One rational counterstrategy is to induce fatal checkpoint conflicts during the process of cell division cycling. In particular, malignant cells with p53 malfunction can become susceptible to S phase perturbation by relatively low concentrations of metabolic inhibitors or cytotoxic agents that would normally evoke a protective block in G1/ S phase transit. Accordingly, we have been analyzing effects of classical DNA metabolic or polymerase inhibitors, platinum coordination compounds, and indolocarbazole protein kinase inhibitors (K252a or staurosporine homologs) which can produce significant cytotoxic synergies using minimal agent concentrations. When DNA inhibition is just sufficient to slow the passage of malignant cells through S phase (dynamic retardation), dysregulation of the G2 or M phase transits by a complementary agent can be facilitated. We compared a real time method of kinetic optical response (KOR) to conventional end-point methods of flow cytometry, MTT assay, caspase cleavages, or stress kinase activation as a preclinical means to quantify apoptosis and optimize dosage. Continuous KOR spectrophotometry (24-48 hours) in 96-well cultures of malignant cells, generated unique parabolic graphs with slope shifts reflecting changes in cellular shapes and concomitant growth inhibition or apoptosis in response to the individual test agents or combinations. Preliminary results with established and primary ovarian cancer cells indicated that a KOR assay could offer practical guidance in agent selection and individualization of chemotherapies.
Repatriation Taxes and the Value of Cash Holdings

U.S.-domiciled multinational firms are taxed on a worldwide basis under a credit and deferral system. Consequently, multinationals earning profit from low-tax foreign countries have incentives to delay the repatriation of foreign earnings, resulting in high levels of offshore cash holdings. I hypothesize and find that investors’ valuation of multinationals’ total cash holdings is negatively associated with firm-specific tax costs of repatriation. Using a hand-collected sample of firms that disclose their foreign and domestic cash holdings separately, I find that the documented effect is driven by firms that hold a majority of cash overseas. I propose three explanations for my findings: (1) repatriation taxes contribute to the buildup of foreign cash that can be subject to agency problems; (2) repatriation taxes make foreign funds less accessible, thereby increasing internal financing frictions; (3) repatriation taxes motivate excessive investments in financial assets, for which the rate of return is usually lower than firms’ cost of capital. I conduct cross-sectional tests and find evidence consistent with all three explanations.
Advanced stratospheric data processing of radio occultation with a variational combination for multifrequency GNSS signals

As the understanding of our Earth system grows, the importance of comprehending the structure and processes in the remote stratosphere is intensified and the interest in stratospheric observations mushrooms. Despite its great potential, radio occultation (RO) data have been underused in exploiting the stratosphere. A major reason for the underutilization is the imperfections in preexisting RO data processing methods. We propose an advanced stratospheric RO data processing, where the variational method provides a general framework in which multiple-frequency RO measurements of different quality are effectively combined with the aid of a priori. The variational combination (VAR) is designed to extract the most information from RO measurements, where a priori plays a role of enhancing the observation and attenuating measurement noise. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is found to be a universal quality indicator, which concisely describes the uncertainty of RO measurements in diverse conditions. The measured SNR is used to parameterize a dynamic observation error, which is essential for the VAR to use the observation optimally. Tests with real data show that VAR significantly improves the accuracy of the RO retrieval even in the upper stratosphere, where the RO data were once considered to possess little observational value. When compared with independent radiosonde observations, for instance, the VAR-produced data are more accurate than the analysis from the European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts for which the radiosonde data have been assimilated. The VAR-produced data are also precise enough to reveal the systematic error of the radiosonde data.
Mitigation of Experimental Allergic Encephalomyelitis by TGF-β Induced Foxp3+ Regulatory T Lymphocytes through the Induction of Anergy and Infectious Tolerance

Stimulation of naive T lymphocytes in the presence of IL-2 and TGF-β induces the regulatory transcription factor Foxp3, which endows the cells with regulatory functions. To better understand the properties and therapeutic potential of these induced regulatory T cells (iTreg), we examined their immunomodulatory properties in myelin oligodendroglial glycoprotein-induced experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (MOG-EAE). Adoptively transferred iTreg were as potent as natural Foxp3+ Treg in preventing EAE development, and were active both prophylactically and after priming. The iTreg migrated into the CNS in quantity, skewing the ratio of regulatory to effector T lymphocytes. IL-10−/− iTreg failed to suppress disease, demonstrating a critical role for iTreg IL-10 production in their therapeutic activity. MOG-specific T cells from iTreg treated animals were anergic. The cells failed to proliferate in response to Ag except in the presence of exogenous IL-2, and did not secrete or secreted reduced amounts of IL-2, IFN-γ, and IL-17. MOG-specific T cells were not wholly unresponsive though, as they did secrete IL-10 after stimulation. To determine whether iTreg-mediated tolerance was infectious, fostering the development of T lymphocytes that could independently suppress EAE, we purged draining lymph node cells from MOG-immunized, iTreg treated mice of the administered iTreg, and transferred the remaining cells to Ag-inexperienced mice. The transferred cells were able to block EAE development. Thus iTreg are highly potent suppressors of autoimmune encephalomyelitis, and act in an IL-10 dependent manner both through the induction of anergy in effector T cells and through the infectious induction of protective T lymphocytes able to independently suppress disease development.
Benign Inflammatory and Other Uncommon Conditions

A number of benign conditions may be routinely encountered in SCFs. A careful evaluation of the various cytologic components in the fluid may hint to more specific pathologic conditions.
Effects of cadmium on salamander survival and limb regeneration

Two experiments were undertaken to show that limb regeneration of salamanders could be used as a sensitive index of cadmium toxicity. The first experiment established a range of exposure levels to cadmium that would influence limb regeneration without causing appreciable lethality. Exposure levels of 2 to 4.5 ppM of cadmium appeared suitable, while exposure to 6.75 ppM was associated with high levels of mortality that interfered with assessment of limb regeneration. Consequently, in the second experiment salamanders were exposed to levels of cadmium ranging from 2 to 4.5 ppM, i.e., 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, and 4.5 ppM, for the duration of the regeneration period. Results indicate that: (1) Salamanders are sensitive to cadmium in the aquatic environment; (2) death rate and time of onset of forelimb regeneration are dose related to cadmium exposure; (3) after an initial lag period, cadmium-treated limbs recover from exposure and regenerate to the same length as controls; and (4) cadmium causes an increase in the incidence and severity of abnormal limb regeneration which is related to exposure level. The fact that higher concentrations of cadmium were required to elicit toxic responses from salamanders (2 to 6.75 ppM) than from fish (10 to 100 ppB)more » suggests that the former are less sensitive to cadmium than the latter.« less
High sensitivity laser induced fluorescence detection in capillary zone electrophoresis

Ce type de detection est utilise pour les aminoacides marques. Une comparaison de trois reactifs est faite: phtalaldehyde, naphtalenedicarbaldehyde-2,3 et l'isothiocyanate tetrahydro fluoresceine. La detection de la phenylalanine est effectuee
The role of collagen deposition in depleting CD4+ T cells and limiting reconstitution in HIV-1 and SIV infections through damage to the secondary lymphoid organ niche.

The hallmark of HIV/SIV infections is the progressive depletion of CD4+ T cells that ultimately renders the host incapable of defending against AIDS defining opportunistic infections and malignancies. Although many potential mechanisms have been proposed to explain CD4+ T cell loss, we review here the growing evidence that fibrotic ‘scarring’ and consequent damage to the lymphatic tissue niche contributes to CD4+ T cell decline and limits CD4+ T cell re-population with retroviral therapy.
Computers and accessibility

Computer and Information Technologies have redesigned the way modern society operates. In particular, they have identified new avenues to provide tools and resources to alleviate the traditional ba...
Computer-assisted assignment of vibration-rotation spectra

Abstract Two semiautomatic assignment programs have been developed as a part of an extensive computer-program system for the assignment and analysis of vibration-rotation spectra. One prints the Loomis-Wood diagram on which every observed line is marked with a digit indicating the line intensity. The second constructs a new diagram, which is based on the combination-difference method; the calculated wavenumbers are arranged in the order of their quantum numbers and the observed lines in vicinity of each calculated wavenumber are plotted as on the Loomis-Wood diagram. Using these diagrams, the assignment of the rotational structure may be made consistently and almost automatically. Applications to the assignments of spectra of OCS, CH3I, and C2H4 are shown as examples.
Cocaine, pregnancy, and the neonate.

With the increasing use of cocaine in the U.S. population, women of childbearing age have particularly shown an increasing prevalence of use. In an ongoing study at the Perinatal Center for Chemical Dependence (PCCD) at Northwestern University Medical School, 70 infants delivered to cocaine-using women were evaluated. Pregnancy and neonatal outcome were compared to a group of drug-free controls who had no history or evidence of licit or illicit drug use. These controls were selected on the basis of social, demographic, and environmental backgrounds and were comparable for cigarette use during pregnancy. The cocaine-addicted women had a high incidence of pregnancy complications, and infants born to cocaine-using women demonstrated an increased rate of intrauterine growth retardation, prematurity, microcephaly, and perinatal morbidity. Further research will begin to focus not only on the effects of cocaine per se, but also on the interactive effects of polydrug use, the dynamics of maternal/infant interaction in the substance abusing mother, and the environmental factors that place cocaine-exposed infants at high risk for future medical and developmental disabilities.
Symptoms of attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder in long‐term survivors of childhood leukemia

Background—Survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) sometimes have clinical features that suggest Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), though few studies have examined specific symptoms in survivors. Procedure—Long-term survivors of childhood ALL (n=161) received a neurological examination, while parents completed rating scales to establish formal criteria for ADHD. Symptom profiles were generated and compared across demographic and treatment characteristics, as well as medical tests associated with brain pathology. Results—Prevalence rates of ADHD were similar in survivors (10.5%) compared to those reported in the general population (7–10%). However, 25.5% of survivors reported symptoms that impair functioning in multiple settings, with attention problems being most common. These symptoms were associated with cranial radiation therapy (CRT) (mean inattentive symptoms [SD] = 3.6 [3.19] for group treated with CRT vs. 1.6 [2.40] for non-CRT group, p=0.0006), and survivors who demonstrated impaired anti-saccades during the neurologic exam (mean inattentive symptoms [SD] = 3.4 [3.29] for those with impaired anti-saccades vs. 1.4 [2.41] for those with normal anti-saccades; p = 0.0004). Conclusions—The presence of a neurologically-based phenotype of attention problems in survivors of leukemia that is not fully captured by the syndrome of ADHD suggests that treatments specific to childhood ALL should be explored.
ConA induced suppressor cells in scrapie-infected mice

Lymphocyte suspensions prepared from the spleens of mice (LACG/COM) clinically affected with scrapie (ME7) were cultured for 48 hrs in the presence of Concanavalin (ConA) in order to induce suppressor cells. These cells behaved exactly as similarly prepared cells from normal age-matched mice in suppressing the response of fresh normal splenic lymphocytes to phytohaemagglutinin (PHA).
MRI does not detect acetabular osteolysis around metal-on-metal Birmingham THA

Objective Osteolysis has not been recognized as a common failure mode of the Birmingham modular metal-on-metal (MoM) total hip arthroplasty (THA). The clinical value of metal artifact reduction sequence (MARS) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to assess the periprosthetic soft tissue is well documented; however, the appropriate image modalities to detect periacetabular osteolysis remain unclear.
Associations of Candidate Biomarkers of Vascular Disease with the Ankle–Brachial Index and Peripheral Arterial Disease

The ankle–brachial index (ABI) is a marker of atherosclerosis and used in clinical practice to establish the presence of peripheral arterial disease (PAD); PAD is a common manifestation of atherosclerotic vascular disease that is associated with significant morbidity and mortality.1 Previous studies have shown that a lower ABI is associated with an increased hazard of myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, and cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. 2,3 As a noninvasive measure of systemic atherosclerotic burden, the ABI is a valuable tool for investigating novel biomarkers of atherosclerosis. Several novel risk factors for atherosclerotic vascular diseases have been identified, providing insights into the pathophysiology of atherogenesis.1,4 Prior studies have highlighted the associations of lipoprotein, inflammatory and hemostatic markers with PAD.5–11 Whether a multimarker approach improves the prediction of interindividual variation in ABI hasn’t been fully elucidated, especially in African–Americans (AAs), a population that may be at greater risk for atherosclerotic vascular disease than non-Hispanic whites (NHWs).8–10 We investigated the associations with the ABI of 47 candidate biomarkers selected from pathways of inflammation, lipoprotein and adipocyte metabolism, hemodynamic stress, calcification and hemostasis. We hypothesized that such a multimarker approach would improve the prediction of interindividual variation in ABI and the presence of PAD in AAs and NHWs. The present investigation was done as part of the Proteomic Markers of Arteriosclerosis Study, whose purpose was to investigate associations of biomarkers in various etiologic pathways of vascular disease with different phenotypes of arteriolosclerosis and atherosclerosis.12,13
The detection of polyphosphate in broiler chicken breast muscle.

The relationship between the concentration of sodium and phosphorus (as P2O5) in commercially processed broiler chicken breast muscle as a result of injection of various levels of sodium polyphosphate and sodium chloride has been studied and a routine analytical method which can confirm the presence or absence of the addition of these chemicals has been developed. The method is applicable to frozen, thawed or cooked broilers and is independent of moisture and protein content. Since polyphosphates may contain potassium as well as sodium salts, the relationship between these two elements in untreated commercially processed broiler breast muscle has also been measured and compared with treated birds. The analytical procedure has been applied to a survey of deep frozen broilers purchased from three local supermarkets.
Isomers of 129Sn

Abstract There is evidence to indicate that the 1·0 hr isomeric state of 129Sn that is reported in the literature does not exist. Its observation appears to have been an artifact of the chemical procedure that was employed. Our experiments show the presence of a 2·0 min 129Sn activity instead.
Racial, Educational and Religious Endogamy in the United States: A Comparative Historical Perspective

This article compares marriage patterns by race, education and religion in the United States during the 20th century, using a variety of data sources. The comparative approach allows several general conclusions. First, racial endogamy has declined sharply over the 20th century, but race is still the most powerful division in the marriage market. Second, higher education has little effect on racial endogamy for blacks and whites. Third, the division between Jews and Christians is still strong, but the division between Catholics and Protestants in the marriage market has been relatively weak since the early 1900s. Fourth, educational endogamy has been relatively stable over time.
Evidence for a Precessing Disk in the Extreme Binary Aurigae

Among the longest known eclipse durations and binary periods is that of the star ǫ Aurigae, which exhibits 2-year long eclipses every 27.1 years. Oddly, the nature of the secondary in the system continues to elude ready identification. In 1965, Huang proposed a massive disk as the eclipsing body, and study of the 1984 eclipse led Lissauer and Backman to suggest an embedded B star binary in the disk to maintain it. A collaboration of observers allows me to present recent optical photometry and spectroscopy, near-IR spectroscopy and Spitzer space telescope IRS and MIPS observations of ǫ Aurigae as it approaches its next eclipse. These data argue for current detectability of the embedded binary, and precession of the disk axis, suggesting a radical change is possible for the next mid-eclipse brightening. An international monitoring campaign for the 2009-2011 is being organized, and participation invited via website http://www.du.edu/∼rstencel/epsaur.htm .
Factors potentially preventing trophic cascades: Food quality, invertebrate predation, and their interaction

Recent laboratory work on food quality constraints on zooplankton growth and reproduction, as well as several examples of weak effects of food-web manipulations on lower trophic levels in lakes with phosphorus-deficient phytoplankton, suggests that food quality effects may have currently unappreciated effects on zooplankton success and food-web interactions under field conditions. We experimentally manipulated two factors that we anticipated might play a role in suppressing Daphnia in P-limited lakes—the quality of phytoplankton food and the presence of the invertebrate predator Chaoborus punctipennis. We used a two-factor design, manipulating food source and presence of Chaoborus, and measured growth rate, survivorship, and fecundity of Daphnia rosea neonates incubated at fixed food levels in flow-through growth chambers. D. rosea grew significantly faster and was significantly more fecund when fed seston from a high-food quality lake (Lake 979) relative to a treatment fed seston from a low-food quality lake (Lake 110). Chaoborus reduced survivorship of D. rosea but the food source–predator interaction term was not significant, indicating that invertebrate predation and phytoplankton food quality did not influence Daphnia populations synergistically in this experiment. A second experiment was conducted to determine if variation in Daphnia growth rate and fecundity when fed food of varying quality was caused by a change in feeding rate. Daphnia feeding rate increased with improved food quality, suggesting that Daphnia responds to increases in food quality, at least in part, by increasing feeding rate. We conclude that food quality can strongly affect Daphnia feeding, growth, and reproduction, thereby constraining food-web dynamics in nutrient-deficient lakes.
Superovulation fails to increase human blastocyst yield after uterine lavage.

Uterine lavage affords the potential for non-invasive human blastocyst recovery, with obvious potential for preimplantation genetic diagnosis. In an effort to duplicate in women the multiple blastocyst recovery per cycle that can be achieved in several other species, we initiated a programme in which fertile women underwent superovulation, followed by lavage and embryo collection. We superovulated 15 fertile women, aged 21-40, in 29 cycles using one of four regimens
Defining, executing and evolving microfranchise templates

Abstract In developing and developed countries alike, microenterprises have the potential to alleviate poverty by allowing the motivated poor to go into business for themselves. Many, however, may not have the knowledge or skills needed to identify the opportunities available and create a viable business plan. This paper looks at defining and employing microfranchise templates to facilitate the process of starting and running franchise instances. These templates will include workflows that guide the entrepreneur and employees via mobile phones, will support the formation of collaborative federations to minimize waste and maximize profits, and will provide adaptive parameters that can be adjusted over time based on past results.
A matched comparison study of medical and psychiatric complications and anesthesia and analgesia requirements in methadone-maintained liver transplant recipients

Approximately 85% of patients receiving methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) for opiate dependence in the United States are infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV). MMT is significantly underrepresented in most liver transplant programs, but the number of patients receiving MMT is increasing and few data are available to guide treatment. We evaluated MMT in our program (27 pretransplant and 10 posttransplant cases) for medical and psychiatric complications and anesthesia and analgesia requirements. After transplant, 10 patients receiving MMT were compared with a matched control group of 19 patients who were not receiving MMT and not dependent on opiates. Fewer patients receiving MMT retained a spot on the transplant waiting list (65%) than patients not receiving MMT (80%); 30% of patients receiving MMT pretransplant used heroin, cocaine, or marijuana, and more than 25% were lost to follow-up. Liver disease according to mean Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) score and transplant waiting times was similar between the 2 groups. Patients receiving MMT required significantly more intraoperative anesthesia and postoperative analgesia (mean fentanyl 3,175 μg/d, SD = 2,832; intravenous morphine 67.86 mg/d, SD = 38.84, respectively) compared with patients not receiving MMT (mean fentanyl 1,324 μg/d, SD = 1,122; intravenous morphine 12.17 mg/d, SD = 10.24, respectively). More patients receiving MMT had severe recurrent HCV infection (60%) and worse survival (60%) versus patients not receiving MMT (21% and 78.9%, respectively). Follow-up times did not differ between groups (MMT: mean 4.19 years, median 1.15 years, SD = 7.6; non-MMT: mean 2.68 years, median 2.19 years, SD = 1.73). Finally, patients receiving MMT required an average methadone dose increase of 60% from pretransplant to posttransplant. Postoperative analgesia guidelines are described. Posttransplant, 20% of patients receiving MMT used alcohol or illicit drugs. Data do not support withholding the provision of liver transplantation to patients receiving MMT, but larger, well-controlled studies are warranted. (Liver Transpl 2004;10:97–106.)
Influence of particle size on the twin-screw extrusion of corn meal

ABSTRACT Effects of particle size (50–1,622 μm), screw speed (200–400 rpm), and feed moisture content (19–22%) on twin-screw extrusion of corn meal were investigated using a full-factorial design. Torque, specific mechanical energy, and product temperature generally showed no change within the commonly used particle-size range (100–1,000 μm), but each value dropped significantly as the particle size increased >1,000 μm. Die pressure was influenced by the three-way interaction of particle size, screw speed, and feed moisture content. The highest moisture level (22%), largest particle size (1,622 μm), and two lowest screw speeds (200 and 300 rpm) were the only conditions where the starch was <97.5% of transformation (gelatinization). Consequently, these two conditions also showed the least expansion and hardest product.
Modeling biofilm growth for porous media applications

As biofilms intervene in a porous medium, they affect the porosity and permeability, which in turn alters the hydrodynamics. Existing biofilm models do not sufficiently account for the effect of the small pore structure of the porous media on the biofilm growth to be suitable for such applications. A new biofilm growth model is presented which is suitable for microscale simulations of biofilm activity in a porous medium. Simulations from the model are presented which illustrate the feasibility of incorporating this biofilm growth model with a porous media hydrodynamics model.
Evolution of compositional and structural properties of soot in premixed alkane flames

Knowledge of the chemical composition and microstructure of soot is important to better understand soot formation mechanisms and to determine radiative properties. This study presents compositional, morphological, and microstructural results that characterize flame soot as a function of residence time in premixed propane/oxygen (C 3 H 8 /O 2 ) and methane/oxygen (CH 4 /O 2 ) flames at atmospheric pressure. Soot samples collected through a water-cooled suction probe were treated with dichloromethane (DCM) in a Soxhlet extractor for removal of condensed and/or adsorbed organic compounds. Analysis of the soluble organic fraction (SOF) using gas chromatography- and laser desorption-mass spectrometry (GC/MS and LDMS) showed that the SOF decreased as a function of residence time from approximately 40% to 5% of the total sample weight. More than 34 PAHs in the 128–498 amu range were encountered at various flame heights. The most prominent PAHs were those with masses 202 and 226 amu that correspond to the isomers of C 16 H 10 and C 18 H 10 , respectively. Based on their fragmentation spectra, the most likely isomers are pyrene (202 amu) and cyclopenta[cd]pyrene (226 amu). Gravimetric analysis of SOF-free soot samples collected from the C 3 H 8 /O 2 flame at a fuel equivalence ratio ( φ ) of 2.1 yielded atomic carbon-to-hydrogen ratios in the range 2.6–5.1, from 2 to 26 mm above the burner surface. Use of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for morphological analysis revealed soot particulate sizes ranging from approximately 10 nm (primary units) to 250 nm (aggregates). Microstructurally, comparisons of the X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns of graphite powder and soot samples collected from 6, 26, and 100 mm above the burner surface suggest that the degree of graphitization of soot increases with residence time. For mature soot, an interlayer spacing of 3.55and a crystallite size of 16.41were determined from the XRD patterns.
FOCUS GROUP RESEARCH IN THE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Focus group research is a qualitative research tool well suited for community colleges. Focus group research appears to be a quick and easy means of staying abreast of the educational needs and expectations of the college community. To be successful and avoid inherent pitfalls, however, focus group research should follow three guidelines: (1) College‐wide administrative procedures should be established; (2) On‐campus moderators should be carefully selected and trained; and (3) Results should be carefully analyzed and controlled.
"Will the Model Minority Please Identify Itself?": American Ethnic Identity and Its Discontents

Analyzing Lord Cromer s writings on the proper governance of Britain s colonial subjects in Egypt, Edward Said notes that one of Cromer s assumptions is that he, and the West in general, are able t...
Comment on a search for a 0 − → 0 + pair transition in O 16

The possible ${0}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ \ensuremath{\rightarrow}${0}^{+}$ ground-state pair decay of the $^{16}\mathrm{O}$ 10.95- MeV ${0}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ state was reinvestigated using the $^{19}\mathrm{F}(p, \ensuremath{\alpha})^{16}\mathrm{O}$ reaction at ${E}_{p}=5.4\ensuremath{-}5.7$ MeV and a magnetic pair spectrometer. A previously reported pair peak of 3.84 MeV due to the 10.952\ensuremath{\rightarrow}7.117-MeV transition was not observed. The data indicate a much smaller relative population of the 10.95-MeV state in this reaction than reported previously and this places doubt on the upper limit derived earlier for the ${0}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ \ensuremath{\rightarrow}${0}^{+}$ ground-state pair decay. In a test of the $^{14}\mathrm{N}(^{3}\mathrm{He}, p)^{16}\mathrm{O}$ reaction at ${E}_{^{3}\mathrm{He}}=4$ MeV the yield was too low to study the 10.95-MeV state. Using the $^{13}\mathrm{C}(d, p)^{14}\mathrm{C}$ reaction at ${E}_{d}=4.5$ MeV the ${0}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ \ensuremath{\rightarrow}${0}^{+}$ ground-state branch from the 6.90-MeV ${0}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ state of $^{14}\mathrm{C}$ was found to be1.1 \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}4}$ via pair decay. The corresponding lifetime limit, $\ensuremath{\tau}{({0}^{\ensuremath{-}}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{0}^{+})}_{{e}^{+}{e}^{\ensuremath{-}}}3\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}10}$ sec, is not considered significant. It is concluded that a sensitive search for M0 pair transitions remains to be made.NUCLEAR STRUCTURE $^{16}\mathrm{O}$, $^{14}\mathrm{C}$: measured $^{19}\mathrm{F}(p, \ensuremath{\alpha})$ and $^{13}\mathrm{C}(d, p)$ pair spectra; previous results on $^{16}\mathrm{O}$ 10.95-MeV $\ensuremath{\tau}{(M0)}_{{e}^{+}{e}^{\ensuremath{-}}}$ not confirmed; deduced lower limit on $^{14}\mathrm{C}$ 6.90-MeV $\ensuremath{\tau}{(M0)}_{{e}^{+}{e}^{\ensuremath{-}}}$.
Artifact removal in FD-OCT with a B-M mode scanning technique: condition on the transverse step

One of the main drawbacks of Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography is its inability to differentiate positive and negative depths. A technique recently developed consists in introducing a transverse modulation between consecutive A-scans: this is the B-M mode scanning technique. This paper deals with the condition required on the transverse step to efficiently remove artifacts in a swept-source optical coherence tomography setup. This condition is illustrated by showing measurements on an onion acquired with different transverse steps and different focusing optics.
Susceptibility of the conventional criteria for mild cognitive impairment to false-positive diagnostic errors

Abstract Background We assessed whether mild cognitive impairment (MCI) subtypes could be empirically derived within the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) MCI cohort and examined associated biomarkers and clinical outcomes. Methods Cluster analysis was performed on neuropsychological data from 825 MCI ADNI participants. Results Four subtypes emerged: (1) dysnomic (n = 153), (2) dysexecutive (n = 102), (3) amnestic (n = 288), and (4) cluster-derived normal (n = 282) who performed within normal limits on cognitive testing. The cluster-derived normal group had significantly fewer APOE e4 carriers and fewer who progressed to dementia compared with the other subtypes; they also evidenced cerebrospinal fluid Alzheimer's disease biomarker profiles that did not differ from the normative reference group. Conclusions Identification of empirically derived MCI subtypes demonstrates heterogeneity in MCI cognitive profiles that is not captured by conventional criteria. The large cluster-derived normal group suggests that conventional diagnostic criteria are susceptible to false-positive errors, with the result that prior MCI studies may be diluting important biomarker relationships.
Fifty Communities Putting Prevention to Work: Accelerating Chronic Disease Prevention Through Policy, Systems and Environmental Change

The burden of preventable chronic diseases is straining our nation's health and economy. Diseases caused by obesity and tobacco use account for the largest portions of this preventable burden. CDC funded 50 communities in 2010 to implement policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) inter- ventions in a 2-year initiative. Funded communities developed PSE plans to reduce obesity, tobacco use, and second-hand smoke exposure for their combined 55 million residents. Community outcome objectives and milestones were catego- rized by PSE interventions as they related to media, access, promotion, pricing, and social support. Communities estimated population reach based on their jurisdiction's census data and target populations. The average proportion of each commu- nity's population that was reached was calculated for each intervention category. Outcome objectives that were achieved within 12 months of program initiation were identified from routine program records. The average proportion of a com- munity's jurisdictional population reached by a specific inter- vention varied across interventions. Mean population reach for obesity-prevention interventions was estimated at 35%, with 14 (26%) interventions covering over 50% of the jurisdictional populations. For tobacco prevention, mean population reach was estimated at 67%, with 16 (84%) interventions covering more than 50% of the jurisdictional populations. Within 12 months, communities advanced over one-third of their obesity and tobacco-use prevention strategies. Tobacco inter- ventions appeared to have higher potential population reach than obesity interventions within this initiative. Findings on the progress and potential reach of this major initiative may help inform future chronic disease prevention efforts.
Preferential Growth of Haploid Plant Cells in vitro

HAPLOIDS from higher eukaryotes are of great importance for genetic analysis1. The observation of Morpurgo2 that haploid segregants can be obtained from diploid lines of Aspergillus nidulans by parafluorophenylalanine (PFP) treatment suggests that defined chemical manipulations may be useful in generating and maintaining haploid cells in cultures of higher plants. Parafluorophenylalanine has been found to induce haploidization not only in some species of Aspergillus, but also in some other genera of fungi such as Ustilago3.
Non-linear bending of thick rectangular, laminated composite plates

Abstract A shear deformable theory accounting for the transverse shear (in the sense of Reissner-Mindlin's thick plate theory) and large rotations (in the sense of von Karman theory) is employed in the construction of a variational statement and associated finite element models of layered composite plates. Numerical results of deflections and stresses are presented for rectangular plates for various boundary conditions, loadings, stacking and orientation of layers, and material properties. Results are compared with other approximate results available in the literature.
Digital superresolution and the generalized sampling theorem.

The technique of reconstructing a higher-resolution (HR) image of size ML×ML by digitally processing L×L subpixel-shifted lower-resolution (LR) copies of it, each of size M×M, has now become well established. This particular digital superresolution problem is analyzed from the standpoint of the generalized sampling theorem. It is shown both theoretically and by computer simulation that the choice of regularly spaced subpixel shifts for the LR images tends to maximize the robustness and minimize the error of reconstruction of the HR image. In practice, since subpixel-level control of LR image shifts may be nearly impossible to achieve, however, a more likely scenario, which is also discussed, is one involving random subpixel shifts. It is shown that without reasonably tight bounds on the range of random shifts, the reconstruction is likely to fail in the presence of even small amounts of noise unless either reliable prior information or additional data are available.
An array of possibilities for multiple sclerosis.

Brain lesions exhibiting inflammation and neuronal damage are an important part of the pathology of multiple sclerosis. Microarray analysis compares gene expression in two forms of these lesions, and points to new therapies for the disease. ( pages 500–508 )
A Fractal Analysis of Stiction in Microelectromechanical Systems

The strong adherence (stiction) of adjacent surfaces is a major design concern in microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). Advances in micromachine technology greatly depend on basic understanding of microscale stiction phenomena. An analysis of the different stiction micromechanisms and the elastic deformation of asperities at MEMS interfaces is developed using a two-dimensional fractal description of the surface topography. The fractal contact model is scale independent since it is based on parameters invariant of the sample area size and resolution of measuring instrument. The influence of surface roughness, relative humidity, applied voltage, and material properties on the contributions of the van der Waals, electrostatic, and capillary forces to the total stiction force is analyzed in light of simulation results. It is shown that the effects of surface roughness and applied voltage on the maximum stiction force are significantly more pronounced than that of material properties. Results for the critical pull-off stiffness versus surface roughness are presented for different material properties and microstructure stand-free surface spacings. The present analysis can be used to determine the minimum stiffness of microdevices required to prevent stiction in terms of surface roughness, apparent contact area, relative humidity, applied voltage, and material properties.