cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Web presentation layer bootstrapping for accessibility and performance

In websites today, most browser incompatibilities are overcome using detection by available client features or the user-agent. This logic is often baked into JavaScript libraries client-side to limit functionality, or clients are filtered server-side to redirect to alternate versions of the site. In this paper, I present a technique called the Web Bootstrapper, a technique that allows a developer to write a single site while still providing multiple experiences, or "skins," without altering source or running costly client-side code. It is a process by which an accurate collection of only those static resources and metadata necessary for a unique experience be delivered passively, by the most performant means possible. In further contrast to existing methodologies, this approach determines resources based on capability, form factor and platform by targeting and collecting the often-immutable attributes of the client, not specifically its identity or version. Bootstrapping allows for rule-based, externalized, server-side configuration, further promoting progressive enhancement and client performance.
Temporal Patterning in Probabilistic Choice

Abstract Human subjects making repeated choices between probabilistic and near-certain monetary rewards tended to be less risk-averse the shorter the inter-trial interval. Subjects were also less risk-averse when the choice-outcome sequences were clustered in threes than when each choice-outcome sequence was separated from its neighbors by equal intertrial intervals. These results further extend the analogy between delay discounting and probability discounting. Probability discounting, like delay discounting, may be described by hyperbolic function relating discounted value to expected delay to the next reward.
Should all degraded landscapes be restored? a look at the appalachian copper basin

Rehabilitation of degraded landscapes is generally regarded as the most appropriate objective. Occasionally, however, other aspects of the situation need to be considered and may lead to a different decision. This paper presents the case of the Appalachian Copper Basin, located mainly in south-eastern Tennessee, USA, which was degraded years ago as a result of copper mining and smelting. A brief history of the site is given, along with a review of some rehabilitative efforts. Discussion then turns to the way visitors and residents perceive this landscape, the impact these two viewpoints have had over the years, and how they have (or have not) changed. Landscape values are also examined, the interpretation of which largely determines a person's opinion toward rehabilitation. The point is made that some degraded landscapes can have value as degraded landscapes, in this instance now primarily historical and cultural. The current situation in the Copper Basin is summarized and an alternative course of action suggested. It is concluded that rehabilitation is not always the only, or even the most important, goal and that degraded landscapes of long standing sometimes require special consideration.
Paradoxical effects of hormone replacement therapy on breast tenderness in postmenopausal women

We have studied the effect of HRT on breast tenderness in 61 postmenopausal women randomised to oral or transdermal sequential HRT. An untreated reference group of 29 postmenopausal women was studied concurrently. A questionnaire concerning breast tenderness was administered before and after 10, 12 and 24 weeks of treatment (n = 60) and on 3 occasions at 3-month intervals in the reference group (n = 28). In 10 women with frequent tenderness at baseline, HRT resulted in a reduction at 10 weeks (P < 0.05), which was maintained at 24 weeks (P < 0.05). In contrast, 10 women with infrequent tenderness before treatment reported worsening of tenderness at the 10-week visit (P < 0.01 for transdermal, P < 0.05 for oral), which was not significantly different from the baseline thereafter. These 10 women were older (P < 0.05), and further from the menopause (P < 0.05) than the remaining 40 women who did not develop more frequent tenderness. No significant changes occurred in the reference group. HRT may cause transient breast tenderness, especially in older women and those furthest from the menopause. Paradoxically, it may relieve this symptom in women who have breast tenderness prior to treatment. Breast tenderness should not be considered a contraindication to HRT.
Factors Associated With Survey Response in Hand Surgery Research

Background A low response rate is believed to decrease the validity of survey studies. Factors associated with nonresponse to surveys are poorly characterized in orthopaedic research.
Retrospective review of utilisation and outcomes of diaphragmatic EMG monitoring and neurally adjusted ventilatory assist in a central London teaching hospital over a 3-year period.

The theoretical advantages of monitoring the electrical activity of the diaphragm (EAdi) and neural triggering of support breaths (NAVA-Maquet) have not yet been shown to translate into significant clinical benefit [1]. Here we assess the effect of EAdi monitoring, in patients at risk of prolonged weaning, on outcomes.
Using MicroCT Imaging to Quantify Heat Generation Distribution Induced by Magnetic Nanoparticles

In the past decade, there have been renewed interests in using magnetic nanoparticles as heating agents when subjected to an alternating magnetic field in cancer treatments. Due to the technical advancement in manufacturing nano-sized magnetic particles, nanoparticle hyperthermia has emerged as an attractive alternative to costly and risky surgical procedures because of its few associated complications and targeted delivery of thermal energy to the tumor.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Purification of a Placental Factor with Immunological and Chemical Similarity to Human Growth Hormone11

Finely powdered frozen placental tissue was extracted at pH 8.0, and the pH 4.5 soluble portion was precipitated with half-saturated ammonium sulfate at pH 5.6. This was extracted with 0.1M ammonium bicarbonate and fractionated on columns of Sephadex G-100 using 0.1M ammonium bicarbonate as the buffer. Most of the active principle was contained in a minor fraction of the more retarded components, and on starch gel electrophoresis this showed one major band which on immunoelectrophoresis cross-reacted with antiserum to human growth hormone. The same substance, present in large concentration, has been identified in and purified from retroplacental blood. Upon starch gel electrophoresis, human growth hormone and the placental protein have different mobilities, but their molecular weights and amino acid compositions are very similar. Some, but not all, preparations of the purified placental extract stimulated growth in hypophysectomized rats. The substance with the growth-promoting activity was in the same se...
Global properties of tensor rank

Abstract The dependence of tensor rank on the underlying ring of scalars is considered. It is shown that the integers are, in a certain sense, the worst scalars. A ring of scalars can be improved by adjoining algebraic elements but not by adjoining indeterminates. The real closed fields are the best scalars among ordered rings, and the algebraically closed fields are best among all rings. Let B(Rm×n×p) be the maximum tensor rank of any m×n×p array of elements from the ring R. A generalization of Gaussian elimination shows that B(Rn×n×n)⩽ 3 4 n2 for most useful rings R. For every R, B(Rm×n×p)⩾mnp/(m+n+p), and slightly stronger lower bounds are proven for R a field.
A functional cellulose synthase from ascidian epidermis

Among animals, urochordates (e.g., ascidians) are unique in their ability to biosynthesize cellulose. In ascidians cellulose is synthesized in the epidermis and incorporated into a protective coat know as the tunic. A putative cellulose synthase-like gene was first identified in the genome sequences of the ascidian Ciona intestinalis. We describe here a cellulose synthase gene from the ascidian Ciona savignyi that is expressed in the epidermis. The predicted C. savignyi cellulose synthase amino acid sequence showed conserved features found in all cellulose synthases, including plants, but was most similar to cellulose synthases from bacteria, fungi, and Dictyostelium discoidium. However, unlike other known cellulose synthases, the predicted C. savignyi polypeptide has a degenerate cellulase-like region near the carboxyl-terminal end. An expression construct carrying the C. savignyi cDNA was found to restore cellulose biosynthesis to a cellulose synthase (CelA) minus mutant of Agrobacterium tumefaciens, showing that the predicted protein has cellulose synthase activity. The lack of cellulose biosynthesis in all other groups of metazoans and the similarity of the C. savignyi cellulose synthase to enzymes from cellulose-producing organisms support the hypothesis that the urochordates acquired the cellulose biosynthetic pathway by horizontal transfer.
High-performance solar-blind photodetector using an Al0.6Ga0.4N n-type window layer

Abstract In this paper, we report a significant improvement in the external quantum efficiency (EQE) of AlGaN p–i–n solar-blind detectors (SBDs) by use of an n-type Al0.6Ga0.4N “window” layer. Under 0 V bias, an EQE of 58% at λ=274 nm (responsivity ∼0.13 A/W) was obtained without the use of an antireflection coating. The EQE was seen to depend on bias voltage, having a value of 64% at –5 V reverse bias. The 0 V responsivity showed a sharp cut-off by one order of magnitude for a change in wavelength by 4 nm in both the longer and shorter wavelength side. This is the highest EQE reported from an SBD to date.
Study of the interface issues between motorists and intelligent highway system through variable message signs

Variable message sign (VMS) is a key component of intelligent highway system (IHS). As it becomes increasingly used, proper display of sign messages is critical to drivers' safety. This paper describes the study on the interface issues between motorists and IHS through VMS and its findings. Through laboratory driving simulation experiments, the influences of display format, number of message lines, driving lane and their interactions were investigated. It was found that discretely displayed messages took less response time than sequentially displayed messages. Single-line messages were better than multiple-line messages. Drivers could view portable VMS better when driving in the outer lane. It also found that older drivers exhibited slower response and less accuracy than younger drivers; female drivers exhibited slower response but higher accuracy than male drivers. Findings obtained from this study could promote a safer and smoother driving on highways and lead to improved interfaces between motorists and IHS.
Neuroanatomic contributions to slowed orienting of attention in children with autism

Previous research has demonstrated that adult autistic patients are abnormally slow to orient attention, with degree of slowed orienting associated with severity of cerebellar hypoplasia. This research was extended to children who, at ages two through six, met diagnostic criteria for autism and underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). An average of 3 years later, when old enough to participate in behavioral experiments, the children returned to the laboratory and completed a spatial attention paradigm. Degree of slowed attentional orienting to visual cues was significantly correlated with degree of cerebellar hypoplasia, but not with size of other neuroanatomic regions. Additionally, there was a trend for orienting speed to differ between diagnostic outcome subgroups; children with confirmed diagnoses of autism at time of behavioral testing had larger orienting deficits than those who no longer met diagnostic criteria for autism. This research is among the first to establish a specific brain-behavior link in autistic children.
Perceptive sportswear system with auditory feedback based on hetero-core optical fiber for running motion support☆

Abstract A sports motion support system for running has been described by using a perceptive sportswear and a wireless mobile device, in which a trainee is given real-time auditory feedback without restraint. The wireless mobile device receives motion data from the perceptive sportswear on which hetero-core fiber optics are fastened for monitoring the body motion. Real-time feedback experiment has been performed based on the system when the trainee runs on a treadmill. The trainee was successfully given trainer voice and guiding sound to be informed the range of motion on a leg and the pace for running without constraint.
A feminist Pirandello: Female agency in As You Desire Me

Given that Luigi Pirandello's 1930 Come tu mi vuoi (As You Desire Me) is about a woman's attempt to determine her identity, one would think that the play would be praised by feminists. In fact, some critics argue that it simply reinforces traditional gender norms. This essay offers a different feminist interpretation of the play, one that foregrounds the question of female agency, L'Ignota is the only character who may know the truth of her identity. That she withholds this truth from both the other characters and the audience is evidence of the play's feminism. The character retains the right to her self, placing both the other characters and the audience in the position of “lack” and not the plenitude associated with male authority and subjectivity. The unmasking of that plenitude as illusory is for some theorists at least a feminist gesture par excellence. By the conclusion of “As You Desire Me,” both characters and audience are confronted with a woman who refuses the usual rules of the game. The essay...
A collocation method for the neutron transport equation

Abstract One of the dominant numerical approximation methods for the integro-differential equation for neutron transport is the discrete-ordinates method1. In this method one collocates the equation at preselected angular directions which are the quadrature points of the integral scattering term (the “discrete ordinates”), and then solves the resulting linear hyperbolic system by a variety of difference schemes. The problem with this hybrid collocation difference procedure lies in connecting the spatial differencing with the angular collocation. The possible mismatch can lead to distortions in the angular flux solution. These have led to numerous meliorative procedures, and an extensive literature2,3,4.
Strong-Coupled Piezoelectric Polaron

We formulate the "piezoelectric polaron" problem in such a way that it can be expanded in inverse powers of the coupling constant $\ensuremath{\alpha}$. We show that the lowest-order terms are identical to those for the "optical polaron." The next order, which depends on the dynamical properties of the lattice, yields results differing from those for the optical polaron. In this approximation we calculate the effective mass, which is proportional to ${\ensuremath{\alpha}}^{2}$ (rather than ${\ensuremath{\alpha}}^{4}$, as it is for the optical polaron).
Quantum physics: Tunnelling across a nanowire.

The observation of a phenomenon known as coherent quantum phase slip, across a nanowire in a superconducting system, paves the way for applications in quantum computing and metrology. See Letter p.355 Coherent quantum phase slip (CQPS) has not, until now, been observed experimentally. It is a phenomenon exactly dual to the Josephson effect, but whereas the latter is a coherent transfer of charges between superconducting contacts, CQPS is a coherent transfer of vortices or fluxes across a superconducting wire. This paper reports direct observation of CQPS in a strongly disordered indium oxide superconducting wire inserted in a loop; the effect manifests through the superposition of quantum states with different fluxes. The CQPS may — like the Josephson effect before it — lead to innovative applications in superconducting electronics and quantum metrology.
When and how to strengthen the superior oblique muscle

Purpose To review the history of procedures used to strengthen the action of the superior oblique (SO) muscle and methods of quantifying surgical dosage and to determine the relationship between congenital onset and tendon laxity measured at the time of surgery. Methods We reviewed medical records over a 10-year period of 30 patients who had undergone SO tendon tuck for SO muscle palsy using intraoperative assessment of forced ductions to determine surgical dosage. We also designed and tested a modified Bishop tucker, which can simultaneously measure tendon shortening and the force required. This allowed development of length tension curves between 0 and 200 g for individual SO tendons in patients with and without evidence of muscle palsy. Results In distinction to most other procedures on the extraocular muscles, intraoperative forced ductions are used to determine appropriate surgical dosage. Patients undergoing SO tendon tuck using a uniform and repeatable forced duction method receive a greater amount of tuck (mean, 3 mm) when there is known congenital onset. Patients with congenital SO muscle palsy received a mean tuck of 10.8 mm (range, 8-16 mm), whereas patients with equivocal or known adult-onset SO palsy received a mean of 7.8 mm (range, 4-12 mm; p = 0.002). Conclusions Patients with congenital SO muscle palsy have increased tendon laxity when measured directly during SO tendon tuck. The excursion of presumed normal SO tendons through the trochlea is variable and may be less than previously thought. Modifying the Bishop tucker to provide length and tension data provides information that may be useful in determining surgical dosage.
A freshman level module in biometric systems

It is very important and challenging to teach modern topics at the freshman level. This paper describes a biometrics module that fits into any introductory freshman engineering course. The project has broad learning outcomes, namely, enhanced application of math skills, software implementation skills, interest in biometrics and comprehension of ethical issues. Assessment results based on the analysis of student surveys related to the learning outcomes and vertical integration show that the project was successful.
Long-term stability of hydrocarbons in NIST gas standard reference material (SRM) 1800

A gas standard reference material (SRM) containing fifteen hydrocarbons in nitrogen at a nominal 5 nmol mol−1 was issued in 1993. The certification period for SRM 1800 was assigned as 2 years, because of limited stability data. Over a period of 10 years reanalysis of the lot standard (a sample chosen from the SRM lot to which all other lot samples are compared), SRM samples remaining in stock for sale, and SRMs returned to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for recertification, were compared with primary standards to assess the stability of the hydrocarbons. New primary standards were periodically introduced into the original primary standard suite to assess the stability and consistency of the primary standards. Over this ten-year period 11 SRM 1800 samples were reanalyzed, resulting in 210 amount-of-substance fraction (concentration) determinations performed for quality-assurance purposes. Of these measurements 209 (99.5%) agreed within the original 95% confidence interval of the ±4% expanded uncertainty, demonstrating the stability of the standards. There was also agreement to within ±2% of the original concentration for 204 (97%) of the measurements. This is well within the original ±4% expanded uncertainty assigned to the hydrocarbon concentrations at the approximate 95% confidence interval demonstrating stability. These results will enable the expiry date to be increased for future restock issues of SRM 1800.
CAN BPD BE AVOIDED IN 23-24 WEEK GESTATION BABIES WITHOUT HIGH-DOSE STEROIDS? 1216

Babies born at 23-24 weeks of gestation usually have a high rate of BPD, defined here as the need for oxygen or diuretics at 36 weeks PCA. High-dose steroids are often used to treat or prevent BPD. We have been able to keep our BPD incidence low with little use of high-dose steroids.
Capturing excited state molecular structures in disordered media with 100-ps time resolution by laser pump x-ray probe XAFS.

The timing structure and the high photon flux of x-ray pulses from the Advanced Photon Source permit pump-probe techniques widely used in ultrafast laser spectroscopy to be extended into the x-ray regime. The intrinsic time resolution of the experiments is determined by the FWHM of the single pulses from the synchrotron at 70-100 ps. The challenges and the solutions in such experiments will be discussed. Using laser pulse pump, x-ray pulse probe XAFS, several excited state molecular structures in solutions were studied. We will mainly describe molecular structures of the photoexcited metal-to-ligand-charge-transfer state of [CuI(dmp){sub 2}]{sup +}, where dmp is 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline, in toluene and acetonitrile. The experimental results indicated that the copper ion in the thermally equilibrated MLCT state in both solvents had the same oxidation state as the corresponding Cu(II) complex in the ground state and was found to be penta-coordinate with an average nearest neighbor Cu-N distances 0.04 {angstrom} longer in toluene and 0.04 {angstrom} shorter in acetonitrile than that of the ground state [CuI(dmp){sub 2}]{sup +}. The results further revealed that what distinguishes the MLCT state structures in non-coordinating and coordinating solvents is not the 'exciplex' formation, but the strength of the interactions between the solvent andmore » the Cu(II)* species at the MLCT state. In addition, future direction of time-resolved XAFS will be discussed.« less
A high-power laser ablation ion source for Penning trap studies of nuclear reaction products

A state of the art Penning trap is being developed at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory (NSCL) at Michigan State University to make precision mass measurements of rare isotopes. The system relies on thermalizing nuclear reaction products in a helium-filled cell and then extracting them from the gas through ion-manipulation and differential pumping. Atomic ions and clusters are needed to calibrate various aspects of the entire system such as transport efficiency and the main magnetic field. High-power laser ablation has proven to be a successful method for producing a wide range of ions under various conditions, including atmospheric pressure. We have developed a laser ablation system to explore the production of test beams using a variety of targets. Laser ablation studies of C, Al, Au, Ag, Cu, Fe, and Zn were carried out in a test chamber with the second harmonic, 532 nm, from a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser. Many studies were carried out under vacuum using an ion-drift system and mass analysis in a quadrupole mass filter. The ablation target and laser optics were moved to the gas cell used to collect the nuclear reaction products and several ablation studies were performed. An overview of the laser-ablation system as well as some of the results of this work will be presented.
Secular equation of Korringa, Kohn, and Rostoker for the case of non-muffin-tin, space-filling potential cells.

Proof is provided that the secular equation proposed by Korringa, Kohn, and Rostoker for determining the electronic structure of collections of muffin-tin potentials, i.e., potentials bounded by nonoverlapping spheres, remains valid in the completely general case of nonoverlapping, arbitrarily shaped, and particularly space-filling potential cells. Consequently, this secular equation leads to the proper coefficients for determining the wave function of the system as a linear combination of cell wave functions.
Pressures and pretense: Living with gender stereotypes

This study examines how people live with two gender stereotypes: (1) masculine/active and feminine/passive roles; and (2) masculine/emotional inexpressiveness and feminine/emotional expressiveness. Given the contrast between traditional gender stereotypes and the emergent feminist perspective, we expected that both men and women would experience pressures both to conform to and to deviate from the traditional stereotypes, although the pressures would be greater for women. A study of active/passive roles and specific emotions, with a sample of 141 men and women, revealed that both sexes felt such contradictory pressures, and that they actually were greater for women. Moreover, pressures were magnified in cross-sex interaction. Pretense was one way people consciously monitor feelings and manage interactions. A number of paradoxes emerged. The most dramatic is that both men and women experienced each other as demanding stereotypical behavior, yet both claimed self-motivation for change.
A comparison of cytomegalovirus and community respiratory viruses in immunocompromised patients.

Abstract Infection of organ transplant recipients with herpesviruses, especially cytomegalovirus (CMV), has been an important barrier to successful transplantation. Measures to prevent CMV infection have evolved based on the biology and epidemiology of the virus. Recently, community-acquired respiratory viruses have been recognized as an important cause of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised hosts. It is unlikely that the strategies used to prevent and treat CMV disease will be applicable to the community respiratory viruses, owing to their different biology and epidemiology. Basic epidemiologic questions that focus on defining risk factors for disease and death from community-acquired respiratory viruses in the immunocompromised host have not been answered. The lack of established risk factors and a rapid "gold standard" diagnostic test for community-acquired respiratory viruses in the immunocompromised host has had a negative impact on the diagnosis and treatment of these infections. The study of CMV disease in organ transplant patients may serve as a blueprint for studies of community respiratory virus infections.
Gas-phase Reactions of Glycine, Alanine, Valine and their N-Methyl Derivatives with the Nitrosonium Ion, NO+

The gas-phase reactions of the nitrosonium ion, NO+ with the amino acids glycine, alanine and valine and their N-methyl derivatives were investigated under chemical ionization mass spectrometric (CIMS) conditions. Two products were observed in all cases: the formation of the iminium ion and the formation of an [M-H]+ ion. The latter product is consistent with a reaction channel involving hydride abstraction by NO+, and was confirmed by (i) examining the Ar+CI mass spectra of the same amino acids under similar source conditions and (ii) examining the unimolecular fragmentation reactions of the [M + H]+ ions of the N-nitroso-N-methyl derivatives of each of the amino acids in a tandem mass spectrometer. Further insights into the reaction of glycine with NO+ were obtained by performing ab initio calculations (at the MP2/6-31G* parallel HF/6-31G* level). These results indicate that four reactions are thermodynamically viable for glycine: (i) hydride abstraction; (ii) iminium ion formation (with concomitant loss of HONO and CO); (iii) diazonium ion formation; and (iv) diazonium ion formation followed by loss of N2. Possible reasons why reactions (iii) and (iv) are not observed are discussed, and comparisons with solution reactivity and the gas-phase reactivity of NO+ are also made.
Velocity/pressure mixed finite element and finite volume formulation with ALE descriptions for nonlinear fluid-structure interaction problems

Abstract In this article, we adopt a mixed upwinding procedure and the arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian (ALE) description to the velocity/pressure ( v /p) mixed finite element formulation with high-order mixed elements. With this approach, we are able to accommodate the requirements for both the inf–sup condition and the upwinding technique in one self-adaptive finite element analysis. Some numerical examples are used to confirm the reliability of the formulation.
Circulatory survey data quality assurance

The National Ocean Survey is developing a data quality assurance program for its circulatory surveys in collaboration with the NOAA Office of Ocean Technology and Engineering Services (OTES). The present emphasis is on East Coast circulatory surveys conducted by the 133-foot NOAA ship FERREL using Grundy Model 9021 current meters. The methodology for estimating total measurement uncertainties is described, including extensive instrument test and evaluation, quality control field checks, error source identification and estimation, and quality assurance analyses. The results of the 1979 Gulf At-Sea Performance Experiment (GASP) on the Louisiana inner shelf are summarized.
Getting personal: the promises and pitfalls of personalized medicine.

M argaret Atwood, who is a novelist, cultural activist, and winner of the first Arthur C. Clarke Award for science fiction, had her own commentary on the utility and dangers of our entry into an age of personalizing the molecular. ‘‘We’ve just opened the biggest toy box in the world, which is the genetic code,’’ she quipped. That ‘‘toy box,’’ and its potential for refining and defining the way we will eventually diagnose and prevent disease, as well as target, test, and prescribe new medications, is the theme of this special issue of Translational Research. All of medicine, from its origins, might be considered personal, with each diagnosis and treatment tailored to an individual, qualified only by the background, skill, and art of the physician. But with new tools at hand, courtesy of molecular biology, that physician can now access a panoply of genetic data in Ms. Atwood’s box. Indeed, although Dr. Brewer argues in this issue for more resources focused on the rare ‘‘orphan’’ diseases based on comprehensive, individualized research and treatment, and Drs. Ginsburg and Willard emphasize that the molecular would best be combined with current clin-
Development of a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for detection of turkey coronavirus antibodies.

SUMMARY. A competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA) was developed for detection of turkey coronavirus (TCV) antibodies. The cELISA utilized a recombinant baculovirus (Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus)-expressed TCV nucleocapsid (N) protein and biotin-labeled TCV N protein-specific monoclonal antibody. Sensitivity and specificity of the cELISA for detection of TCV antibodies were determined by comparison with the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) with 1269 reference, experimentally derived, and field-origin sera. Sera with discordant cELISA and IFAT results were further evaluated by western immunoblot analyses. The cELISA detected antibodies specific for TCV and infectious bronchitis virus, a closely related coronavirus, but did not detect antibodies specific for other avian viruses. A high degree of concordance was observed between the cELISA and IFAT; sensitivity and specificity of the cELISA relative to IFAT were 92.9% and 96.2%, respectively. Western immunoblot an...
Sex, Death, and Hierarchy in a Chinese City: An Anthropological Account

Sex, Death, and Hierarchy in. Chinese City: Anthropological Account. WILLIAM R. JANKOWIAK. New York: Columbia University Press, 1993. xvi. 345 pp., index, references, notes, photographs, tables, illustrations.
A Template for Spiritual Assessment: A Review of the JCAHO Requirements and Guidelines for Implementation

Growing consensus exists regarding the importance of spiritual assessment. For instance, the largest health care accrediting body in the United States, the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), now requires the administration of a spiritual assessment. Although most practitioners endorse the concept of spiritual assessment, studies suggest that social workers have received little training in spiritual assessment. To address this gap, the current article reviews the JCAHO requirements for conducting a spiritual assessment and provides practitioners with guidelines for its proper implementation. In addition to helping equip practitioners in JCAHO-accredited settings who may be required to perform such an assessment, the spiritual assessment template profiled in this article may also be of use to practitioners in other settings.
Reported contraceptive use, risk behaviours and STIs among military conscripts in Estonian defence forces:

Limited research exists on sexually transmitted infection (STI) and risk behaviour among military personnel. Published research on condom use and types of contraceptives used yield mixed results, yet, the perception that military members are at higher risk for STIs remains. The objectives of this cross-sectional study were to measure factors such as condom use, contraceptive methods, and risky behaviours (i.e. drug use and sex with commercial sex workers) and investigate differences between ethnic groups, where culture could influence behaviour. Data were collected from a recruited population of 584 male, military conscripts in northeastern Europe. Using multinomial logistic regression models, statistically significant findings include an interaction between the use of contraceptive methods of Russians with casual partners and ethnicity, with higher odds of effective methods used among Estonians with regular partners (OR = 8.13) or casual partners (OR = 11.58) and Russians with regular partners (OR = 4.98...
Object oriented value and cost analysis for information technology investments

A cost and value analysis framework for IT investment choice is presented which offers an alternative to existing ad hoc models arising from traditional accounting and financial analysis. It resolves certain problems in determining value and cost chains which arise from the complex relationships underlying the implementation and cost justification of IT investments. These complexities limit the accuracy and usefulness of traditional accounting models which are based on a linear, matrix-based model of a firm's activities. The formal decision models developed in this paper should help information systems professionals regain credibility in IT investment decision making-a prospect which promises to be increasingly important in the information-intensive and frugal corporate environments of the 1990s. >
The characteristics of impulses reflected from a sech 2 electron-density profile and bandpass filtered

The signal reflected from a sech2electron-density profile and bandpass filtered was calculated for an incident plane wave with an impulsive time variation. For "wide" bandwidths, the envelope of the filter output decreases in duration with decreasing bandwidth, with some increase in peak amplitude For "narrow" bandwidths, the envelope of the filter output decreases in peak amplitude and increases in duration with decreasing bandwidth; the envelope also oscillates about its mean value after the peak. The critical bandwidth, at which the filter output changes from the "wide-" to the "narrow-" band behavior, was found to be associated with a characteristic pattern of the saddle points of the Fourier-transform integrand.
DAMASCENE and Meta-Ecological Research: A Bridge Too Far

Population level studies commonly induce the ecological fallacy, i.e., the belief that a relationship identified at the population level implies a cause and effect relationship at the level of the individual. A recent research report (DAMASCENE) that related clinical trial effect sizes in cardiovascular cell therapy trials to reporting discrepancies in the trials themselves has compounded meta-analysis difficulties with ecological fallacy issues. This dangerous combination has produced misleading conclusions and speculation that the research community should set aside.
Optimal Dividends and Corporate Growth under Uncertainty

Introduction, 49. — I. Some important definitions and building-blocks, 53. — II. The cost of capital and optimal dividends and growth under certainty, 58. — III. Simple stochastic unlevered growth, 65. — IV. Optimal (expectationally) steady growth, capital budgets, dividends and retentions, when σ2pt increases with futurity, 76. — V. Summary of conclusions, 91.
m -Terphenylphosphines: Synthesis, structures and coordination properties

Abstract A series of m-terphenylphosphines TerphPCl2, TerphPH2 and TerphPMe2 (Terph = 2,6-Mes2C6H3–, 2,6-(4-t-BuC6H4)2C6H3–, 2,6-(3,5-Me2C6H3)2C6H3–, 2,6-(2,6-Et2C6H3)2C6H3–, and 2,6-(2,6-i-Pr2C6H3)2C6H3–; Mes = 2,4,6-Me3C6H2–) was prepared and fully characterized. The structural investigation by X-ray crystallography and density functional theory revealed significant distortions in the environment of the ipso carbon and phosphorus centers. These can be traced back to steric interactions and repulsions of the chlorine and methyl substituents on phosphorus with one of the flanking arenes of the m-terphenyl substituents. The primary phosphine 2,6-Mes2C6H3PH2, 6, and the dimethylphosphine 2,6-(3,5-Me2C6H3)2C6H3PMe2, 9, readily form complexes with the Cl2Ru(p-cymene) complex fragment, whereas the larger phosphine 2,6-Mes2C6H3PMe2, 8, does not. Heating of the complexes TerphPR2Ru(Cl2)(p-cymene) 11 and 12 and the mixture of 8 and {(p-cymene)RuCl2}2 lead to expulsion of the p-cymene ligand and intramolecular η6 coordination of one of the flanking arene rings to the ruthenium center to afford the complexes Cl2RuP(H2)C6H3-2-η6-Mes-6-Mes, 13, Cl2RuP(Me2)C6H3-2-η6-Mes-6-Mes, 14, and Cl2RuP(H2)C6H3-2-η6-(3,5-Me2C6H3)-6-(3,5-Me2C6H3), 15. All complexes were characterized by NMR spectroscopy and complexes 14 and 15 also by X-ray crystallography.
Electron Partitioning During Light- and Nutrient-Powered Hydrogen Production by Rhodobacter sphaeroides

The partitioning of reducing power into different electron-accepting pathways was evaluated during growth and stationary phases of H2-producing Rhodobacter sphaeroides cultures. For this, an electron balance method was developed using the chemical oxygen demand concept to quantitatively analyze the partitioning of nutrient electrons into H2, cell biomass, polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), and soluble microbial products (SMP). Overall, these four electron sinks were accounted for greater than 85% of the electrons provided by the nutrients. Glucose, lactate, succinate, fumarate, and pyruvate were individually provided as the main carbon source, and in all cases, glutamate was provided as a nitrogen source in order to enhance H2 production. About 25–35% of the electrons ended up in H2 during growth, while up to 60% of the electrons partitioned into H2 in some stationary phase cultures. The other two major electron sinks in the growth phase were cell mass and PHB, while in stationary phase, SMP were accounted for >30% of the substrate electrons utilized. In general, the largest portion of SMP comprised low-molecular weight (<3 kDa) compounds mostly produced during stationary phase, although larger-size molecules were also detected in both phases. Overall, the fractions of electrons that partitioned into H2 (0.21 to 0.35) and PHB (0.06 to 0.21) were highly correlated with the standard free energy change of the substrate oxidation half-reaction equation, normalized per electron equivalent. In a PHB(−) mutant, electron redistribution increased H2 production, the extent of which depended on the carbon source provided.
Study of the Curie temperature of cobalt ferrite based composites for stress sensor applications

Cobalt ferrite has been shown to be an excellent candidate material for high sensitivity magnetic stress sensors due to its large magnetomechanical effect and high sensitivity to strain. However, near room temperature, the material exhibits some magnetomechanical hysteresis, which becomes negligible for temperatures of 60/spl deg/C and above. Measurements indicate that doping the cobalt ferrite with silicon lowers the Curie temperature of the material. It was also found that the Curie temperature of the material depends on the fabrication and processing procedure. These results offer the possibility of decreasing the room temperature magnetomechanical hysteresis through control of the Curie temperature, thereby altering the temperature dependence of magnetic and magnetomechanical properties.
Current FDA-approved treatments for Helicobacter pylori and the FDA approval process

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of new drugs expands treatment options and serves as a "safety net" of well-documented efficacy and safety. The information provided in the package insert facilitates physician education and provides some assurance that marketing information is accurate. As of February 1997, three Helicobacter pylori regimes have been FDA-approved for eradication of H. pylori in infected patients with active duodenal ulcers. Regimen 1, omeprazole + clarithromycin (O/C), was supported by two multicenter, controlled studies with a 6-month follow-up. Eradication rates were 74% (n = 53; 95% confidence interval [CI], 62-85) and 64% (n = 61; 95% CI, 52-76). Twenty-five of 26 patients with failed eradication therapy who were taking O/C with clarithromycin-susceptible strains before treatment and who had pretreatment and posttreatment susceptibility tests performed developed clarithromycin resistance after treatment. Regimen 2, ran itidine-bismuth-citrate + clarithromycin, was supported by two multicenter, placebo-controlled studies with a 6-month follow-up. Eradication rates were 84% (n = 19; 95% CI, 60-96) and 73% (n = 22; 95% CI, 50-88). Insufficient pretreatment and posttreatment susceptibility data were collected to assess antimicrobial resistance. Regimen 3, bismuth subsalicylate + metronidazole + tetracycline + an H2-receptor antagonist, was supported by two pivotal literature-based studies. Eradication rates in patients with duodenal ulcer were 82% (n = 51; 95% CI, 70-92) and 77% (n = 39; 95% CI, 61-89), respectively. When extrapolating the results of these three FDA-approved regimens to the clinical setting, particular aspects of the clinical trial should be kept in mind. These include the type of controls, primary end points used, population studied, and number and type of dropouts.
Stability of Borrelia burgdorferi outer surface protein C under immune selection pressure.

Outer surface protein (Osp) C immune pressure during persistent infection with Borrelia burgdorferi was examined in relation to genetic variation of ospC. Mice were infected with clonal B. burgdorferi sensu stricto (s.s.) N40 or B. afzelii PKo and then were hyperimmunized with homologous recombinant OspC or with decorin-binding protein A (DbpA) (controls). After 6 months, B. burgdorferi isolates were subjected to restriction enzyme analysis of the amplified ospC genes and were found to have no differences among 9 B. burgdorferi s.s. N40 and 9 B. afzelii PKo isolates from OspC hyperimmune mice or among 10 B. burgdorferi s.s. N40 and 10 B. afzelii PKo isolates from DbpA hyperimmune mice, compared with input inocula. Comparison of gene sequences among 4 B. burgdorferi s.s. N40 and 9 B. afzelii PKo isolates from OspC-immunized mice revealed no ospC variation from input inocula. Variation in ospC among B. burgdorferi isolates and species during chronic infection is not likely to be an important mechanism for immune evasion. Lyme disease is caused by members of the closely related Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) genospecies complex, which includes B. burgdorferi sensu stricto (s.s.), B. afzelii, and B. garinii. Members of this group differentially express a number of outer surface proteins (Osps) in the vastly different environments of the tick vector and mammalian host. This apparently adaptive phenomenon is best illustrated with B. burgdorferi OspA and OspC. OspA is abundantly expressed by spirochetes in the midgut of resting ticks but is down-regulated (or lost) following onset of tick feeding and is apparently not expressed to a significant degree within the mammalian host. On the other hand, OspC expression follows a reverse mode: it is up-regulated during tick feeding and in the mammalian host [1]. When OspA and OspC sequences are compared among various B. burgdorferi s.l. species and isolates within each species, OspA tends to be conserved, whereas OspC is highly heterogeneous [2]. A possible explanation for this difference may be the immune selective pressure that is likely to be placed upon OspC, but not OspA, during persistent infection of mam
Association of the histone methyltransferase Set2 with RNA polymerase II plays a role in transcription elongation.

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein, Set2, has recently been shown to be a histone methyltransferase. To elucidate the function of Set2, its associated proteins were identified using tandem affinity purification and mass spectrometry. We found that Set2 associates with RNA polymerase II. The interaction between the Set2 protein and RNA polymerase II requires the WW domain in Set2 and phosphorylation of the carboxyl-terminal domain of the largest subunit of RNA polymerase II. Set2 directly binds to the carboxyl-terminal domain with phosphorylated Ser2 in the heptapeptide repeats. set2 deletion mutant is sensitive to 6-azauracil, a property often associated with impaired transcription elongation. Together, our results suggest that Set2 through association with the elongating form of RNA polymerase II plays an important role in transcription elongation.
The strong relationship between bipolar and substance-use disorder

Bipolar disorder and substance-use disorders commonly occur in the same individual. In fact, bipolar disorder has a higher prevalence of substance-use disorders than any other psychiatric illness. Individuals with both disorders have a more severe course of bipolar disorder, including earlier onset, more frequent episodes, and more complications, including anxiety- and stress-related disorders, aggressive behavior, legal problems, and suicide. Bipolar and substance-use disorders share common mechanisms, including impulsivity, poor modulation of motivation and responses to rewarding stimuli, and susceptibility to behavioral sensitization. Studies of potential treatments for bipolar substance-use disorder have paid scant attention to the combined disorders. The most promising treatment strategies are those that address their shared mechanisms.
Outcomes and Toxicity After Lung Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) in Patients (Pts) With a History of Prior Lung Resection or Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

squamous cell carcinoma (SCC, 24%) or suspicious on imaging but not histologically confirmed (37%). Pts were typically treated to 50 Gy in 4 (peripheral) or 5 (central) fractions. At 2 years, LC was 97%. LC did not differ by tumor location, fractionation or pt characteristics (all p>0.05) but trended lower for SCC (p Z 0.06). LC was better for T1aT1b than T2a (p Z 0.05). Nodal and distant failure, cancer-specific survival (CSS) and OS did not differ by T stage (all p>0.05). Overall, 21% had locoregional failure. Operable pts refusing surgery had similar LC (100% vs 96%, p Z 0.28), nodal (7% vs 14%, p Z 0.33) and distant (7% vs 4%, p Z 0.45) failure, and CSS (96% vs 96%, p Z 0.86), although they trended to better 2-year (85% vs 69%, p Z 0.09) and median (not reached vs 34 months, p Z 0.12) OS than inoperable pts. Outcomes were similar with or without pathologic confirmation (LC p Z 0.64, OS p Z 0.43). Grade 2 rib fracture occurred in 1%, chest wall syndrome 6% and pneumonitis 3%. Lung mean dose (p Z 0.06) and V20 (p Z 0.08) trended toward pneumonitis association. No grade >2 acute or late toxicity was observed. Conclusions: This study showed SBRT is well tolerated and can achieve high LC. LC was less for tumors >3 cm but did not differ by tumor location or fractionation, likely since all regimens were BED >100. Nodal and distant failures were limited, likely due to pre-SBRT universal PET/CT staging and often pathologic nodal staging. Although LC and CSS were similar for operable and inoperable pts, inoperable pts had somewhat lower OS, likely due to greater comorbidities. Mature prospective data from RTOG 0618 and JCOG 0403 are needed to better assess SBRT in operable pts. Author Disclosure: C.B. Simone: None. M. Heskel: None. E.P. Xanthopoulos: None. M.N. Corradetti: None. S. Singhal: None. J.S. Friedberg: None. T.T. Pechet: None. J.C. Kucharczuk: None. J.P. Christodouleas: None.W. Levin: None. K.A. Cengel: None. R. Rengan: None. S.M. Hahn: None.