cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Impact of a Perioperative Prophylaxis Guideline on Post-Cardiothoracic Surgery Atrial Fibrillation.

Background: National practice guidelines do not provide clear recommendations on combination pharmacological regimens to reduce cardiothoracic surgery (CTS) postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF). Objective: This study examines if there is a reduction in POAF rates after implementing a perioperative prophylaxis guideline that includes amiodarone, β-blockers, and high-intensity statins. Methods: Data were retrospectively collected on 400 adults (200 patients pre–guideline implementation and 200 patients post–guideline implementation) with a CHA2DS2-VASc (Congestive Heart Failure, Hypertension, Age, Diabetes Mellitus, and Vascular Disease) score of at least 3 points after CTS. Data were collected on the incidence of POAF lasting more than 5 minutes and secondary outcomes, including the length of hospitalization, guideline adherence rate, adverse events, and timeliness of POAF treatment. Results: Guideline implementation increased prophylactic amiodarone (P < 0.0001), statin (P = 0.029), and high-intensity...
Lezioni americane di Giorgio Bassani

Duplice e la funzione di questo volume: fornire una serie di riflessioni critiche sul Bassani lettore e traduttore di opere americane e ricostruire, attraverso documenti e materiali eterogenei e in...
Nonlinear Kalman Filtering for Improved Angles-Only Navigation Using Relative Orbital Elements

This paper addresses the design and validation of an accurate estimation architecture for autonomous angles-only navigation in orbits of arbitrary eccentricity. The proposed filtering strategy over...
Temporal inconsistencies in coarse-scale snow water equivalent patterns: Colorado River Basin snow telemetry-topography regressions

The relation between snow water equivalent (SWE) and 28 variables (27 topographically-based topographic variables and canopy density) for the Colorado River Basin, USA was explored through a multi-variate regression. These variables include location, slope and aspect at different scales, derived variables to indicate the distance to sources of moisture and proximity to and characteristics of obstacles between these moisture sources and areas of snow accumulation, and canopy density. A weekly time step of snow telemetry (SNOTEL) SWE data from 1990 through 1999 was used. The most important variables were elevation and regional scale (81 km²) slope. Since the seasonal and inter-annual variability is high, a regression relationship should be formulated for each time step. The inter-annual variation in the relation between SWE and topographic variables partially corresponded with the amount of snow accumulated over the season and the El Nino Southern Oscillation cycle.
Absence of distracting information explains the redundant signals effect for a centrally presented categorization task

Abstract The redundant signals effect, a speed-up in response times with multiple targets compared to a single target in one display, is well-documented, with some evidence suggesting that it can occur even in conceptual processing when targets are presented bilaterally. The current study was designed to determine whether or not category-based redundant signals can speed up processing even without bilateral presentation. Toward that end, participants performed a go/no-go visual task in which they responded only to members of the target category (i.e., they responded only to numbers and did not respond to letters). Numbers and letters were presented along an imaginary vertical line in the center of the visual field. When the single signal trials contained a nontarget letter (Experiment 1), there was a significant redundant signals effect. The effect was not significant when the single-signal trials did not contain a nontarget letter (Experiments 2 and 3). The results indicate that, when targets are defined categorically and not presented bilaterally, the redundant signals effect may be an effect of reducing the presence of information that draws attention away from the target. This suggests that redundant signals may not speed up conceptual processing when interhemispheric presentation is not available.
Analysis of finitely-deformed shells using low-order mixed models

The general framework for the fully nonlinear analysis of shells is developed using two, low-order, mixed models of the quadrilateral (HMSH5) and triangular (HMSH3) type. An updated-Lagrange description is adopted, and the governing equations are derived based on a consistent linearization of an incremental modified Hellinger-Reissner mixed variational principle with independently-discretized displacement and strain fields. Effective solution algorithms are utilized for updating the element configuration in the presence of large nodal rotations in space, as well as for the “objective” time integration of its spatial stress (strain) fields when finite stretches occur. The results of a number of practical shell applications are also presented.
La claridad de Antonio Candido

This article is about clarity in the work of the Brazilian critic Antonio Candido (1918-2017). In his critical perspective, one can see the centrality of comparison, as much as the critic’s ability to see the literary phenomenon through the lenses of politics. The result is a clear and precise analysis, in which literature is seen as a civilizational tool confronting anomy. In order to understand the role played by literature in face of the impasses of civilization, I study his essay on Nietzsche, published in 1946, and his lifelong dialogue with Sergio Buarque de Holanda.
Comparison of dosimetric and clinical outcomes between short- and long-channel cylinder applicators for vaginal brachytherapy in intermediate- and high-risk endometrial cancer.

Abstract Purpose Vaginal brachytherapy (VBT) using a cylinder applicator is a standard treatment of intermediate- and high-risk endometrial cancer. We conducted a retrospective study of the dosimetric and clinical outcomes at our institution with 2 single-channel applicators in patients receiving VBT. Methods and Materials One hundred thirty-six patients with endometrial cancer treated from 2006 to 2016 receiving VBT after definitive surgery were evaluated. Two cylinders were used with the distal dwell position 7.1–12.8 mm from the apex varying by diameter (short channel), and 3.2 mm from the apex (long channel). We prescribed 18–26 Gy in 3–4 fractions at 0.5 cm depth. Measurements of the distance from the apex to the prescription isodose line were taken from CT imaging. Student's t test and the Wilcoxon rank-sum test were used with corrections for multiple comparisons. Results Patients had International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics 2009 Stage I-II disease (70 Stage IA, 58 Stage IB, 9 Stage II). Mean cylinder apex dose was 95.2% and 154.7% of prescription (p Conclusions A cylinder applicator with a distal dwell position closer to the apex results in higher doses to the vaginal cuff and increased D2cc to the bladder. All four recurrences were in the short-channel cylinder. Additional investigation into applicator design and impact on patient outcomes in larger cohorts with sufficient followup is warranted.
Eddy-Current and Magnetic Measurements on Case-Hardened Steel

The problem of inspecting case-hardened steel has been of interest to industry for some time. A reliable nondestructive method is sought that will not only enable the depth-of-treatment to be established but will also provide some measure of a component’s bulk material properties and surface condition. While some methods can provide an adequate solution to the problem of measuring case depth, we will show the limitations and pitfalls awaiting the unwary. For example, small variations in heat-treatment conditions can lead to large differences in microstructure, and hence magnetic properties, of a steel. This can be especially true for the near surface layers of a component being treated. These variations in magnetic properties have a strong effect on eddy current and magnetic measurements and can lead to inaccurate results when measuring case depth. In addition, batch variations in material properties can also affect the measurements.
Interactive Psychoeducational Group Therapy in the treatment of authority problems in combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder

The use of Interactive Psychoeducational Group Therapy to ameliorate authority problems of veterans with combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder is described. Despite the common occurrence of authority problems in this population, and the degree of damage they have caused in family, work, and legal domains, they are rarely specifically targeted by treatment interventions. A conceptual framework linking psychological trauma with distortions in authority relations is presented, followed by the format, procedures, and case examples of this form of group therapy. By uncovering the distorted beliefs associated with traumatic schemas as they emerge in the group interaction, the group therapist can first help the clients question their assumptions about authority, and then explore more adaptive behaviors. The need to examine in greater detail the causes and impact of authority problems among clients with posttraumatic stress disorder is emphasized.
Molecular Cloning and Recombinant Expression of the Human Liver Phenylalanine Hydroxylase Stimulating Factor Revealed Structural and Functional Identity to the Dimerization Cofactor for the Nuclear Transcription Factor HNF-1α

Conversion of phenylalanine to tyrosine by the cytosolic liver enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) requires phenylalanine, molecular O2 and the obligatory cofactor tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4)1.The phenylalanine hydroxylation produces stoichiometrically an oxidized BH4 intermediate, the pterin-4α-carbinolamine (4α-CA). This unstable intermediate is proposed to be dehydrated to the quinonoid dihydrobiopterin (q-BH2) by the phenylalanine hydroxylase stimulating factor (PHS; also termed pterin-4α-carbinolamine dehydratase)2. The presence of the dihydropteridine reductase (DHPR) together with NADH completes the reductive recycling of the BH4 cofactor. A deficiency in PAH, PHS or DHPR leads to different forms of hyperphenylalaninemia3.
Physiology of Testosterone Production

Androgens play an essential role in the development of male reproductive organs, the maintenance of male fertility, and the preservation of secondary male sexual characteristics. The production of testosterone, the dominant circulating androgen, is a finely balanced process with many points of potential regulation, starting with the translocation of cholesterol across the mitochondrial membrane and ending with the negative feedback of testosterone at level of the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland. This chapter explores the physiology of testosterone production, beginning with its intracellular synthesis and steroidogenic conversion, and then follows testosterone’s transport across the cell membrane and into circulation. Regulation of this system via the hypothalamic–pituitary–testis axis is reviewed. Finally, this discussion concludes with two increasingly prevalent clinical circumstances in which testosterone physiology is altered: the metabolic syndrome and the aging male.
A novel p.Gly187Arg TP53 variant appears to result in Li-Fraumeni syndrome.

Li–Fraumeni syndrome is an autosomal dominant cancer syndrome characterized by pathogenic variants in the TP53 gene on chromosome 17. The most common cancers in Li–Fraumeni kindreds include sarcoma...
Assessing the Impact of Reflective Activities in Digital and Analog Electronics Courses

Contribution: This paper demonstrates positive outcomes from reflection-on-action by engineering students, including meaningful insights on their performance, professional and academic practices, and design knowledge as well as promising preliminary exam results. Background: Literature from the engineering education community underlines the benefits of reflection-based upon theories, such as Experiential Learning Theory, and calls for additional use of reflection in engineering education and associated scholarly work. Intended Outcomes: The authors intended for students to obtain meaningful academic and professional insights with implications for their future performance and to perform better on subsequent related exams via reflection. Application Design: Post-quiz and post-design reflective exercises were implemented in two electrical and computer engineering courses, Microelectronic Circuits and Advanced Digital Design, to drive student analysis of differences between their designs or calculations and the “standard solution” using simulation software and question prompts. Reflection-on-action was chosen to enhance students’ post-activity understanding and insight, as ultimate learning requires reflection whereby students identify errors and strategies for improvement. Findings: Results demonstrated the value of reflection-on-action using post-activity comparisons and simulation. The students’ reflective content and interviews demonstrated substantial professional and academic insights from and appreciation for reflection. On the Microelectronics final exam, a medium effect was associated with the reflection, and for the Digital Design exam, the effect was small to medium. Differences in depth levels of the students’ reflections associated with the two types of problems (quiz questions versus design) were evident, suggesting problem type may impact depth.
Psychological Traits, Heart Rate Variability, and Risk of Coronary Heart Disease in Healthy Aging Women-The Women's Health Initiative.

AbstractObjectivePsychological traits such as optimism and hostility affect coronary heart disease (CHD) risk, but mechanisms for this association are unclear. We hypothesized that optimism and hostility may affect CHD risk via changes in heart rate variability (HRV).MethodsWe conducted a longitudin
Adaptive Horizon Model Predictive Control and Al'brekht's Method

A standard way of finding a feedback law that stabilizes a control system to an operating point is to recast the problem as an infinite horizon optimal control problem. If the optimal cost and the optmal feedback can be found on a large domain around the operating point then a Lyapunov argument can be used to verify the asymptotic stability of the closed loop dynamics. The problem with this approach is that is usually very difficult to find the optimal cost and the optmal feedback on a large domain for nonlinear problems with or without constraints. Hence the increasing interest in Model Predictive Control (MPC). In standard MPC a finite horizon optimal control problem is solved in real time but just at the current state, the first control action is implimented, the system evolves one time step and the process is repeated. A terminal cost and terminal feedback found by Al'brekht's methoddefined in a neighborhood of the operating point is used to shorten the horizon and thereby make the nonlinear programs easier to solve because they have less decision variables. Adaptive Horizon Model Predictive Control (AHMPC) is a scheme for varying the horizon length of Model Predictive Control (MPC) as needed. Its goal is to achieve stabilization with horizons as small as possible so that MPC methods can be used on faster and/or more complicated dynamic processes.
Characteristic Length Scale Investigation on the Nanoscale Deformation of Copper

Variation in the mechanical properties of copper subjected to severe plastic deformation (SPD) is studied experimentally to understand the mechanics of nanoscale deformation. By varying the parameters of SPD process, a set of samples with different levels of damage associated with plastic deformation is obtained. The distribution of the evolving structural features, and possibly its type and nature, may vary according to the amount of damage induced in the sample. The various levels of damage is introduced by varying the duration of electrochemical polishing on mechanically polished samples and also by using surface mechanically attrition treatment (SMAT) technique. Mechanical properties such as microhardness and nanohardness are then obtained in the sample surface. The surface deformation behavior near the indent is also characterized by optical imaging. Based on the experimentally obtained correlations, the characteristic length scale of deformation associated with indentation is discussed.
Why interpersonal bonds may supersede organisational commitment on performance: an integrative motivational view

Decades of research have demonstrated that employees may experience multiple commitments on the job including the interpersonal bonds to the supervisor and the work team which are predictive of performance. Limited research has integrated the interpersonal and the organisation (global) commitments in examining outcomes of commitment, and a cursory view of the research suggests that the interpersonal bonds may have an incremental predictive effect on performance over the global commitment. However, commitment research is yet to explicitly articulate a theory that explains how and why the interpersonal bonds may supersede the global organisational commitment when predicting performance. Adopting Klein and colleagues' conception of commitment as a volitional psychological bond of dedication, and integrating prior research, we put forth a theory of the psychological processes of the commitment-performance link that explains the incremental predictive effect of the interpersonal bonds. Implications of our postulation for commitment theory, research and practice are discussed.
The conditional effect of local party organization activity on federal election outcomes

Is increased activity by local party organizations associated with improved party performance in up-ballot elections in the contemporary United States? We leverage data from an original survey of c...
Decennial Census Digitization and Linkage Project

The U.S. Census Bureau maintains a large longitudinal research infrastructure that currently includes linked data from the 1940 census, the 2000-2010 censuses, major national surveys going back to 1973, and administrative records dating back to the 1990s. These restricted data are accessible to researchers around the U.S. via the Federal Statistical Research Data Centers (FSRDC) network. The major shortcoming of this infrastructure is that it lacks linkable files from the decennial censuses of 1950 through 1990. Full-count microdata from these censuses are available for research, but datasets from these years do not include respondent names and therefore have not been linked over time. Respondent names for these censuses are available only via the original census returns, which are stored on 258,000 reels of microfilm. The Decennial Census Digitization and Linkage project (DCDL) is an initiative to recover names from the 1960-1990 censuses and to produce linked restricted microdata files for research use. We describe the results of a pilot project we completed on the 1990 census. For that pilot, we created digital images from census microfilm, hand-keyed "truth data" from those images, supported two teams' attempts to conduct Handwriting Recognition on the images, appended recovered names to already-existing microdata files, and linked the new 1990 census microdata records to previous and subsequent censuses. We describe our processes, the accuracy of the Handwriting Recognition, and the accuracy of the record linkage with the recovered names. We conclude by providing an update on the recently-initiated project to carry out these processes on a production scale for the 1960 through 1990 censuses. When combined with existing linkages between the censuses of 1940, 2000, 2010, the soon-to-be public 1950 census, and the future 2020 census, DCDL will provide the final component in a massive longitudinal data infrastructure that covers most of the U.S. population since 1940. As a multi-purpose statistical tool, the DCDL will further the U.S. Census Bureau's mission to provide high quality data on the U.S. population and support cutting-edge research in the FSRDC network. The resulting data resource will expand our understanding of population dynamics in the U.S. far beyond what is currently possible, providing transformational opportunities for research, education, and evidence-building across the social, behavioral, and economic sciences.
Relationship between physical activity intensities and drunkorexia severity among first-year college students.

Investigate the relationship between intensities of physical activity and severity of drunkorexia behaviors. Participants: First-year college students living in residence halls (n = 127) completed ...
Using Continuous Peer Evaluation in Team-Based Engineering Capstone Projects: A Case Study

Scholarship of Application. Background: Capstone courses constitute the culminating experience in engineering curricula. A core characteristic is the student team and project-based nature, with many team deliverables. The ensuing difficulty is to fairly assess the individual team member’s contribution toward the team effort. Contribution: The method presented here is based on weekly peer evaluation of the individual team member’s contribution, which subsequently yields a participation factor (PF), in turn scaling the team grade in accordance with the individual student performance. Intended Outcome: This method allows the timely adjustment of the individual student effort to match the group expectations and rewards high-performing students by making higher individual grades than the team average possible, while penalizing underperforming free riders by not benefiting from other student’s performance. Application Design: The method allows students to continuously calibrate their own and their teammate’s expectations and improve their peer score by adjusting their individual efforts. This feedback also requires students to practice professional communication, and in particular giving and receiving critical feedback, and thus is highly aligned with industry needs. Findings: Results evaluated over three iterations of the assessment process indicate a weak positive correlation (0.26) of the peer evaluation with the individual instructor-graded deliverables as well as the individual student grade point average (GPA, 0.23). Further, survey-based data indicate student agreement that the PF is a fair reflection of the individual performance, and a neutral perceived overall assessment system effectiveness, with reported primary barriers being the difficulty in assigning fair peer grades and of open, critical discussion.
Partially Cystic Lumbar Schwannoma with Atypical Histopathologic Features.

Background Spinal schwannomas are benign nerve sheath neoplasms that constitute about 30% of extramedullary spinal cord tumors. They are usually small, well-encapsulated tumors with low mitotic activity and concurrently carry a low risk of recurrence. Here, we report a case of atypical histologic variant of spinal schwannoma that had higher cellular density, nuclear atypia, and lack of encapsulation. To our best knowledge, no such cases of this atypical variant with regards to lumbar spine have been reported in the literature. Case Description A 66-year-old male had an incidental left-sided paraspinal mass discovered while undergoing workup for cholecystitis. On examination, the patient was neurologically intact. Imaging revealed the presence of a contrast-enhanced, partially cystic mass arising from the L3-4 intervertebral foramen and causing left psoas muscle displacement. A minimally invasive left L3-4 posterior extracavitary resection was done. Histopathologic examination revealed a partly unencapsulated tumor with higher than usual cellular density and nuclear atypia, resulting in a diagnosis of “atypical schwannoma.” Imaging at 6 months' follow-up showed stable postsurgical changes and residual tumor with no evidence of progression/recurrence. Conclusions Atypical schwannoma has higher cellular density and nuclear atypia and lacks encapsulation. A review of the literature suggests an increased risk of recurrence when compared with typical variants, and complete tumor removal should be attempted.
Fleeing Flooding: Asia and the Pacific

Asia accounts for seven of the world’s ten countries most vulnerable to climate change. Bangladesh alone has had 70 climate-related natural disasters in the past 10 years. Island nations such as the Maldives and Vanuatu are at risk of being submerged due to rising sea levels. The number of people at risk in Asian coastal cities could rise from 300 million to 410 million by 2025. Population shifts will have significant implications for the Asia-Pacific region, straining infrastructure capacities and economic resources and creating new social challenges associated with changing community demographics. This chapter documents where relocation is happening and why, as well as the public health impacts of relocation on migrants, their communities of origin, and host communities and countries. Efforts of some countries to negotiate the purchase of land in other countries for resettlement purposes are described, as well as the efforts of national and international organizations to respond to this growing crisis.
Expectations about Availability of Contraception and Abortion at a Hypothetical Catholic Hospital: Rural-Urban Disparities among Wisconsin Women.

Abstract Objective To examine rural-urban differences in reproductive-aged Wisconsin women's expectations for contraceptive and abortion care at a hypothetical Catholic hospital. Study design Between October 2019 and April 2020, we fielded a 2-stage, cross-sectional survey to Wisconsin women aged 18 to 45, oversampling rural census tracts and rural counties served by Catholic sole community hospitals. We presented a vignette about a hypothetical Catholic-named hospital; among participants perceiving it as Catholic, we conducted multivariable analyses predicting expectations for contraceptive services (birth control pills, Depo-Provera, intrauterine device or implant, tubal ligation) and abortion in the case of serious fetal indications. Results The response rate was 37.6% for the screener and 83.4% for the survey (N = 675). Among respondents (N = 376) perceiving the hospital as Catholic, expecting the full range of contraceptive methods was more common among rural (70.9%) vs urban (46.7%) participants (adjusted odds ratio = 3.99, 95% confidence interval: 1.99–7.99). In adjusted models, odds of expecting each contraceptive method were at least 3 times greater among rural vs urban participants. About one-third expected provision of abortion for serious fetal indications, with no difference by rurality (p > 0.05). Conclusions In Wisconsin, rural women were more likely than urban women to expect a hypothetical Catholic hospital to provide the full range of contraceptive methods as well as each method individually. Disparities were especially large for tubal ligation and long-acting reversible contraceptives—methods that other studies suggest are least-likely to be available in Catholic healthcare settings—which may indicate a mismatch between patients’ expectations and service availability. Implications Many reproductive-aged Wisconsin women—especially in rural areas—hold misperceptions about availability of reproductive care in Catholic hospitals. Policies mandating greater transparency in service restrictions and interventions enabling patients to make informed decisions about care may help connect patients to the care they need more quickly.
Causality Reunified

Hall has recently argued that there are two concepts of causality, picking out two different kinds of causal relation. McGrath, and Hitchcock and Knobe, have recently argued that the facts about causality depend on what counts as a “default” or “normal” state, or even on the moral facts. In the light of these claims you might be tempted to agree with Skyrms that causal relations constitute, metaphysically speaking, an “amiable jumble”, or with Cartwright that ‘causation’, though a single word, encompasses many different kinds of things. This paper argues, drawing on the author’s recent work on explanation, that the evidence adduced in support of causal pluralism can be accommodated easily by a unified theory of causality—a theory according to which all singular causal claims concern the same fundamental causal network.
Covalent Binding of Quinidine

Quinidine, an antiarrhythmic agent, is known to cause a number of immunologically mediated side effects. One of these, a kind of granulomatous hepatitis, occurs in about 5 percent of the patient population. It is believed that the problem is not caused by the drug itself but rather by a reactive intermediate covalently binding to a protein. Previous investigations have been able to account for only about 50 percent of a quinidine dose in terms of the parent drug and known metabolites. One of these metabolites is the 10,11-diol. The formation of diols is known to proceed via epoxides. Epoxides are known to covalently bind to tissue macro- molecules. This study was undertaken to determine if quinidine, after metabolic activation, could covalently bind to proteins and thus possibly cause these side effects.
Vascular Effects of Arginine-Vasopressin, Angiotensin and Noradrenaline in Adrenal Insufficiency

Publisher Summary Non-osmotic release of arginine-vasopressin (AVP) is present in conscious, adrenalectomized animals with either gluco- or mineralocorticoid deficiency. This chapter investigates whether the non-osmotic release of AVP has a vascular effect in the gluco- or mineralocorticoid-deficient state. Administration of a specific inhibitor of the hydroosmotic effect of AVP profoundly improves the capacity of mineralocorticoid- or glucocorticoid-deficient animals to excrete an acute water load. Using a sensitive and potent AVP vascular antagonist, a vascular role of endogenous AVP to maintain mean arterial pressure is observed in adrenal insufficiency in the conscious rat. The effect is more readily demonstrable in the mineralocorticoid- than the glucocorticoid-deficient state. Activation of the renin-angiotensin and sympathetic nervous systems in the mineralocorticoid deficient state also contributes to the maintenance of blood pressure. In the mineralocorticoid-deficient state, antagonism of the renin-angiotensin system or α-adrenergic blockade is associated with prolongation of the hypotensive effect of the AVP vascular antagonist. Thus, AVP, angiotensin II, and adrenergic stimulation all combine to support mean arterial pressure in the mineralocorticoid-deficient, conscious rat.
Diaries for Recovery From Critical Illness.

Objective To assess the effect of a diary versus no diary during a patient's recovery from admission to the intensive care unit (ICU).
Impurity in a Maxwellian unforced granular fluid

We investigate velocity statistics of an impurity immersed in a uniform granular fluid. We consider the cooling phase, and obtain scaling solutions of the inelastic Maxwell model analytically. First, we analyze identical fluid-fluid and fluid-impurity collision rates. We show that light impurities have similar velocity statistics as the fluid background, although their temperature is generally different. Asymptotically, the temperature ratio increases with the impurity mass, and it diverges at some critical mass. Impurities heavier than this critical mass essentially scatter off a static fluid background. We then analyze an improved inelastic Maxwell model with collision rates that are proportional to the average fluid-fluid and fluid-impurity relative velocities. Here, the temperature ratio remains finite, and the system is always in the light-impurity phase. Nevertheless, ratios of sufficiently high-order moments 〈vnimpurity〉/〈vnfluid〉 may diverge, a consequence of the multiscaling asymptotic behavior.
Abstract P097: Maternal Vascular Changes during Pregnancy may Persist Postpartum

Introduction: Higher parity (number of births) is associated with increased subclinical cardiovascular disease (CVD) in mid-life and older women, and with increased risk of CVD overall. In the only study of reproductive age women, common carotid artery intima-media thickness (CCA IMT) was greater after each birth. Prospective studies of arterial change throughout normal pregnancy are lacking; without them it is unclear whether unhealthy changes of the vasculature during pregnancy persist postpartum and raise women’s risk of CVD. The goal of this study was to prospectively assess normal vascular adaptation in healthy pregnant women. Hypotheses: During the course of healthy pregnancy: 1. CCA adventitial diameter (AD) will increase, then return to baseline postpartum, 2. CCA IMT will initially thin, then thicken as pregnancy progresses, then return to baseline postpartum, and 3. brachial artery distensibility will not change. Methods: We assessed 43 healthy women during each trimester of their first pregnanc...
Auditing EDP systems

I. INTRODUCTION. 1. Auditing and EDP. II. COMPUTER AUDITING: A CONCEPTUAL FOUNDATION. 2. EDP Concepts. 3. Analytical Tools: Flowcharting and Decision Tables. 4. Auditing Concepts. III. INTERNAL CONTROL STRUCTURE. 5. Organization Controls, Personnel Practices, and Standard Operating Procedures. 6. Systems Development and Documentation Controls. 7. Hardware and Systems Software Controls. 8. System Security Controls. 9. Data Capture and Batch Data Entry Controls. 10. On-Line Entry, Processing, and Output Controls. IV. AUDITING EDP SYSTEMS. 11. Auditing Computer Programs. 12. Auditing Computer Files and Data Bases. 13. Auditing Computer Processing: General Concepts. 14. Auditing Computer Processing: User-Controlled Systems. 15. Auditing Computer Processing: Third-Party Systems. 16. Auditing Computer Processing: Expert Systems.
A Plea for Content: Report on an Experiment in the Teaching of German in a Liberal Arts College

Author's summary.— The author warns against a onesided emphasis on linguistic drill on the college level. English orientation lectures should supplement the linguistic training in order to provide thought-provoking subject matter even at a stage when the student is not yet able to master mature foreign texts in the original. For it is not only linguistic drill which prepares for the mastery of relevant texts, but also interest in significant subject matter which stimulates the desire to conquer linguistic difficulties.
Industry Influence in Stakeholder‐Driven State Climate Change Planning Efforts

Drawing from the literature on public participation and stakeholder collaboratives, this article investigates the influence of power and wealth, as well as political and economic context on the output of stakeholders advisory committees convened to formulate state greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation policies. Using small sample regression techniques, we analyze the outputs of stakeholder groups in 18 states that have completed Climate Action Plans to reduce GHGs. We find that an increase of 1 percent in the number of energy industry representatives that participate in Climate Action Councils significantly predicts a 4 percent reduction of GHG mitigation targets for the energy sector. More surprisingly, the results also show that where the utilities represent a larger share of the state economy, the Climate Action Plans identify more aggressive GHG reduction goals for the energy sector. We also find that the political orientation of the executive of the state is not correlated with GHG mitigation requirements for the energy sector, suggesting that GHG mitigation is less partisan at the state level than in Washington, DC. We find no evidence that state wealth is associated with GHG mitigation requirements. Finally, we suggest additional research needed to clarify the role of stakeholder participation processes in the evolving arena of climate change policy.
Chemical and Enzymatic Methods for Preparing Circular Single‐Stranded DNAs

Small circular oligonucleotides can be used for diagnostic, therapeutic, and laboratory purposes. These systems have gained considerable attention in recent years because they form unusually strong and specific complexes with RNA and DNA strands. Synthetic circular DNAs of 20 to 200 nucleotides can also serve as catalysts for amplified DNA and RNA synthesis by a rolling circle mechanism. This unit presents methods for synthesizing small circular oligonucleotides. These simple "one-pot" procedures are carried out using short DNA splints that hold the circle together until it is chemically or enzymatically ligated.
Smooth e-beam-deposited tin-doped indium oxide for III-nitride vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser intracavity contacts

We carried out a series of simulations analyzing the dependence of mirror reflectance, threshold current density, and differential efficiency on the scattering loss caused by the roughness of tin-doped indium oxide (ITO) intracavity contacts for 405 nm flip-chip III-nitride vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs). From these results, we determined that the ITO root-mean-square (RMS) roughness should be <1 nm to minimize scattering losses in VCSELs. Motivated by this requirement, we investigated the surface morphology and optoelectronic properties of electron-beam (e-beam) evaporated ITO films, as a function of substrate temperature and oxygen flow and pressure. The transparency and conductivity were seen to increase with increasing temperature. Decreasing the oxygen flow and pressure resulted in an increase in the transparency and resistivity. Neither the temperature, nor oxygen flow and pressure series on single-layer ITO films resulted in highly transparent and conductive films with <1 nm RMS r...
New Findings in Genodermatoses

New technologies are accelerating the pace at which genetic defects leading to inherited skin disease are elucidated. Translation of these genetic discoveries into new therapies for patients with inherited skin diseases has not been as rapid but the pace is now accelerating. This article summarizes recent findings in genetic skin diseases, the scope of advances being made, the role of new DNA analysis technologies in these discoveries, as well as highlighting some examples of how an understanding of the genetic cause of inherited skin diseases can lead to therapeutic interventions for patients.
Absolute quantitation of radioactivity using the buildup factor

A quantitation scheme for absolute activity measurements with the gamma camera is presented. The technique relies on the use of a set of derived buildup factors to correct for the effects of scatter. Only anterior and posterior view count rates of the region of interest are required for quantitation. The buildup factors are reported for various depths for two different source sizes using the parallel-hole collimator with a specific window setting. Phantom studies have shown that the method provides less than 5% error for activity determinations at all investigated depths.
Preclinical preceptorships in medical school: can curricular objectives be met in diverse teaching settings?

Background: Although preclinical preceptorships for medical students during the first 2 years are now common, little is known about how well the curricular objectives can be met in clinical training sites. Purpose: To evaluate whether a clinical encounter system can help align preclinical preceptorship experiences with the core curriculum. Methods: Using a PDA documentation system, 27 students collected student-preceptor-patient encounter information on all patients (N = 2,953) during a 2-year clinical training course. We compared Years 1 and 2 teaching and learning processes, common symptoms seen, and counseling skills performed and examined how well these clinical experiences aligned with the curricular goals. Results: The majority of encounters in Year 1 involved the student observing the preceptor perform a history (47%) or physical exam (40%). In Year 2, there was a shift to student and preceptor both participating in the history (Year 1, 12%; Year 2, 24%; p =. 004) and physical exam (Year 1, 34%; Ye...
Dicer function is required in the metanephric mesenchyme for early kidney development

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, noncoding regulatory RNAs that act as posttranscriptional repressors by binding to the 3′-untranslated region (3′-UTR) of target genes. They require processing by Dicer, an RNase III enzyme, to become mature regulatory RNAs. Previous work from our laboratory revealed critical roles for miRNAs in nephron progenitors at midgestation (Ho J, Pandey P, Schatton T, Sims-Lucas S, Khalid M, Frank MH, Hartwig S, Kreidberg JA. J Am Soc Nephrol 22: 1053–1063, 2011). To interrogate roles for miRNAs in the early metanephric mesenchyme, which gives rise to nephron progenitors as well as the renal stroma during kidney development, we conditionally ablated Dicer function in this lineage. Despite normal ureteric bud outgrowth and condensation of the metanephric mesenchyme to form nephron progenitors, early loss of miRNAs in the metanephric mesenchyme resulted in severe renal dysgenesis. Nephron progenitors are initially correctly specified in the mutant kidneys, with normal expression of several transcription factors known to be critical in progenitors, including Six2, Pax2, Sall1, and Wt1. However, there is premature loss of the nephron progenitor marker Cited1, marked apoptosis, and increased expression of the proapoptotic protein Bim shortly after the initial inductive events in early kidney development. Subsequently, there is a failure in ureteric bud branching and nephron progenitor differentiation. Taken together, our data demonstrate a previously undetermined requirement for miRNAs during early kidney organogenesis and indicate a crucial role for miRNAs in regulating the survival of this lineage.
Examining the effect of binary interaction parameters on VLE modelling using cubic equations of state

Abstract Vapor–liquid equilibrium (VLE) data are important in the optimization of thermodynamic cycles. As energy concerns continue to grow, improving the efficiencies of power and refrigeration cycles is increasingly important. Numerical simulations using empirical equations of state provide an excellent alternative to time consuming experimental measurement of VLE data. However, it is important to understand the limitations of using correlative equations for data prediction. In this study, a water–ethanol mixture is simulated with various VLE models. Non-optimal binary interaction parameters are considered and model accuracy is evaluated in terms of average absolute percent deviation (%AAD) between simulated and experimental bubble and dew point pressures. For this system, it is found that as the correlative accuracy of a model increases, the predictive ability decreases. Specifically, the temperature dependence of the binary interaction parameters is shown to be an important consideration for the water–ethanol system when more complex combining rules are implemented.
Conformational Dynamics of a DNA Polymerase At the Single-Molecule Level

DNA polymerases are essential components of the cellular machinery necessary for survival of an organism through the accurate replication of the genetic material. The replication pathway of DNA polymerases has been extensively studied to elucidate the structures and dynamics of the polymerizing and proofreading modes, but currently only a static collection of individual states has been extracted. With the advancements in modern single-molecule fluorescence technology, the potential now exists to examine all enzymatic processes and transitions during real time dynamic measurements. By employing the E. coli DNA polymerase I Klenow fragment (KF) as a model system, along with single-pair FRET labeling, we designed an experimental system to examine conformational dynamics during both nucleotide selection and proofreading steps. In the absence of nucleotides, the bound KF complex was observed to cycle repeatedly between two distinct conformations (open and closed). In contrast, just a single conformation (closed) was populated in the presence of a correct incoming nucleotide. In addition, with the presence of mismatches at the primer-template junction, the previously hypothesized intermolecular and intramolecular pathways were directly observed for transfer of a DNA substrate between the polymerase and exonuclease sites of KF. The evolution and continuous advancement of single-molecule FRET methodology has provided the opportunity to witness events and intermediates previously unobservable in standard bulk studies, leading to a more complete view of the enzymatic pathway. Supported by NIH grant GM44060.
Production and release of dimethyl sulfide from the Great Lakes

Dimethyl sulfide has been detected in all the water samples from Lakes Superior, Erie and Ontario. The average concentrations in the surface waters were 5.2 ng l -1 for Lake Superior, 16 ng l -1 (June) and 7.3 ng l -1 (August) for Lake Erie and 27 ng l -1 (June) and 13 ng l -1 (August) for Lake Ontario. The profiles in the water column and the seasonal variations (with highest concentrations following after the crash of spring diatom bloom) suggest that DMS production in these lakes stems primarily from the microbial decomposition of dead algal cells. Only a small fraction (>5%) of the sulfur used in planktonic protein synthesis is converted to DMS, however. The emissions of DMS to the atmosphere were calculated to be 107, 49 and 69 tonnes year -1 respectively in Lakes Superior, Erie and Ontario. The biogenic sulfur emissions from the lakes are thus insignificant compared to the contributions from anthropogenic sources in the Great Lakes basin. DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0889.1989.tb00133.x
Red - Green Opponent Spectral Sensitivity: Disparity Between Cancellation and Direct Matching Methods

The spectral sensitivity at the opponent stage of the visual system is traditionally measured by a hue-cancellation procedure. Comparison with a direct hue-matching method shows that cancellation overestimates short-wavelength sensitivity by as much as a factor of 30. The observation implies that different mechanisms control the perception of short-wavelength and long-wavelength redness.
Surface forcing on the southern flank of Georges Bank, February-August 1995

[1] Surface wind stress, heat, and freshwater fluxes were estimated over the southern flank of Georges Bank during February–August 1995 using moored measurements made at ST1 located on the 76-m isobath, roughly halfway between the tidal mixing and shelf/slope fronts. Wind stress variability was dominated by a succession of atmospheric lows that passed Georges Bank during the deployment. A transition between frequent lows and strong wind stress events (“winter”) to less frequent lows and weaker wind stresses (“summer”) occurred in mid-May. In winter, wind stress fluctuations tended to be omnidirectional, with maximum stresses above 0.5 N/m2 during four storms, one a classic “nor'easter”, while summer fluctuations were weaker but strongly polarized in the along-bank direction. The ST1 surface heat flux was dominated by shortwave heating, which increased from a winter mean of 130 W/m2 to 230 W/m2 in summer. Long-wave cooling decreased from 50 W/m2 (winter) to 30 W/m2 (summer), while mean sensible and latent fluxes increased from −20 and −40 W/m2 (winter) to +10 and 0 (summer) respectively. Overall, winter was characterized by weak net heating (30 W/m2) with shortwave gain offset by long-wave, latent, and sensible heat loss. In summer, increased shortwave gain and reduced long-wave loss and weak sensible and latent fluxes combined to produce strong net heating (210 W/m2). ST1 precipitation was highly episodic with little seasonality while evaporation occurred mostly during winter, resulting in a net evaporation of −15 cm and net freshwater flux of +48 cm over the deployment.