cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
High dose cyclophosphamide therapy in solid tumors: Therapeutic, toxic, and immunosuppressive effects

Cyclophosphamide (CY) in a total dose of 120 mg/kg was given over 2 days on one to three occasions to 12 patients with a variety of nonlymphoid solid tumors. Two of 10 patients with measurable disease had a partial response. One had embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma and the other had ovarian carcinoma. In the 20 treatment courses, the mean leukocyte count was less than 1,00O/mm3 for 7 days. Thrombocytopenia was variable with a mean nadir of 87,90O/mm3 on day 12. There were four instances of local infection, one of bacteremia, and 11 of fever of undetermined origin. Weight gain of 2 or more kg occurred after 12, and EKG changes compatible with cardiotoxicity after six courses of CY. Serial skin testing with recall antigens revealed a frequent transient loss, and in three patients a later overall gain, in responsiveness. All patients, were immunized with Vi antigen before CY, and with Vi and sheep red blood cells (SRBC) after CY. Specific immune tolerance to Vi, with a satisfactory response to SRBC, was found in six of 12 patients. Patients' responses to the lymphocytes of 2 ABO compatible normal subjects were measured in mixed lymphocyte culture (MLC) before and after CY. Patients were given 500 ml of whole blood from one of the subjects prior to CY. Following CY, the patients' responses to the blood donors' cells were not significantly lower than their responses to nondonor cells. Thus, tolerance to HL-A antigens was not demonstrable in RILC. Three patients had an increase from subnormal to normal reactivity to nondonor cells in MLC.
Climbing adaptations in the early eocene mammal Chriacus and the origin of artiodactyla

A virtually complete articulated skeleton of the arctocyonid Chriacus, recently found in northern Wyoming, is one of the most intact early Eocene mammal skeletons ever found. It exhibits numerous adaptations characteristic of mammals that climb, including strong bony crests and processes (reflecting powerful musculature), ability for considerable forearm supination, a highly mobile ankle joint, plantigrade feet, curved and transversely compressed claws, and a long, possibly semiprehensile tail. These features contrast sharply with those of the oldest artiodactyls and indicate that Chriacus or a similar arctocyonid was not ancestral to the Artiodactyla, as has been proposed.
Laboratory evaluation of asphalt mixtures with reclaimed asphalt shingle prepared using the wet process

The objective of this study is to conduct a laboratory evaluation of asphalt mixtures containing recycled asphalt shingles (RAS) prepared using the newly developed wet process. In the proposed wet process, the RAS material is blended with the binder at high temperature prior to mixing with the aggregates. The proposed wet process offers the potential to better control the Superpave Performance Grade of the binder blend, to stimulate chemical and physical interactions taking place in the blend between asphalt cement (AC) in shingles and virgin AC in the mix, and to reduce maintenance issues at the plant due to the high content of fines and fibres in RAS. To achieve this objective, AC blends were prepared using the wet process and an asphalt mixture with a nominal maximum aggregate size of 12.5 mm was designed according to the Superpave design protocol. The mechanistic properties of asphalt mixtures containing RAS materials were evaluated as compared to conventional asphalt mixtures. Laboratory testing eval...
Physician heal thyself.

Click on the link to view the letter. Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice • Oct-Dec 2013 • Vol 16 • Issue 4
Forebrain biogenic amine function in high and low active female rats

Abstract Female rats selected for High (H) or Low (L) Activity (A) were administered the amine synthesis inhibitors p-chlorophenylalanine (p-CPA) or α-methyl-para-tyrosine, and were subjected to ether behavioral or chemical studies. The data indicated that 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) systems were more functional in the forebrains of H.A. rats, while p-CPA was less active behaviorally in these animals. The reverse situation was evident in L.A. rats in which forebrain norepinephrine (NE) systems appeared more functional, and α-MPT was similarly behaviorally less active in these latter animals. These experiments indicate a good corredation between activity level and forebrain biogenic amine function in female rats. However, whether these amine systems are directly involved in the control of activity, or whether these changes are the results of these behavioral differences has not been clarified.
Two‐dimensional extrapolation methods for texture analysis on CT scans

The application of texture analysis to medical images may require the calculation of texture descriptors on regions of interest (ROIs) that are not completely filled by the tissue under analysis. If a texture descriptor is calculated using such “deficient” ROIs, the accuracy and computational speed may be adversely affected. This study applied 198 texture descriptors from five texture classes (first-order statistical, second-order statistical, Fourier, fractal, and Laws’ filtered) to lung parenchyma ROIs automatically extracted from the thoracic CT scans of ten patients. Statistically significant differences in the values of 138 of these texture descriptors were demonstrated when calculated on deficient ROIs. Three extrapolation methods (mean fill, tiled fill, and CLEAN deconvolution) then were applied to correct the deficient ROIs. Texture descriptor values were calculated and compared for the original, deficient, and corrected ROIs (based on the three extrapolation methods). Each extrapolation method induced statistically significant improvements in texture descriptor accuracy for some subset of texture descriptors. CLEAN deconvolution improved the greatest number of descriptors, demonstrated the best overall accuracy, and created ROIs that were visually most similar to the original ROIs.
Interscan reproducibility of computer-aided epicardial and thoracic fat measurement from noncontrast cardiac CT

Background Epicardial fat volume (EFV) measured from noncontrast CT is associated with coronary atherosclerosis and increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events. Interscan reproducibility of EFV quantification from noncontrast CT has not been reported. Objective We evaluated the interscan (intrascanner and interscanner) reproducibility of EFV and thoracic fat volume (TFV) measurements from noncontrast CT. Methods We studied 25 consecutive patients who were scanned twice with 4-slice multidetector CT (MDCT), with 120 kVp, 2.5-mm slice thickness (intrascanner) and 23 consecutive patients who were scanned with MDCT and electron beam CT (EBCT) with 3-mm slice thickness (interscanner). For each scan, EFV and TFV were measured from user-defined range of CT slices covering the heart by experienced imaging cardiologists. Voxels within −30 to −190 HU within the epicardial contours was quantified as EFV. TFV was quantified within the heart range automatically. Repeatability coefficient (RC), defined as 1.96 × SD of the differences between pairs of repeated measures, was determined. Results Correlations for interscan measurements of EFV and TFV were high for both intrascanner (MDCT-MDCT) and interscanner (EBCT-MDCT) data (correlation coefficient ≥0.98). RC values were lowest (4.3% for EFV and 5.4% for TFV) for intrascanner same-observer measurement. For intrascanner cross-observer measurement, RC values were 10.7% for EFV and 9.0% for TFV. For interscanner data, RC values ranged from 6.8% to 8.2%. Conclusion Epicardial and thoracic fat measurements with the use of either MDCT or EBCT are highly reproducible.
Assessing e-books: Taking a closer look at e-book statistics

In 2008 the University of Idaho Library conducted an in-depth analysis of our three major electronic book providers. Using spreadsheet and database applications, bibliographic data from our ILS was combined with usage statistics obtained from each platform. This technique produced a master sheet that allowed us to do subject analysis by LC classification, discover e-books that were not cataloged in our OPAC, and identify e-books supplied by more than one provider. The usage statistics show relatively low use across both subject areas and platforms. The discussion includes an analysis of subscription costs and recommendations for the reporting of e-book statistics.
All-Optical Constant-Force Laser Tweezers

Optical tweezers are a powerful tool for the study of single biomolecules. Many applications require that a molecule be held under constant tension while its extension is measured. We present two schemes based on scanning-line optical tweezers to accomplish this, providing all-optical alternatives to force-clamp traps that rely on electronic feedback to maintain constant-force conditions for the molecule. In these schemes, a laser beam is rapidly scanned along a line in the focal plane of the microscope objective, effectively creating an extended one-dimensional optical potential over distances of up to 8 μm. A position-independent lateral force acting on a trapped particle is created by either modulating the laser beam intensity during the scan or by using an asymmetric beam profile in the back focal plane of the microscope objective. With these techniques, forces of up to 2.69 pN have been applied over distances of up to 3.4 μm with residual spring constants of <26.6 fN/μm. We used these techniques in conjunction with a fast position measurement scheme to study the relaxation of λ-DNA molecules against a constant external force with submillisecond time resolution. We compare the results to predictions from the wormlike chain model.
Clamshell Structure of Sc(biphenyl) from High Resolution Photoelectron Spectroscopy

Sc(biphenyl) is produced in a laser vaporization molecular beam source and characterized by pulsed field ionization-zero electron kinetic energy (ZEKE) photoelectron spectroscopy and density functional theory. The theory predicts two low-energy isomers: a clamshell structure with Sc binding to both phenyl rings and a half-sandwich structure with Sc binding to single ring. The joint experimental and theoretical study shows that the Sc(biphenyl) complex prefers the clamshell structure with a twelve-fold binding mode. From the free ligand to the clamshell structure of the complex, phenyl rings first rotate to become coplanar, then bend toward the Sc atom, and finally are clamped in place by Sc binding.
Animal Spirits: How Human Psychology Drives the Economy, and Why It Matters for Global Capitalism, by George A. Akerlof and Robert J. Shiller

(2009). Animal Spirits: How Human Psychology Drives the Economy, and Why It Matters for Global Capitalism, by George A. Akerlof and Robert J. Shiller. Challenge: Vol. 52, No. 5, pp. 126-131.
Examination of baseline levels of carboxypeptidase N and complement components as potential predictors of angioedema associated with the use of an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor.

Objective: To determine if mean levels of complement components and carboxypeptidase N differed when comparing patients who exhibited angioedema following angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor therapy to those who received angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor therapy but did not have angioedema. Design: Case-control study nested within an 8-week, open-label study of the use of quinapril hydrochloride for hypertension in 12 275 patients. Setting: Multicenter, with sites throughout the United States. Patients: Of the 36 patients with angioedema described, 22 participated in the study. They were matched to 48 controls by age, sex, race, length of follow-up, and geographical region. Intervention: All patients received quinapril therapy prior to participation in this case-control study. Main Outcome Measures: Levels of carboxypeptidase N, total hemolytic complement, Cl esterase inhibitor, and C4, along with questionnaire data, including a history of angioedema-like episodes and family history of angioedema. Results: The 22 patients had significantly lower mean levels of carboxypeptidase N (kininase I) ( P =.03) and Cl esterase inhibitor ( P =.04) compared with the 48 matched controls, but all mean values were within normal laboratory ranges. A history of prior angioedema-like episodes was associated with an approximate 6-fold increase in the subsequent risk of angioedema following angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor therapy. Conclusions: Small differences in levels of carboxypeptidase N or Cl esterase inhibitor may contribute to an increased risk of angioedema with angiotensinconverting enzyme inhibitor therapy. Given the large overlap in the distributions of carboxypeptidase N and Cl esterase inhibitor levels, prior testing could not be used to evaluate angioedema risk for an individual patient considering angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor therapy. A history of prior angioedema-like episodes was associated with increased risk, but this result should be interpreted with caution because of possible recall bias. Arch Dermatol. 1997;133:972-975
Calcium Movements Inside the Sarcoplasmic Reticulum of Cardiac Myocytes

Sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca content ([Ca]SRT) is critical to both normal cardiac function and electrophysiology, and changes associated with pathology contribute to systolic and diastolic dysfunction and arrhythmias. The intra-SR free [Ca] ([Ca]SR) dictates the [Ca]SRT, the driving force for Ca release and regulates release channel gating. We discuss measurement of [Ca]SR and [Ca]SRT, how [Ca]SR regulates activation and termination of release, and how Ca diffuses within the SR and influences SR Ca release during excitation-contraction coupling, Ca sparks and Cac waves. The entire SR network is connected and its lumen is also continuous with the nuclear envelope. Rapid Ca diffusion within the SR could stabilize and balance local [Ca]SR within the myocyte, but restrictions to diffusion can create spatial inhomogeneities. Experimental measurements and mathematical models of [Ca]SR to date have greatly enriched our understanding of these [Ca]SR dynamics, but controversies exist and may stimulate new measurements and analysis.
Stunting and parr-reversion during smoltification of coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch)

Abstract Two forms of seawater-adapted coho salmon parr, the “stunt” and the “parr-revertant” are described. The “stunt” presumably results from premature transfer to seawater, while the “parr-revertant” may occur when smolts are transferred to seawater during desmoltification. In general, the condition of seawater-adapted parr may be described as hypofunctional in both development and osmoregulatory ability. Accumulated data regarding the morphology and physiology of these two developmental forms are presented.
Genome-wide maps of transcription regulatory elements

Expression of eukaryotic genes with complex spatial-temporal regulation during development requires finer regulation than that of genes with simpler expression patterns. Given the high degree of conservation of the developmental gene set across distantly related phylogenetic taxa, it is argued that evolutionary variation has occurred by tweaking regulation of expression of developmental genes, rather than by changes in genes themselves. Complex regulation is often achieved through the coordinated action of transcription regulatory elements spread across the genome up to tens of kilobases from the promoters of their target genes. Disruption of regulatory elements has been implicated in several diseases and studies showing associations between disease traits and nonprotein coding variation hint for a role of regulatory elements as cause of diseases. Therefore, the identification and mapping of regulatory elements in genome scale is crucial to understand how gene expression is regulated, how organisms evolve, and to identify sequence variation causing diseases. Previously developed experimental techniques have been adapted to identify regulatory elements in genome scale and high-throughput, allowing a global view of their biological roles. We review methods as chromatin immunoprecipitation, DNase I hypersensitivity, and computational approaches and how they have been employed to generate maps of histone modifications, open chromatin, nucleosome positioning, and transcription factor binding regions in whole mammalian genomes. Given the importance of non-promoter elements in gene regulation and the recent explosion in the number of studies devoted to them, we focus on these elements and discuss the insights on gene regulation being obtained by these studies.
Low-Noise Amplifier for Statistical Multiband and Multistandard Applications

The Low-Noise Amplifier (LNA) Student Design Competition has continuously evolved since its inception. Each year, students have been challenged to design an LNA with an increased emphasis on ruggedness, linearity, and broadband performance [1]-[5]. The 2014 IEEE Microwave Theory and Techniques Society (MTT-S) International Microwave Symposium (IMS2014) continued this trend by requiring students to design an LNA receiver module for statistical multiband and multistandard applications in an effort to raise awareness about the complexity and nondeterministic nature of the topic. For the first time in competition history, the measurement frequencies were not predetermined and were decided on the day of the competition by two rolls of a six-sided die, with each side representing a frequency in gigahertz. This requirement prevented students from optimizing a design for a particular set of frequencies and instead called for a design possessing linear broadband performance from 1 to 6 GHz.
Defeating the merchants of doubt

As climate scientists battle climate sceptics, they should note that we have been here before, say Naomi Oreskes and Erik M. Conway. History holds lessons for how researchers can get their message across.
Cutaneous ureterostomy as palliative diversion in adults with malignancy.

Abstract Over a twenty-one-year period (1963–1984) 46 patients underwent a permanent urinary diversion using cutaneous ureterostomy. Thirty-seven of these patients had this method of diversion employed as palliation for pelvic malignancies. In 70 per cent of the patients diversion was done secondary to ureteral obstruction and in the other patients because of either severe lower urinary tract symptoms or a failed alternate form of diversion. Forty-nine per cent of the patients experienced a postoperative complication. The late postoperative complications were either related to the choice of diversion or presumed progression of the patient's disease. Palliative diversion is now best initially attempted with percutaneous nephrostomy or indwelling ureteral stents if bladder function allows. Cutaneous ureterostomy no longer is indicated as a primary form of palliative diversion, however, it may be used as an alternative to open nephrostomy tube placement or intestinal conduit should other more conservative forms of management fail. The presence of at least one dilated ureter is a prerequisite to the success of this form of diversion.
The identity of the calcium-storing, inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-sensitive organelle in non-muscle cells: calciosome, endoplasmic reticulum ... or both?

Abstract Although the initial phase of receptor-mediated Ca 2+ signaling, involving Ca 2+ release from intracellular stores by inositol 1,4,5—trisphosphate, is relatively well characterized, the nature of the organelle releasing Ca 2+ is a controversial subject. At issue is the question of whether Ca 2+ is released from the endoplasmic reticulum, or from a more specialized organelle called the ‘calciosome’. In this review, we attempt to analyse the arguments for and against these two views, and attempt to reconcile some of the apparently conflicting findings by proposing a hypothetical model of the inositol 1,4,5—trisphosphate-sensitive Ca 2+ pool.
Population decentralization within metropolitan areas: 1970-1980.

Abstract Using a unique data set which maintains geographic and fiscal consistency over time and across a sample of major metropolitan areas, this paper identifies those factors of economic and population decentralization which affected central city areas between 1970 and 1980. While the analysis follows the structure and format of earlier works, it differs significantly from the existing literature in its treatment of the effects of annexation. In this paper population changes are estimated for central cities and suburban areas within constant 1980 boundaries for these jurisdictions. Additionally, fiscal variables from overlapping jurisdictions are calculated for the city area rather than using only the municipal city government as the basis for fiscal variables. The empirical investigation supports the view that demographic and housing stock variables seem to have had a greater impact on decentralization than central city-suburban fiscal differences.
Validation of the Royal Marsden Hospital prognostic score in patients treated in the Phase I Clinical Trials Program at the MD Anderson Cancer Center.

BACKGROUND: The authors validated the Royal Marsden Hospital (RMH) prognostic score in patients with advanced lung, pancreatic, and head and neck cancers who were enrolled on phase 1 trials in the MD Anderson Cancer Center Phase I Clinical Trials Program. METHODS: The RMH score uses albumin (≥3.5 g/dL vs ULN), and the number of metastatic sites (≤2 sites vs ≥3 sites) to predict patient survival in phase 1 trials. The authors of this report retrospectively reviewed the outcomes of 229 consecutive patients with lung, pancreatic, and head and neck tumors who were treated on 57 phase 1 trials. RESULTS: Two hundred twenty-nine consecutive patients with lung cancer (N = 85), pancreatic cancer (N = 83), and head and neck tumors (N = 61) were treated. The median patient age was 60 years (range, 26-85 years), and 63% of the patients were men. Patients with a good RMH prognostic score (0-1) at baseline had a longer median survival than patients with a poor prognostic score (2-3; 33.9 weeks vs 21.1 weeks; P < .0001). The RMH score was an independent variable that predicted survival in multivariate analysis. Other independent variables that predicted better survival were hemoglobin level (≥10.5 g/dL), Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (0-1), and tumor type. Patients who were treated on first-in-human trials did not fare worse compared with those who were not treated on first-in-human trials. CONCLUSIONS: For patients with lung, pancreatic, and head and neck tumors who were treated on phase 1 trials, survival was predicted accurately by the RMH prognostic score. Cancer 2012;. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Amiodarone versus a β-blocker to prevent atrial fibrillation after cardiovascular surgery

Abstract Background Both amiodarone and β-blockers have been shown to decrease the incidence of atrial fibrillation after cardiovascular surgery. However, the superior agent has not been identified. Methods We performed a pilot study on 102 patients (68 men, mean age 65 ± 10 years, mean left ventricular ejection fraction 0.53 ± 0.12) undergoing cardiovascular surgery (94 coronary artery bypass grafting [CABG], 5 valvular surgery only, and 3 CABG + valvular surgery). The patients were randomized to receive amiodarone (1 g/d intravenously × 48 hours, then 400 mg/d orally until discharge) or propranolol (1 mg intravenously every 6 hours × 48 hours, then 20 mg orally four times a day until discharge). Atrial fibrillation was defined as lasting longer than 1 hour or resulting in hemodynamic compromise. Results The incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation was 16.0% (8/50) in the amiodarone group and 32.7% (17/52) in the propranolol group ( P =.05). The mean length of stay was 8.8 ± 3.5 days for amiodarone-treated patients and 8.4 ± 2.7 days for propranolol-treated patients ( P not significant). Serious adverse events were uncommon and similar in each group. Conclusion Early intravenous amiodarone, followed by oral amiodarone, appears to be superior to propranolol in the prevention of postoperative atrial fibrillation. It is well tolerated and can be started at the time of surgery. However, the use of amiodarone did not result in a reduction in the length of hospital stay. (Am Heart J 2001;142:811-5.)
Inferences on missing information under multiple imputation and two-stage multiple imputation

Abstract In the presence of missing values, researchers may be interested in the rates of missing information. The rates of missing information are (a) important for assessing how the missing information contributes to inferential uncertainty about, Q , the population quantity of interest, (b) are an important component in the decision of the number of imputations, and (c) can be used to test model uncertainty and model fitting. In this article I will derive the asymptotic distribution of the rates of missing information in two scenarios: the conventional multiple imputation (MI), and the two-stage MI. Numerically I will show that the proposed asymptotic distribution agrees with the simulated one. I will also suggest the number of imputations needed to obtain reliable missing information rate estimates for each method, based on the asymptotic distribution.
THE LIMITATIONS OF PUBLIC MANAGEMENT NETWORKS

With regard to public management network theory development, among the most important issues that remain is a recognition of the limitations of networks. Networks often find reasonable solution approaches, but then run into operational, performance, or legal barriers that prevent the next action step. Networks face challenges in converting solutions into policy energy, assessing internal effectiveness, surmounting the inevitable process blockages, mission drift, and so on. While research on network management continues unabated, it is necessary to consider how networks are limited and challenged, and how/when these limitations can be overcome.
LASER RESURFACING OF ATROPHIC SCARS

Lasers have taken on an increasingly important role for a large variety of cosmetic applications. The rapid development and refinement of an array of new laser systems have led to the tremendous popularity of lasers as a treatment modality for a variety of skin conditions. In many cases, physicians are able to achieve better cosmetic results with the use of lasers when compared with other surgical modalities. The high-energy, pulsed CO 2 laser is one of several currently available laser systems that safely provides highly reproducible and predictable results with low morbidity when proper techniques are employed. This laser system has proven to be a useful modality in the treatment of atrophic scarring resulting from acne, trauma, and surgery.
Fibropolycystic liver disease in children

Fibropolycystic liver diseases are a group of associated congenital disorders that present most often in childhood. These disorders include congenital hepatic fibrosis, biliary hamartomas, autosomal dominant polycystic liver disease, choledochal cysts and Caroli disease. We present a discussion and illustrations of the embryology, genetics, anatomy, pathology, imaging approach and key imaging features that distinguish fibropolycystic liver disease in children. The pathogenesis of these disorders is believed to be abnormal development of the embryonic ductal plates, which ultimately form the liver and biliary systems. An understanding of the abnormal embryogenesis helps to explain the characteristic imaging features of these disorders.
On the Selection of Analysis Lines in Atomic Absorption Spectrometry

A comprehensive study of theoretical atomic absorbances has been made for most analytically useful elements, the only exceptions being the rare earths. These data have been compared with experimentally determined atomic absorbances in many cases. The importance of the low lying energy levels has been emphasized as well as the need for better atomic transition probability data. The choice of analysis line is discussed from both the theoretical and experimental points of view, and tables of relative atomic absorbances are given with their temperature variations where appropriate.
Monotonicity in Generalized Semi-Markov Processes

We establish stochastic monotonicity of the event epoch sequences of generalized semi-Markov processes through the structure of the generalized semi-Markov schemes on which they are based. Our main condition states, roughly, that the occurrence of more events in the short run never leads to the activation of less events in the long run. We consider monotonicity with respect to two types of inputs: clock times which translate to, e.g., service and interarrival times in queueing systems, and structural parameters which translate to, e.g., buffer size, number of servers, and job population. For the second type of comparison, we replace a structural change with an equivalent change in clock times to reduce the comparison to one of the first type. When applied to queueing systems, our results yield new comparisons and also unify several existing results previously established using special properties of individual systems.
Self-organizing executive information networks

Abstract Organizations acquire decision support systems in order to deliver the information needed for decision making. But at executive levels, rapid changes in organizational structure or executive decision making can quickly obsolete an existing information dissemination structure. Insights gained from prior research in executive activities, executive support systems and neural networks are used in this research to design an adaptive, self-organizing system for the dissemination of information to executives. These self-organizing executive information networks are able to learn from the changing needs of their executive constituency. A neural network based executive information system incorporates a system for responding to organizational changes in responsibilities and information flows as an integral part of the information dissemination system. Extensive research in neural network based computer systems and in studies of biological systems have shown the practicality of this approach.
Response to Intervention Models as Alternatives to Traditional Views of Learning Disabilities: Response to the Commentaries

Two commentaries in this issue, one by Torgesen and one by Fuchs and Fuchs, are largely supportive of our views of the value of implementing response to intervention (RTI) models in schools. In contrast, Reynolds and Shaywitz's criticisms of RTI represent traditional and often nonempirical views of learning disabilities (LDs). The evidence base on RTI is not empty, and Reynolds and Shaywitz fail to provide research support for their views of either LDs or RTI.
Anthropometric Measurement-Based Estimates of Body Water in Children on Peritoneal Dialysis

Total body water (TBW) is a critical body component in healthy children and those with disease, particularly those with kidney failure. There are gold standard methods to measure TBW directly, but they are expensive and cumbersome. Some require exposure to ionizing radiation. The ability to accurately and precisely estimate TBW from anthropometric data offers an opportunity to be more cognizant of TBW. Such estimates have been published and updated over the past 50 years, and are reviewed. They each perform well in the subjects in which they were developed, but do not seem to work as well when applied to different populations. An aggregate approach may be the most precise way to estimate TBW based upon anthropometric measures. Estimating TBW, accepted to also be the volume of distribution of urea, in patients on dialysis is also emphasized. The measure of dialysis adequacy, Kt/V requires the ability to estimate or measure V, which is essentially TBW. For patients on peritoneal dialysis, V must be estimated to determine Kt/V. TBW estimating formulas developed in healthy children do not perform well at all in children on peritoneal dialysis. Formulas to estimate TBW in children on PD have been developed. They have been validated in a separate cohort of children. Still, these formulas are not precise in children who are at the extremes of hydration or degree of body fat. The ideal approach to estimate TBW in children on PD is yet to be determined.
The future of agriculture over the Ogallala Aquifer: Solutions to grow crops more efficiently with limited water

We explore the unsustainable path that the Ogallala region faces, and provide some suggestions for policies that would extend the usable lifespan of the water in the aquifer, which supports the vast majority of the economy across this region. We emphasize the critical role of science as a foundation for policies that can help mitigate the disaster that is occurring across the region and provide insights because we believe that there are solutions to some aspects of this water crisis. Summary In some areas of the HPA, farmers can no longer pump enough water for crops. Water-use efficiency and farmer's profitability can be significantly enhanced by adopting site-specific agronomic management identified by coupling precision agricultural technologies with crop models. Policies grounded in science are critical to ensure long-term sustainability.
Electron paramagnetic resonance of Dy3+ in cubic ZnSe and Tm3+ in hexagonal CdS single crystals☆

Abstract Electron paramagnetic resonance has been observed for Dy 3+ in ZnSe and Tm 3+ in CdS. For Dy 3+ doped ZnSe, an isotropic spectrum was observed having well resolved hyperfine lines due to 161 Dy and 163 Dy. The g value obtained was 6.577 ± 0.002 and 161 A was 191 ± 1 × 10 4 cm −1 and 163 A was 265 ± 3 × 10 −4 cm −1 . The agreement of the observed g value to g (τ 6 ) = 6.667 and the point-charge calculations suggest that Dy 3+ occupies an interstitial (II) site with no local charge compensation. For Tm 3+ doped in hexagonal CdS, an axial spectrum consistent with g ⊥ = 0, g ∥ = 10.722 ± 0.007, D = 2.57 GHz (crystal field splitting) and 169 A = 1207 ± 5 × 10 −4 cm −1 . The large g ∥ value indicates that the Tm ion exits in the trivalent state. This is in reasonable agreement with previous reports of the non-Kramer's state of Tm 3+ .
Public Health Nursing: An Autonomous Career for World War II Nurse Veterans

The 1944 G.I. Bill increased accessibility of higher education to male veterans. Less is known about how its availability affected opportunities for female veterans. The purpose of this study was to examine nurse veterans' use of the G. I. Bill at one large public university. Primary sources included archival documents of one large public university as well as articles published in professional nursing and medical journals of the 1940s and 1950s. Secondary sources addressing nursing and nursing education history, and the history of the G. I. Bill provided further context. Historical research methodology was conducted. Findings demonstrate that nurse veterans desired more independence in practice following the war. Archival documents of one large public university show that nurse veterans used G. I. Bill funds to seek degrees in public health nursing. The specialty of public health provided increased independence and autonomy of practice not experienced in hospital based care. G.I. Bill educational funds provided these nurse veterans the means to attain degrees in public health nursing, providing them the opportunity for more autonomous practice.
Bootstrap variants of the Akaike information criterion for mixed model selection

Two bootstrap-corrected variants of the Akaike information criterion are proposed for the purpose of small-sample mixed model selection. These two variants are asymptotically equivalent, and provide asymptotically unbiased estimators of the expected Kullback-Leibler discrepancy between the true model and a fitted candidate model. The performance of the criteria is investigated in a simulation study where the random effects and the errors for the true model are generated from a Gaussian distribution. The parametric bootstrap is employed. The simulation results suggest that both criteria provide effective tools for choosing a mixed model with an appropriate mean and covariance structure. A theoretical asymptotic justification for the variants is presented in the Appendix.
High-Energy Photoproduction of Charmed States

The photoproduction of Psi and D meson resonances is reviewed. The results are interpreted in terms of the vector dominance model. (AIP)
Switching loss estimation of high voltage power MOSFET in power factor correction pre-regulator

Applicability of a power MOSFET in power conversion applications is determined by peak junction temperature during operation. Power losses and thermal characteristics are required to estimate the junction temperature. In this paper, switching loss of high voltage power MOSFET in hard switching application such as boost power factor correction pre-regulator is discussed. A new simple analytical switching loss model based on electrical parameters listed in the device datasheet is proposed. This method allows easy comparison of switching performance between devices from different technologies. Switching losses estimated with the proposed model are compared to measurements done in clamped inductive switching test board to demonstrate the accuracy of the proposed model.
Some Aspects of Band-Limited Extrapolations

In this paper, some problems in band-limited extrapolations are discussed. These aspects include the computation of the inverse Fourier transform, the accuracy of the extrapolation, the ill-posedness, and regularization method.
If We Want Your Opinion

Sentiment has traditionally been considered a "deep" attribute of writing, often requiring the interpretation of figurative language to uncover the writer's intention. The natural language processing community has become increasingly interested in detecting, through automatic means, the expression of opinions and measuring the intensity of emotions held by the writer. Despite the depth and abstraction often associated with expressions of sentiment, we apply strictly lexical analysis to the opinions expressed about books and find that machine learning techniques are capable of resolving even fine-grained distinctions between opinions. Using an averaged perceptron classifier trained using a word subsequence kernel, we achieve an accuracy of 89% when distinguishing between 1- and 5-star reviews. Further, this same model yields significant separation when scoring intermediate reviews - making distinctions even human annotators find difficult. We detail the collection of data for supervised training and present the results of our sentiment classifier along with some discussion about why we believe this approach to be effective.
Enhancement technique of insertion loss and linearity for PIN diode switches

Design and analysis of insertion loss and linearity enhancement technique for PIN diode RF switches are presented.Measurements show a 12.5% insertion loss improvement by optimizing anode-to-cathode distance, a 3.29% reduction of intrinsic resistance by choosing the octagonal shape over the square one, and a 1 dB P1dB improvement by using the new cathode biased technique. A low insertion loss and high isolation single-pole double-throw (SPDT) switch has been built with the proposed PIN diode. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 53:1430–1435, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26022
Pyrularia Thionin: Physical Properties, Biological Responses and Comparison to Other Thionins and Cardiotoxin

AbstractPyrularia thionin (PT) is a unique thionin which occupies a position between the viscotoxins and Gramineae thionins. Like the viscotoxins, PT comes from a dicotyledonous plant, Pyrularia pubera, and PT has a higher degree of amino acid homology with the viscotoxins than it does with the cereal grain thionins (1). However, PT has 4 disulfide bonds, as do the cereal grain thionins, and the viscotoxins have only 3. PT is distinct from both in that it is monomorphic. All thionins interact with and increase the permeability of cell membranes and are cytotoxic to some degree. PT and cardiotoxins also depolarize cell membranes, and PT opens a Ca2+ channel. PT as well as the other thoinins are amphipathic. This is apparent in the reported three dimensional structure of α-1 purothionin, which clearly shows distinct hydrophilic and hydrophobic domains on the surface of the protein, which contains two helical and one anti-parallel β-pleated sheet region. Examination of the physical properties show that PT co...
NWWA Science Award given

John G. Ferris, a U.S. Geological Survey retiree, received the National Water Well Association (NWWA) Science Award for 1985 on September 10, 1985, in Baltimore, Md. The award recognizes Ferris's renowned contributions to the science of groundwater.
Microbial pathogens with impaired ability to acquire host iron.

Successful microbial pathogens must be adept in obtaining growth-essential iron from healthy hosts. Some potential pathogens, however, are sufficiently impaired in iron acquisition ability so as to be dangerous mainly in hosts with such iron loading conditions as alcoholism, asplenia, hemochromatosis, β-thalassemia major, or tobacco smoking. The association of six impaired pathogens (Capnocytophaga canimorsis, Yersinia enterocolitica and Y. pseudotuberculosis, Vibrio vulnificus, Tropheryma whippelii, and Legionella pneumophila) with iron loaded humans is described.
Mapping-Linked Quantitative Trait Loci Using Bayesian Analysis and Markov Chain Monte Carlo Algorithms

A Bayesian method for mapping linked quantitative trait loci (QTL) using multiple linked genetic markers is presented. Parameter estimation and hypothesis testing was implemented via Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) algorithms. Parameters included were allele frequencies and substitution effects for two biallelic QTL, map positions of the QTL and markers, allele frequencies of the markers, and polygenic and residual variances. Missing data were polygenic effects and multi-locus marker-QTL genotypes. Three different MCMC schemes for testing the presence of a single or two linked QTL on the chromosome were compared. The first approach includes a model indicator variable representing two unlinked QTL affecting the trait, one linked and one unlinked QTL, or both QTL linked with the markers. The second approach incorporates an indicator variable for each QTL into the model for phenotype, allowing or not allowing for a substitution effect of a QTL on phenotype, and the third approach is based on model determination by reversible jump MCMC. Methods were evaluated empirically by analyzing simulated granddaughter designs. All methods identified correctly a second, linked QTL and did not reject the one-QTL model when there was only a single QTL and no additional or an unlinked QTL.
Active two-terminal devices as local oscillators for low-noise receiver systems at submillimeter wave frequencies

The power capabilities of three different two-terminal devices, GaAs IMPATT diodes, InP Gunn devices and GaAs TUNNETT diodes are evaluated. Two different selective etching technologies have been employed to fabricate devices on either a diamond heat sink or an integral heat sink. The reported RF power levels in fundamental mode are 20 mW at 120 GHz and 15 mW at 135 GHz for D-band GaAs IMPATT diodes, 21 mW at 120 GHz, 17 mW at 133 GHz and 8 mW at 155 GHz for D-band InP Gunn devices and up to 35 mW around 103 GHz for W-band GaAs TUNNETT diodes. Typical de to RF conversion efficiencies range from 0.9% up to over 4.0%. In second harmonic mode power levels of 0.25 mW at 223 GHz were measured from TUNNETT diodes and 0.4 mW at 220 GHz from a Gunn device.
Dolomitization kinetics of hydrothermal bombs and natural settings

ABSTRACT During high temperature (150-300°C) dolomitization experiments the rate of dolomitization increases with temperature, reactant surface area, reactant solubility, ionic strength and Mg2+/Ca2+ of the solution. One would predict these results from simple kinetic theory. The discoveries that SO42-slows the rate, Li+ increases the rate and the induction period is long for dolomitization could not have been predicted. Dolomitization is a three-step reaction: (1) Nucleation: Nucleation of very high-Mg calcite (35-40 mole % MgCO3, VHMC) or nonstoichiometric dolomite is followed by nucleation of more stoichiometric dolomite on CaCO3. The composition of the VHMC or nonstoichiometric dolomite is a function of Mg2+/Ca2+ of the solution. Other variables such as dissolved Fe can affect the composition of the nuclei. (2) Induction period: Nucleation occurs during the induction period but the most of this period is post-nucleation growth of VHMC, nonstoichiometric and stoichiometric dolomite nuclei. Changes in the solution and substrate surface area affect the duration of the induction period. (3) Replacement period: (a) CaCO3 is replaced by VHMC or nonstoichiometric dolomite. VHMC nucleates faster than stoichiometric dolomite and therefore begins to replace the reactant first. (b) CaCO3 and VHMC and/or nonstoichiometric dolomite are rapidly replaced by stoichiometric dolomite. This phase of the reaction is sensitive to solution variables such as Mg2+/Ca2+ and ionic strength. The three-phase reaction model is consistent with eight characteristics of natural dolomites. (1) Very Ca-rich dolomite is common only in modern dolomites. (2) There is a direct relationship between Mg2+/Ca2+00 solution and Mg/Ca ratio in the dolomite. (3) The stoichiometry of dolomites in some ancient rocks is directly related to the percentage of dolomite in the rock. (4) Suppression of stoichiometric dolomite nucleation allows the persistence of metastable Ca-Mg-CO3 phases. (5) Dolomite-limestone contacts are often sharp. (6) Dolomite selectively replaces fine-grained CaCO3. (7) Dolomite crystals often have cloudy centers and clear rims. (8) Dolomite textures are mainly determined by the crystal size of the reactant.
Paleosols in the Transantarctic Mountains: indicators of environmental change

Abstract. The Transantarctic Mountains (TAMs), a 3500 km long chain that subdivides East Antarctica from West Antarctica, are important for reconstructing the tectonic, glacial, and climatic history of Antarctica. With an ice-free area of 24 200 km2 (50% of the total in Antarctica), the TAMs contain an unusually high proportion of paleosols, including relict and buried soils. The unconsolidated paleosols range from late Quaternary to Miocene in age, the semi-consolidated paleosols are of early Miocene to Oligocene age, and the consolidated paleosols are of Paleozoic age. Paleosols on unconsolidated deposits are emphasized in this study. Examples are given from the McMurdo Dry Valleys (78° S) and two outlet glaciers in the central and southern TAMS, including the Hatherton–Darwin Glacier region (80° S) and the Beardmore Glacier region (85°30' S). Relict soils constitute 73% of all of the soils examined; 10% of the soils featured burials. About 26% of the soils examined are from the last glaciation (
High-precision studies with large tandem accelerators

The advantages of the large tandem accelerators are outlined and a wide review is made of the experimental possibilities applied by these facilities in the various fields of fundamental nuclear physics. The state of the art of our understanding of nuclear structure and nuclear interactions is presented as well as the open problems, which will constitute a challenge for the physicists in the near future. The opportunity of exploiting the nice features of large tandem accelerators in other branches of science is also stressed, selecting a few examples from a very rich spectrum of areas and possible applications.